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Case Analysis of Application of Radio Frequency Identification Technology in Animal Management of Animal Husbandry
In the past decade, animal disease outbreaks have become increasingly frequent across the globe, significantly impacting the livestock industry, particularly in Europe. These events have drawn widespread attention from governments worldwide, prompting them to implement policies and regulations aimed at improving animal health management. As a result, countries have enhanced their control over animal husbandry and trade, with animal identification and tracking becoming a key strategy. For instance, the UK has introduced comprehensive tracking systems for cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, and horses.
Animal identification and tracking involve using specific labels or technologies to uniquely identify animals and monitor their attributes. This system plays a crucial role in controlling foreign animal diseases, protecting native species, and ensuring the safety of international animal products. It also helps governments manage vaccination programs, improve disease diagnosis, and respond effectively to outbreaks both domestically and globally. Therefore, animal identification is not only essential for the livestock sector but also a national and international responsibility.
Cattle identification and tracking have been widely implemented in Europe. The UK launched its cattle tracking system in September 1998, and by the end of 1999, EU member states adopted the plan. Since July 1, 2000, all cattle born or imported must be digitally identified. Each cow receives an identification tag within 20 days of birth, containing a unique code that follows the animal throughout its life. Farm records document every detail about the cow's life, including birth, import, movement, and death. A CTS (Cattle Traceability System) license stores all this information, managed by a computerized system established by the UK government.
For pigs, the UK introduced new identification standards on November 1, 2003, differentiating between pigs sent directly to slaughterhouses and those over one year old going elsewhere. Similarly, sheep were required to be electronically identified starting January 1, 2008, under EU regulations. Delta conducted real-time electronic identification tests in 2004, and by 2005, the system was fully tested and reported. Horses were also required to be tracked and identified from June 30, 2004.
Common identification methods include ear tags, necklaces, tattoos, and paint marks. However, in recent years, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology has gained significant importance in animal management due to its efficiency and reliability.
RFID is a contactless automatic identification technology that offers large data storage, fast reading speed, long read range, and strong environmental adaptability. It can recognize multiple targets simultaneously, making it ideal for tracking animals. RFID consists of a reader and an electronic tag. When an animal enters the reader’s range, the tag transmits data wirelessly, enabling automatic identification and data collection.
Readers come in various forms, such as handheld devices, which are portable and equipped with features like LCD keyboards and barcode scanners. They operate on rechargeable batteries and support different communication interfaces. Electronic tags, on the other hand, can be passive or active. Passive tags draw power from the reader’s signal, while active tags use internal batteries, allowing for longer read ranges. In most animal tracking applications, passive RFID tags are preferred due to their low cost and durability.
RFID data communication involves transferring information between the tag and the reader, ensuring accurate and secure data exchange. This technology is continuously evolving, offering more efficient and reliable solutions for animal management and disease control.