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Animal identification

 

The Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise (IZS Teramo) offers a production and distribution service for animal identification systems. These include both visual systems (plastic ear tags) and electronic devices (ruminal boluses and electronic ear tags).

Ear tags are applied to the auricular pavilion of cattle and buffalo. Each tag carries an individual identification code that uniquely identifies the animal and links it to the holding code assigned by the local Veterinary Service to each facility, such as farms, assembly centres, genetic centres, markets or pastures.

As an alternative or in addition to conventional ear tags, electronic identification of cattle can be carried out using electronic ear tags, ruminal boluses, or injectable transponders. These devices contain a microchip that stores the animal's identification data, facilitating management and traceability throughout the production chain.

Some regional initiatives (for example, in the Lombardy Region) have also promoted the use of special ear tags for DNA sampling, which, during application, collect a sample of ear tissue. This sample can be stored in a DNA bank and used for future genetic analysis, ensuring even more accurate and secure traceability.

Conventional ear tags, two per animal, are made of flexible, tamper-proof plastic and remain clearly legible for the entire lifespan of the animal. They are non-reusable, must remain securely in place without harming the animal, and are coloured yellow or salmon red for animals registered in herd books. Each tag consists of two parts, male and female, both bearing the individual identification code on the visible surface.

Right and left ear tags must be applied to both ears, in a central position, in the space between the two visible veins of the ear, to minimise the risk of loss due to tearing or detachment. Farmers may choose the type and model of ear tag they prefer from those certified by suppliers authorised by the Ministry of Health, and must ensure proper application procedures using pliers suited to the selected ear tag type.

 

The service, provided for a fee by the Ear Tag Office of IZS Teramo, is primarily intended for farmers, local health authorities, and professional associations in the Abruzzo and Molise Regions, but is also available to farmers from other regions upon request. The Identification Systems Production Centre is listed in the official register of ear tag suppliers managed by the Italian Ministry of Health, pursuant to Presidential Decrees 317/96 and 437/2000, Ministerial Decree of 31 January 2002, and the Ministry of Health Circular of 28 July 2005.

The Ear Tag Production Centre ensures the supply of animal identification devices and works in synergy with the National Service Centre (CSN) and the National Animal Identification Database (BDN), forming an integrated part of the animal registry system. The BDN was designed, developed and has been managed by IZS Teramo since January 2002 on behalf of the Ministry of Health. In 2006, the European Commission formally recognised it as a fully operational system.

Today, the Institute serves as the central reference registry for all digital platforms, particularly those used in animal health management. Animal registries are essential tools for understanding the structure and characteristics of livestock populations. Within this framework, assessing the environmental impact of different types of production, monitoring animal movements and herd health status, are crucial steps to prevent epidemics, ensure the safety of food for both animals and humans, and maintain control throughout the production chain, from farm to fork.

The Institute aims to expand its international collaborations, offering consultancy services and technical expertise to support the digital management of animal identification systems in response to the demands of a globalised market.

The procedure for requesting animal identification devices is fully automated and can only be completed online at the following address: www.vetinfo.sanita.it

 

The client accesses the online system, either directly or through an authorised delegate (Veterinary Service, Professional Organisation, Farmers’ Association, etc.), and places a request for the required number of identification devices. The request is immediately reviewed and, where appropriate, validated by the competent local Veterinary Service. It is then forwarded to the National Animal Identification Database (BDN), which also acts as the national numbering authority.

The BDN assigns each requested device a unique identification number corresponding to an individual animal. The list of codes is then made available to the identification systems producer, freely selected by the client from among the suppliers authorised by the Ministry of Health.

Once the order is received from the BDN, the production centre fulfils the request, ships the devices directly to the client, and communicates the completion of the production to the BDN. For cattle and buffalo, the package includes a pre-printed identification slip, uniquely linked to each device delivered.

 
 

The request must be fulfilled within seven days of validation by the Veterinary Service. In the case of a replacement request for a lost or illegible identification device, the procedure is the same, except that a new unique code is not assigned, and the identification slip is not issued.

It is the farmer’s responsibility to apply the identification devices to the animal and to notify the Veterinary Service by submitting the corresponding identification slip.

The available types of devices are as follows:

  • Plastic ear tags for cattle and buffalo, yellow in colour (orange for animals registered in herd books)

  • Plastic ear tags for breeding sheep and goats

  • Electronic ear tags for sheep and goats

  • Ear tags bearing only the holding code, for lambs intended for slaughter

  • Ceramic electronic ruminal boluses in three sizes:

    • 20 grams (sheep only)

    • 50 grams (cattle, buffalo, and sheep)

    • 70 grams (cattle, buffalo, sheep, and goats)

The IZS Teramo Ear Tag Centre is currently applying to the Ministry of Health for authorisation to produce the following additional types of identification devices, which will be available soon:

  • Electronic ear tags for cattle and buffalo

  • Simplified identification ear tags for sheep and goats (green IGP “tip tag”)

  • Ear tags for DNA sampling in cattle

The identification kit also includes suitable tools for applying ruminal boluses (metal bolus applicators) and plastic ear tags (tagging pliers).

Price list – Identification systems for livestock  Download (37 KB)

 

For further information:
Ear Tag Production Centre, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale” – Teramo
Tel./Fax: +39 0861 332701