FAQ About Our Microchips and Cattle Tags

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Q. What is RFID?

A. Radio Frequency Identification Device systems support herd management by providing rapid, error-free individual animal identification. Radio frequency identification devices are used for different animal identification as well as other applications. Different devices will have different applications and read distances according to the device size and scanner/reader antenna size chosen. Electronic Identification Devices (EID) is another term for RFID. Microchipping or "chipping" can also be used in reference to the microchip transponder implant that is placed under the skin. RFID used in livestock are generally passive devices. That means there are no batteries or moving parts to wear out or replace and therefore our livestock ear tags last the life of the animal.

Q. What is the AVID® microchip?

A. The AVID® microchip is a tiny computer chip which has an identification number programmed into it. The chip is encased in a smooth, strong biocompatible glass, and is small enough to fit into a hypodermic needle. Once an animal is injected with the chip, it can be identified throughout its life by this one-of-a-kind number. His identification cannot be lost, altered or intentionally removed. Avid manufactures the favorite Avid encrypted code microchip as well as the Euro, FECAVA and ISO code and USDA ISO code for livestock and fisheries use.

The microchip is generally injected under the skin and is totally inert. A special scanner is used to send a radio signal through the skin of the animal to read the chip. The animal feels nothing as the scanner is passed over him. Within milliseconds the microchip sends its number back to the scanner. It appears in the viewing window as, for example, AVID 220*609*321. Many species have specific injection sites. Livestock particularly will need to use recommended injection sites that will not end up in food.

The microchip is an excellent option for animals when an ear tag is not a good choice. The microchip is fast, easy and permanent and preferred over tattooing. The microchip is generally not a good option for cattle due to the speed of commerce in slaughter facilities since the area the microchip is in must be cut out and discarded. For cattle tags, choose the rumen bolus which remains in the rumen for the life of the animal or the RFID ear tag.

Q. How does the scanner work?

A. The AVID® scanner sends a safe radio wave signal to the electronic device (i.e. microchip, bolus or ear tag). When the device receives the signal, it sends unique ID number back to the scanner to be displayed in a viewing window. AVID® scanners emit helpful audible beeps, display descriptions of actions in progress, and have a low battery message. Small handheld scanners are held close to the implant site while scanning. They have a reading range of about 3-6 inches. Larger, more powerful scanners can be used for various commercial and research applications. Read ranges vary from 6 to 48 inches depending upon specifications.

Q. What is the bolus?

A. The Rumen Bolus can be used with large ruminant species such as cattle and sheep. It is not satisfactory for deer. It is a large "pill" similar to a magnet that is administered with a balling gun and remains in the rumen for the life of the animal. Like the other RFID devices, each bolus is one of a kind unique identification number. The bolus is often used in breeding stock and animals when dependable ID is important. Since the bolus is in the rumen, it is not visible and can be used to identify an animal for ownership when an ear tag is not available.

Q. Why use RFID ear tags?

A. RFID ear tags offer the ability to automate record keeping using a reader/scanner to send the ID number to electronic weight scale, sort gate, dairy equipment, computer or other device to utilize spread sheets, or management software, or saved to download later. By quickly reading and sending the unique ID number to the spread sheet or management software, the animal's ID can be instantly transferred saving labor time looking, reading and writing the number down. In addition to valuable time and labor, errors are eliminated in hand writing numbers and transposing numbers or illegibility. The official ear tags also meet state and federal animal ID requirements. The EZid tags provide HDX ISO reading capability along with unique tag design that provides maximum read distance performance and retention, and can be read by any reader that reads all ISO compliant tags.

Start tracking your horses and other livestock today with our advanced farm tags! Call 877-330-3943!