The Use of Microchipping in Cattle Production
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Transcript The Use of Microchipping in Cattle Production
Heather Robertson
What is Microchip
Implant?
It is an identifying integrated circuit placed under
the skin of an animal. The chips are about the size of
a lager grain of rice and are based on a passive RFID
(Radio Frequency Identification) technology
Size
Where is it placed in the
animal?
The microchip is placed anywhere on the animal
right under the skin.
It is sealed in biocompatible glass covered by a
sheath to prevent migration.
How it is Implanted
Other methods:
The most common method in cattle is the use of
RFID ear tags.
The different types of
tags:
Passive Tag:
No internal power supply
Instead there is a small electric current is created in the
antenna when an incoming signal reaches it
Provides enough power to briefly activate the tag
usually just long enough to relay the ID number or
product name.
Activated from a distance of ten millimeters to over 6
meters away.
Can be smaller then the other tags and thinner than
paper.
Active Tag:
Contain an internal power source
Allows for a longer read-range and for a bigger
memory on the tag
Power source also makes it possible to store
information sent by the transceiver
They are slightly bigger than a coin
Can be read from many meters away, and generally
have a battery life of about ten years
Different Brands and the
Prices to use Microchips or
RFID Tags
Allflex FDX EID Ear Tag – Cattle - 20/package
Price= $41.25
Continued
Allflex USDA HDX EID Tag - 20/Bag
Price= $53.43
Continued
DTR® 4 Universal Reader
Price=$1,035.00
Will read both FDX and
HDX ID tags.
Continued
Allflex Compact Reader
Price =$253.50
Just compatible to the Allflex
brand
Continued
SmartChip 15 Digit Microchip
Price=$12 each
Just Identification
Continued
Destron BioTherm LifeChip
Price= $20.00 each
Identification + Temperature
Continued
Destron Universal Microchip Reader
Price=$449.00
Uses of Microchips
To track lost or stolen cattle
To Help in different studies on cattle
Help detect when heifers or cows are in heat
Records the temperature of the cattle
It can help identify where a cattle are originally from
to track different diseases or illegal antibiotics were
use before going to the slaughter house.
Disadvantages:
With the different brands of the microchips or the
RFID tags there is a certain computer or device that
has to read them. They do not all use the same
program
The Microchips may move and the RFID tags could
fall out of the cattle’s ear.
Related Advantage
Can track all of your cattle
When sorting you can have more than one chip read
at a time.
Can speed up checking in or out cattle at a feedyard
or sale barn
You will be able to better manage your heard
Have the satisfaction of knowing exactly when to AI
the heifers and cows.
When buying different cattle you will be able to
check and make sure they are not bring any
unwanted dieses to your farm.
Works Citied
http://www.avma.org/reference/backgrounders/microchipping_bgn
d.pdf
http://www.rfident.org/
Cowboy Journal
www.luckysnlranch.com/articles/19.html
www.referenceforbusiness.com
Animalcentral.net/blog/cattle-branding-season-and-the-importanceof-microchips/
www.facts-and-facts.com
www.bendbulletin.com
www.lightlivestockequipment.com/microchippage.asp
http://www.qcsupply.com/farm-livestock.html
Thank You!!!
Are there any Questions?