Add Dollars To Your Bottom Line By Using RFID Technology In Your Animal Identification and Management System
What is an RFID System?
RFID is the abbreviation for Radio Frequency Identification Device, and is synonymous with the abbreviation EID or Electronic Identification Device. There are four main components of an EID (RFID) system: the tag, a reader, a computer and a method of analyzing the data collected, usually a software program. PBS Animal Health deals predominately with the tag and reader components. We can, at your request, supply information about manufacturer suggested computer and software programs. Management software programs are available for cow/calf, feedlot and dairy operations.
How does EID technology work?
The key component to each animal’s application is an electronic transponder ear tag which can be used alone or with your existing visual ID, or a tag printed to match the number stored in the RFID tag. The transponder tag simply and permanently electronically stores a unique identification number. When the tag is electronically interrogated (questioned) by a reader device, it answers with its numerical identification. This number is the only information provided by the chip in each tag. A visual copy of the tag’s unique number is also displayed on the outside of each tag. Since the transponder in each tag stores no energy and is encased in rigid epoxy, tags are designed for permanence and durability. Depending on the manufacturer, EID tags use one of two operating protocols, both of which are compliant with requirements defined by the International Standards Organization (ISO). The Half Duplex protocol utilizes a single interrogation and response communication. The Full Duplex protocol is based on continuous interrogated response communication. Depending upon the manufacturer and model, reader devices may be handheld or permanently installed in alleyways or chutes. Readers vary in their read range capability and ability to download and interface stored identification information to a properly equipped scale, PDA or personal computer.
How will you benefit by using an EID System now?
It will facilitate your providing an animal’s complete individual history to buyers regarding genetics, breed composition, health, treatment and performance. You will be better able to meet industry demands & recover valuable data on the performance of your animals even after they leave you. Processing time and effort will be lessened by combining automated data entry and electronic individual identification. Application of this technology will help you identify individual animal performance rather than that of a group. While the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is in the process of developing the National Animal Identification System (NAIS), you can have the peace of mind knowing that your herd is tagged with a fully ISO compliant RFID system that can participate in the NAIS reporting network when it becomes mandatory.
What role will EID play in the NAIS being developed by the USDA?
The NAIS is a national program intended to identify specific animals in the United States & record their movement over their life spans. It is being developed by the USDA and State agencies, in cooperation with industry, to enable 48-hour trace back of the movements of any diseased or exposed animal. This will help to ensure rapid disease containment and maximum protection of America’s animals.
Premises Identification
To track animals, animal health officials must know where they are born and where they are moved. Therefore, identifying locations that manage or hold animals (referred to as premises) is the starting point of the NAIS. Each premise will be identified with a unique seven character identifier or a Premises Identification Number (PIN). Data elements that will be stored in a National Premises Information Repository are: PIN, name of premises, owner or contact person, postal address, phone number, type of operation, activation date, retirement date and reason for retirement. For more information about how to sign up for a PIN in your state, sign on to www.usda.gov/nais.
Animal Identification
To track animals as they move from premises to premises, animal health officials must have a standard way to identify them. Animals will be identified either individually with a unique Animal Identification Number (AIN) or, if they are managed and moved through the production chain as a group, with a Group/Lot Identification Number (GIN). By August 2005, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) anticipates it will be able to allocate AINs to tag manufacturers through a national allocator. In order to link an individual animal’s identification to a registered premises of origin, provisions will be made to report the movement of EID tags from the manufacturer to the destination premises.
Animal Tracking
Various species working groups have suggested that certain basic events will trigger the need for reporting animal movements (e.g., change of ownership, interstate movement, multiple owners commingling their animals, etc.). Each location will have a PIN, and the responsible party will report the AIN or GIN of all animals that arrive at that premises and the date of their arrival. There are essentially four pieces of information required to document an animal movement event. The four pieces of information that will be stored in a National Animal Records Repository are: AIN or GIN, PIN of the location where the event takes place, date of the event and event type (movement in, movement out, sighting of an animal at a location, termination of the animal, etc.). As it comes online, the NAIS will be a fundamental tool for carrying out animal health monitoring and surveillance programs.
Source: USDA Website www.usda.gov/nais.