Animal identification is a process done to identify and track specific animals. It is done for a variety of reasons including verification of ownership, biosecurity control, and tracking for research or agricultural purposes.

Proper identification of sheep and goats is essential for the maintenance of systematic farm records, feeding of required quantity of nutrients, better management practices, and individual care of the animals. It is also an essential requirement for the registration of pure-bred animals and to make selections of breeding stock and sale animals.

A number of systems can be used for identification. Some, such as stencils, are temporary and are meant to be used until more permanent methods are instituted; others, such as tattooing, are permanent.

Methods of Animal Identification

a. Tattoo

Animals can be tattooed on any part of their skin that can be seen but the ear is the may be used in leather production. Marking ears avoids damaging the skin which may be used in leather production. The process involves making a series of pierced marks through the ear rubbing in Indian ink. The equipment required is:

Lettering.
Indian ink.
Methylated spirits.
Tattooing pliers.
Records.

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Procedure

1. Place the letters of figures in the tattooing pliers and test on paper.

2. An assistant holds the animal in standing position.

3. Clean the ear of ax and dirt with methylated spirits.

4. Smear ink on the inside of the ear.

5. Line up pliers between ear blood vessels in middle of ear.

6. Squeeze pliers with quick firm movement to penetrate skin (assistant restraining the animal).

7. Remove the pliers and rub more ink into holes using a stiff brush.

b. Ear-tagging Procedure

1. Dip the tags and applicator in disinfectant.

2. Write the number on the tag before tagging.

3. Restrain the animal in standing position.

4. Clean ear with methylated spirits.

5. Clip tag into ear with applicator, avoiding ear veins.

6. The tag is best placed as near to the head as possible to reduce the chances of ripping.

c. Ear Notching

Many purebred breeders do not like to use ear notches because it detracts from the appearance of the animal. A simple system of notching that can be read and interpreted easily should be used.

For example, notches in the top of the left ear (1), bottom of the left ear (10), end of the left ear (100), centre of the left ear (1000), top of the right ear (3), bottom of the right ear (30), end of the right ear (300), and centre of the right ear (3000).

Procedure

• Hold the animal by the head and use a pair of ear notchers to remove a V-shaped piece of tissue from the edge of the ear to notch the correct numbers. Apply some antiseptic to the notches.

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Benefits of Animal Identification

Animal identification is a fundamental practice in modern livestock management, offering numerous benefits that enhance health management, breeding, marketability, regulatory compliance, and overall efficiency in farm operations.

Animal identification involves marking or tagging animals in a way that allows for individual recognition. This practice offers numerous benefits, particularly in the context of livestock management, breeding, disease control, and marketability. Here are the key benefits:

1. Health and Disease Management Benefits

a. Traceability: Effective animal identification enables quick tracing of individual animals, crucial during disease outbreaks. This facilitates swift isolation and treatment, reducing the spread of contagious diseases.

b. Vaccination and Treatment Records: Keeping accurate health records for each animal helps ensure timely vaccinations and treatments, improving overall herd health and productivity.

2. Breeding and Genetic Improvement Benefits

a. Pedigree Tracking: Identification helps in tracking the lineage of animals, which is essential for selective breeding programs aimed at improving desirable traits such as growth rate, milk production, and disease resistance.

b. Performance Monitoring: By monitoring the performance of individual animals, farmers can make informed breeding decisions to enhance herd genetics over time.

3. Management Efficiency Benefits

a. Record Keeping: Detailed records associated with individual animals, including birth date, weight, and reproductive history, allow for better management decisions and efficient resource allocation.

b. Inventory Control: Identification aids in maintaining accurate inventory records, helping farmers keep track of the number of animals and manage them more effectively.

4. Marketability and Value Addition Benefits

a. Certification and Traceability: Animals that can be traced back to their origin are more valuable in the market. Traceability is increasingly demanded by consumers who want assurance about the safety and quality of their food.

b. Product Differentiation: Farmers can use identification to highlight specific attributes of their animals, such as organic certification or breed-specific qualities, adding value to their products.

5. Legal and Regulatory Compliance Benefits

a. Regulatory Requirements: Many regions have legal requirements for animal identification as part of livestock movement and trade regulations. Compliance with these regulations helps avoid penalties and ensures smooth operation.

b. Ownership and Theft Prevention: Identification serves as proof of ownership, which is crucial for resolving disputes and preventing theft.

6. Welfare and Ethical Considerations Benefits

a. Individual Care: Identification enables farmers to provide individualized care to animals, ensuring that specific health and nutritional needs are met, thereby improving animal welfare.

b. Research and Development: Accurate identification is essential in research settings to track the results of different treatments and management practices, contributing to the advancement of agricultural practices.