EID (Electronic
Identification) for Scottish Sheep
Forget negativity surrounding the
introduction of EID for Scottish sheep - there are
benefits to be gained from the installation of quality
tag readers at abattoirs and markets.
Speaking exclusively to The Scottish Farmer on
Wednesday, Robin Anderson, Managing Director of Wallets
Marts at Castle Douglas, said "There are many benefits
that could come out of a full EID system without
traceability. Flock records could be held on the
database which would mean that movement documents would
disappear completely."
"But, the be we of a full EID system is dependent on the
use of quality readers from suppliers who are able to
install systems fit for purpose under suitable
requirements," added Robin, who stressed that the real
urgency now fell on the Scottish government to pay for a
suitable database."
To date, Mr Anderson, like the majority of auctioneers
in Scotland, was sceptical as to how EID could operate
effectively as previous electronic tag readers had
proven far from impressive. However, the most recent -
an Aleis Vortex reader from Australia - had been
accurate. "When you're in a market situation, the real
worry is accuracy and throughput rate to make sure you
don't have to hold up a sale, but so far this reader has
performed way beyond our expectations both for accuracy
in reading the tags and throughput."
"We've had it here for the past two weeks and, although
sheep numbers have been relatively small, it has been
100% accurate without having to force the sheep
through."
The Aleis Vortex reader, the only one in Scotland and
indeed Europe at present, is developed from 20
years-plus experience in electronic tag reading in the
livestock industry in Australia. Aleis supplies 95% of
all renters in Australian abattoirs, and 98% of readers
to sales operators Down Under can supply 280 variations
of the equipment to suit individual needs, inside or
out.
If you have any questions or want
to enquire more about what would be best suited for your
requirements, please contact
us for more details.
