September 12, 2006

 

Radio frequency tags replace barcode tags in Canada

 

 

The second generation of cattle tags, the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags becomes the standard, bar code tags, introduced six years ago are now being phased out in Canada

 

Bar code tags have been pulled off the market since July 2005, now only RFID tags are sold.

 

The Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA) has extended their enforcement deadline to January 2008 when bar code tags would no longer be acceptable when shipping cattle.

 

Previously, even as RFID tags were available, bar code tags were considered more cost effective and became the industry standard. However, results of a 2003 review identified tag retention as an issue and it was recommended industry move to RFID tags.

 

RFID tags contain information accessible through radio frequency readers. Since producers cannot read the tag with the naked eye, most insert another tag for their own management purposes.

 

Danielle Cuthbertson, communications co-ordinator for B.C. Cattlemen's Association, said RFID tags have better retention and provide more accurate and trace-back information. Moreover, it can be read without a line of sight whereas for bar code tags, a close up wand was needed. Bar codes also tend to wear out after three or four years, making it increasingly hard to read.

 

The government is providing financial assistance to help defray the cost to those in the industry who needs handheld readers. These include commercial livestock truckers, feedlots, community pastures, slaughter and processing plants, but not producers.

 

However, the government in British Columbia has moved to reimburse the producer for at least part of the costs during the transition to RFID tags.

 

The industry is still trying to come to terms with the cost of implementing tagging and studies are being done to see where the costs have been passed to.

 

Besides, purchasing tags, costs for replacements and missing tags must also be taken into account. The labour costs and the time it takes to read the tags should also be taken into account, producers said.

 

CCIA recently began a programme where producers can register the birthday of their calves born 2005 or later into a database, making tracking animals and verifying age easier. With foreign markets limiting the age of imported cattle and beef products, such measures have become more critical than ever, the CCIA said.