Electronic Identification

This page explains Electronic Identification (EID) and how it can be used with cattle or sheep.

EID is the use of a microchip, or electronic transponder, embedded in a tag, bolus or implant to identify a farm animal. EID in animals is based on low frequency radio waves or Radio Frequency Identification (RFID). A reader sends out a radio signal which is picked up by the microchip. The chip sends back the unique identity number. The reader transfers the unique number to a computer which uses it to store whatever information is necessary about the animal being identified.

Fig.1. How an EID transponder is identified

RFID applications are becoming more common in all areas of industry where products need to be identified and traced. Examples include warehouses where pallets of products are automatically identified, moved and stacked using RFID.

Electronically reading animal identities can deliver many benefits for everyone handling animals. Many farmers, particularly on pig and dairy units, have been using EID for many years. Farm management practices can be greatly improved through the use of EID systems.

Benefits of EID include:

A fixed panel reader is a reader that is permanently installed allowing animals to be identified automatically as they pass by. Many dairy parlours will use them to identify cows as they walk into the parlour or in each feed stall. Once the identity of the animal is known, data such as volume of milk or weight can be collected, or animals can be individually fed. Fixed Panel readers come in many different shapes and sizes to suit a variety of locations and uses and are capable of reading tags up to approximately 100cm.

In the example below a pair of reader panels are used.  If there is a need to identify animals in more than one location a handheld reader could be used.

Fig.2. Typical Use of EID for Cattle with Fixed Panel Readers

In this example the animal is being electronically identified by the fixed panel readers fitted to the weigh crate. The ID is passed to the Electronic weigh head which uses the Load bars under the weigh crate to measure and record the weight.

Basic weigh heads only display the weight while more advanced models have the capability to record the weight and display other information that has been previously identified; e.g. previous weight, Daily Live Weight Gain, breed, sex. The information recorded on the weigh head can then be transferred to a computer by connecting the weigh head to the computer, usually by a lead.

Fig. 3. Downloading data from Weigh Head to Computer

In most cases the information will be imported directly into a farm management software program on the computer. This allows the herd or flock information to be saved and allows various reports to be viewed. Information can be added directly to the program on the computer. Information can also be kept from year to year allowing comparisons to be made. In many cases these programs are capable of interacting with DARD’s Aphis Online system, which makes the process of registering births, deaths or movements even easier. If no farm management software is available the data can be imported into a generic spreadsheet programme.

It may be more appropriate to use a Handheld EID Reader rather than a fixed panel reader. A handheld reader is mobile and therefore allows animals to be identified in the field, pen or cubicle and not just at the weigh crate. The example below shows the process of recording a weight.

When the identifying the animal the handheld reader is held close to the tag, identifying and recording the animal. Most readers need to be within about 20cm to read a tag.

Fig.4. Typical Use of EID for Sheep with Hand Held Readers

The weigh head passes the weight of the animal to the handheld reader via bluetooth or a lead. In this example the handheld reader is the device that stores all the animals’ details with their associated weights. It can also display other information such as previous recorded weight. Depending on the make and model of the handheld reader, it may be possible to view or add additional information at the touch of the button. A basic electronic weigh head is all that is needed in this case as it is only gathering, displaying and transferring the weight to the handheld reader.

Fig. 5. Transferring weight from Weigh Head to Handheld Computer via Bluetooth

When the batch of animals has passed through the weigh crate, the handheld reader will have in its memory the list of animals that were identified along with their associated weight and any other information that was recorded. This information can be transferred to a computer by connecting the weigh head to the computer, usually by a lead.

Fig. 6. Downloading data from Handheld Computer to Computer

An EID tag can be used either for official identification or for management purposes. There are several DARD approved EID tags available for use as official identifiers in Northern Ireland cattle. In most cases herd owners wanting to use EID will chose an EID button tag to act as the secondary official tag. They look similar to standard cattle tags and contain a small electronic transponder or microchip. Each transponder is permanently coded with a unique electronic number. When being used as an official DARD tag, the unique number is linked to the animal’s official individual animal number on APHIS (Animal Public Health and Information System). The official animal number is printed on the outside of the tag meaning all tags can be read visually as well as with an electronic reader.

Fig. 7. Electronic Identification devices

When an EID device is used for management purposes only, it is not one of the two official tags and instead will either be a third tag, a bolus, or a neck or leg transponder. This could be a button tag but many dairy parlour systems will work with EID neck transponders or pedometers which work in the same way.  

The current regulations for the identification of sheep makes no mention of EID devices. EID tags and boluses are however used for management purposes.

Fig. 8. Electronic Identification devices

New rules for identifying sheep from 31 December 2009 have been introduced. Sheep must be identified with two identifiers bearing the same number, a number which will remain with the animal for life unless a tag is lost. An EID tag and a matching conventional tag will most commonly be used.  

For more information on the current regulations for sheep identification please visit vwww.ruralni.gov.uk/sheepid2010.htm

For a list of approved tags and suppliers for livestock in Northern Ireland visit www.ruralni.gov.uk/tag-man-supp-info.htm

To read about a case study or watch a video clip of Sheep EID in Practice visit www.ruralni.gov.uk/it_connects_electronic_identification.htm

EID tags currently cost approximately 50 pence more than a standard tag. If you choose to use electronic data collection or drafting systems on your farm you will need an EID reader. A basic handheld version starts at about £300, while more advanced models which include many more functions may cost around £1500. Fixed panel readers systems, depending on size, will range from approximately £1000 upwards. Software costs can be significant, depending on what information you want to collect. Costs of other electronic equipment, such as weigh heads need to be taken into account when looking at a solution for your needs. Examples of some equipment are shown below.

View a video clip of a Northern Ireland farmer using EID in their sheep flock and to read what she has to say about it.

For more information about EID please contact Jason McFerran by email jason.mcferran@dardni.gov.uk or telephone on 028 9442 6810.