FARM ANIMAL IDENTIFICATION METHODS

CONTENT

1. Introduction
2. Meaning of Animal Identification
3. Farm Animal Identification Methods

Introduction

A livestock farmer is expected to establish the identity of an animal as soon as the animal is born or some days after birth. A lot of farmers have ignored animal identification which is very important. Giving names to farm animals may serve the purpose to an extent for a small heard, but may not be feasible for a large herd or farm with many animals. So it is important to put some sort of identification marks on each animal present on a farm.

Meaning of Animal Identification

Animal identification is the basis for keeping accurate production records of the herd/flock Individual animal identification allows producers to keep records on an animal’s parentage, birth date, production records, health history, and a host of other important management information. Accurate records provide the producer with enough information to make individual or whole herd/flock management decisions. In many instances, the producer needs to be able to quickly identify an animal.

Farm Animal Identification Methods

The common methods used for identifying animals are

1. Branding
2. Tattooing
3. Tagging
4. Ear notching
5. Use of specific natural body markings
6. Neck chains
7. Collars
8. Banding
9. Use of electronic identification (microchips, etc.)

1.