Animal Identification: Benefits of RFID

Animal identification requires the basics of a visual ID tag and animal management software. Going beyond the basics of visual ID tags, shows management benefits which prove overall cost reduction of animal management.

Using RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) for animal identification, provides more in depth knowledge, easier traceability and reliable information overall.

The following video, is one of a series of videos, dedicated to animal identification. The videos demonstrate firsthand, in the field the benefits of using RFID tags, RFID readers, and animal management software.

 

Benefits of RFID Tagging.

By Livestock-ID, Copyright 2013

Read more...

Sask. Government to Fund Cattle Traceability

The Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture has announced it will continue and develop an animal identification incentive program for beef cattle producers. The purpose of the traceability program is to continue, further develop, and maintain the integrity of the Canadian Cattle Traceability program already in place. 

In further development of Canadian beef traceability, the Ministry of Agriculture will also provide special funding to the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association to continue testing on cattle tag retention. Tags that are placed on animal’s ear are intended to remain for the life of the animal. Many cattle producers have reported that ear tags do fall out in a short period of time. 

One of the main tagging issues that have been raised by the cattle association had been cattle ear tag retention, and the cost of tag replacements. Ear tag retention is not only associated with CCIA approved ear tags; it deals with all basic visual and feedlot tags as well. 

There is a great article with basic tips on ear tag retention; you can read that article here. 

The overall effort is to continue the traceability program that is in place by the Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA) and continue the already successful traceability mandate by Canada, and all its stake holders, typically the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association. 

Animal Identification remains a high priority in Canada for health purposes, as well as the ability to compete on the global market place for imported beef and livestock. 

Canadian Beef

Canadian cattle traceability is an ongoing effort, which Canada remains committed to, in terms of education, development, and marketing of Canadian Beef abroad. 

Canada and its individual provinces all have incentives of different forms, to help animal identification, from small beef cattle producers, to feedlots, and slaughter houses.

The Livestock-ID blog has several blog posts with direct information and links to the various animal identification incentives and programs, which are beneficial to everyone. 

For Saskatchewan cattle producers, you can contact the Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association for more information and assistance on traceability incentives. Resources for all cattle and animal identification within Canada are listed below. 

Animal Identification Resources: 

Improve Cattle Tag Retention 

Saskatchewan Livestock RFID Rebate 

Methods to Mark Visual Ear Tags 

2012 List of CCIA Approved RFID Ear Tags 

2012 List of CCIA Approved RFID Handheld Readers  

Livestock-ID Newsletter 

If you're looking for more resources, search the blog search box, or contact me at anytime. 

(C) Copyright 2012 Livestock-ID Animal Identification Resources

Read more...

Methods of Marking Visual ID Ear Tags

Visual ID ear tags have become the most widely used form of animal identification, the cost benefits to a cattle,

sheep or pig producer simply out weight the cost of the tags themselves. The practice of tagging cattle and sheep

has come a long way, since it was first conceived as an option over branding in early 1950.

Visual ID tags have also evolved as technology becomes more advance, and new uses of tags become available.

Tags

come in a wide variety of colors, shapes, and forms, each with its own benefits for its particular application.

There are tags designed especially for feedlots, rotary tags for sheep and goats, insecticide tags for cattle,

which provide an additional benefit of horn fly control, which runs rapid within livestock.

There are three main methods of marking visual ear tags; each method has its own benefits and costs.

Hot Foil Stamping:

Hot foil stamping is the most effective process to ensure ear tags retain their visual marking. The process is

done using heat and a press, which gives the tag an impression as well as ink.

This leaves the tag with a permanent form of marking, with the impression of the tag ID on the tag, as well as

the ink.

Laser Printing:

Laser printing of visual tags is another effective and permanent way of marking ear tags. The process is done

with a laser beam heating the tag, which changes the color of the tag material, therefore making a permanent

mark, which is always visible.

Laser-Ink Printing:

This is another process of marking visual tags, that is a patented process from Allflex, which is the same

process as laser printing, with the ink added to the laser etching, which provides more of a permanent mark on

visual or panel ID ear tags.

Self Marking:

Self marking tags, is the most cost effective form of marking a blank visual tag for cattle.  The best practice is to use a

permanent marker, like a Sharpie to mark the visual tag.

Some tag manufactures have their own unique markers, which are recommended; because of the ink formula is

specially made to mark the blank tags. Although a Sharpie can be used as well, it is highly recommended to use

high quality permanent markers, which are formulated to provide additional protection against weather conditions

such as UV rays.

By George Luker © Copyright 2012 Livestock-ID

Read more...

CCIA Approved RFID Handheld Readers

The Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA) has a list of approved RFID tags and approved readers for the Canadian livestock industry. Both tags and readers have gone through field testing with pilot projects and are approved for the Canadian climate and requirements of the Canadian cattle industry.

If you’re looking for the official list of CCIA Approved Tags, you can find the list here.

CCIA Approved RFID Handheld Readers:

Aleis 9030 RFID handheld reader, is the most advanced stand alone RFID reader on the market. Any animal event can be entered on the reader, in the field, without the need of a handheld device.
Agrident AIR 100 RFID Reader, is an actual RFID reader module, that easily integrates with a Psion Teklogix Workabout Pro. The AIR 100 Ad-on readers provide a great solution to the Workabout Pro handhelds, where you can use mobile cattle or sheep management software.
Agrident AIR 200 RFID Reader, is the same as the AIR 100 module, with the difference being its telescopic antenna. Agrident has three different versions of their telescopic antenna’s, including a handheld external antenna style stick.
Agrident AWR RFID Stick Reader, is their most rugged RFID stick reader designed to be used in harsh environments. The AWR 200 reader comes with Bluetooth, the AWR 100 reader is just a straight stick reader, with serial connection.
Allflex RS250 RFID Stick Reader, the infamous grey stick, is one of Allflex’s cost effective basic RFID stick reader. The RS250 stick reader, is designed just to read tags, nothing more. If you’re looking for just a reliable reader to scan a tag only, this is the reader.
Allflex RS320-3-60 Yellow Stick is an ISO RFID Stick Reader. The reader comes in two different sizes, with Bluetooth, or basic serial connection. The read has a memory of 5000 tags, its lightweight and ergonomically designed for easy use. The Allflex yellow stick RFID reader is the most popular stick reader on the market.
Destron DTR-4 RFID Reader, also known as the paddle or wand reader, is a reliable reader with an added function, that no other reader has. The DTR-4 comes with Bluetooth, easy to read screen, and has the added function of Bio-Thermo technology, which reads internal temperature of an animal, with the Bio-Thermo LifeChips.
Gallagher Smartreader HR3 RFID Reader, is a lightweight reader, with protective hand guard, and trigger action to read tags. Readers come with Bluetooth, and internal tag memory of 2000 tags. The HR3 has a bright LCD screen at the handle of the reader. Reader is Compatible with Gallagher SmartScale series scales.
I.D. ology Lightning ROD RFID Reader, comes with Bluetooth, LCD screen, and the reader is lightweight. The reader has lightning fast connectivity with devices, and reconnects automatically, if the reader gets in and out of range with the connected device (Computer or Scale).

All CCIA approved RFID handheld readers, read all CCIA Approved RFID tags, which include HDX and FDX-B ear tags, and injectable tags. The approved readers will read all popular RFID / EID ear tags, and leg tags from all major manufacturers, even ones, that are not on the CCIA approved tag list.

The handheld wand and stick readers are all ISO RFID readers, reading the standard EID tag technology of ISO 11784 and 11785

Want more in-depth details on these animal ID readers? Join our Livestock ID newsletter for future issues, which will go into thorough detail on each reader. You can sign-up now here.

Follow us on Twitter for updates. Livestock_ID

By George Luker © Copyright 2011 Livestock-ID

Read more...

Cattle EID on the way for the UK

The UK farming industry welcomed the European Commissions’ proposal to move forward with Cattle EID. The EC made the announcement earlier this week on the need for bovine traceability, and also made recommendations for a much needed real time livestock database.

In its proposal the European Commission recommended a voluntary electronic identification system for all cattle. Several European countries currently use a voluntary EID system for ranch management purposes, which also provides an existing platform of identification for movement of bovine through its borders.

Members of the European Union mentioned that an implementation of a fully compliant EID system for cattle in the UK would strengthen the current traceability system for beef cattle and food products; making it faster and with accuracy.

In order to move quickly and give UK cattle producers an incentive to use EID, the EU has urged the UK government to allocated funds for initial grants for EID traceability to the bovine industry. The grants would be needed for cattle producers to purchase the necessary hardware for EID management, which would initially be for RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) readers.

Electronic identification (EID) tagging in sheep and goats in the UK has been mandatory since 2010, along with individual recording of each animal.

What is an EID Tag?

EID is an acronym for Electronic Identification, which is a term used for scanning or reading the identification number of an object with an electronic device or EID reader, which works the same way as a barcode scanner.

EID uses RFID as the technology used to read the identification, like a barcode scanner, RFID uses radio frequency to read the identification of a tag.

An EID tag is another term used for RFID tags, in this case an EID ear tag is the same as an RFID button tag or RFID ear tag.

Bovine EID:

Bovine EID would be the next logical step for a complete and accurate traceability system with agricultures most valued commodity.

Bovine EID makes perfect sense in a country, where Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) also known as Mad Cows disease has the highest known cases for the fatal animal disease.

When BSE was discovered in the UK, not only did it cause many deaths directly related from infected cattle, it also created a financial crises on the UK beef cattle industry. At the time of the outbreak, the UK had confirmed more than 180 000 cattle had been diagnosed with BSE, which resulted in an initial slaughter of over 4 million cattle, in an effort to eradicate the disease.

© Copyright 2011 Livestock-ID

Read more...

Branding Livestock for Animal Disease Traceability

The USDA has just released an update and status report on the new Animal Disease Traceability system, which is still in the finalization process, and to be implemented by the individual states and tribes. The time frame for the new traceability program is on target to be made mandatory in 2012.

The most recent indication from the USDA is, that they will allow branding and tattoo as an official form of animal identification within the animal disease traceability system. Until now, it was not known if branding would be considered as a compliant form of identification for livestock such as cattle, bison, sheep, goats, and pigs along with other species.

Branding will however have a new requirement or process of identification, which the USDA has yet to make public. This will change how branding will be done in the future for cattle moving interstate.

The USDA’s approach to a traceability system, still remains as a basic requirement for animal disease traceability, and would apply only to animals moving interstate. The ADT will still be implemented by each state or tribe, and the ability to use cost effective alternatives for official AIN.

The USDA will define the method and approved identification marking and devices to be used within the animal disease traceability framework.

The Grey Area of Animal Disease Identification:

There is still a grey area in the proposed animal disease traceability system, Dr. John Clifford the Chief Veterinarian Officer for APHIS released this update recently from the USDA. In the ADT update, it is stated that branding will be considered as a form of animal identification, but as an alternative form which must be agreed upon by health officials.

Here comes the grey area, if branding is accepted as an official form of identification, this is contradictory to the USDA current identification requirements for official AIN (Animal Identification Number) which is a defined format of identification on ear tags.

Another potential grey area of ADT would be the official 840 approved tags (RFID and visual) being the internationally recognized number for livestock from the United States.

The proposed Animal disease traceability program or system has so far just been for the movement of animal’s interstate, nothing has been mentioned about international tagging and identification requirements, which is the use of RFID button tags, also known as EID (Electronic Identification).

At the moment this is still the current list of official 840 tags as approved by the USDA as official compliance with AIN requirement.

Branding does not offer any quick and effective ability to read, look up an identification number or mark, which is not an ASCII character in a computer database, this issue has yet to be addressed and or defined.

An ASCII character is a numeric value in computer markup language that defines characters that are not alpha numeric, such as the # symbol and other symbols on a computer keyboard. Brands do not have an ASCII character.

So the question remains, will Branding be an official form of identification for animal disease traceability or just an additional alternative, to the official ADT method of identification?

Want to stay in the loop with the current updates on animal disease traceability? Sign up for our newsletter.

© Copyright 2011 Livestock-ID

Read more...

Livestock-ID Newsletter Sign-up

Livestock-ID will soon be publishing its first edition of the newsletter, a reminder for all to sign-up today, and don’t get left behind.

The Livestock-ID newsletter will have exclusive content, in-depth reports, and special manufacturer rebates and offer’s that are exclusive to subscribers only.

Sign-up now and get the inside scoop on products, manufacturer rebates, and government rebates or incentives for animal identification. 

The new NAIS (National Animal Identification System) which will be named “Animal Disease Traceability” will become mandatory soon, now is a better time than ever to sign-up for the Livestock-ID Newsletter.

Additional Resources:

USDA Animal Disease Traceability System A look at the proposed new NAIS, and potential requirements for animal identification.

Approved USDA Cattle Ear Tags: 840 Tags is the current and up to date list of USDA approved and official 840 tags.

Livestock-ID Newsletter Sign-up

Livestock-ID, Animal Identification Resources © Copyright 2011

Read more...

Allflex USA Buys Destron Fearing Corp

Allflex USA, Inc. has increased its product portfolio in animal identification technology; with the newly acquired Destron Fearing Corporation (animal ID) subsidiary of Digital Angel Corp. Allflex USA has completed the acquisition for $25 million USD in cash.

Digital Angel Corp. and its board of directors decided to sell off its animal ID division on the advice of independent investment consultants. The company had refused an offer of $17 million last year from PositiveID Corporation. Digital Angel will use the proceeds from the sale of Destron Fearing to concentrate on its core business of emergency identification solutions, which consist of rescue beacons.

Destron Fearing also known simply as Destron has its products used globally in many applications such as pet identification for companion animals; using its patented FDA approved implantable microchips (glass transponders). Destron’s other applications include livestock identification and herd management, using visual and RFID ear tags. Destron also manufactures a full line of RFID readers from its popular DTR-4 handheld reader to fixed panel readers, all used for livestock identification of cattle, sheep, horses and swine.

One of Destron’s most prized assets is its patents on implantable microchips, including BIO-THERMO LifeChip Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) microchip. There is also an approved Official 840 tag version of the LifeChip.

The Bio-Thermo LifeChip is a unique asset for animal identification along with the added benefits of animal health. The most popular applications for the RFID temperature tags are companion animal id and equine identification.

The implanted LifeChip allows an RFID reader to capture the animal’s body temperature, along with its unique identification. The benefit of reading real time temperature is the ability to identify a sick animal, and detect early stages of animal disease, prompting immediate action.

There are only two RFID readers on the market with this patented technology to read Bio-Thermo LifeChip tags. Small animal veterinarians use a small AVID reader, and state veterinarians and ranchers use the Destron DTR-4 handheld reader.

The DTR-4 is one of the most versatile handheld reader on the market, which reads all livestock ear tags from Allflex HDX and FDX ear tags to Destron EID tags, and Bio-Thermo LifeChip tags. The DTR-4 can also read real time body temperature, which is an advantage for equine identification.

Allflex USA is a leader in design, manufacturing and technology for livestock identification products and management tools. Allflex identification products include visual identification tags, tamperproof tags, global management tags, feedlot tags, and RFID ear tags for EID systems.

With the acquisition of Destron Fearing, Allflex USA now adds traceability and identification to animal health.

© Copyright 2011 Livestock-ID

Read more...

Australian Cattle Recovery with RFID

Australia’s National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) is adding more value and purpose beyond its original intent of tracking cattle diseases. Identifying cattle and livestock that have wandered off of farms is being done, quickly and efficiently since they are tagged with RFID ear tags.

Cyclone Yasi that hit and went through north Queensland last week caused so much destruction in the small town and rural area. In the path of destruction are many farms, which have had fences and posts damaged by the cyclone. With the added damages all around, are wandering livestock in the streets and on properties of fellow farmers and neighbors.

The National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) is helping in the recovery of wandering and stranded livestock, which now roam freely along streets, fields, and farms. Since all livestock like cattle and sheep have mandatory RFID ear tags, it is making identification of individual animals that much easier, and livestock are being returned to their rightful owners and farm of origin.

RFID ear tags provide tamper proof identification, which cannot be manipulated, providing secure and reliable identification of livestock. Cattle and sheep have typical EID button tags, while horses have an implanted microchip for equine identification. All these different type of RFID tags provide the exact same purpose, unique identification.

With natural disasters like cyclone Yasi that has hit Australia, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology along with a national database is proof that the system works. Australian cattlemen begin to round up livestock after cyclone Yasi.

With the cattle recovery in process, this opens a Pandora’s Box on a possible animal disease epidemic. State veterinarians will be monitoring all livestock closely over the next few months for signs of diseases in cattle and sheep.

© Copyright 2011 Livestock-ID

Read more...

Alberta Age Verification Incentive Program

Alberta beef cattle producers are eligible for a full rebate or incentive up to $3 per RFID ear tag. This is part of the Age Verification Incentive Program, where Alberta beef cattle producers are encouraged to age and source verify their cattle.

The program is part of Alberta’s initiative to give beef cattle producers an incentive to age verify and tag their cattle with CCIA approved RFID ear tags.

Important Note: The ear tag rebate and incentive is only valid on CCIA approved RFID ear tags.

Age and source verification is an important part of the Canadian livestock traceability system. The government of Alberta has created the Age Verification Incentive Program; to encourage Alberta beef producers to age verify their livestock. Since the AVIP uses CCIA Approved RFID ear tags, they offer a rebate up to $3.00 per tag.

Participating in the age and source verification adds to the integrity of the CCIA Canadian Livestock Tracking System (CLTS), with an up to date and accurate database of animal identification with age and source verification.

With complete participation of the age and source verification program, the Alberta cattle industry protects itself against the vulnerability of an animal disease outbreak, that can’t be traced back to its origin. Canada and Alberta’s BSE Surveillance Program needs to be able to react quickly in identifying the animals, its movements and source of origin.

There are two ways to receive the discount on the RFID tags in the first year. (2010)

Livestock producers can claim an immediate discount at the point of sale; a form will need to be filled out, which all participating tag dealers have available. A downloadable version is available below. The information the producer will need to provide at the time of purchase is listed below.

A valid CCIA account number

Legal business name

Contact Information
The number of calves has or will age-verify from the calving year being calculated for the incentive-discount and

The number of tags that the producers has already requested or received a reimbursement or discount for under this program.

Example: In 2010, producers will be reporting on the number of calves from their 2009 calving season.

Producers who have already purchased radio frequency identification (RFID) tags between January 2009 and July 2010 are eligible for the incentive rebate. Producers must apply directly to Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development. Fill out the Age-Verification Incentive Program Application and mail it in to the address on the form, remember to have copies of the tag receipts for which the reimbursement is being applied to.

Additional Resources and Links:

Age Verification Incentive Program Application
Alberta Ear Tag Dealers
List of Approved CCIA RFID Ear Tags
Allflex USA Company Profile

Website: Government of Alberta: Agriculture and Rural Development 
Tel: 780-643-1572 Fax: 780-422-3655

Copyright © Livestock-ID

Read more...

Kansas Animal Traceback System

 

Animal Traceback system in the works was the message from Bill Brown of the Kansas Livestock Association last week, while speaking at the Beef Fest Producers Seminar.

The Animal Traceback system will be voluntary, except for the provision of animal movements, where the identification of livestock will be mandatory under the Animal Disease Traceability framework, which is expected to be implemented in 2013.

Identification for the program will range from orange calfhood vaccination tags to RFID ear tags. Livestock producers will have a choice of livestock tags to choose from, that will be applicable and compliant for both the Animal Traceaback System and Animal Disease Traceability program.

Brown mentioned the program will be state-run, with oversight from USDA. Animal health officials and state veterinarians are working side by side to standardize the traceback systems. Kansas working group consisting of producers, feeders along with other animal interests will provide input on how the program should be structured.

The Kansas Animal Health Department is in the process of implementing an information management system to track livestock, which eight states already have the system in place. The objective of this system is to protect producer confidentiality, which is an industry concern and priority.

As each state creates and implements its own animal traceback system, it must have the ability to link to the USDA Animal Disease Traceability system for the proposed mandatory identification of interstate animal movements.

For the effectiveness of the Animal Disease Traceability system, it is expected that only approved USDA 840 tags would be used. 840 approved tags are country of origin compliant (COOL) which are the visual and RFID ear tags.

Additional Resources:

USDA Approved 840 Tags

How to Improved RFID Tag Retention

USDA: Animal Disease Traceability

Animal Tracking with EID: COOL Animal ID

For more details on the Kansas Animal Traceback System, please visit their website: Kansas Livestock Association

© Copyright 2010 Livestock-ID

Read more...

Approved CSIP RFID Ear Tags

The Canadian Sheep Federation announced the Approved CSIP RFID Ear Tags which will be in effect as of January 01, 2013. CSIP tags are to be used with the Canadian Sheep Identification Program.

The Canadian Sheep Federation is moving forward in their current RFID sheep pilot, and progressing well with the implementation of RFID systems, and usability of the technology in place.
With the progress of the Canadian Sheep Federation (CSF) RFID Pilot, the CSF has given notice to its members on the new adoption of RFID ear tags for sheep.

UPDATE: in June 2011 the Canadian Sheep Federation extended the deadline for the RFID traceability requirement to January 01, 2013. The discontinued tags are no longer available for purchase, and it is recommended these tags be used immediately if you have them, or to use the new CSIP Approved RFID ear tags, as listed below.  

Approved CSIP RFID Ear Tags:

 

Effective January 1^st, 2013 the Approved CSIP Ear Tags will be the Allflex RFID tag and Shearwell RFID Tag. 

All sheep and goats will need to be tagged with approved CSIP Ear Tags.

Allflex RFID CSIP Tag: Approved Tag

Shearwell RFID CSIP Tag: Approved Tag

CSIP Tags that will be Decommissioned:

Ketchum Kurl Lock #3 (Pink)
Allflex Dangle Tag (Pink)
Allflex Dangle Tag

These tags are no longer official approved CSIP tags, and will no longer be sold after July 01, 2011. The tags will no longer be accepted by the CFIA (Canadian Food Inspection Agency) as identification tags after Dec 31, 2011.


The Federal government has made a commitment to have a national traceability program in place for sheep and goats by December 31 2011, which will allow the tracing of sheep and goats from point of origin to the consumer.

In order to meet the requirements of the national traceability program, the Canadian Sheep Federation will need to adapt to using RFID tags, which will add integrity to the traceability program. The CSF has looked at all RFID tags available on the market, that would also meet the requirements of the Sheep and Goat industry, which due to size restraints has made an official approval of these tags from Allflex and Shearwell.

The traceability and reliability that RFID provides is essential for the development of the national traceability program, and the Canadian sheep and goat industry. Canadian sheep producers must move forward and increase their livestock production at a cost effective rate, to compete with Australian and New Zealand sheep industry.

At the moment Canadian sheep producers supply an approximate 40% of domestic supply of consumed lamb products. In keeping up with the demand for domestic lambs, producers must also be compliant with current food safety regulations. Australia and New Zealand are currently compliant with all food safety regulations, as RFID traceability of their livestock is already place.

CSIP RFID ear tags will give producers an extra benefit of on farm management, as the need to increase flock size is inevitable in Canada to meet current and future demands, this would have an extra cost in basic identification alone. RFID tags and livestock management software can provide producers, with reliable identification as well as basic record keeping that is quick, efficient, and reliable. 

The benefits of RFID tags in livestock are accurate identification quickly, ability to retrieve animal data, such as birth date, inoculations, inspections, weaning, weight, and so on. This info is quickly retrieved with basic sheep management software. Reporting of animal movements is also done quickly and reliably with an RFID reader, which then sends the tag EID’s to the sheep management software. With the sheep management software you then easily transmit your files of animal movements to the CLTS (Canadian Livestock Tracking System).

RFID readers and software are not needed with the national traceability program, but do give producers an added advantage in sheep management costs.

Additional Resources:

Canadian Sheep Federation (CSF) RFID Sheep Pilot

Canadian Lamb Company Initiative: A New Organization 


© Copyright 2010 Livestock-ID

Read more...

Cattle Tracking with EID: COOL Animal ID

 

RFID ear tags track cattle, and give ranchers the information they need to better manage their herd. Ear tag EID (Electronic Identification) gives complete information of the cattle, from point of origin, and when the cattle was born, to vaccinations, and animal movements.

The RFID ear tag alone, does not give this information. The EID tag just holds the actual Identification of the animal, which is a unique identification along with the country code. As an example 840 which is United States we know is the country of origin, so this tag is also COOL (Country of Origin) compliant at the same time.

Here is a full list of USDA Approved Tags, which are also COOL tags.

The rest of the information on cattle comes from the ranchers livestock management software, where all the additional information is stored. This information is not public knowledge, since this is only at the rancher level.

In the video, the rancher is tagging the cattle with an Allflex RFID ear tag. He is tagging the cattle with the Allflex Universal Total Tagger, which is the tag applicator used for all Allflex ear tags. The tag applicator has an EID conversion kit added, so it could tag cattle with Allflex EID tags.

The RFID reader used to read RFID ear tags is the Allflex Yellow Stick, which is an ISO compliant reader for all RFID livestock ear tags. The Allflex stick reader is available with many options, from basic reader with no memory, to stick readers with memory and Bluetooth.

RFID readers are needed to read the tags, and send the tag EID’s to livestock management software, where you could enter all the additional information needed to compete your herd management.

© Copyright 2010 Livestock-ID

Read more...

How to Improve RFID Ear Tag Retention

RFID ear tag retention is one of the most important physical elements of livestock ear tags. With most livestock agencies such as The USDA, and the Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA) retention is high priority on the scale for approving livestock ear tags, after material safety. This is the reason why only a few tag manufacturers are approved for use in livestock, versus the many other manufacturers on the market.

To improve tag retention there is some basic tag maintenance that should be performed before tagging livestock, such as cattle, bison, elk, deer, sheep, goats, and pigs.

The most important tip, is to use the correct tag applicator with the ear tags you are using, also you should be using the most current tag applicator, if the manufacturer had designed a newer version of the applicator, then you should be using the current version.

If the applicator allows you to change the tips, then this should be inspected and tips changed frequently. Worn out or bent tips in the applicator, makes it difficult to tag livestock correctly and efficiently, and will decrease tag retention.

If tagging livestock with an applicator and you feel movement as you apply the tag to the ear, chances are retention will not be good, and that tag will eventually will get removed from the ear.

Additional Tips to Improve RFID Tag Retention:

         

Make sure you are tagging the RFID ear tag in the correct location, as seen above.
Make sure you are using the correct applicator with the ear tag.
Make sure you are using the correct backing studs that came with the RFID ear tag

.

Following these tips, will improve RFID tag retention, these are steps that are often over looked.

© Copyright 2010 Livestock-ID

Read more...

Approved USDA Cattle Ear Tags: 840 Tags

Approved USDA Cattle Ear Tags: Official 840 Tags.

As of September 2009 this is the official list of Visual and RFID Cattle ear tags, also known as AIN (Animal Identification Number) tags, all approved USDA cattle ear tags.

These are official 840 tags. Any tag that is not an official 840 tag is not an approved cattle ear tag.

840 is a reference to the country of origin of the tagged animal, in this case 840 is the official number for United States, as 124 is official number for Canada, 826 for Great Britain, and so on.

Every country has an official number for the tag, which must be a 15 digit animal id number, and beginning with the 3 digit country code. 840.123456789100

The USDA AIN tags are for one-time use only, and are tamper evident. All tags are designed with the 15 digit AIN number and beginning with the country code of 840. The tags also have the US shield logo, and text “UNLAWFUL TO REMOVE”.

The official 840 USDA Approved Cattle tags come in three main forms.

Visual Tag: Basic visual cattle ear tag with the AIN number.

RFID Tag: Cattle RFID ear tag with the AIN number on the transponder, which is read by an RFID reader.

Visual and RFID Tag: Both the visual and RFID cattle ear tag are the same number.

There are also injectable transponders which are geared more to Equine, which also must have the AIN on the transponder.

As in Canada, you must have a Premises Identification Number (PIN) in order to purchase the official 840 cattle ear tags. All AIN tags are associated with the premises identification number.

Below are the approved USDA Cattle Ear tags, which are official 840 tags.

Allflex 840 Visual Tags:

Tag Name	Tag Type	Picture	Species
Allflex Ultra Maxi	Visual Ear Tag		Cattle, Bison, Deer/Elk
Allflex Ultra Large	Visual Ear Tag		Cattle, Bison, Deer/Elk
Allflex Ultra Junior	Visual Ear Tag		Cattle, Bison, Deer/Elk

 

Allflex 840 RFID Tags: ISO 11784/85 Compliant.

Tag Name	Tag Type	Picture	Species
FDX Ultra EID Tag	Button Ear Tag FDX		Cattle, Bison, Pigs, Deer/Elk
HDX High Performance Ultra EID Tag	Button Ear Tag HDX		Cattle, Bison, Pigs, Deer/Elk
Lightweight EID Tag	Button Ear Tag FDX		Sheep/Goats, Pigs, Deer/Elk
FDX Plus Ultra EID Tag	Button Ear Tag FDX		Cattle, Bison, Deer/Elk
All-in-One, FDX Plus EID Tag	RFID Visual Tag FDX		Cattle, Bison, Deer/Elk
All-in-One, HDX High Performance EID Tag	RFID Visual Tag HDX		Cattle, Bison, Deer/Elk
Allflex Global-Ident Microchip	Injectable Transponder		Equine, Alpaca/Llama

AVID Identification 840 RFID Tag: Injectable Transponder ISO 11874/85

EZID Transponder Implant

Injectable Transponder

Equine, Alpaca/Llama

Destron 840 Visual Tags:

Medium Visual Tamper Evident Tag	Visual Ear Tag		Cattle
Large Visual Tamper Evident Tag	Visual Ear Tag		Cattle
Extra Large Visual Tamper Evident Tag	Visual Ear Tag		Cattle

Destron 840 RFID Tags: ISO 11784/85 Compliant.

Destron e.Tag	Button Ear Tag FDX		Cattle, Bison, Pigs, Deer/Elk
Destron Combo e.Tag	RFID Visual Tag FDX		Cattle, Bison, Deer/Elk
Sheep/Goat Tag	Button Ear Tag FDX		Sheep/Goats, Deer/Elk
Equine LifeChip	Injectable Transponder FDX		Equine, Alpaca/Llama
Equine Bio-thermo LifeChip	Injectable Transponder FDX		Equine, Alpaca/Llama
g.Tag	Button Ear Tag FDX		Cattle, Bison, Pigs, Deer/Elk

All Other 840 Visual Tags:

ReyVis XL  ReyFlex	Visual Ear Tag	No Picture	Cattle, Bison, Pigs, Deer/Elk
Herdsman Small Temple Tag	Visual Ear Tag	No Picture	Cattle, Bison, Pigs, Deer/Elk
Herdsman Medium Temple Tag	Visual Ear Tag	No Picture	Cattle, Bison, Pigs, Deer/Elk
Herdsman Large Temple Tag	Visual Ear Tag	No Picture	Cattle, Bison, Pigs, Deer/Elk
All American 1 Star Y-Tex Corp.	Visual Ear Tag	No Picture	Cattle, Bison, Sheep/Goat, Deer/Elk
All American 2 Star Y-Tex Corp.	Visual Ear Tag	No Picture	Cattle, Bison, Deer/Elk
All American 3 Star Y-Tex Corp.	Visual Ear Tag	No Picture	Cattle, Bison, Pigs, Deer/Elk
All American 4 Star Y-Tex Corp.	Visual Ear Tag	No Picture	Cattle, Bison, Deer/Elk

All Other 840 RFID Tags: ISO 11874/85 Compliant.

g.Tag/Tri-Merit Global Animal Management	Button Ear Tag FDX	No Picture	Cattle, Bison, Pigs, Deer/Elk
ReyRID Tag ReyFlex	Button Ear Tag FDX	No Picture	Cattle, Bison, Pigs, Deer/Elk
Leadertronic HDX Leader Products	Button Ear Tag HDX	No Picture	Cattle, Bison, Pigs, Deer/Elk
Write TAG Stockbrands Co.	Button Ear Tag FDX	No Picture	Cattle, Bison, Deer/Elk
Temple EID Tag Temple Tag	Button Ear Tag FDX	No Picture	Cattle, Bison, Pigs, Deer/Elk
Y-Tex RFID Tag Y-Tex Corp.	Button Ear Tag FDX	No Picture	Cattle, Bison, Pigs, Deer/Elk

All Cattle ear tags and injectable transponders are approved for the following species of livestock. Cattle, Bison, Equine, Pigs, Alpaca, Llama, Sheep, and Goats, as well as Wildlife animals Deer, and Elk.

Please click on the following for a listing of the Approved Canadian Cattle Ear Tags.

© Copyright 2010 Livestock-ID

Read more...

Approved Canadian Cattle RFID Ear Tags

The Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA)

is an industry initiated and established organization that manages the Canadian Livestock Tracking System (CLTS) A trace back system designed for the containment and eradication of animal disease. Established in 1998, CCIA has developed the only mandatory national cattle identification program for the cattle industry and works with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) to ensure the food safety of the Canadian cattle industry.

For a complete list of CCIA Approved RFID Handheld Readers you can find the official list here.

In Canada there are six official RFID cattle ear tags that are approved by the CCIA. These are the official tags that must be used for the Cattle Identification Program in Canada.

Allflex HDX

Allflex FDX

Destron etag FDX

Reyflex

Y-Tex TechStar II Tag FDX

Zee Tags FDX

 

Allflex HDX                Allflex FDX

               Destron eTag FDX 

 

Reyflex FDX                 Y-Tex TechStar FDX    Zee Tags FDX

These tags have been tested under trial conditions and have met the Program’s criteria for retention, readability and ability to withstand tampering and environmental conditions.

Cattle ear tags are available through retailers of farm supplies, veterinarians, and other industry organizations.

If you are looking for a reseller in your location, please feel free to send me an email.

The Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA)

is an industry initiated and established organization. To inquire more about the approved cattle tags, or the Canadian Livestock Tracking System, they can be contacted at (877) 909-2333

Click on the following link for a listing of the USDA approved RFID ear tags,

Follow us on Twitter for updates. Livestock_ID

© Copyright 2010 Livestock-ID

Read more...