RFID animal identification is playing an increasingly important role in livestock management and animal traceability.

It allows for the quick reading of an electronic identifier and links the animal to useful information: movements, weigh-ins, treatments, batches, or sorting operations.

For a distributor, cooperative, or livestock organization, however, the choice of an RFID solution should not be limited to the tag. The entire system must be taken into account: transponder, reader, compatibility, regulations, and real-world use.

How does an RFID loop work?

RFID stands for "Radio Frequency Identification."

A transponder embedded in the loop contains an identification number. When a compatible reader is brought near it, the reader queries the transponder and retrieves that number without direct contact.

The tag does not necessarily replace the information system. It provides the identifier used to retrieve or record data associated with the animal.

Depending on the setup, reading can be performed using:

  • a portable player;
  • a fixed antenna;
  • a weighing system;
  • sorting equipment;
  • an automated livestock management system.

What is the difference between visual and electronic identification?

Visual identification allows the user to directly read a number, a color, or a marking.

Electronic identification allows a device to automatically read the number stored in the transponder.

The two solutions are complementary. The visual component facilitates human oversight, while RFID speeds up data collection and transmission.

In some countries and for certain species, identification procedures are governed by regulations. In France, sheep and goats must be identified with an electronic ear tag in the left ear and a conventional ear tag in the right ear.

However, the rules must be verified for each species and each region.

What are the benefits of RFID in livestock farming?

Faster reading

The number can be read without having to clean or precisely align the visual marking.

A decrease in manual data entry

Electronic reading reduces the need to re-enter numbers and makes it easier to transfer them to software or connected devices.

Improved traceability

Each reading can be associated with an operation, a date, a batch, or a service call.

Integration with livestock equipment

RFID can be used with weighing, sorting, feeding, or recording systems.

More Precise Herd Management

Individual identification makes it easier to track animals and make use of the available data.

Why is certification important?

An RFID solution must ensure reliable reading and sufficient compatibility with commercially available equipment.

ICAR lists and certifies animal identification devices that comply with ISO 11784 and 11785. Its procedures may include testing for compliance, performance, composition, and environmental resistance.

For both the distributor and the user, this certification serves as an important verification tool. However, it does not eliminate the need to evaluate the loop’s actual performance, its retention rate, and its compatibility with the readers being used.

How to Choose an RFID Solution?

Before selecting a product line, there are several questions that need to be asked.

Which species needs to be identified?

The weight, shape, and placement of the tag must be appropriate for cattle, sheep, goats, or pigs.

Which reader will be used?

You need to check which standard the reader supports, its reading distance, and whether it is designed for fixed or mobile use.

Under what conditions will the loop be used?

Humidity, heat, cold, UV radiation, friction, and mechanical stress must be taken into account.

Which regulations apply?

Requirements may vary depending on the country, the species, and the purpose of the identification.

What level of support is needed?

A national or institutional project does not require the same level of support as an individual’s livestock-related needs.

RFID Solutions Developed by ARDES

ARDES offers ICAR-certified electronic tags, electronic readers, and implantable RFID chips. These solutions complement its line of visual tags and installation accessories.

The company also works with distributors, livestock organizations, and institutions to help them adapt their solutions to local requirements.

This capability is particularly important for international projects, where regulatory, logistical, and technical constraints can vary significantly.

Are you interested in developing or distributing an RFID animal identification solution?

Contact the ARDES team – Discover animal identification solutions