I've decided to switch the focus of my blog, based on the changes taking place over at SU.
I'm on holiday for a month so there won't be many updates for a while, I'll see you when I get back!
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Hands On
Had a chance to use this in the field. Fantastic. The FS2001F-ISO Reader is a versatile reader that can be used as a portable, handheld or stationary device.
It detects both 125 kHz and 134.2 kHz tags. The FS2001F-ISO Reader comes with your choice of a racket or tabletop antenna and is also capable of powering different antenna types including pass-through, flat plate and portable antennas allowing researchers to monitor specific locations of interest.
Up to 4400 tag codes including date and time information are stored in the reader memory. The system can be powered with AC or DC power. Reader settings can be user defined based on the specific application.
Use it to monitor nest sites, burrows, tree cavities, feeding stations, small streams and more!
FS2001F-ISO Reader Base Unit
Racket Antenna (17.5 cm/6.8 in ID Loop) OR Table Top Antenna
Biomark Carry Case/Backpack
Internal Battery Charger (AVT Model)
Communication Cable
2-Meter Antenna Cable
Test Tag 134.2 kHz (key chain)
Factory Operation Manual
Biomark Field Manual
Recent Product Sites:
http://www.biomark.com/RFID-readers.html
http://www.buyrfid.com/catalog/
www.elitetagsireland.com/sheeptags.html
It detects both 125 kHz and 134.2 kHz tags. The FS2001F-ISO Reader comes with your choice of a racket or tabletop antenna and is also capable of powering different antenna types including pass-through, flat plate and portable antennas allowing researchers to monitor specific locations of interest.
Up to 4400 tag codes including date and time information are stored in the reader memory. The system can be powered with AC or DC power. Reader settings can be user defined based on the specific application.
Use it to monitor nest sites, burrows, tree cavities, feeding stations, small streams and more!
FS2001F-ISO Reader Base Unit
Racket Antenna (17.5 cm/6.8 in ID Loop) OR Table Top Antenna
Biomark Carry Case/Backpack
Internal Battery Charger (AVT Model)
Communication Cable
2-Meter Antenna Cable
Test Tag 134.2 kHz (key chain)
Factory Operation Manual
Biomark Field Manual
Recent Product Sites:
http://www.biomark.com/RFID-readers.html
http://www.buyrfid.com/catalog/
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Questions Question Questions
I was asked this week again about why I promote EID in Dogs. To simplify things, let's look at the importance of having a regular everyday dog tag.
Importance of Having a Dog Tag
I cannot stress the extreme importantance of having a Dog ID Tag. For starters, every dog must have a dog tag by law. If they run away or escape and the dog warden catches them, they have 5 days to live. In this 5 days, if you do not collect your dog, it will be PTS !
At least with a dog tag, there is a chance that a wandering or lost dog can return home. Dog tags are an essential part of having a dog - even if you dog never leaves the house, you never know when it will accidentally escape when visitors come.
Dog tags make getting lost dogs home to you quicker and easier.
All implementing EID can do for is to speed this process up.
Importance of Having a Dog Tag
I cannot stress the extreme importantance of having a Dog ID Tag. For starters, every dog must have a dog tag by law. If they run away or escape and the dog warden catches them, they have 5 days to live. In this 5 days, if you do not collect your dog, it will be PTS !
At least with a dog tag, there is a chance that a wandering or lost dog can return home. Dog tags are an essential part of having a dog - even if you dog never leaves the house, you never know when it will accidentally escape when visitors come.
Dog tags make getting lost dogs home to you quicker and easier.
All implementing EID can do for is to speed this process up.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Tag Prices
The new EID tagging system being brought in for sheep will likely mean that the price for RFID chips will drop across the range. This means that our Dog, Horse and Cat identifiers will come down in price because of the high number of RFID chips being ordered by Irish farmers.
I've put together a table of some of the current prices quoted by tag suppliers for the farmers market as I called around.
QuickTag
Slaughter 18c
EID €1.30
Mulinahone
Slaughter 18c
EID €1.30
Applicator €22
EliteTags
Slaughter 15c
EID €1.19
Applicator €6.37
Agrihealth
Slaughter 34
EID 1.30
Ritchey Tag
Slaughter 25c
EID €1.33
At the moment it seems EliteTags ( http://elitetagsireland.com ) are out in front. We should hope for prices to continually drop and we'll soon see our dog tags costing as much as it would to have "Fido" printed on the front!!!
I've put together a table of some of the current prices quoted by tag suppliers for the farmers market as I called around.
QuickTag
Slaughter 18c
EID €1.30
Mulinahone
Slaughter 18c
EID €1.30
Applicator €22
EliteTags
Slaughter 15c
EID €1.19
Applicator €6.37
Agrihealth
Slaughter 34
EID 1.30
Ritchey Tag
Slaughter 25c
EID €1.33
At the moment it seems EliteTags ( http://elitetagsireland.com ) are out in front. We should hope for prices to continually drop and we'll soon see our dog tags costing as much as it would to have "Fido" printed on the front!!!
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Ireland Slow On The Uptake Over EID
While electronic identification (EID) tagging officially became law at the end of last year, it did not actually come into effect until 14 May 2010, when the official numbers system was implemented.
Tag companies believe they've been kept in the dark.
The rules state that lambs born since the beginning of this year that are kept for breeding will have to be EID tagged. Unlike Northern Ireland, EID will be gradually phased in.
There are three options for replacing lost tags. Where one tag is lost, a farmer can order a new tag (EID or conventional) displaying the same number. Alternatively a farmer can order a new set of tags (EID and conventional) and correlate the new numbers with the old number in the flock register.
Thirdly, if an animal moves off their birth holding and identity is lost, they should receive double red tags.
These animals must go direct to slaughter when moved off the farm, as identity for birth of origin and traceability is lost.
Electronic readers do not need to be purchased. All tags will have all details of the numbering system printed on one side of the tag.
The other side can be used for manual recording of additional information.
Existing dispatch dockets can continue to be used, although the Department has said new documents will come later in the year.
These will include declarations for the new food chain information programme. In short, this means that farmers will have to declare that animals have passed withdrawal dates, etc, before being slaughtered.
At a farm walk earlier this year, Department officials said that farmers will be required to notify their local district veterinary office of farm-to-farm movements after a certain date in 2010.
Companies supplying new electronic tags, conventional tags, slaughter tags and boluses will all be demonstrating their tag range at Sheep 2010.
Farmers will have a first-hand chance to research the full range of tags on the market, and examine what type of tag best suits their system. In addition, a number of tag companies will also be trading tag readers. While there is no requirement for farmers to purchase readers under the new regulations, those interested can also see what services readers on the market can provide.
All sheep destined for export must be double-tagged with an EID and conventional tag or receive a ruminal bolus. Lambs can be purchased for live export and upgraded to EID status by the exporter, who can insert a new set of tags and reconcile the new number to the original number in their flock register.
FarmersJournal.ie
Tag companies believe they've been kept in the dark.
The rules state that lambs born since the beginning of this year that are kept for breeding will have to be EID tagged. Unlike Northern Ireland, EID will be gradually phased in.
There are three options for replacing lost tags. Where one tag is lost, a farmer can order a new tag (EID or conventional) displaying the same number. Alternatively a farmer can order a new set of tags (EID and conventional) and correlate the new numbers with the old number in the flock register.
Thirdly, if an animal moves off their birth holding and identity is lost, they should receive double red tags.
These animals must go direct to slaughter when moved off the farm, as identity for birth of origin and traceability is lost.
Electronic readers do not need to be purchased. All tags will have all details of the numbering system printed on one side of the tag.
The other side can be used for manual recording of additional information.
Existing dispatch dockets can continue to be used, although the Department has said new documents will come later in the year.
These will include declarations for the new food chain information programme. In short, this means that farmers will have to declare that animals have passed withdrawal dates, etc, before being slaughtered.
At a farm walk earlier this year, Department officials said that farmers will be required to notify their local district veterinary office of farm-to-farm movements after a certain date in 2010.
Companies supplying new electronic tags, conventional tags, slaughter tags and boluses will all be demonstrating their tag range at Sheep 2010.
Farmers will have a first-hand chance to research the full range of tags on the market, and examine what type of tag best suits their system. In addition, a number of tag companies will also be trading tag readers. While there is no requirement for farmers to purchase readers under the new regulations, those interested can also see what services readers on the market can provide.
All sheep destined for export must be double-tagged with an EID and conventional tag or receive a ruminal bolus. Lambs can be purchased for live export and upgraded to EID status by the exporter, who can insert a new set of tags and reconcile the new number to the original number in their flock register.
FarmersJournal.ie
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
MEP's want to delay electronic sheep-tagging
IRISH farmers have welcomed efforts by the European Parliament to postpone the compulsory electronic tagging of sheep and goats, on the basis that it would cause excessive costs to farmers in a time of economic crisis
MEPs have voted in favour of deferring the measure which was imposed by the European Commission at the start of this year.
The Irish Farmers Association has consistently opposed compulsory electronic tagging, or EID as it is known, insisting that Ireland already has an effective individual sheep tagging system. An IFA spokesperson said EID will give nothing to farmers "other than additional costs, bureaucracy and red tape".
Independent MEP Marian Harkin, who also warmly welcomed the move, said the Parliament has called for an amnesty of three years on compliance penalties related to compulsory sheep tagging.
"We also want the commission to carry out a thorough review of the regulation, given that it is a complex technology and will require some time for farmers to get used to," she added.
The Irish Farmers Association has consistently opposed compulsory electronic tagging, or EID as it is known, insisting that Ireland already has an effective individual sheep tagging system. An IFA spokesperson said EID will give nothing to farmers "other than additional costs, bureaucracy and red tape".
Independent MEP Marian Harkin, who also warmly welcomed the move, said the Parliament has called for an amnesty of three years on compliance penalties related to compulsory sheep tagging.
"We also want the commission to carry out a thorough review of the regulation, given that it is a complex technology and will require some time for farmers to get used to," she added.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Northern Ireland EID
The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has reminded sheep producers that from Tuesday of this week, June 1, the movement rules for sheep changed. From that date, all sheep being moved off their registered holding must be tagged with an electronic (EID) tag.
This includes movements to shows and exports, and applies both to lambs born this year and older sheep, whose tags must be upgraded to EID before they move.
A movement document must be completed each time sheep are moved, but if the sheep are moving to a market or meat plant approved as a Central Point of Recording (CPR), tag numbers do not need to be recorded. The CPR will provide the keeper with a list of tag numbers, which he/she must retain with their copy of the movement document.
When buying sheep at a market a movement document, containing tag numbers for all sheep in the consignment, will be issued to the keeper. It is the keeper's responsibility to cross-reference all movement documents, for movements on and off their holding, in their flock register. To ensure that traceability is maintained, it is important that accurate records are kept. In the event of being selected for a cross-compliance inspection, keepers will be required to present CPR tag lists, movement documents and flock registers for checking.
It is also the responsibility of the keeper to check the accuracy of documents given to them by a CPR and, if necessary, to seek correction if they are incomplete or inaccurate. If the CPR cannot resolve the query, keepers should contact their DARD Regional Office to notify them of the discrepancy.
In anticipation of the changes, DARD and a number of local livestock markets are teaming up to provide training and demonstrations to help keepers comply with the new rules. Further details of these events can be found on the DARD website at www.dardni.gov.uk/news-dard-pa107-a-10-sheep-eid-get.
The introduction of sheep EID is an EU obligation under Council Regulation 21/2004 and requires the individual identity of sheep and goats born after 31 December 2009 to be recorded when they are moved. In order to allow this to be achieved for sheep, the Regulation requires them to be identified with an EID device and a conventional tag.
Although the Council Regulation is directly applicable here, the Sheep and Goats (Records, Identification and Movement) Order (NI) 2009 SR No. 411 defines offences, penalties, derogations and some additional provisions necessary to implement the Regulation here.
The objective is to make it easier to trace individual animals, especially in a serious disease outbreak situation, such as Foot and Mouth Disease.
Animals presently on farm have to be upgraded to the new identification system from 1 June 2010, but only when they move off the holding.
This includes movements to shows and exports, and applies both to lambs born this year and older sheep, whose tags must be upgraded to EID before they move.
A movement document must be completed each time sheep are moved, but if the sheep are moving to a market or meat plant approved as a Central Point of Recording (CPR), tag numbers do not need to be recorded. The CPR will provide the keeper with a list of tag numbers, which he/she must retain with their copy of the movement document.
When buying sheep at a market a movement document, containing tag numbers for all sheep in the consignment, will be issued to the keeper. It is the keeper's responsibility to cross-reference all movement documents, for movements on and off their holding, in their flock register. To ensure that traceability is maintained, it is important that accurate records are kept. In the event of being selected for a cross-compliance inspection, keepers will be required to present CPR tag lists, movement documents and flock registers for checking.
It is also the responsibility of the keeper to check the accuracy of documents given to them by a CPR and, if necessary, to seek correction if they are incomplete or inaccurate. If the CPR cannot resolve the query, keepers should contact their DARD Regional Office to notify them of the discrepancy.
In anticipation of the changes, DARD and a number of local livestock markets are teaming up to provide training and demonstrations to help keepers comply with the new rules. Further details of these events can be found on the DARD website at www.dardni.gov.uk/news-dard-pa107-a-10-sheep-eid-get.
The introduction of sheep EID is an EU obligation under Council Regulation 21/2004 and requires the individual identity of sheep and goats born after 31 December 2009 to be recorded when they are moved. In order to allow this to be achieved for sheep, the Regulation requires them to be identified with an EID device and a conventional tag.
Although the Council Regulation is directly applicable here, the Sheep and Goats (Records, Identification and Movement) Order (NI) 2009 SR No. 411 defines offences, penalties, derogations and some additional provisions necessary to implement the Regulation here.
The objective is to make it easier to trace individual animals, especially in a serious disease outbreak situation, such as Foot and Mouth Disease.
Animals presently on farm have to be upgraded to the new identification system from 1 June 2010, but only when they move off the holding.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Serial Sheep Stealer?...
This follows a story in Donegal of a group of three young people who captured and tortured a sheep. While the two were sentence in court, one fled the district. Could this be a case of repetitive compulsion? Not for the faint of heart.
| THURSDAY, 03 JUNE 2010 | |
THE Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (DSPCA) is appealing to members of the public for information on two lambs that they rescued from unusual locations in the Liberties. The two lambs were abandoned on the night of Monday, May 24. One of them broke its leg after it had been cruelly flung over a 14-foot wall into a derelict building. The second was found by gardaí attached to Kevin Street wandering the streets and was rescued by members of the DSPCA. Christened ‘Sooty’ and ‘Sweep’, as they are black and white in colour, both lambs are currently recovering at the DSPCA sanctuary in Rathfarnham. They are estimated to be between 12 and 16 weeks’ old and both have had identification collars ripped from their ears. According to Orla Aungier, operations director: “Sweep, who had been thrown into the derelict building, had to have his leg pinned by the vet as it was badly broken, but he is recovering well. “They are delightful creatures. What would possess somebody to steal these lambs from a farm, rip their identification tags from their ears and fling them over a 14-foot wall? “Abusing animals in such a manner is utterly depraved, and as we have warned time and time again, it is the kind of behaviour that is often an indicator crime of a dark, menacing personality that is likely to continue abusing – moving from animal abuse to child or domestic abuse.” Ms Aungier said the DSPCA has been working with the gardai over the past number of years in establishing how a cycle of abuse can be identified. “The lambs have their owner’s initials ‘PH’ painted onto their coats but because the tags were ripped from their ears we have no way of locating him,” Ms Aungier added. “We are calling on members of the public to advise us if they recognise this mark.” The DSPCA is Ireland’s oldest animal welfare organisation and it is celebrating 170 years at the heart of animal welfare this year. |
Thursday, April 29, 2010
EU moves toward new rules on animal welfare
EU has no plans to lift its ban on imports of US chickens that have been washed with chlorine
Bridges Weekly Trade News Digest • 28th April 2010
EU moves toward new rules on animal welfare
The EU is starting to consider new rules on animal welfare that could have significant impacts on its trading partners.
The European Commissioner for health and consumer affairs, John Dalli of Malta, who took up his post in February, told The New York Times in an interview this week that he plans to introduce draft legislation to eliminate loopholes that allow some cosmetics companies to test their products on animals. He hopes to forbid such products from being sold in Europe unless the companies halt the testing before the end of 2012, he said.
More broadly, Dalli intends to propose new legislation on animal welfare “by early 2012″ in the hope that the reforms could be implemented in conjunction with changes to European farm policy that will take effect after 2013, the commissioner said in a speech in Ireland earlier this month.
“Our EU animal health legislation is now a vast body of legal texts - some 60 basic acts on trade, disease control, animal identification and so forth. The new law will simplify the current complex legal structure by replacing it with a streamlined framework,” Dalli told a conference on animal health on 12 April.
The European Commission has already held public consultations to gauge citizens’ thoughts on reforming the EU’s animal welfare laws. The more than 150 submissions that have been received have made it clear “that a high level of animal health remains essential,” Dalli said.
The European Union has long been known for its stringent health and safety standards for food and other products. Dalli hinted that he sympathises with such an approach.
“Careful analysis and consideration of convergence [with international standards] is necessary - but the EU should retain a higher level of protection of public health and animal health where this is justified,” he said in his speech.
In The New York Times interview, Dalli also signalled that the EU has no plans to lift bans on imports of US chicken that has been washed with chlorine or imports of US beef that has been treated with hormones. The two embargos have long irritated US exporters.
But Dalli does not always toe the traditionally strict European line on all of the issues that fall under his authority. He caused some eyebrows to raise in March — just a month after he took up his post — when his office approved the use of a genetically modified potato in Europe (for industrial purposes only, however).
“I do not believe in telling consumers what they should eat or buy, but I firmly believe we have a duty to let them know what they are eating or buying,” Dalli told the Irish conference.
Bridges Weekly Trade News Digest • 28th April 2010
EU moves toward new rules on animal welfare
The EU is starting to consider new rules on animal welfare that could have significant impacts on its trading partners.
The European Commissioner for health and consumer affairs, John Dalli of Malta, who took up his post in February, told The New York Times in an interview this week that he plans to introduce draft legislation to eliminate loopholes that allow some cosmetics companies to test their products on animals. He hopes to forbid such products from being sold in Europe unless the companies halt the testing before the end of 2012, he said.
More broadly, Dalli intends to propose new legislation on animal welfare “by early 2012″ in the hope that the reforms could be implemented in conjunction with changes to European farm policy that will take effect after 2013, the commissioner said in a speech in Ireland earlier this month.
“Our EU animal health legislation is now a vast body of legal texts - some 60 basic acts on trade, disease control, animal identification and so forth. The new law will simplify the current complex legal structure by replacing it with a streamlined framework,” Dalli told a conference on animal health on 12 April.
The European Commission has already held public consultations to gauge citizens’ thoughts on reforming the EU’s animal welfare laws. The more than 150 submissions that have been received have made it clear “that a high level of animal health remains essential,” Dalli said.
The European Union has long been known for its stringent health and safety standards for food and other products. Dalli hinted that he sympathises with such an approach.
“Careful analysis and consideration of convergence [with international standards] is necessary - but the EU should retain a higher level of protection of public health and animal health where this is justified,” he said in his speech.
In The New York Times interview, Dalli also signalled that the EU has no plans to lift bans on imports of US chicken that has been washed with chlorine or imports of US beef that has been treated with hormones. The two embargos have long irritated US exporters.
But Dalli does not always toe the traditionally strict European line on all of the issues that fall under his authority. He caused some eyebrows to raise in March — just a month after he took up his post — when his office approved the use of a genetically modified potato in Europe (for industrial purposes only, however).
“I do not believe in telling consumers what they should eat or buy, but I firmly believe we have a duty to let them know what they are eating or buying,” Dalli told the Irish conference.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Shearing time should be tagging time
When you have your sheep in position to shear, to slip on the new EID ear tag takes a couple of seconds. As all sheep must be shorn this means that all sheep can be easily tagged.
This leaves the question why was there so much fuss and media coverage over the new ear tags for a year before they were introduced.
Either the farm organizations were just flexing a bit of muscle or more likely they do not have a bloody clue.
If the lambs are not thriving, grass quality could be a problem? Increasing pre and post-grazing heights as the season progresses means lambs won't have to graze unpalatable grass, and helps prevent any setback in performance.
with warm, humid weather conditions and rainfall providing ideal conditions for it.
These lambs need to receive a slaughter tag (only accepted for animals going directly for slaughter to the factory) or a permanent/conventional tag in their left ear before leaving the holding.
This is basically the same as the old system, and will suffice for lambs sold in marts and factories and farm-to-farm movements.
Animals born after 1 January 2010 and retained indefinitely for breeding need to be double-tagged by nine months of age, with an EID and a permanent tag. If lambs destined for breeding are sold before nine months of age, they do not need to be double-tagged.
The farmer who purchases these lambs, with one conventional tag, has the option to upgrade to EID status if a decision is made to retain these lambs for breeding.
Lambs destined for the live export market must also receive both an EID tag and a conventional tag. But these lambs do not need to be double-tagged before being sold, as the exporter can upgrade these lambs to EID status by inserting a new set of tags and reconciling the new number to the original flock number in their flock register. Sheep born before 1 January 2010 do not need electronic tags.
This leaves the question why was there so much fuss and media coverage over the new ear tags for a year before they were introduced.
Either the farm organizations were just flexing a bit of muscle or more likely they do not have a bloody clue.
If the lambs are not thriving, grass quality could be a problem? Increasing pre and post-grazing heights as the season progresses means lambs won't have to graze unpalatable grass, and helps prevent any setback in performance.
with warm, humid weather conditions and rainfall providing ideal conditions for it.
These lambs need to receive a slaughter tag (only accepted for animals going directly for slaughter to the factory) or a permanent/conventional tag in their left ear before leaving the holding.
This is basically the same as the old system, and will suffice for lambs sold in marts and factories and farm-to-farm movements.
Animals born after 1 January 2010 and retained indefinitely for breeding need to be double-tagged by nine months of age, with an EID and a permanent tag. If lambs destined for breeding are sold before nine months of age, they do not need to be double-tagged.
The farmer who purchases these lambs, with one conventional tag, has the option to upgrade to EID status if a decision is made to retain these lambs for breeding.
Lambs destined for the live export market must also receive both an EID tag and a conventional tag. But these lambs do not need to be double-tagged before being sold, as the exporter can upgrade these lambs to EID status by inserting a new set of tags and reconciling the new number to the original flock number in their flock register. Sheep born before 1 January 2010 do not need electronic tags.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Two Inishowen men jailed for cruelty to sheep
Two Inishowen men have been have been sentenced to two months detention for their part in an act of cruelty to a sheep last year.
20 Year-old Mark Fair from Fahan and 19 year-old Shaun McLaughlin from Ballinarry, Buncrana pleaded guilty to cruelty charges in court yesterday.
The court heard that Fair and McLaughlin were among a group of nine that hatched a plan while out drinking to steal a sheep and set it loose on the streets on Buncrana in the early hours of April 29th last year.
The horned ewe was stolen from a field and stuffed into the boot of a car and driven 15km, the journey from Leenan to Buncrana included the steep Mamore Gap.
The driver of the vehicle, who fled the jurisdiction, is said to have performed burn-outs and other stunts to create smoke from the tires under the boot.
Vet Anne Scott told the court when she arrived at the scene at 3.45am the ewe was in a state of shock and appeared terrified – she said she had to put it down.
20 Year-old Mark Fair from Fahan and 19 year-old Shaun McLaughlin from Ballinarry, Buncrana pleaded guilty to cruelty charges in court yesterday.
The court heard that Fair and McLaughlin were among a group of nine that hatched a plan while out drinking to steal a sheep and set it loose on the streets on Buncrana in the early hours of April 29th last year.
The horned ewe was stolen from a field and stuffed into the boot of a car and driven 15km, the journey from Leenan to Buncrana included the steep Mamore Gap.
The driver of the vehicle, who fled the jurisdiction, is said to have performed burn-outs and other stunts to create smoke from the tires under the boot.
Vet Anne Scott told the court when she arrived at the scene at 3.45am the ewe was in a state of shock and appeared terrified – she said she had to put it down.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Citizens Information
Don't forget to check the Citizens Information site RE Dog identification.
http://www.citizensinformation.ie/categories/environment/animal-welfare-and-control/control_of_dogs
http://www.citizensinformation.ie/categories/environment/animal-welfare-and-control/control_of_dogs
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Dog ID
I forgot to mention in my email to Paul last week about this website, gives you all the details you'll need to know RE offences and has a few contact numbers as well.
Who is responsible for the control of dogs?
The Control of Dogs Acts 1986 and 1992 place statutory responsibility for dog control and licensing services on local authorities. Under these Acts, local authorities – 29 County Councils and 5 City Councils – have power to appoint dog wardens, to provide shelters for stray and other dogs, to impose on-the-spot fines for a number of offences and to take court prosecutions. Local authorities may make bye-laws also in relation to the control of dogs within their functional areas. These bye-laws could, for example, specify areas where dogs must be kept on a leash or even prohibited. Your local authority will be able to inform you of the bye-laws that apply in your area.
Local authorities may operate their own dog control services or make arrangements with the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA).
By law all dogs must be kept under effective control – owners may be held liable for any injury or damage caused if their dog attacks a person or livestock. The law requires also that all dogs be licensed and there are penalties for non-compliance. There are some exemptions from the licensing requirements, for example, dogs used in official duties by the Gardai, Defence Forces, Custom & Excise Service, etc.
Dog Licences
If you have a dog over 4 months old, you must have a licence for it. A licence can be issued only to someone over 16 years of age. A dog licence costs €12.70 and is valid for 1 year from the date of issue of the licence – it can be bought at any post office.
A general dog licence is a licence allowing a person to keep an unspecified number of dogs at one designated premises. These licences are sold by your local authority.
If you do not have a licence for your dog, you are liable to a €30 “on-the-spot” fine. Failure to pay this fine can lead to a prosecution with a maximum fine of €1,269.74 and/or up to 3 months imprisonment if convicted.
Dog Fouling
Section 22 of the Litter Pollution Act 1997 makes it an offence for the person in charge of a dog not to clean up when their dog fouls in a public place. Please act responsibly - clean up after your dog and dispose of the dirt in a suitable sanitary manner; use a paper bag. Dog dirt is a health hazard and some day your child might be affected by someone else’s failure to ‘do the right thing’. Train your dog to “go at home” in the garden. Failure to clean up your dog’s waste can lead to a €150 “on-the-spot” fine or on summary conviction to a fine of up to €3,000.
Dog Identification
The Control of Dogs Regulations 1998 (Statutory Instrument No. 442 of 1998) require the owner or other person in charge of a dog to ensure that at all times, the dog wears a collar having the name and address of the owner on an attached plate, badge or disc.The regulations contain penalties for non-compliance with this requirement or for defacing or rendering illegible the above particulars.
While the law does not require an owner to micro-chip their dog at present, it is a good means to ensure that if your dog goes astray, when found it can be reunited with you/its owner quickly. If a person has a good relationship with a dog that becomes lost, micro-chipping the animal should help to lessen the ‘ grief ‘by aiding the pet’s recovery. It’s a once-off procedure, the chip is about the size of a grain of rice and is secure and permanent. Chips can vary in quality - talk to a vet, to someone who has undergone a recognised training course or to the ISPCA. The necessary back-up data or ‘paperwork’ must be done also.
What powers do dog wardens have?
The powers of dogs wardens include the power to request the name and address of a person where there are reasonable grounds for believing the person is committing, or has committed, an offence under the dog control legislation; to seize and detain any dog and to enter any premises (other than a dwelling), for the purpose of such seizure or detention. It is an offence to impede or obstruct a dog warden in carrying out his/her duties.
What can I do about barking dogs?
Excessive barking which causes a nuisance to any person is an offence. In a good-neighbourly manner, let the dog’s owner know how the barking affects you. They may not have realised what was happening. If that approach fails, a complaint about excessive barking should be made to the District Court. To do this, you must first inform the dog owner in writing using a prescribed form, which can be obtained from your local authority.
Rules relating to certain breeds of dog
The Control of Dogs Regulations 1998 place controls on 10 breeds of dogs namely the American Pit Bull Terrier; English Bull Terrier; Staffordshire Bull Terrier; Bull Mastiff; Doberman Pinscher; German Shepherd (Alsatian); Rhodesian Ridgeback; Rottweiler; Japanese Akita; Japanese Tosa and to every dog of the type commonly known as a Ban Dog (or Bandog).
The controls, which must be observed when the dog is in a public place, require that these dogs, or strains and crosses thereof, must be kept on a strong short lead [only up to 2 metres long] by a person over 16 years of age who is capable of controlling them. The dog/s must be securely muzzled too. Furthermore, the Control of Dogs Act 1986 gives specific powers to the courts to order that a dog, which the court considers dangerous, must be kept under proper control or be destroyed.
Spaying/neutering a dog
For various reasons, dogs and pups are put to sleep every year. In some instances this occurs because a female dog breeds without its owner intending this to happen. To help reduce unwanted breeding, act responsibly and have your dog spayed or neutered. Talk to your vet or to the Irish Blue Cross or to the ISPCA.
What dog control statistics are available?
The following are the most recent statistics available.
Table A - Number of dog wardens employed
Table C - Dog licences issued
Table F - Stray and unwanted dogs
Table I - Enforcement of all provisions
Some of the statistics are available in the Publications and Documents box on the right of the screen. Additional dog control statistics are available in the publications area of the website.
Management of Dog Breeding Establishments Reports
These reports are available in the Publications and Documents box at the right of this screen.
How can I contact the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals?
Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA),
Derryglogher Lodge,
Keenagh,
Co. Longford.
Tel.: +353 (0)43 25035;
Fax.: +353 (0)43 25024;
Email: infor@ispca.ie
How can I contact The Irish Blue Cross?
The Irish Blue Cross,
Animal Welfare Charity,
15A Goldenbridge Industrial Estate,
Tyrconnell Road,
Inchicore,
Dublin 8
Tel: +353 1 4163030;
Fax: +353 1 4163035
Email: info@bluecross.ie
Who is responsible for the control of dogs?
The Control of Dogs Acts 1986 and 1992 place statutory responsibility for dog control and licensing services on local authorities. Under these Acts, local authorities – 29 County Councils and 5 City Councils – have power to appoint dog wardens, to provide shelters for stray and other dogs, to impose on-the-spot fines for a number of offences and to take court prosecutions. Local authorities may make bye-laws also in relation to the control of dogs within their functional areas. These bye-laws could, for example, specify areas where dogs must be kept on a leash or even prohibited. Your local authority will be able to inform you of the bye-laws that apply in your area.
Local authorities may operate their own dog control services or make arrangements with the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA).
By law all dogs must be kept under effective control – owners may be held liable for any injury or damage caused if their dog attacks a person or livestock. The law requires also that all dogs be licensed and there are penalties for non-compliance. There are some exemptions from the licensing requirements, for example, dogs used in official duties by the Gardai, Defence Forces, Custom & Excise Service, etc.
Dog Licences
If you have a dog over 4 months old, you must have a licence for it. A licence can be issued only to someone over 16 years of age. A dog licence costs €12.70 and is valid for 1 year from the date of issue of the licence – it can be bought at any post office.
A general dog licence is a licence allowing a person to keep an unspecified number of dogs at one designated premises. These licences are sold by your local authority.
If you do not have a licence for your dog, you are liable to a €30 “on-the-spot” fine. Failure to pay this fine can lead to a prosecution with a maximum fine of €1,269.74 and/or up to 3 months imprisonment if convicted.
Dog Fouling
Section 22 of the Litter Pollution Act 1997 makes it an offence for the person in charge of a dog not to clean up when their dog fouls in a public place. Please act responsibly - clean up after your dog and dispose of the dirt in a suitable sanitary manner; use a paper bag. Dog dirt is a health hazard and some day your child might be affected by someone else’s failure to ‘do the right thing’. Train your dog to “go at home” in the garden. Failure to clean up your dog’s waste can lead to a €150 “on-the-spot” fine or on summary conviction to a fine of up to €3,000.
Dog Identification
The Control of Dogs Regulations 1998 (Statutory Instrument No. 442 of 1998) require the owner or other person in charge of a dog to ensure that at all times, the dog wears a collar having the name and address of the owner on an attached plate, badge or disc.The regulations contain penalties for non-compliance with this requirement or for defacing or rendering illegible the above particulars.
While the law does not require an owner to micro-chip their dog at present, it is a good means to ensure that if your dog goes astray, when found it can be reunited with you/its owner quickly. If a person has a good relationship with a dog that becomes lost, micro-chipping the animal should help to lessen the ‘ grief ‘by aiding the pet’s recovery. It’s a once-off procedure, the chip is about the size of a grain of rice and is secure and permanent. Chips can vary in quality - talk to a vet, to someone who has undergone a recognised training course or to the ISPCA. The necessary back-up data or ‘paperwork’ must be done also.
What powers do dog wardens have?
The powers of dogs wardens include the power to request the name and address of a person where there are reasonable grounds for believing the person is committing, or has committed, an offence under the dog control legislation; to seize and detain any dog and to enter any premises (other than a dwelling), for the purpose of such seizure or detention. It is an offence to impede or obstruct a dog warden in carrying out his/her duties.
What can I do about barking dogs?
Excessive barking which causes a nuisance to any person is an offence. In a good-neighbourly manner, let the dog’s owner know how the barking affects you. They may not have realised what was happening. If that approach fails, a complaint about excessive barking should be made to the District Court. To do this, you must first inform the dog owner in writing using a prescribed form, which can be obtained from your local authority.
Rules relating to certain breeds of dog
The Control of Dogs Regulations 1998 place controls on 10 breeds of dogs namely the American Pit Bull Terrier; English Bull Terrier; Staffordshire Bull Terrier; Bull Mastiff; Doberman Pinscher; German Shepherd (Alsatian); Rhodesian Ridgeback; Rottweiler; Japanese Akita; Japanese Tosa and to every dog of the type commonly known as a Ban Dog (or Bandog).
The controls, which must be observed when the dog is in a public place, require that these dogs, or strains and crosses thereof, must be kept on a strong short lead [only up to 2 metres long] by a person over 16 years of age who is capable of controlling them. The dog/s must be securely muzzled too. Furthermore, the Control of Dogs Act 1986 gives specific powers to the courts to order that a dog, which the court considers dangerous, must be kept under proper control or be destroyed.
Spaying/neutering a dog
For various reasons, dogs and pups are put to sleep every year. In some instances this occurs because a female dog breeds without its owner intending this to happen. To help reduce unwanted breeding, act responsibly and have your dog spayed or neutered. Talk to your vet or to the Irish Blue Cross or to the ISPCA.
What dog control statistics are available?
The following are the most recent statistics available.
Table A - Number of dog wardens employed
Table C - Dog licences issued
Table F - Stray and unwanted dogs
Table I - Enforcement of all provisions
Some of the statistics are available in the Publications and Documents box on the right of the screen. Additional dog control statistics are available in the publications area of the website.
Management of Dog Breeding Establishments Reports
These reports are available in the Publications and Documents box at the right of this screen.
How can I contact the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals?
Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA),
Derryglogher Lodge,
Keenagh,
Co. Longford.
Tel.: +353 (0)43 25035;
Fax.: +353 (0)43 25024;
Email: infor@ispca.ie
How can I contact The Irish Blue Cross?
The Irish Blue Cross,
Animal Welfare Charity,
15A Goldenbridge Industrial Estate,
Tyrconnell Road,
Inchicore,
Dublin 8
Tel: +353 1 4163030;
Fax: +353 1 4163035
Email: info@bluecross.ie
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Bolus RFID Chips
Teagasc lists info on Bolus RFID Tags
Electronic Animal Identification
Rumen boluses
Background
Implantable electronic transponders offer a reliable, tamper proof system of individual animal identification (Lambooij 1991, Konerman 1991, Pirklemann et al. 1991). The outcome from a number of studies (Fallon and Rogers 1992, Hasker et al. 1992, Conill et al. 1996) indicated that injectable transponders placed in the ear beneath the scutellar cartilage (C site) achieved the lowest failure rates. Implantation at the C site in a number of studies gave 100% retention and reading rate (Fallon and Rogers 1999). However, this site had one very serious disadvantage: recovery at slaughter was unpredictable. In calves implanted at 1 to 2 months of age, 35/112 transponders (31%) remained in the head when the ear was removed post slaughter at 22 months of age (Caja et al., 1997). Similar results were obtained in an English and in a German study with calves (A. Sains, personal communication). Due to the possibility of a transponder which could not be recovered at slaughter subsequently entering the food chain, it was considered impractical and unwise to proceed with an animal identification system based on transponders implanted subcutaneously or intramuscularly. Hanton (1981) showed that it was possible to electronically identify cattle using an active (internal power source) rumen electronic transponder which was administered via the oral route. Hanton's bolus was approximately 8cm long and 1.5cm in diameter. It had a specific density of 2.0 and was administered to the animal with a bolus gun similar to that commonly used for cattle. This bolus was successfully administered orally to newborn calves in the first 3 days of life.
Rumen boluses development
Rumen boluses have been used as vehicles to deliver various products directly into the rumen on a slow release basis (Allen et al. 1983). The products included trace elements, growth promoters, anthelmintics and antibiotics. This development of the rumen boluses used to electronically identify cattle incorporated the previous knowledge gained from the use of such therapeutic boluses in the rumen.
Rumen bolus - trace elements: Soluble-glass boluses administered selenium (Se) intraruminally, by balling gun, have been used to increase whole blood glutathione peroxidase concentrations in cattle (Hemingway 1999, Henry et al. 1995, Hidiroglou et al.1987, Maas et al. 1994 and Millar et al. 1988). Similarly copper (Cu) was administered to ruminants using sustained-release rumen boluses (Allen et al. 1986, Givens et al. 1988 and Parkins et al. 1994). Cylindrical rumen boluses (55mm length x 18 mm diameter with a density of 2.9 g cm3) suitable for ruminating calves over 75 kg liveweight were used to supply trace elements and vitamin (Hemingway et al. 1997). Investigations in Edinburgh used a soluble glass bolus to provide a slow release of Cu or cobalt (Co) into the rumen (Allen et al. 1986). Other studies have investigated the acid base reaction of cements in the construction of rumen boluses used to supply Cu, Co and Se (Manston et al. 1985).
Rumen bolus - growth promotors: Capsules (boluses) were used to provide slow release of an ionophoer, monensin, used to modify rumen fermentation (Micol et al. 1987, Tudor et al. 1980 and Watson and Laby 1978). The monensin capsule consisted of a metal cylinder within which was a matrix containing the monensin. A spring driver plunger pushed the matrix through an orifice (Watson and Laby 1978). The total core length was approximately 11 cm. The rate of plunger travel was independent of the concentration of monensin in the matrix over the range examined (12.5 to 50.0%). Thus, by choosing the appropriate combination of orifice size and matrix composition, the capsule can be designed to reliably release monensin at a given rate for a predetermined period so as to obtain maximum advantage from the use of the drug. The monensin delivery device was also described as a core assembled into a metal cylinder and secured by means of an adhesive filling the annular space between the matrix core and the interior wall of the cylinder. Either plastic snap-on end-caps with perforations or a plastic shell with perforated ends were applied to the metal cylinder to provide protection to the exposed flat faces of the cylindrical core matrix (Watson and Laby 1978).
Rumen bolus - dispensors: A slow release rumen capsule or bolus containing pluronics was used to control bloat in grazing cattle (Langlands and Holmes 1975). A sustained-release rumen bolus containing tetrachlovinphos was used against musca autamnalis (Riner et al. 1981).
A study (Riner et al. 1982) was conducted to determine the relationship between density of the bolus and location in the forestomachs and the influence of these factors on bolus erosion. Boluses with densities of 1.2, 1.4, 1.6, 1.8, 2.0, 2.2, and 2.4 g/cm3 were produced from inert materials and administered to 6 fistulated Hereford heifers. A minimum density of 1.6 g/cm3 was required to prevent regurgitation from the ruminoreticulum and a minimum of 2.0 g/cm3 required for retention in the reticulum.
Boluses containing hexacyanoferrates were developed to effectively bind radioactive caesium thereby preventing its uptake by animal tissue in cattle grazing pasture after the Chernobyl accident (Hove 1993, Ratniknov et al. 1998).
Electronic rumen bolus
Previous studies have shown that an injectable transponder at the ear base site in cattle was a reliable method of animal identification. However with the injectable transponder it was possible that it might not be removed at slaughter and could therefore enter the food chain (Fallon and Rogers 1999). Based on these findings it was decided to seek alternatives to the injectable transponders, and that the rumen was an appropriate location for an electronic identification transponder. The electronic industry in addition to incorporating existing technology into developing a rumen bolus also developed a transponder specific to the rumen.
Ceramic Bolus
The various ceramic boluses commercially available adopted a technology whereby an injectable transponder was encased in a ceramic cylinder. The ceramic case produced the necessary size and density to ensure that the bolus was retained in the rumen/reticulum. Caja et al. (1999) reported that zero porosity and atoxic ceramic material (alumina, Al203) of high specific weight (>3.3 g/cm3) was used to produce a bolus for enclosing different types of glass encapsulated transponders (Caja and Vilaseca 1996, Caja et al. 1997). Shape (cylindrical, with truncated edges in the extremes) and features (external diameter, 20 mm; length, 66 mm; weight, 65 g) of the bolus were designed in order to make its oral administration to young and adult animals possible and to ensure its permanent retention in the fore-stomach of sheep, goats and cattle. A drill hole of 7 x 45 mm in the center of one of the bases made sufficient room for enclosing different types of glass encapsulated transponders. The boluses were sealed with epoxy resin (MP Super, Ceys S.A., Barcelona, Spain). Final weight of sealed boluses was > 67 g. The ceramic cylinder was encapsulated with a plastic coat.
Similarly, Ferri et al. (2000) reported on a bolus for bovines (66 mm long, 20 mm in diameter, weight 63 g and density of 3.6 g/cm3) where the ceramic material is used to shield the transponder (Figure 2). The ceramic vane for transponder is made by a dry powder (alumina - A1203 - 96%) cold pressed and then fired at 1580°C for 10 hours, while the transponder is a commercially available product of Texas Instruments Inc. (TIRIS, reading rate of 120 msec).
Figure 2. Exploded schematic drawing of ceramic bolus (courtesy of Innoceramics).
Monolithic Bolus
In the United States in co-operation with AVID ID Systems, EZ.ID is co-developed a new monolithic bolus and it was introduced as the EZ.ID rumen bolus in 2001. Under a joint development agreement with the bolus manufacturer Du Pont specialists developed a special heavyweight grade of Hytrel and provided assistance in mold design and processing techniques. The monolithic (overmolded) rumen bolus weights 72 grams and is 68.5 mm long with a diameter of 21.5 mm.
Steel Weighted Bolus
In the Netherlands Nedap Agri developed a weighed electronic bolus specifically for use in the rumen (Figure 3). The main feature is a glass cylinder containing the electronic components. The passive radio frequency identification (RFID) tag is integrated in a glass capsule to protect it against penetration of rumen fluids. To withstand damage the glass capsule is integrated in a plastic protective casing with damping material. (Figure 3) A stainless steel weight attached to the electronic rumen bolus is positioned eccentrically to enable swift submersion through the rumen surface.
The electronic life number is also visibly printed on the bolus. This enables easy identification and recording before application without the necessity of a RFID reader. Also, it provides a back-up in the slaughter process, in the unlikely event of the radio frequency identification part in the bolus being defective.
Figure 3. Schematic drawing of steel weighted bolus (courtesy of Nedap Agri)
Readers
There are basically two types of readers used which are either the static or portable type. The static readers would be located in facilities with a large throughput of livestock such as livestock marts, abattoirs, feedlots or cattle export premises. The static reader would automatically read the animal as it passed through the reading field. The electronic ID would be stored and downloaded into a data base containing an information file relating to that animal. The portable reader would operate on farms and the electronic identity of the animal would be linked to a veterinary inspection or other management procedures.
Bolus administration
In respect to ruminating cattle more than 100 kg liveweight the administration procedure is similar to that used to insert anthelminthic boluses i.e. administer orally by the use of an oesophygeal balling gun which delivers the bolus directly into the top of the gullet. The bolus should be inserted into the applicator as directed. The applicator should be inserted from the front (not sides) of the mouth and over the back of the tongue, with no more than gentle firm pressure. As the animal begins to swallow the end of the gun, the passage down the throat becomes easier. The applicator is now in position for firing. The trigger is squeezed to eject the bolus. Normal care should be taken not to cause any injury by placing the applicator too far inside the throat of the animal. Ensure that each animal has swallowed the bolus by observing the animal for a short time after dosing.
In the European Community there is a legislative requirement for all bovine animals to be officially identified within 4 weeks of birth. This would necessitate the insertion of the bolus at a time prior to full development of the rumen/reticulum. In respect to young calves > 2 weeks of age a different approach is required. Caja et al. (1999) reported that the application of a rumen bolus was
possible in milk fed calves (> 30 kg). Stimulation of the involuntary deglutition reflex by placing the bolus in the oropharynx seems to be a key practice for safe application in young animals (Caja et al. 1999). The same authors also reported some difficulties with swallowing with four milk-fed calves (4.1%) in the first week of life. In these cases the bolus descent was helped by a downwards massage on the throat and neck or the bolus was retrieved by upwards massage and the application delayed for 1 week. No injuries or accidents were produced to the animals during the application of the new ceramic boluses used. Analogous results were reported by Hasker and Bassingthwaighte (1996) with ceramic capsules of similar dimensions but lower weight (60 x 20 mm. 40 g) in cattle.
Muller (1998) concluded that the procedure of administering electronic boluses to neonatal calves should aim at introducing the device directly into the ruminoreticular compartment in order to prevent oesophygeal obstruction or passage of the bolus to the abomasum. An applicator was developed for use with the steel weighted bolus that allows administration of electronic boluses directly into the ruminoreticular compartment of neonatal calves (Figure 4). The dimensions of the applicator are based on those of oesophygeal tubes that are well known by farmers for years. The latter devices are used to administer colostrum or electrolyte solutions to neonatal calves. These conclusions are supported by the proposal (Muller 1998) that a technique that is suitable for oral administration of electronic boluses has to aim at introducing the devices into the forestomach compartment (reticulorumen) but not into the abomasum of the newborn calf. Foreign bodies present in the lumen of the abomasum of calves have been shown to cause severe harm by irritating the mucous membranes by occluding the omasal or abomasal or pyloric orifice (Welchman and Baust 1987). In contrast to these findings, hardly any complications have been described concerning boluses or magnets that have been deposited into the reticulum of adult cattle.
In order to introduce the bolus into the reticulorumen compartment, closure of the reticular groove has to be circumvented. Previous studies have shown that capsules with a diameter of 6 mm and a length of 31.6 mm reach the reticulum if no liquids are consumed during administration (Muller 1998). In contrast, the capsules passed through the oesophygeal groove to the omasum when at the same time the animals were allowed to drink milk. Although these findings show that it is more likely that the bolus would reach the reticulum when administered by hand, there still remains a certain risk that contraction of the oesophygeal groove could result in deposition of the bolus in the omasum or even in the abomasum. Bolus guns (length 24 cm) are used to administer therapeutics to ruminating calves (Figure 4). These bolus guns have to be inserted into the mouth as far as the pharyngeal region to stimulate the reflex of swallowing. By this means chewing or rejection of the bolus is prevented. When bolus guns are used to administer the boluses to neonatal calves it is possible that the electronic bolus, due to its dimensions, could be retained in the oesophygeal lumen (Muller 1998). This assumption is supported by observations from previous studies in which it was possible on several occasions to palpate the bolus in the cervical part of the oesophygus after it was administered using a balling gun. The bolus present in the oesophygeal lumen forms a continuing stimulus for oesophygeal contractions. Spasmodic contractions of the oesophygus at the site of the bolus could result in oesophygeal obstruction (Muller 1998). In addition, the bolus lying in the oesophygeal lumen could pass through the oesophygeal groove to the abomasum at the moment when liquid foodstuffs are consumed. Using bolus guns to administer therapeutics in calves can cause severe problems. Anderson and Barrett (1983) describe severe lesions of the pharyngeal region as well as perforations of the oesophygus caused by excessive force used during oral administration of boluses by means of balling guns.
Figure 4. Examples of long and short bolus applicators.
The technique using a long bolus applicator analogous to an oesophygeal tube will deposit the bolus directly into the rumen/reticulum and elimate thus the risk of the bolus causing blockage of the oesophygus. The long bolus applicator (Figure 3) is 90 cm in length. In autumn 2000 and 2001, the long bolus applicators were successfully used to deposit boluses in the rumen/reticulum of 220 Friesian calves with a mean liveweight of 50 kg (range 36 to 67 kg) without any difficulty (Fallon unpublished). The ability to deposit the rumen bolus directly into the rumen/reticulum using a specially designed applicator is an important development as concern has been expressed with regard to boluses administration to 8 day old calves. A number of calf deaths were directly attributed to the bolus being retained within the oesophagus and other deaths due to damage to the oesophygeal wall which caused infection and death. In all instances it appears the bolus gun had a short range and deposited the bolus at the beginning of the oesophygus. In contrast the long bolus applicator delivers the bolus directly into the rumen/reticulum.
Electronic Animal Identification
Rumen boluses
Background
Implantable electronic transponders offer a reliable, tamper proof system of individual animal identification (Lambooij 1991, Konerman 1991, Pirklemann et al. 1991). The outcome from a number of studies (Fallon and Rogers 1992, Hasker et al. 1992, Conill et al. 1996) indicated that injectable transponders placed in the ear beneath the scutellar cartilage (C site) achieved the lowest failure rates. Implantation at the C site in a number of studies gave 100% retention and reading rate (Fallon and Rogers 1999). However, this site had one very serious disadvantage: recovery at slaughter was unpredictable. In calves implanted at 1 to 2 months of age, 35/112 transponders (31%) remained in the head when the ear was removed post slaughter at 22 months of age (Caja et al., 1997). Similar results were obtained in an English and in a German study with calves (A. Sains, personal communication). Due to the possibility of a transponder which could not be recovered at slaughter subsequently entering the food chain, it was considered impractical and unwise to proceed with an animal identification system based on transponders implanted subcutaneously or intramuscularly. Hanton (1981) showed that it was possible to electronically identify cattle using an active (internal power source) rumen electronic transponder which was administered via the oral route. Hanton's bolus was approximately 8cm long and 1.5cm in diameter. It had a specific density of 2.0 and was administered to the animal with a bolus gun similar to that commonly used for cattle. This bolus was successfully administered orally to newborn calves in the first 3 days of life.
Rumen boluses development
Rumen boluses have been used as vehicles to deliver various products directly into the rumen on a slow release basis (Allen et al. 1983). The products included trace elements, growth promoters, anthelmintics and antibiotics. This development of the rumen boluses used to electronically identify cattle incorporated the previous knowledge gained from the use of such therapeutic boluses in the rumen.
Rumen bolus - trace elements: Soluble-glass boluses administered selenium (Se) intraruminally, by balling gun, have been used to increase whole blood glutathione peroxidase concentrations in cattle (Hemingway 1999, Henry et al. 1995, Hidiroglou et al.1987, Maas et al. 1994 and Millar et al. 1988). Similarly copper (Cu) was administered to ruminants using sustained-release rumen boluses (Allen et al. 1986, Givens et al. 1988 and Parkins et al. 1994). Cylindrical rumen boluses (55mm length x 18 mm diameter with a density of 2.9 g cm3) suitable for ruminating calves over 75 kg liveweight were used to supply trace elements and vitamin (Hemingway et al. 1997). Investigations in Edinburgh used a soluble glass bolus to provide a slow release of Cu or cobalt (Co) into the rumen (Allen et al. 1986). Other studies have investigated the acid base reaction of cements in the construction of rumen boluses used to supply Cu, Co and Se (Manston et al. 1985).
Rumen bolus - growth promotors: Capsules (boluses) were used to provide slow release of an ionophoer, monensin, used to modify rumen fermentation (Micol et al. 1987, Tudor et al. 1980 and Watson and Laby 1978). The monensin capsule consisted of a metal cylinder within which was a matrix containing the monensin. A spring driver plunger pushed the matrix through an orifice (Watson and Laby 1978). The total core length was approximately 11 cm. The rate of plunger travel was independent of the concentration of monensin in the matrix over the range examined (12.5 to 50.0%). Thus, by choosing the appropriate combination of orifice size and matrix composition, the capsule can be designed to reliably release monensin at a given rate for a predetermined period so as to obtain maximum advantage from the use of the drug. The monensin delivery device was also described as a core assembled into a metal cylinder and secured by means of an adhesive filling the annular space between the matrix core and the interior wall of the cylinder. Either plastic snap-on end-caps with perforations or a plastic shell with perforated ends were applied to the metal cylinder to provide protection to the exposed flat faces of the cylindrical core matrix (Watson and Laby 1978).
Rumen bolus - dispensors: A slow release rumen capsule or bolus containing pluronics was used to control bloat in grazing cattle (Langlands and Holmes 1975). A sustained-release rumen bolus containing tetrachlovinphos was used against musca autamnalis (Riner et al. 1981).
A study (Riner et al. 1982) was conducted to determine the relationship between density of the bolus and location in the forestomachs and the influence of these factors on bolus erosion. Boluses with densities of 1.2, 1.4, 1.6, 1.8, 2.0, 2.2, and 2.4 g/cm3 were produced from inert materials and administered to 6 fistulated Hereford heifers. A minimum density of 1.6 g/cm3 was required to prevent regurgitation from the ruminoreticulum and a minimum of 2.0 g/cm3 required for retention in the reticulum.
Boluses containing hexacyanoferrates were developed to effectively bind radioactive caesium thereby preventing its uptake by animal tissue in cattle grazing pasture after the Chernobyl accident (Hove 1993, Ratniknov et al. 1998).
Electronic rumen bolus
Previous studies have shown that an injectable transponder at the ear base site in cattle was a reliable method of animal identification. However with the injectable transponder it was possible that it might not be removed at slaughter and could therefore enter the food chain (Fallon and Rogers 1999). Based on these findings it was decided to seek alternatives to the injectable transponders, and that the rumen was an appropriate location for an electronic identification transponder. The electronic industry in addition to incorporating existing technology into developing a rumen bolus also developed a transponder specific to the rumen.
Ceramic Bolus
The various ceramic boluses commercially available adopted a technology whereby an injectable transponder was encased in a ceramic cylinder. The ceramic case produced the necessary size and density to ensure that the bolus was retained in the rumen/reticulum. Caja et al. (1999) reported that zero porosity and atoxic ceramic material (alumina, Al203) of high specific weight (>3.3 g/cm3) was used to produce a bolus for enclosing different types of glass encapsulated transponders (Caja and Vilaseca 1996, Caja et al. 1997). Shape (cylindrical, with truncated edges in the extremes) and features (external diameter, 20 mm; length, 66 mm; weight, 65 g) of the bolus were designed in order to make its oral administration to young and adult animals possible and to ensure its permanent retention in the fore-stomach of sheep, goats and cattle. A drill hole of 7 x 45 mm in the center of one of the bases made sufficient room for enclosing different types of glass encapsulated transponders. The boluses were sealed with epoxy resin (MP Super, Ceys S.A., Barcelona, Spain). Final weight of sealed boluses was > 67 g. The ceramic cylinder was encapsulated with a plastic coat.
Similarly, Ferri et al. (2000) reported on a bolus for bovines (66 mm long, 20 mm in diameter, weight 63 g and density of 3.6 g/cm3) where the ceramic material is used to shield the transponder (Figure 2). The ceramic vane for transponder is made by a dry powder (alumina - A1203 - 96%) cold pressed and then fired at 1580°C for 10 hours, while the transponder is a commercially available product of Texas Instruments Inc. (TIRIS, reading rate of 120 msec).
Figure 2. Exploded schematic drawing of ceramic bolus (courtesy of Innoceramics).
Monolithic Bolus
In the United States in co-operation with AVID ID Systems, EZ.ID is co-developed a new monolithic bolus and it was introduced as the EZ.ID rumen bolus in 2001. Under a joint development agreement with the bolus manufacturer Du Pont specialists developed a special heavyweight grade of Hytrel and provided assistance in mold design and processing techniques. The monolithic (overmolded) rumen bolus weights 72 grams and is 68.5 mm long with a diameter of 21.5 mm.
Steel Weighted Bolus
In the Netherlands Nedap Agri developed a weighed electronic bolus specifically for use in the rumen (Figure 3). The main feature is a glass cylinder containing the electronic components. The passive radio frequency identification (RFID) tag is integrated in a glass capsule to protect it against penetration of rumen fluids. To withstand damage the glass capsule is integrated in a plastic protective casing with damping material. (Figure 3) A stainless steel weight attached to the electronic rumen bolus is positioned eccentrically to enable swift submersion through the rumen surface.
The electronic life number is also visibly printed on the bolus. This enables easy identification and recording before application without the necessity of a RFID reader. Also, it provides a back-up in the slaughter process, in the unlikely event of the radio frequency identification part in the bolus being defective.
Figure 3. Schematic drawing of steel weighted bolus (courtesy of Nedap Agri)
Readers
There are basically two types of readers used which are either the static or portable type. The static readers would be located in facilities with a large throughput of livestock such as livestock marts, abattoirs, feedlots or cattle export premises. The static reader would automatically read the animal as it passed through the reading field. The electronic ID would be stored and downloaded into a data base containing an information file relating to that animal. The portable reader would operate on farms and the electronic identity of the animal would be linked to a veterinary inspection or other management procedures.
Bolus administration
In respect to ruminating cattle more than 100 kg liveweight the administration procedure is similar to that used to insert anthelminthic boluses i.e. administer orally by the use of an oesophygeal balling gun which delivers the bolus directly into the top of the gullet. The bolus should be inserted into the applicator as directed. The applicator should be inserted from the front (not sides) of the mouth and over the back of the tongue, with no more than gentle firm pressure. As the animal begins to swallow the end of the gun, the passage down the throat becomes easier. The applicator is now in position for firing. The trigger is squeezed to eject the bolus. Normal care should be taken not to cause any injury by placing the applicator too far inside the throat of the animal. Ensure that each animal has swallowed the bolus by observing the animal for a short time after dosing.
In the European Community there is a legislative requirement for all bovine animals to be officially identified within 4 weeks of birth. This would necessitate the insertion of the bolus at a time prior to full development of the rumen/reticulum. In respect to young calves > 2 weeks of age a different approach is required. Caja et al. (1999) reported that the application of a rumen bolus was
possible in milk fed calves (> 30 kg). Stimulation of the involuntary deglutition reflex by placing the bolus in the oropharynx seems to be a key practice for safe application in young animals (Caja et al. 1999). The same authors also reported some difficulties with swallowing with four milk-fed calves (4.1%) in the first week of life. In these cases the bolus descent was helped by a downwards massage on the throat and neck or the bolus was retrieved by upwards massage and the application delayed for 1 week. No injuries or accidents were produced to the animals during the application of the new ceramic boluses used. Analogous results were reported by Hasker and Bassingthwaighte (1996) with ceramic capsules of similar dimensions but lower weight (60 x 20 mm. 40 g) in cattle.
Muller (1998) concluded that the procedure of administering electronic boluses to neonatal calves should aim at introducing the device directly into the ruminoreticular compartment in order to prevent oesophygeal obstruction or passage of the bolus to the abomasum. An applicator was developed for use with the steel weighted bolus that allows administration of electronic boluses directly into the ruminoreticular compartment of neonatal calves (Figure 4). The dimensions of the applicator are based on those of oesophygeal tubes that are well known by farmers for years. The latter devices are used to administer colostrum or electrolyte solutions to neonatal calves. These conclusions are supported by the proposal (Muller 1998) that a technique that is suitable for oral administration of electronic boluses has to aim at introducing the devices into the forestomach compartment (reticulorumen) but not into the abomasum of the newborn calf. Foreign bodies present in the lumen of the abomasum of calves have been shown to cause severe harm by irritating the mucous membranes by occluding the omasal or abomasal or pyloric orifice (Welchman and Baust 1987). In contrast to these findings, hardly any complications have been described concerning boluses or magnets that have been deposited into the reticulum of adult cattle.
In order to introduce the bolus into the reticulorumen compartment, closure of the reticular groove has to be circumvented. Previous studies have shown that capsules with a diameter of 6 mm and a length of 31.6 mm reach the reticulum if no liquids are consumed during administration (Muller 1998). In contrast, the capsules passed through the oesophygeal groove to the omasum when at the same time the animals were allowed to drink milk. Although these findings show that it is more likely that the bolus would reach the reticulum when administered by hand, there still remains a certain risk that contraction of the oesophygeal groove could result in deposition of the bolus in the omasum or even in the abomasum. Bolus guns (length 24 cm) are used to administer therapeutics to ruminating calves (Figure 4). These bolus guns have to be inserted into the mouth as far as the pharyngeal region to stimulate the reflex of swallowing. By this means chewing or rejection of the bolus is prevented. When bolus guns are used to administer the boluses to neonatal calves it is possible that the electronic bolus, due to its dimensions, could be retained in the oesophygeal lumen (Muller 1998). This assumption is supported by observations from previous studies in which it was possible on several occasions to palpate the bolus in the cervical part of the oesophygus after it was administered using a balling gun. The bolus present in the oesophygeal lumen forms a continuing stimulus for oesophygeal contractions. Spasmodic contractions of the oesophygus at the site of the bolus could result in oesophygeal obstruction (Muller 1998). In addition, the bolus lying in the oesophygeal lumen could pass through the oesophygeal groove to the abomasum at the moment when liquid foodstuffs are consumed. Using bolus guns to administer therapeutics in calves can cause severe problems. Anderson and Barrett (1983) describe severe lesions of the pharyngeal region as well as perforations of the oesophygus caused by excessive force used during oral administration of boluses by means of balling guns.
Figure 4. Examples of long and short bolus applicators.
The technique using a long bolus applicator analogous to an oesophygeal tube will deposit the bolus directly into the rumen/reticulum and elimate thus the risk of the bolus causing blockage of the oesophygus. The long bolus applicator (Figure 3) is 90 cm in length. In autumn 2000 and 2001, the long bolus applicators were successfully used to deposit boluses in the rumen/reticulum of 220 Friesian calves with a mean liveweight of 50 kg (range 36 to 67 kg) without any difficulty (Fallon unpublished). The ability to deposit the rumen bolus directly into the rumen/reticulum using a specially designed applicator is an important development as concern has been expressed with regard to boluses administration to 8 day old calves. A number of calf deaths were directly attributed to the bolus being retained within the oesophagus and other deaths due to damage to the oesophygeal wall which caused infection and death. In all instances it appears the bolus gun had a short range and deposited the bolus at the beginning of the oesophygus. In contrast the long bolus applicator delivers the bolus directly into the rumen/reticulum.
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