Electronic cattle tags available to Northern Ireland farmers from Monday

Northern Ireland farmers will be able to use electronic identification tags for newborn cattle from Monday, 7 September — but adopting the technology will remain entirely voluntary.

The electronic identification system, known as EID, is intended to make it faster and more accurate to identify animals and record cattle movements while reducing the need to read tag numbers manually.

Farmers can continue using existing tags

Herd keepers will be able to replace one of the two conventional cattle tags with an approved electronic tag containing a microchip programmed with the animal’s unique identification number.

There will be no requirement to use EID, replace tags across an existing herd or buy electronic reading equipment. Farmers who do not adopt the technology can continue using conventional tags without any additional cost or penalty.

Existing requirements covering cattle records, inspections and the reporting of movements will also remain unchanged.

What will electronic identification cost?

DAERA estimates that an electronic tag will cost approximately £1.50 to £2 more than a conventional cattle tag.

Farmers who want to scan the tags electronically may also choose to purchase a reader, typically costing around £600 excluding VAT, depending on its specification. There are currently no plans to subsidise either the tags or reading equipment.

A reader is not required because the animal’s identification number will continue to be printed on the tag and can still be read visually.

Some equipment already used to scan electronic sheep tags may also be suitable for cattle.

How the new tags will work

The microchip allows an animal’s identification number to be scanned and recorded using compatible equipment without needing an internet connection or mobile signal.

DAERA says the technology could reduce mistakes caused by manually copying identification numbers, improve traceability and make cattle handling safer and more efficient on farms, at livestock markets and in processing plants.

Electronic readers may also be connected to compatible farm-management software to help record information such as cattle weights, treatments and movements.

Livestock markets and abattoirs will not be required to install scanners or process electronically tagged cattle differently. Animals carrying the tags can continue to be sold and moved through the existing system.

Northern Ireland first in UK

DAERA Minister Andrew Muir said:

“The introduction of voluntary electronic identification for cattle is an important step forward for Northern Ireland. It will give herd keepers the choice to adopt this technology where it works for their business, while supporting more accurate, efficient and safer recording of cattle movements.

“Northern Ireland will be the first region in the UK to make bovine EID available, and this voluntary approach allows the sector to begin realising the benefits without placing new requirements on all herd keepers.”

Electronic identification has been compulsory for sheep in Northern Ireland since 31 December 2009.

White tags will distinguish EID cattle

The front section of an approved cattle EID tag must be white, allowing electronically tagged animals to be distinguished quickly from those carrying conventional yellow tags.

The rear section may be white or yellow, while electronic button tags will be completely white.

DAERA says the colour difference should also help farmers identify which tag has been lost when an animal is missing one.

Approved EID tags must be purchased through suppliers authorised by the Department.

Compulsory system remains under consideration

The voluntary introduction does not settle whether electronic identification could eventually become compulsory for Northern Ireland cattle.

DAERA has already consulted on mandatory bovine EID and is considering the responses. Any future proposal to require its use would be announced separately.

The change also comes alongside the Northern Ireland Bovine Genetics Genotyping Scheme, which is being launched this month initially for breeding animals.

Farmers may choose a genotyping tag incorporating EID technology, but that option is available only for cattle carrying identification numbers beginning “XI 0”. The older “UK 9” numbering system is not compatible with EID.

From Monday, farmers can therefore choose whether the potential savings in time and improved accuracy justify the additional cost for their business, while those who prefer the existing tagging system will not be required to change.

More information here.

Questions and answers for herd keepers here.