Electronic identification (EID) tags for farm animals have been around for some time. Their primary function in a dairy context has been for cow identification in milking systems. Prior to 2013, EID tags could only be purchased as standalone tags. However, since 2013 it has been possible to buy EID tags as part of the official animal identification tag as per Department of Agriculture regulations.

Incorporating the EID tag into the official tag has reduced the cost of the EID tag and it has also meant that the number of the EID tag (the unique number picked up by electronic devices) is now the same as the official tag number that is registered to the animal. From a practical point of view, this has some advantages. For example, an electronic tag reader can now be used to identify and read the official tags. In theory at least, this could be used to identify animals in the event of an inspection. Of course, it can also be used to electronically identify animals for the farmers’ own benefit.

This speeds up the process of registering calves at an already busy time of the year

The use of EID tags has come on a bit from the early days when they were just used for identifying cows in milking parlours. Most of the new calf feeders are now EID tag-enabled as opposed to EID collar enabled. This means that if calves are tagged with the official EID tag they can be registered on to automatic calf feeders without needing any extra accessories. This speeds up the process of registering calves at an already busy time of the year.

Another use of EID tags is in automatic drafting gates. Nearly all automatic drafting gates use EID ear tags as their method of identification. Some of the older Alfco drafting gates used tail transponders but all new Alfco drafting gates use EID tags. Like with most other devices, a tag reader identifies the EID as the cow walks into the drafting gate. Depending on whether or not the cow has been pre-programmed to be drafted or not, the drafting gates will divert the cow to one of three exits.

Knowing this information, the cows can potentially be fed individually

In a milking scenario, the EID tag reader is in one of two places; at the entry to the parlour or at the milking point. In most cases the tag reader is at the entry to the parlour and it counts the cows as they enter. It then assigns the cows to the milking unit based on the order that they enter. Knowing this information, the cows can potentially be fed individually (such as on a feed to yield basis) and milk recorded at each milking.

Automatic identification within the parlour can also help to identify cows that have an issue, such as their milk needs to be withheld from the milk tank or they are milking on three quarters.

Another use for EID tags that is becoming more popular, particularly in larger herds, is the use of automatic identification for recording animal events

If a dumpline is present, the milk can be diverted without the operator leaving the pit. Official EID tags will work with all major milking machine identification systems.

Another use for EID tags that is becoming more popular, particularly in larger herds, is the use of automatic identification for recording animal events.

On Teagasc farms in Moorepark, the staff are equipped with electronic tag readers and touchscreen pads allowing automatic identification of cows by holding the device close to their ear tag, and then they can record whatever they are doing with that animal on the handheld computer, such as hoof paring, antibiotic treatment, body condition score or weight recording. The data is then uploaded automatically to the computer database once it goes on the handheld computer.

Handheld EID tag readers are also available

Weight recording is an area where EID tags also come in handy. Some weighing scales come with EID readers, allowing for the animal to be automatically identified as it approaches the weighing scales. This prevents the need for the operator to identify the tag number and record it into the device. Handheld EID tag readers are also available.

These are sometimes called wands. When the wand is close to the cow’s ear tag, it will pick up the number. It can be used for recording animal numbers or for identifying an individual animal in a pen.

Future uses

The possible uses of EID tags is endless. With more use of sensors and sensor-based devices on farms, EID tags will be a core part of most cow-based technology.

For example, when it comes to grassland management, what would stop a system from being developed that automatically records the number of grazings in a paddock? Or track the number of times the slurry spreader enters a field, or the loads of silage into a pit?

In terms of heat detection aids, there have been some new developments in recent years such as Moocall heat detection.

This device uses EID tags on cows and an EID reader on a bull to pick up signs of heat activity. However, these EID tags will not work on or interfere with other EID devices.

Cost

Looking at the three approved suppliers of official animal identification tags, there is very little difference in price between all three. Datamars and Mullinahone are the same price at €3.95 for a tissue tag and electronic tag set.

This is €1.05 more for the EID tag than the standard tissue tag and visual tag set. Cormac Tagging are slightly more expensive at €4.09 for the tissue and electronic tag which is €1.11 set more expensive than the standard tissue and visual tag set.

It is estimated that the market for EID tags in Ireland is about 300,000 sets per year. Some dairy farmers will only use the EID tags on heifer calves and use ordinary tags on bull calves.

In brief

  • Wide range of uses for EID tags in dairy herds.
  • Some farmers use EID tags on heifer calves and ordinary tags on bull calves.
  • New technology uses EID tags for animal identification.
  • The cost of official EID tags ranges from €1.05 to €1.11 per tag.
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