All Scottish cattle 'should be electronically tagged'

A consultation carried out by the devolved government in Scotland has recommended that all newborn cattle get electronic ear tags as part of a transition to electric identification (eID) and away from paper-based passports to improve traceability.

The recommendation – which comes after feedback was sought by farmers and the food industry last year – will help to ensure effective traceability of cattle in order to protect both animal and public health and also support the modernisation of supply chains.

All cattle born in the UK and the EU currently need to be uniquely identified with ear tags, but at the moment these do not have to be electronic. It is envisaged that a move to electronic tags, coupled with an online register for cattle births, deaths, and movements, would also help to improve on-farm management practices and automation. All told, 88 per cent of respondents to the consultation were in favour of a legal requirement to use electronic tags.

A pilot eID study using ultra-high frequency (UHF) tags has already been completed and demonstrated the feasibility of the proposal, and 73 per cent of respondents to the consultation said they were in favour of using UHF technology.

"Ministers recognise that the development and the introduction of new technologies will play an important role as we look to modernise the farming sector for a more sustainable future," said the Scottish government.

"Introducing electronic identification for cattle will contribute to the Scottish Government’s key priorities by improving traceability and management of cattle in Scotland, leading to a more efficient, healthy and productive national herd," it added.

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