The approval of 12 ear tags has moved individual cattle identification one step closer to becoming reality.
The Canadian Cattle Identification Agency has tested a number of tags for ease of readability, retention and the ability to withstand tampering. Ten carry a universal bar code with an individual identification number and two are button tags that are read electronically.
They will be distributed by farm supply dealers.
“Cost will be up to the marketplace to determine,” said Cindy McCreath of the identification agency.
The plastic dangle tags vary in size from 21Ú4 inches by 13Ú4 inches up to four inches by 23Ú4 inches.
Other tags are still under test and could be approved later. The national identification program is scheduled to start at the end of this year, but producers may start using the tags now.
The tags may go in either ear and do not have to be attached until the animal leaves its original herd.
The tags will be used to trace an animal back to its original herd if diseases and food safety problems are detected at the packer.
