Beef Cattle Identification

Animals

Animal identification is outlined in detail in section 1.1. of ICAR’s International Agreement on Recording Practices. The following chapter therefore only provides a brief overview on the most important aspects for identification issues. More details can be found in the relevant International Agreement.

Having decided on which performance traits are to be measured, it is then vital that a system is adopted that successfully records data relating to an individual animal and allows it to be transferred to the body responsible for genetic evaluation. The key to this success is an individual animal identification number.

The recorded animal identity must be unique to that animal. The approach taken in the EC is to have a two-character code for the country and then a numeric code for the individual that may incorporate geographic and herd information in addition to the animal number. Within Breeds Associations, a numbering system may be used allied to ear tags or tattoos. This may be in addition to the official governmental numbering system or it may be a stand alone system. Where both systems are in use then one numbering system must be agreed as the definitive identifier and used in all data collection, communications and evaluations concerning an animal. Where an official governmental identification system is in place, it is recommended that this identification system be the primary identifier for each animal.

The internationally accepted standard for an animal identity number is a maximum of 12 digits (including a check digit where used) together with the alphabetic ISO country code if the country of origin needs to be identified. Each newly born calf must be tagged with its unique identifier as close to birth as possible. Ideally this should be within 24 hours of birth but could be up to 30 days provided some temporary measure is taken to ensure its identity is not confused with cohorts. The animal’s identity number may be attached to it by, a tag, tattoo, sketch, photo, brand or electronic device. The preferred methods of attachments are those least likely to be confused or lost. Dual identification with a combination of methods or duplication of one method (for example two tags – one in each ear) are recommended for insurance.

Compared to the visible animal ID, a 3-digit ISO country code may replace the alpha country code for data storage and data transfer. In accordance with ISO 3166, the resulting number is composed of 15-digits where the first 3 digits represent the country of birth and the remaining 12 digits represent a unique number within the country of origin. Leading zeros are recommended to fill up to 12 digits. Animals that lose their identity must be re-identified, wherever possible using their original number If doubt over the identity exists then all possible efforts should be taken to determine the true identity. The use of DNA genotyping from known (or suspected) relatives should be considered.

For the purposes of performance recording it is essential that the records of calves that are born dead or, die shortly after birth are entered in the system. This can be done without identification of the dead calf if the relevant calving is seen as an event of the appropriate dam.

Cattle that move from one country to another or become parents to offspring in another country (through AI or ET) should continue to be identified using their original identity number (and name if appropriate).

In the case of imported animals, where the number has been changed, the official records should also show the original name and number. The original name and number must be reported on Export Certificates, AI catalogues and show and sale catalogues. The responsible organisation must maintain a data base that links the animal’s identity to its performance records and its parents identities. In the case of embryo transfer the genetic parents and the surrogate dam identities should all be recorded.

Parentage recording

Parentage recording is outlined in detail in section 1.2. of ICAR’s International Agreement on Recording Practices. Again. the following section only aims to provide a brief overview on this subject.

The identity of the animals served and the service sire must be recorded on the farm on the day of service for AI. For groups of cows bred by natural service the expected parents should be noted and confirmed or deleted at pregnancy diagnosis. The record must contain the identity numbers of the sire and dam including names where available, the breed or breed cross and the date of mating where AI is used or the natural mating was witnessed. If the mating was not witnessed a record of the period the dam and sire were kept together should be made. To verify the parentage record the cow served and the service bull must be properly identified and exist in or be entered on to the database. The gestation length, where it can be calculated should be within +/- 6% of the average gestation length for the breed of the service sire. The service bull must be verified by an AI record or evidence that the sire was on the farm on the day of service or, in the case of ET, a declaration by the supervising Veterinary Surgeon should be available in respect of the required information.

It is recommended that all mating details be notified to the database as soon as possible after the mating event. This will provide the basic information needed to evaluate a range of fertility traits and may help to identify fertility problems early. It is recommended that the mating details should be reported at least within sixty days after the mating. This will help to minimise errors in pedigree and provide useful fertility and gestation information.

Visual inspection or DNA analysis of the progeny may be carried out to confirm parentage.

Farms/Herds

The data collected for specific animals must relate to the birth herd, finishing herd, test station or abattoir in which it was collected. One animal may have data from a number of sources contributing to its performance record so the source must be acknowledged. Farms and herds must be uniquely identified by the organisation responsible for the data collection. This identification may use an existing Government or nationally recognised farm identification system or may be generated specifically for the purpose of data collection. Within farms or herds differential management of cohorts must be clearly identified. Differentiation may occur through deliberately different feeding regimes or through use of pastures with different herbage type and hence nutritional value. The herd or farm identification codes may be formulated to include geographical location in a country. This may provide the basis for improving the design of the contemporary groups to be used.