The Use of Microchipping in Cattle Production

1. The Use of Microchipping in Cattle Production Heather Robertson

2. 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

3. Size

5. 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.

6. How it is Implanted

7. Other methods: • The most common method in cattle is the use of RFID ear tags.

8. 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.

9. 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

10. Different Brands and the Prices to use Microchips or RFID Tags • AllflexFDX EID Ear Tag – Cattle - 20/package • Price= $41.25

11. Continued • Allflex USDA HDX EID Tag - 20/Bag • Price= $53.43

12. Continued • DTR® 4 Universal Reader • Price=$1,035.00 • Will read both FDX and HDX ID tags.

13. Continued • Allflex Compact Reader • Price =$253.50 • Just compatible to the Allflex brand

14. Continued • SmartChip 15 Digit Microchip • Price=$12 each • Just Identification

15. Continued • DestronBioThermLifeChip • Price= $20.00 each • Identification + Temperature

16. Continued • Destron Universal Microchip Reader • Price=$449.00

17. 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.

18. 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.

19. 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.

20. Works Citied • http://www.avma.org/reference/backgrounders/microchipping_bgnd.pdf • http://www.rfident.org/ • Cowboy Journal • www.luckysnlranch.com/articles/19.html • www.referenceforbusiness.com • Animalcentral.net/blog/cattle-branding-season-and-the-importance-of-microchips/ • www.facts-and-facts.com • www.bendbulletin.com • www.lightlivestockequipment.com/microchippage.asp • http://www.qcsupply.com/farm-livestock.html

21. Thank You!!! Are there any Questions?