by James I. Sprague, Ph.D., Livestock Nutritionist

The primary use of new electronic cattle identity system will be fast and accurate data accumulation. A system, that uses radio frequency transmission ear tags, is fast and accurate, according to Dr. Dale Blasi of Kansas State University. He believes it has application for cow and calf operators, stocker operations, feedlots and the beef packing industry. He presented an update of cattle identification systems at the 2004 Cattlemen’s Day at Kansas State University.

Tracing previous ownership is the underlying reason for a mandated system in case of a serious livestock disease outbreak; however that will not be the main use of the new system.
Electronic animal ID has advantages for feedlots

Many feedlots that custom feed cattle are already using electronic ID to accumulate data for their customers. One of the original systems was developed by the Micro Beef Technologies of Amarillo, Texas. The data collection may include animal health records, daily gain and carcass information from cooperating beef packing houses.

Specifications of vaccines and preconditioning practices are used by some feedyards for the purchase of cattle. In some cases, claims for reimbursement may need to be documented. Electronic animal ID may make it easier to identify the animal’s origin.

Electronic ID for cow calf and seed stock producers
One of the main uses of electronic ID that can be used by cow/calf and seed stock producers is the accumulation of economic and genetic data. Genetic information is particularly important for the improvement in this segment of the industry. The accuracy and speed of data collection has always been a problem. The use of computer software, along with animal ID, will make it possible for livestock owners to get timely and accurate data for decision making.

Combining, brands, tags, electronic ID
Branding and large plastic ear tagging will not be replaced by electronic ID. Many times all three may be used. For example, branding may be used for proof of ownership, plastic ear tags will provide easy reading of an animal identity, and electronic animal ID will allow data accumulation and traceability after ownership is transferred.

Ear tags---metal and large plastic
Metal ear tags are an important part of the successful brucellosis and tuberculosis eradication program for the U.S. and Canadian cattle industry, but the use of plastic ear tags has become nearly universal by cattle producers and feeders because the numbers are easy to read. Electronically reading these tags can be achieved in a manner similar to the scanning systems at grocery stores, however the animal needs to be restrained to read the tag. Ear tag systems for animal ID have many drawbacks, one of which is lost tags.

Concerns of cattle people
At the Cattlemen’s Day at KSU, Dr. Dale Blasi outlined the status of the proposed electronic cattle ID system. He reported the concerns of the cattle industry are: (1) privacy of the program, (2) cost of the tags and the electronic readers, (3) transfer of liability back down the supply chain, and (4) the technical problems of radio frequency interference.

Each segment of the industry will have their particular concerns of a mandated program. The committees of the 70 organizations, working on a national program, are particularly concerned about the privacy, cost and liability issues, reports Dr. Blasi.

One of the features of the proposed mandated electronic identification system will be the insistence of cattle people and their legislators and regulators for provisions for privacy of the information. There will be no transfer of identification until the livestock are sold. ©