EID handheld reader

Need:

• Recording/collecting/analysing health data is time-consuming/recording tags health issues, including withdrawal period
• Combining of individual health data and all other data
• Lambing records/ewe performance
• Identification of the young ewes
• Monitoring the reproduction (tool to identify ewes for insemination/tupping dates/)/Ram health monitoring/fertility testing
• Recognising and/or weighing your sheep automatically
• Performance recording (growth rates, slaughter data etc.)
• Added value of digital technologies (cost, use of technologies at some periods).

Aim:

To identify animals automatically, record data and upload to database

Description:

EID handheld reader/wand can be used to scan any animal which has an EID tag. Once identified, the device can be used to input data e.g. weight, body condition score. Readers can wirelessly connect with your weigh scale indicator using Bluetooth technology. Depending on the wand/reader more information can be input e.g. medical treatment, litter size, breeding information, lambing difficulty etc. Basic wands will only scan and record EID tags and session number, but more advanced readers are customisable for recording multiple types of data. The data is uploaded to a software package i.e. data base which can be viewed, compiled and reports generated.

How to implement:

The wand/reader must be positioned near the animal’s EID tag to identify the animals. Data can then be recorded, saved and uploaded to the software package.

Expected benefits:

• Performance and health recording
• Parentage and litter size recording
• Facilitates selecting replacements
• Can record animal movement on/off farm

Prerequisites and/or limits:

• Animals must be EID tagged
• Needs a flock software package
• Requires training

Cost / Benefit Analysis

Social, environmental and welfare assessments: –