Implants

EID Implants

In conjunction with several trials around the country, Shearwell Data Ltd has been using the micro chip implants for over seven years. Initially the implant was used in the South West Sheep Management Group Trial as the only option for individually recording day old lambs. These trials have shown that any implant over the size of 12mm does not have a suitable retention rate, when placed in the fraud proof position discussed at the start of our trials with MLC, NFU MAFF and the Abattoir.

EID Implant Applicator & Microchips

When using a 18mm implant 15% losses were experienced. To achieve a read distance of 25cm (handheld read) and 80cm (static read) we would have to supply an HDX implant of which the smallest size is 25mm.

It is clear that if an implant is to be used as a stopgap for young lambs, the 11784/11785 could not be applied because of the read range of the transponders.

The 12mm implant should however be looked at as an alternative for very small lambs at birth. Later a ruminal bolus can be administered for automatic data capture. The read range of a 12mm implant with handheld reader is 6cm. The full ISO static readers available that we know of will not read these implants efficiently.

Conclusion

Implants are now no longer used in farm livestock. For identifying your livestock electronically we now supply electronic ear tags and bolus.