Content
Microchipping of cattle is an important part of zootechnical accounting at livestock farms. In the early stages of the development of this branch of agriculture, the sole purpose of cattle tags was to recognize animals by belonging to a particular farm. Today, such labels must contain much more information.
The importance of accounting in cattle breeding
Today, tags on modern livestock farms are an obligatory measure of livestock accounting. Immediately after the calf is born, it is assigned an individual number, as well as a nickname.
Cattle identification allows you to:
- distinguish cows in the herd during inventory;
- maintain statistics when tracking key indicators of animal health (body weight, height, milk yield);
- register insemination;
- take into account the dates of the examination;
- plan the consumption of feed and vitamin supplements;
- record important information when carrying out breeding work.
Identification of cattle is useful for veterinary services. It takes into account:
- infectious diseases of animals;
- livestock vaccination data;
- information about laboratory tests;
- formation of groups of individuals with positive tests for certain diseases.
In addition, the identification of cattle makes it possible to standardize and take into account the wages of farm workers.
Cattle identification methods
Identification is a method of recording cattle and other agricultural animals, which consists of assigning an individual number by tagging. Over the history of the development of livestock farming, many effective methods of marking have accumulated, from the most primitive to modern (chipping).
The most popular methods for identifying cattle:
- chipping;
- tagging;
- branding;
- plucking.
Each method has both advantages and disadvantages.
Chipping of cattle
Chipping of cattle is the electronic identification of farm animals. It is the most modern identification method today. Chipping appeared relatively recently, at the end of the twentieth century. When chipping began to spread, it immediately became popular in many households.
Chipping of cattle provides:
- quick, painless procedure;
- ease of execution (the advantage of the method for personnel);
- securing individual information for life;
- no chance of loss or substitution of identification data.
There is a huge economic benefit of identification by chipping cattle:
- does not require repeating the procedure as a result of loss or damage;
- during the bail procedure, insurance, treatment, feeding, cattle cannot be confused;
- simplifies the search for cattle in case of theft.
Chipping is the process of implanting a small electrical device (microchip) under the skin of an animal in the neck area. The chip consists of an inductor and a microcircuit. The process is carried out using a disposable syringe containing a capsule with a microchip. Bioglass prevents the development of rejection or any other reaction of the body to a foreign body after chipping.The procedure for implanting a microchip is painless for cattle and quick in time, reminiscent of regular vaccination. Disposable syringe, device, unique identification 15-digit number on 6 stickers, included in the microchipping kit.
Subsequent identification of cattle is carried out using a scanning device. To determine an individual number, simply bring the scanner close to the place where the microchip is implanted and information is displayed on the screen, and the device emits a sound signal.
The disadvantage of microchipping cattle is that it is a somewhat expensive method when used on small farms.
Taging
Tagging is also a simple identification method. This is a fairly popular method in modern farms. A special method is used for cattle ear tags with a special applicator. The upper edge of the cow's ear is pierced with an applicator, and the tag is attached automatically; the needle in the device is disposable.
The tag can be double or single, of different colors, shapes, sizes, depending on the requirements of zootechnical registration.
The composition of the tag is thermoplastic polyurethane. It does not cause allergic reactions and does not irritate the skin of calves and adults.
There is a big drawback to this identification method - cattle often tear off their tags if they move carelessly. An alternative is nose rings and collars.
Branding
Branding is an ancient traditional way of marking cattle. Until now, many people use a hot iron to make a mark. It displays the identification number of the individual.
When it comes to dairy cattle, farmers prefer to use cold branding.
The cold branding procedure is carried out with liquid nitrogen, into which metal numbers are first immersed and then applied to the skin of the cattle. The animal's identification number appears after a few days.
There are certain standards for performing this procedure:
- strong fixation will be required;
- you should decide in advance where the brand will be placed;
- the wool in this area is cut;
- the place where the brand is placed is washed and disinfected;
- the exposure time should be fixed - 10 seconds for young animals, 60 seconds for adult cows.
If these standards are not followed, individual numbers may become illegible.
Among the advantages of this method, owners note the quality, durability of the brand, and the absence of damage to the skin. There are also disadvantages: proper restraint of the cow will be required.
Plucking
Ear plucking is a classic method of tagging; it has been successfully used on farms for quite some time. The popularity of the method is explained by good viewing of the data, reliability of the labels, and their subsequent safety. In addition, punctures do not require special expenses.
Tweezing is done with special tools - tongs or a hole punch, which leave the required number of punctures on the skin, identical to its unique number. Tags can be placed in various shapes.
This marking has its own characteristics: the puncture site is selected taking into account the passage of blood vessels. Before the procedure, the forceps must be disinfected and then begin making punctures of a certain shape.
For modern, large complexes, special collars and anklets are effective.
The responder serves to identify cattle. They attach it to the cow using collars. A number is printed on the device panel, which is transmitted to the operator. This device allows you to keep your herd under control.
A rescounter is a device with a much wider range of functions. It identifies a cow on a walk, when passing through a frame into a milking or sorting room. The device allows you to see milk yield and monitor feed.
Veterinary rules for identification and registration of animals
The Ministry of Agriculture has posted on its portal the text of the draft veterinary rules for the identification and registration of animals. The developers took into account not only farm animals, but also fur-bearing animals, fish, bees, and domestic animals.
Each animal, upon birth or importation into the country, is immediately assigned its own identification number; this data will be entered into a special database.
When registering, it is recommended to enter the name, pedigree, breed, place of birth, place of detention, as well as information about the owner. Further, the data will be updated with information about vaccinations, diseases, and transportation. It is suggested to issue a paper passport if desired.
To label cattle, it is necessary to establish strict time limits - two weeks from the moment of birth or importation into Russia. Tags with a unique number should be located on the ears, and a tag with additional information only in the left ear.
Conclusion
Microchipping cattle is an important part of a farmer’s work. If the identification process is properly established, the event brings enormous economic benefits and greatly facilitates the work of livestock specialists and veterinary service specialists.
