Livestock Identification Methods Objectives Explore the reasons for

Livestock Identification Methods

Objectives � Explore the reasons for livestock identification � Explore and discuss the various methods of identification � Evaluate which methods are necessary in different situations

Why Identify Animals? ? v v v v Proof of Ownership Accurate Records Disease Eradication Food Safety Breeding Global Trade Emergency Management Species Tracking

Types of Identification � � � � � Hot Iron Brand Freeze Brand Paint Brand Horn Brand Ear Notching Tattoo Microchip Eartag Neck/Leg chain/Bands � Nose Printing

Branding � � � Branding has been used for centuries Began in the US in the 1800’s Uses a metal object to burn, freeze, or paint a mark on the animal Primarily used in cattle and horses Shows onwership, NOT animal ‘s individual ID

Hot Iron Branding � � � Uses fire or electric brand Permanent Steel or copper is used Damages the hide States have different branding laws

Freeze Branding � � � Uses liquid Nitrogen Copper Branding Iron Permanent Destroys the pigment cells Hair grows back white Virtually painless for the animal

Paint Branding Uses Paint and standard iron � Temporary � Used primarily at sale facilities � Used to identify offspring �

Horn Branding � � � Uses small fire branding iron Permanent Disadvantages include: Hard to see at a distance Horn can be cut or knocked off

Ear Notching Used on many livestock species � Permanent � Identifies both ownership & individual ID � Various methods but standardized in swine �

Tattoo � � � Permanent Individual identification Used on many classes of livestock Required by some registries Hard to see Can fade to unreadable

Microchip - RFID � � � � New technology Internal & external Essentially permanent Used to establish ownership Traceability Food Safety Disease eradication

Ear Tagging � � � � Multiple species Somewhat permanent Easily Removed Multiple uses Traceability Import/export Difficult to read

Neck/Leg Chains/Bands � � � Temporary Used mainly in poultry & dairy industry Used in migratory birds Species tracking Can be color coded

Nose Prints Each is unique � Used in some registries and required for many shows �

Summary Identifying livestock is necessary for many aspects of livestock production. Permanent or temporary methods are used as applicable. Methods used are determined by the owner or requirements set forth by registries, government, or other entities. IDENTIFICATION = PRODUCTION