Torridge LEADER

After initial discussions in 1998, the project was kicked off in January 1999 when funding was approved with an allocation of a 40% grant from EAGGF and a 40% grant from MAFF. Members were expected to fund the remaining 20%. Electronic ear tags and ruminal boluses were chosen as the devices to be used and Shearwell Data Limited was asked to supply the hardware and software for the trial.
Twelve farms began the trial with a further three farms joining in the second phase. Dairy stock, beef cattle and sheep were all represented and the aim of this project was to: 'Trial a system of electronic identification of livestock that would allow farmers to improve the management of their businesses whilst complying with new legislation.'

Devices and Equipment Used

1. Readers - Both handheld reader and a race reader were trialled
2. Ruminal Bolus and electronic ear tags were trialled
3. A Handheld Stock Recorder was used for automatic data capture and/or manual input. This was linked to a reader and an electronic weigh head for accurate data collection.
4. TruTest load bars and weigh heads were used and stock weighed for varying reasons.

a. Dairy farmers weighed the heifers to ascertain when heifers had reached the correct weight to be AIed
b. Beef farmers weighed all stock to calculate weight gain - especially cattle due to go into the food chain
c. Sheep were weighed to not only ascertain weight gain, but also to weigh prior to selling for slaughter.

Software

1. FarmWorks Software - Software written By Shearwell Data Ltd was used and data collected on the Handheld Stock Recorder was uploaded to the program for greater analysis. Although the program did not cater for Dairy needs, all farmers were able to analyse weight gain. Beef members were able to use the program to assist their record keeping with regard to statutory requirements. Members could use the program as an aid to management.
2. Handheld Software - Members used the Handheld to record treatments, weights, calvings / lambings and TB Testing. The software also allowed comments to recorded against individual animals and parentage to be viewed.

Retention Rates

Ear tags were chosen by some as they were visible, because they could be the secondary tag and some members already had an in and out of parlour system in place.
The bolus was chosen as it was deemed to be more fraudproof and could be re-cycled.
One of the conclusions of the trial was 'The retention rates for the bolus device showed a significant improvement on the eartags, with no bolus being lost'.