Electronic identification provides a simple and effective means of livestock identification. Electronic ID is permanent, individually unique, noninvasive, and cannot be altered. This type of identification system plays an integral role in the success of food and animal quality assurance and food safety programs, and in disease control programs, such as the voluntary scrapie flock certification program.

The basic equipment consists of:

• A transponder or "chip"

• An implant gun for implanting the transponder,

• A compatible reader.

The transponder is 18mm in length and contains a microchip imprinted with a unique 10-digit identification code. The microchip is attached to a copper antenna and both are encased in an inert glass capsule.

The transponders are prepackaged in cartridge belts that load easily into the pistol-grip implant gun.

To load the gun:

• Hold the implanter in one hand, but DO NOT SQUEEZE THE TRIGGER

• With your free hand, pull the advance slide completely back.

• Insert the cartridge belt, tab end first, with the tab toward the rear of the gun.

• Push the cartridge belt completely into the bottom of the handle until it is flush with the bottom edge.

• Finally, push the advance slide completely forward. Check the chamber window on either side of the implanter to be sure that a transponder is in place and ready to be implanted.

• To advance to a new implant, simply pull the advance slide completely back - then push completely forward. Do not squeeze the trigger.

 

The pocket reader operates on 4 AAA batteries. To activate the reader, push the button down once and release. In 2-3 seconds the unit will display the READY mode.

To scan, push the button down and hold. The unit will display the WORKING mode.

A beeper sounds each time an ID is read. After 90 seconds of inactivity, the unit will shut off automatically.

There is a port located at the base of the pocket reader that allows the reader to be connected directly to your laptop computer for transferring and storing ID codes. With the pocket reader, ID codes must be recorded before scanning the next animal.

DESTRON-FEARING also has available a Mini Portable reader with more advanced capabilities. This reader has a greater read range and can read and store up to 1000 ID codes. This feature allows you to read ID codes in the field, store them in the reader memory and download them into your desktop computer or transfer them to a printer after you’ve returned to the office.

Each species has a preferred anatomical location for implanting and reading. After a number of studies, the opt of the right ear at its junction with the skull was selected as the most suitable location in sheep. This location fulfills the requirements for ease of application, ease of reading, security, and removal during the slaughter process.

The point of entry is on the top of the head, away from the midline so that the transponder can be deposited on the top of the ear. In contrast to the technique used for growth implants where the ear is grasped and the needle is directed toward the skull, transponders are implanted with the needle directed away from the skull.

The implant needle should be clean and sanitized between each application. Care should be taken to make certain that the needle is sharp and does not have a spur which can drag wool into the injection sight. DO NOT implant wet animals as this generally leads to abscessation.

Good restraint of the head is essential to make certain the transponder is placed in the proper location and not subjected to trauma during the implanting procedure.

The pocket reader unit scans for the transponder from the back side of the unit. Place the reader just above the right ear of the animal. When the transponder is located, you will hear a beep and the ID code will be displayed.

Lambs can be implanted at any age.

After you have injected a transponder, the reader is used to verify that the transponder has been implanted correctly and to record the ID code.

The mini portable reader has the added advantage of being able to read and store a number of ID codes. Software is available that will help maintain accurate records.

ID numbers can also be linked automatically to animal weights using a portable electronic scale - again, making record keeping easier and more accurate.

Electronic ID provides unalterable identification for the lifetime of the animal, eliminating lost, faded, or altered tags, and hard-to-read tattoos. The transponders are easy to implant and easy to read. Electronic ID minimizes paperwork, reduces labor costs, and eliminates errors caused by hand recording identification numbers.

Because electronic ID is unalterable, it gives breed organizations more control over the purity of their genetic lines and allows them to streamline their registration procedures. Electronic ID can also be used effectively in conjunction with the national Sheep Improvement Program. These advantages along with the automatic record keeping capability, make electronic ID the technology of choice in the voluntary scrapie flock certification program.

In summary, electronic identification is an effective means of providing individually unique, permanent livestock identification.