Identification Systems

Identification systems are important because blah blah blah. There are several way of identifying cattle from within herd IDs, tattoos, breed association registration numbers and international registration numbers used in genetic evaluation programs. In order to keep all data collected associated with an individual animal an effective beef cattle identification system is essential. Standards have been developed for identification methods that ensure unique and accurate identification of animals during the transmission and processing of data. Because the number of animals processed in genetic evaluation is routinely in the millions, it is not practical to routinely use registration number information for on-farm data collection. Standards for ear tagging and on-farm electronic identification have also been implemented. In addition, recording of animal identification is closely associated with the collection of genomic information. Animal identification is the basis for keeping accurate production records of the herd/flock. Individual animal identification allows producers to keep records on an animal's parentage, birth date, production records, health history, and a host of other important management information. Accurate records provide the producer with enough information to make indi- vidual or whole herd/flock manage- ment decisions. In many instances, the producer needs to be able to quickly identify an animal. A suc- cessful identification system makes this task more efficient. Identification is also important to indicate owner- ship of a particular animal, or to indicate the herd/flock of origin. There are many identification systems, but selection should be based on the method that best fits an operation's needs. Factors such as size of the operation, type of records kept, nence, and how easy or difficult the method is to apply. Two different methods should be used to assure permanent identification. Once a system has been selected, it is impor- tant to be consistent with providing each animal a unique and permanent identification number that matches with each method used. Be careful not to duplicate numbers over a minimum of a ten-year period. When an animal is born/purchased, it should be identified immediately with only one unique number, which will serve as its identification number until it departs from the herd/flock.

Beef Identification Systems

Unique identification (ID) of cattle within the nation's beef herd is required for accurate genetic evaluation and subsequent improvement by selection. In Appendix 2.1, a uniform coding system for identifying bull semen is described, and in Appendix 2.2, an international system assigning letters to calf birth years is presented. Both were developed by the National Association of Animal Breeders.

Two key elements in an identification system are 1) a premises ID to uniquely identify an operation or producer and 2) an individual identification for each animal on a premises.

Historically, a premises ID has been used to identify the participating rancher. This is commonly a member code that is assigned by a breed association in order that the member may conduct business with the association. A premises ID could further be used to identify location, management group, and contemporary group information.

The identification of individual animals within a particular ranch has several benefits. In seedstock production, the documentation of identity matched to a unique registration number that is tied to a pedigree is an essential component of merchandising. Individual animal identification also is essential to ownership issues and effective management and documentation of data for performance recording and evaluation.

Individual ID on a registered animal is currently handled by utilizing a unique registration number assigned by a breed association, tied to a within-herd ID number administered by the breeder. Traditionally, the within-herd number is a permanent number attached to the animal in the form of a tattoo or a brand. These numbers (tattoos or brands) may be unique to that ranch of origin, but duplicates may occur from operation to operation. Though not a foolproof system, when tied with other tools such as blood typing and DNA analysis, breeders have confidence in this identification method.

Technological advances will allow for new methods of identifying animals, especially as hardware cost decreases and infrastructure is developed. Radio frequency devices (e.g., tags and implants), biometric identification (e.g., retinal imaging), and DNA technologies all are receiving increased interest as a significant segment of identification programs. These technologies will allow for an efficient interface with electronic data transfer.

Today, a tremendous amount of interest is developing in a national identification system for all beef cattle. Basically all that is needed is to utilize the unique animal number recorded in an identified production unit. This would be a useful resource in issues including animal health and disease surveillance programs, building consumer confidence in food safety, enhancing international trade, increasing the efficiency of performance recording and national cattle evaluation, and finally for process and source verification associated with premium branded programs, alliances, and cooperatives. In the future, individual animal identification at the ranch of origin may become a necessary element of market accessibility for the commercial beef cattle producer.

BIF encourages data exchange and interfacing among data management and software companies. However, this raises many issues concerning the ownership and rights to use of the data. Reasonable data security is necessary and should be guaranteed before data are entered into a system. Written rules governing the sharing and transfer of information from one party to another should be agreed upon in advance between owners and others interested in the genetic improvement of beef cattle.

Accurate and permanent herd identification (ID) plays a critical role in successful herd management. The unique animal ID is used to properly record pedigrees,ensure animal health and productivity, and reach herd goals. Herd animals can be identified by ear tags, tattoos, hot-iron and freeze brands, biometrics, and genomics. When determining the right method of ID for your herd, consider the costs, rules, requirements and convenience.

Need table of year letter codes

https://www.naab-css.org/uniform-breed-codes

https://interbull.org/ib/icarbreedcodes