Canadian cattle industry first in world to adopt RFID Canadian dairy producers, leaders of all livestock groups, have readily adopted electronic tags to identify cattle. As of January, RFID (Radio Frequency ID) tagging is the only national, seamless system available for dairy animals across Canada.

The intent is to streamline and integrate RFID tags with current feeding and milking systems, now that RFID technology is internationally standardized.

Beef producers will also be on board by January 2005 as the CCIA (Canadian Cattle Identification Agency) joins the RFID movement.

In post-BSE times, it’s widely believed RFID makes tracking and recording cattle ID much faster,more efficient, and goes a long way toward meeting international demands. CCIA’s Julie Stitt adds, “It is most efficient for packing plants to read and retire the number. As well, the transition to RFID allows animal sightings (movement) information to be collected at intermediary points within the production chain.”

RFID tagging systems are usually based on a single transmission between a tag or transponder and a reader or receiver. The reader creates an energy field that activates the tag when it comes within range. Once started, the tag’s microchip transmits a set signal containing the ID data to the reader. It takes only a millisecond to capture data as animals pass through portals or are identified with hand-held wands at rendering plants, abattoirs, and sales barns.

The CCIA started field testing RFID systems from numerous manufacturers in feedlots and packing plants nearly two years ago. They tested both the retention and ease with which these tags could be read. To be included in packing plants, a tag had to be readable within 12 inches by a stationary panel reader and within 16 inches with hand-held readers. Meeting global ISO-ICAR standards was also a requirement.

The gold standard would be full-duplex or FDX systems, which can handle two-way signal transmissions. FDX receivers are more costly, but they can read signals from cheaper, half-duplex (HDX) tags and provide the kind of universality the CCIA wants to build into its long-term policy.

For information on scanners/readers contact Chris Giffen,
Canadian Cattle Identification Agency, #210, 6715–8 Street
N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 7H7;
e-mail info@canadaid.ca;
tel 403-275-2083; fax 403-275-1668;
www.canadaid.com.