EID Electronic Identification
FACT SHEET
1. What is EID
EID stands for Electronic Id entification by means of electronic transponders and electronic reading devices which energise the transponder which in tern transmitts its code to the reader.
2. Hand Held and Static Readers
There are basically two type of reader, Hand Helds - designed for you to walk around with (pocket sized - almost) and static readers designed to work with races. Static readers have bigger antenna and therefore a greater range, and operate with mains or a large battery. Hand helds are normally powered by a rechargable battery.
3. Unique Number
Each EID Transponder is manufactured with a unique number, which is 25 characters long. However only the last 16 is normally used, with the rest being '0'. Some hand held readers will display all 25 numbers, some only 16. A typical number would look like this
A0000000940000000067563
4. EIDS and Ear Tag Numbers
The EID number could be used to idnetify the animal on its own, however it would be incredibly difficult to write down such numbers and we humans may not remember them. Also we have already devised a system for tagging our sheep revolving around the flock number. We therefore have to link the EID to the Ear Tag Number (what is actually printed on the ear tags) in our computer systems. Some of the readers allow you to create this link by typing in the ear tag number against a read EID. This is then held in the readers memory and displayed when you read the animal again. The EIDs and ear tag numbers can then be downloaded from the reader to a computer or uploaded to the reader from the computer.
5. Tag Buckets
When you buy electronic ear tags printed with individual ear tag numbers, most tag manufacturers will provide you with a list of the ear tag numbers and associated EIDs. This is often refered to as the 'Tag Bucket' but in reality tends to be either an Excel spread sheet or Comma Separated Text File (.CSV).
6. Computer
Most of the readers are designed to communicate with your computer and come with there own basic software for loading tags and extracting data. Most farming software now support direct communication with at least one reader, but there is no standard and just because your softtware talk to one reader does not mean it will talk to another manufacturers reader.
7. Identification and More.
The basic aim of the EID reader is merely to read the EID, the more sophisticated readers however will also let you then type in other information for example, weights, lambing data or treatments. This however depends on the setup of the readers which themselves are programmable and the exact routines provided to you may vary. Some readers only allow you to enter numbers whilst others will allow you to enter letters as well.
8. Reading Range
The range of a hand held readers is relatively short i.e for example 20 - 30 cm max because of the limited size of their antennas. Static readers tend to have a larger range because they can accommodat larger antenna - but the exact range will depend on the model.
9. Bolus or Tag
The EID transponder is a small electronic device encapsulated in glass. It measures around 2cm long and is approximately 5mm in diameter. Whether in a tag or a bolus the device is the same. The bolus is normally ceramic with the transponder in the centre and comes in a variety of sizes. Tags look exactly the same as normal tags except they are a little thicker to accommodate the transponder.
10. Tag Loss
Tag loss in sheep will ultimatly depend on the design of the tag. EID has little effect on this, EID tag manufacturers have however made considerable improvements in the tag design with very good results. The idea that tagging lambs is a waste of time beause the tag will brake and come out is simply not true.
11. Bolus Loss
Bolus loss depends on the size of the bolus, however small sheep can not be bolused with large boluses. It is normal to bolus ewe-lambs at around18 months if using larger boluses. Bolus retention is around 98%. However bolused animals may be more difficult to read with a hand held device than ear tagged animals as you have to bend down and it an be awkward in a race.
12 Reader Costs
Hand held readers start from around £350 and go up, but you do not necessarily get more functionality for more money..
13. Tag Costs
Tags at present cost around 50p more than a normal tag.