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| | A traceability system records and transmits information on particular attributes about a food product as it travels through the food supply chain to provide information at any specific point and trace the food to its source. Livestock identification is the first step in a traceability system for meat and meat products.
In an international trade market where agricultural systems and consumers are susceptible to both local and foreign animal diseases, integrating a farm to fork (production, processing, distribution) traceability system into current food safety control measures for all animal products is becoming essential. The emergence of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) and its association with variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) has made traceability at the retail level even more important to consumers.
Consumers want stronger controls and source verification at the retail level, offering industry a unique selling point.2 Source verification includes farm of origin, feedstuffs, feed ingredients, and the chemicals administered to the animals.
Animal electronic identification technologies currently being developed will identify and trace each individual animal from birth to slaughter more efficiently and accurately than traditional identifiers. An electronic identification system has the potential to offer a reliable automated identification system for all environments that will protect agricultural livestock, facilitate a quick response to a disease outbreak, and gain consumer confidence with respect to food safety.
An automated system that uniquely identifies each animal will make it possible to: identify the origin of each animal; trace the path of each animal from location to location; trace each animal exposed to disease; eradicate or control an animal health threat; retrieve information within hours of an outbreak and implement intervention strategies; improve consumer confidence; and provide assurance to buyers regarding the animal’s life history. | |
Benefits of RFID Technology |
- Potential to provide a more reliable and effective livestock identification system than traditional identification systems.
- Supports computerized and automated recording in order to manage a large volume of livestock in a cost effective and efficient manner, especially for purposes of animal disease control, surveillance, and prevention.
- Signal absorption is not adversely affected by adverse environments such as moisture or tissue due to the low frequency radio waves.
- Allows for suitable read distances for automated reading and recording in abattoirs, and sale yards.
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History and Need of Livestock Identification | |
Over the years many different methods of livestock identification have been used among farmers and the production industry for different purposes to trace the movement of livestock. Older methods, used back in the 1800s and early 1900s, included hot iron branding and ear notches used as a theft deterrent and for record keeping/registration purposes.
In the 1960s statutory regulations required identification methods be in place to trace diseased animals during outbreaks and eradication programs. Methods used by APHIS and other agencies at this time included ear tags, tattoos, face brands and back tags. Currently there are many methods being used:1
- back tags
- electronic identification types
- freeze bands
- leg bands
- neck chains
- paint marks/bands
- plastic/metal ear tags
- tail tags
- tattoos
These traditional identifiers above (with the exception of electronic identifiers) are not as reliable and efficient as needed because they require more hours of manual labor and human error is inevitable. Over the past ten years, the livestock industry has been trying to move toward a computerized and automated system of recording. This started with barcodes located on ear and tail tags. Barcode technology is effective for initial recording, but tracking becomes difficult because barcodes require line of sight reading and they are rendered unusable within time.
The current primary driving forces behind the development of a United States national livestock identification system are based on recognized needs by industry, producers, and government agencies. They include issues surrounding food safety, animal health, international trade, and animal genetics such as:1
- Foreign Animal Disease control, surveillance, and prevention
- Biosecurity protection of the national herd
- Identification of livestock vaccinated or tested under official disease control or eradication program
- Official identification of animals in interstate or international commerce
- Accurate identification of blood and tissue specimens
- Improvement of laboratory diagnostic and reporting capabilities
- Health status certification of herds, States, and Regions
- Effective regionalization and risk assessment in support of international trade
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United States National Animal Identification Plan (USAIP) | The U.S. is developing the U.S. National Animal Identification Plan (USAIP) to protect the health of American animal agriculture. Maintaining animal health to protect the food supply and consumers from food-related diseases offers the following benefits:6
- Enhances disease control and eradication capabilities for rapid containment of foreign animal disease outbreaks and enhanced ability to respond to biosecurity threats.
- Enables industry to meet foreign and domestic consumer demands for source-verified products, enhancing market access.
- Mitigates intentional and unintentional biosecurity threats to the food supply.
In 2002 an industry-state-federal partnership, aided by the National Institute of Animal Agriculture (NIAA) was formed to identify standards and set the framework for implementing a phased-in national animal identification plan. At the request of the United States Animal Health Association (USAHA), the USDA/APHIS established the National Animal Identification Development Team which created the USAIP draft plan that was presented at the USAHA October 2003 annual meeting. NIAA plans to host an ID Expo in 2004 to allow stakeholders and industry an opportunity to provide extensive input into the USAIP.
Based on the recommendations of the draft plan, the USAIP will be implemented in three phases, initially focusing on cattle, swine, and small ruminant industries. Phase I includes the development of premises identification. The USAIP recommends that the premises identification system be in place in all states by July 2004. Phase II involves a numbering system for individual and group/lot identification for interstate and intrastate commerce.
Individual and group/lot numbers will be available for issuance by February 2005 and all cattle, swine, and small ruminants should possess individual and/or group/lot identification for interstate movement by July 2005. In phase III the technology will be retrofitted to remaining processing plants other industry segments. This will enhance the traceability of animals throughout the livestock marketing chain to improve the health of the national herd. All animals in remaining species and industries should be in compliance by July 2006.
The main goal of USAIP is to achieve an efficient and effective traceability system that can, within 48 hours of a confirmed outbreak, traceback all animals and premises potentially exposed to the foreign or domestic animal disease and implement an intervention strategy. The plan will be dynamic and flexible and will utilize state-of-the art national and international standards with the best available technologies, incorporating new technology as it becomes available.
The principles and goals of the draft USAIP may change since it is currently being reviewed by industry and stakeholders; however, the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) is asking the USDA to adopt a national plan consistent with the goals of the USAIP and calling on Congress to provide funding. In February 2004 at NASDA’s mid-winter meeting, state agriculture officials approved a resolution supporting a plan consistent with the principles and goals of the USAIP.
Animal identification programs are currently being developed in Wisconsin and Nebraska. State officials wanted to learn about existing plans that have the ability to identify premises and track a sick animal within 24 hours. All states will eventually need to have an established compulsory identification system that complies with the USAIP guidelines. Confidentiality is a concern for producers; legislation will be needed to clarify that animal information collected under the national animal identification system will only be used for animal health protection purposes.6, 10
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Overview of USAIP Standards | |
Reaching the goal of a 48-hour traceback system requires collecting data surrounding the movement of individual animals or “units” of animals. The following are key data elements requiring uniform standards: a premises identification system; nationally recognizable numbering system for individual identification; nationally recognizable numbering system for an animal group/lot; and numbering system for non-producer participants. In addition, performance standards are needed for both visual and electronic identification methods and devices; and, for automated data collection systems.
Premises identification will require a unique location number for each premises or physical location the animal moves to from birth to slaughter. Physical locations that qualify as a “premises” are defined specifically in the USAIP because of the diversity of environments in which livestock is managed. Premises ID cannot be used alone to track an individual animal’s movement through the production chain.
Animal identification is necessary to track animals that move outside the production system where they were born. Animal identification exists on two levels, individual and group/lot identification. Individual animal identification should be used for any animal that will be commingled with animals outside the production system where it was born. A group of livestock tracked as a single “unit” within the same production system will require a group/lot ID number.
The U.S. Animal Identification Numbering System will probably require the use of RFID technology to automate the recording of animal movements. The format of the U.S. animal identification number (USAIN) will be similar to the RFID ISO 11784 code structure in order to support a successful transition and integration of RFID technology. Individual animal identification will require use of the USAIN and for group/lot ID a unique, standardized numbering system will used to track groups of animals at the national level in a central database. The group/lot ID number will consist of the National Premises ID of the location and a six digit numerical number reflecting the date the group was created.
An individual animal identification numbering system requires that a device is attached to the animal with the number printed on it (visible identification) or electronically encoded in a chip. Visible identification and RFID technology utilizing eartags are described in the USAIP. Visible tags with no transponder are referred to as Visible ID Tags and tags with RFID technology as RFID tags. At this time, the focus is the adoption of national standards for the use of RFID devices in animals.6
For updated information on the status of the USAIP, visit their website at: www.usaip.info.
National Farm Animal Identification and Records (FAIR)
National FAIR is an animal identification pilot program that unifies animal identification programs and links animal record systems to provide accurate, complete and cost-effective information that meets the various needs of the industry.15 The National Farm Animal Identification and Records (FAIR) program has identified nearly one million animals in its program over a five year period. Nearly 1,400 dairy and livestock farms utilize electronic eartags in 12 states.
One goal of the FAIR project is to validate the retention of the RFID eartags and the reliability and accuracy of RFID stationary readers at the packing plants. National FAIR is administered by the Holstein Association USA, Inc. and supported by USDA/APHIS. The program utilizes RFID technology and a database to track animals with electronic ear tags from birth, farm to farm, and then abattoir.
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Research and Program Development | | In addition to the United States, other countries are in the process of developing an animal identification and traceability system for their livestock.5 The following is a brief overview of programs and research in several countries.
European Union
The EU conducted a large study from 1998-2001 called the IDEA (Identification Electronique des Animaux) project, electronic identification of animals. The IDEA project was prepared by the Directorate General for Agriculture (DG Agri) with the technical coordination of the Joint Research Center (JRC) at Ispra. This EU study of animal electronic identifiers was conducted because the current tracking system relied on manual and visible inspection of ear tags and tattoos. Outbreaks of livestock diseases within the EU, such as Foot and Mouth and BSE, demonstrated that current livestock identification systems do not provide reliable and efficient disease monitoring and traceability.
An effective exchange of livestock identification data between EU Member States when animal movement occurs will help track and control disease outbreaks. In Europe, disease monitoring, subsidy eligibility, and breeding management are the main driving forces behind individual identification of animals.3 The EU wanted the results from the IDEA project to provide technical and practical recommendations for a full-scale implementation of electronic identification on EU livestock.
The implementation of an EU livestock electronic identification system requires considering the application in different situations/conditions including: species and breeds, breeding conditions, transportation conditions, slaughter conditions, and environmental conditions.
Prior to the IDEA project, two preliminary investigations had occurred:
- FEOGA project (1993-1994) “Electronic Identification of Farm Animals Using Implantable Transponders”; and,
- AIR 2304 research project (1995-1998) “Coupling Active and Passive Telemetric Data Collection for Monitoring, Control and Management of Animal Production at Farm and Sectorial Level”.
FEOGA Research Project
Project conducted from 1993-1994 by three teams from Spain, Italy and Portugal. Subjects included approximately 10,000 sheep, cattle and goats. This study allowed researchers to determine important information in the following areas: system set up; minimal equipment performance requirements; injection body site; and system reliability in farm environment.
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- Objectives:
- Evaluate and compare electronic identification equipment under laboratory conditions and use the best technology for the in-vivo experiments.
- Evaluate glass-encapsulated injectable transponders for breakage, losses, migration distance, easiness of injection and animal welfare at different body sites.
- Evaluate chosen injection sites, ear or armpit, for the following: losses, breakage, electronic failures, reading efficiency and slaughterhouse recovery.
AIR 2304 Research Project
Project conducted from 1993-1994 by three teams from Spain, Italy and Portugal. Subjects included approximately 10,000 total sheep, cattle and goats. This study allowed researchers to determine important information in the following areas: system set up; minimal equipment performance requirements; injection body site; and system reliability in farm environment.
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- Objectives:
- Test the electronic identifier system on a long-term, large-scale level to complete and validate the results obtained in the FEOGA project. Specifically to verify if the percentage of total losses of electronic identifiers increased.
- Design a protocol to determine recommendations for an improved animal identification and registration system.
- Study on a large scale the current availability of electronic identification devices, the advantages and disadvantages of different electronic identification systems, and software design for dynamic reading.
- Study the implementation constraints of the electronic identification system from the technical and organizational levels.
- Cost-benefit analysis of an electronic identification system.
The results of both studies above were the basis to proceed with the IDEA Project.
IDEA Project
Conducted from 1998 – 2001 and involved ten subprojects from six EU countries. Nine hundred thousand ruminants (cattle, sheep, goats, and buffalo) were electronically tagged with one of three different types of passive radio frequency based transponders: ear tag, ruminal bolus, or injectable transponder.
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- Objectives:3
- Evaluate the performance of an electronic identification system in ruminants and the feasibility of implementing such a system.
- Organizational structure and future implementation of an electronic identification system on EU livestock.
- Specific Research Areas:3
- Application techniques of electronic identifiers
- Electronic identifier recovery techniques
- Electronic identifier reading methods
- Reliability of the electronic identification devices (electronic identifier and reader type)
- Definition and codification of information associated with animal identification
- Flow of electronic identifier reading data and associated information from the holding to the central authorities and vice versa
- Database management and processing of the electronic identification data
- Organizational and logistic structure in support to electronic identification implementation
The general conclusions and results from the IDEA project were quite positive. It was concluded that implementing an electronic identification system is feasible. It also demonstrated that transponder technology used for electronic identification of livestock would substantially improve the current livestock identification, registration and management system in the EU.3
An improved EU livestock identification system is needed for the following purposes: management of premium; veterinary monitoring of animals; and proper management of livestock by Breeders Associations. An implementation would be a major effort for Member States and the Community as a whole, and if a full implementation is done an “Implementation master plan” will need to be created. Each EU Member State would be responsible for implementing electronic identification system in their respective countries and the following conditions need to exist:3
- Legislation that considers the capabilities and constraints of the new EID technology.
- EU level technical specifications and guidelines for selecting appropriate identifiers and readers.
- EU level implementation guidelines for application of electronic identifiers, reading, recovery, and disposal.
- Data management using a common glossary, data dictionary and communication standards.
- Technical cooperation among EU Member States and between the Member States and the EC for the preparation and periodic review of the implementation and its conditions.
Project FAIR 5th: Electronic Identification and Molecular Markers for Improving the Traceability of Livestock and Meat.
Conducted from 2001–2003 at the University Autonoma of Barcelona. This project is developing and evaluating the use of a double system approach for animal and meat traceability: EID and DNA profiling. The EID would be used to trace animals from birth to slaughter and the DNA profile is a molecular marker to audit the trace-back of the identity of animals, carcasses and meat cuts for the meat industry, all within EC regulations. This project will be evaluating the cost-benefit of a double EID/DNA traceability system under EU conditions. This project will integrate research from two other FAIR 5th projects and the current results of the recent IDEA project. 14 For more information visit: Project FAIR.
Canada
National Livestock Identification for Dairy (NLID)
NLID is the umbrella organization coordinating a national dairy tagging program in which all Canadian dairy producers are participating. In this program, all newborn animals will be tagged under one national tagging system, a three-read tag system that contains a unique individual identification number capable of being read all three ways: RFID, bar code, and visual. The three-read system complies with the International Standards Organization (ISO). The objective is to develop an official three-read ear tag system that offers traceability from farm of origin and abattoir.5
Identification for Herd Health Initiative
A national strategy for individual identification of cattle has been developed by the Canadian beef and dairy industries, in partnership with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). The Identification of the National Herd for Health Initiative is targeted at gaining domestic global trade access, consumer confidence, and marketing a quality product in the meat and milk industries. CFIA is responsible for disease control and surveillance of animal and foodborne diseases, and the enforcement of animal identification and tracking regulations.
The Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA) was established by the Canadian Cattleman’s Association to represent Canadian beef producers. CCIA maintains the national database for registry of all dairy cattle in Canada. The Canadian Cattle Identification Program requires that Canadian abattoirs report all incoming ear tags to the CCIA’s database so that a trace can begin immediately upon disclosure of a problem at one of those sites.5, 8
Australia
National Livestock Identification Scheme
(NLIS) is Australia’s system for livestock identification and traceability. RFID technology is becoming the basis of NLIS which has been established for about four years and only relates to cattle identification. Each state implements NLIS in varying degrees but are gradually moving towards a mandatory implantation. (The dairy sector is an early adopter of RFID technology because it is time and cost effective in tracking required critical measurements such as milk fat, cell counts, milk volumes.)
RFID technology used within the scheme is approved by NLIS standards that comply with ISO standards 11784 and 11785. NLIS also has industry standards of performance criteria such as minimum read distances and device retardation. All devices are Half Duplex (HDX) since it offers better read distances, a very important performance characteristic in abattoirs and sale yards. RFID injectable transponders or subcutaneous implants are not commonly used for livestock identification due to device migrations, rejection, breakage and recovery problems. There are electronic ear tags and rumen bolus that are approved from four separate commercial suppliers.4
United Kingdom
Cattle Tracing System (CTS)
Cattle tracing is a government effort to improve consumer confidence in British beef. The CTS was launched in Great Britain in 1998 and is run by the British Cattle Movement Service (BCMS), part of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). A similar system already existed in Northern Ireland prior to Great Britain’s implementation since the European Union required all Member States to have a computerized tracing systems in place by the end of 1999.
CTS is a computerized system that records cattle identification and movements from birth to death of new cattle issued passports from September 28, 1998, and older cattle from January 29, 2001. For identification and registration, the CTS requires: an individual identification numbering system, eartag devices, farm records, and passports.9
For detailed definitions visit the glossary.
Pilot Electronic Identification System and Electronic Data Transfer for Sheep
A new study is beginning in March 2004. The Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs, UK (Defra) awarded a contract to conduct a pilot study to test the effectiveness of using electronic identification and electronic data transfer for sheep on English farms. This trial is timely as it will identify and forewarn Defra and the sheep industry of any issues and concerns surrounding EID prior to the implementation of a compulsory EU identification system for sheep and goats to begin January 1, 2008.
This deadline is dependant on an EID implementation report to be issued by the EC on June 30, 2006. In conducting this study, Defra will be liaising with Northern Ireland. EID/EDT trials are being conducted in Ireland, England, Scotland, and Wales and in carrying out this study, Defra will be liaising closely with their colleagues in these countries to gain an understanding of implementing electronic identification technologies for the entire UK farming industry. 7
For more information: Electronic Identification and Electronic Data Transfer for Sheep.
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Glossary | | This glossary was taken from the U.S. Animal Identification Plan (Version 4.0, September 29, 2003) and the Defra Cattle Tracing Scheme.6, 9
- Cattle Tracing System (CTS): The CTS is a computer based system to register cattle in Great Britain. CTS records the identification and death of cattle; the movements from birth to death of cattle issued with passports from September 28, 1998; and the movements of older cattle since January 29, 2001. Cattle keepers can now register new calves, report movements and check information held on their cattle on the CTS through the CTS website.
- Electronic Identification (EID): An identification method that utilizes electronic technology, including , but not limited to bar codes, 2-D symbology, and radio frequency.
- Farm Records: In the CTS, records of cattle births, imports, movements and deaths.
- Freeze Bands/Cryogenic Branding: An identification method that utilizes super-cooled branding irons to produce a hairless brand/scar for white or light colored animals or a white hair brand for dark colored animals.
- Hot Brands: An identification method that is a permanent, hair free scar in the shape of the iron used and applied to upper hip area. (Freeze brands are preferred).
- Identification Methods: A means of identifying an animal, including ear tags, brands, breed registry certificates, etc.
- Individual Animal Identification: A means of identification that provides the capability to differentiate on eanimal from another.
- Intrastate Movement: Movement that does not cross a state line and does not meet criteria for entering interstate commerce.
- Intrasate Commerce: Movement that involves commingling or change of ownership, but does not cross a state line nor meet criteria for entering interstate commerce.
- ISO Transponder: RFID device that transmits its transponder code according to ISO 11784/11785 when activated by an ISO transceiver and that has been evaluated and approved for conforming to these standards by the International Committee on Animal Recording.
- ISO Transceiver (Reader): Transceiver that reads at least both ISO FDX-B and ISO HDX transponders as defined in ISO 11784/11785.
- ISO: International Organization of Standards.
- Mandatory Identification: A state and/or federal identification requirement that defines which livestock must be identified according to established protocols.
- National Identification System: An identification system that, through established standards and defined data elements, allows for the compatibility of systems while providing the efficient availability of afreed-to information across each segment of the industry.
- Paint Brands: Irons dipped in a quick drying paint and applied to hip area or ribs of animal. Offer high visibility but only temporary for locating animals in a pen for sale/shipment purposes
- Premises: A premises is a location as determined by the State Animal Health Official or Area Veterinarian in Charge in consultation with the producer or operator of an entitiy that participates in animal production or commerce. The incorporation of premises in the USAIP provides the ability to determine the location where an animal(s) was at a certain location for a given duration.
- National Premises Identification System: A means of uniquely identifying a premises and associating it with agreed-to information on an information system, including contact information when communication to the premises is necessary.
- Radio Frequency Identification (RFID): An ID device that utilizes radio frequency technology. The RFID device or method of identification includes ear tags, bolus, implants (inject), and tag attachments (transponders applied during th tagging process).
- Tagging: In the CTS, cattle must have a unique number. Cattle numbers are recorded on two eartags per animal, one in each ear.
- Tattoos: Most permanent method of traditional identification.
- Transponder code: Code as programmed in teh transponder and defined in ISO 11784 and ISO 11785.
- US Animal Identification Plan (USAIP): The animal identification plan for the United States, that through collaboration of industry and government, provides the infrastructure to support animal disease surveillance, monitoring, control and eradication.
- US Animal Identification Number (USAIN): It will evolve into the sole natinal numbering system for the official identification of individual animals in the United States. The format contains fifteen digits with the first three being the country code (840 for the U.S.). The USAIN follows the ISO Standard for Radio Frequency of Animals; thus, can be encoded in an ISO transponder o printed ona visual tag.
- US Group/Lot Identification Number: The identification number used to uniquely identify a "unit of animals" of the same species that is managed together as one group throughout the preharvest production chain.
- US Premises Identification Number: The official premises identification number for the United States. The number is nationally unique and has no meaning itself. The premises number is associated with an address or legal land description. The field specificaiton for the Premises Identification Number is seven characters.
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Resources |
- Animal Identification
USDA/APHIS
- Traceability of Poultry and Poultry Products (PDF Format)
International Office of Epizootics. Scientific and Technical Review, Volume 20, no. 2. 2001.
- IDEA Project
European Commission/Joint Research Center. IDEA Project 1998-2001.
- National Livestock Identification for Dairy
NLID
- Draft U.S. Animal ID Work Plan - Version 4, September 2003
National Food Animal Identification Development Team - A partnership between government and industry.
- Electronic Identification Pilot Trial in Sheep
Defra
- Canadian Cattle Identification Agency
CCIA
- Traceability in the U.S. Food Supply
USDA/ERS
- Traceability for Food Marketing and Food Safety: What is the Next Step
USDA/ERS
- Country Of Origin Labeling
USDA/ERS
- Electronic Identification and Molecular Markers For Improving the Traceability of Livestock and Meat
EID+DNA Tracing. Implemented under th Fifth Framework Program
- National Farm Animal Identification and Records
National FAIR Program
- AGRITAG Transponders
Agrident Company
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