Montana State University
Academics | Administration | Admissions | A-Z Index | Directories

Montana State Universityspacer Mountains and Minds
MSU AcademicsspacerMSU AdministrationspacerMSU AdmissionsspacerMSU A-Z IndexspacerMSU Directoriesspacer
 


Contact Us
Animal & Range Sciences Extension Service
P.O. Box 172900
Bozeman, MT
59717-2900
Email Us
Tel: (406) 994-3722
Fax: (406) 994-5589
Location: 119 Linfield

MSU Extension Service
Doug Steele, Vice Provost & Director
406-994-6647
> Department > Home > Beef > Beef/Cattle > Livestock ID
Beef/Cattle Extension Program

Animal Identification

Animal identification is the second key piece of traceback

  • Each animal or group of animals will be identified with a unique number to facilitate the collection of animal movement data that will be used in case of a traceback.
  • Animals will be identified with a unique number upon leaving the original premise.
  • The unique animal identification number will likely be a 15 digit numeric number.
  • With a technology neutral national system, the animal identification methods include brands, visual tags, electronic tags, retinal scans, or other methods.
  • Radio frequency identification tags have been recommended for __? by the Beef Working Group. Placement should be in the left ear.

Montana’s Process
The national system is currently determining the framework and process for issuing animal identification numbers (http://animalid.aphis.usda.gov/nais/). For producers interested in acquiring tags for their animals to meet "source and age verification" or "value added" program requirements, there are a number of options available that include the critical data management element for the process. For example, one of the animal identification data management companies can help producers apply tags, collect, and store data. It is not required nor recommended for producers to tag livestock solely for the National Animal Identification System at the present time.

Anticipated Timeframe
Implementation of the animal identification phase of a state or national system is expected in 2007.

View Text-only Version Text-only Updated: 08/14/2009
spacer
spacer
© Montana State University 2005 Didn't Find it? Please use our contact list or our site index.