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Victorian processors are providing to the NLIS database as a minimum the following information on the NLIS identified cattle they slaughter:
For more information on utilising carcase feedback and instructions on how to access carcase feedback specific to animals you have produced please see the Information Note - AG1140: NLIS Carcase Feedback Page Top NLIS Tags for On-farm Identification and Management Each NLIS tag is printed with a unique number called the NLIS number. The following is an example of an NLIS number that might appear on an NLIS Breeder Tag issued for use on a Victorian Property - 3ABC1234XBX00318. The serial number in this instance is ‘00318’. Serial numbers on NLIS Tags can be used for on-farm record keeping and stock identification purposes and can be specified by the producer when ordering NLIS Tags. This gives producers the opportunity to maintain the numbering they already use for herd identification. Beef producers have the option of placing a large management tag in the left ear of their cattle, printed with a number matching the serial number on the NLIS Tag they have used. The NLIS Tag can then act as a back up if the management tag is lost. Producers can attach NLIS Tags to the cattle that they breed at any time before they leave their property of birth. Convenient times to attach an NLIS Tag on beef properties are at marking or weaning. Producers who identify their calves at a young age get the benefit of the NLIS Tag as an on-farm management tool until the cattle are sold. Accurate Identification NLIS Tags contain microchips that can be read electronically in a fraction of a second by producers who have a suitable reader. Importantly, with electronic reading, transcription errors can be eliminated. Hand held readers are available from $800. Panel readers with a read distance of over one metre are more expensive, and can be used to automatically read the NLIS Tags on cattle moving along a race. NLIS technology can be used on beef properties for the maintenance of herd and pedigree records, to better utilise carcase feedback information down-loaded from the NLIS database, and when used in conjunction with a suitable scale, to accurately and quickly weigh cattle. Information on reader and software suppliers is available from Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) - NLIS section (external link) or from the Department of Primary Industries’ NLIS extension team. Page Top On-farm Management The following diagram illustrates the various ways that software and NLIS technology can be used for on-farm management.  Using NLIS Identification to Maximise Market Value and Access International Markets A number of important beef importing countries are moving to introduce a requirement that local producers permanently identify their cattle and register all movements on their respective national databases. It is likely that these countries will impose a level of traceability on imported beef equivalent to the lifetime traceability being demanded for locally produced beef. In 1999, the European Union (EU) became the first significant market for Australia to impose a ‘lifetime traceable’ requirement. Domestic Markets There is an emerging market preference for NLIS identified cattle, reflected as a discount in terms of the relative value of non-NLIS identified animals. It doesn’t matter whether cattle are being sought for domestic or export processing, for fattening or as breeding or milking stock. If you were a buyer of store or prime cattle and had the option of purchasing one of the following pens of cattle, all identical in specification and number, which would you choose?
Once cattle are NLIS identified, a link is established between the tagged animal and the producer’s property. This assists in ensuring that stray cattle are promptly returned, and deters livestock thieves. If an NLIS identified animal is lost, the owner is able to report this to the NLIS Database who will assign a ‘lost status’ to the cattle. If the cattle are subsequently scanned at a saleyard or abattoir, the NLIS database will generate a report and the person who requested that the cattle be registered as ‘lost’ will be advised. If a producer believes that NLIS identified cattle have been stolen, they should report the incident to the police, including relevant NLIS Tag numbers. If a copy of their report to the police is provided to DPI, the NLIS database administrator will be asked to allocate to the missing animals a ‘stolen status’. If a ‘stolen status’ animal is scanned at a Victorian abattoir, or interstate abattoir that is routinely scanning NLIS identified cattle, the message ‘Stolen cattle - hold carcase’ will be displayed on the abattoir computer. This is designed to alert the abattoir that the animal should not be slaughtered, or if slaughtered, that the carcase should be held and the police alerted. If a ‘stolen status’ animal is scanned at a saleyard, the NLIS database administrator will be alerted when the saleyard registers the transaction and the relevant State/Territory authorities will be notified. Page Top Resources Available Producers needing assistance with on-farm and marketing benefits of the NLIS can contact the Department of Primary Industries’ NLIS extension team: Stuart Warner Phone: (03) 5761 1639 Mobile: 0438 331 768 E-mail: stuart.warner@dpi.vic.gov.au Kate McCue Phone: (03) 5561 9902 Mobile: 0407 099 793 E-mail: kate.mccue@dpi.vic.gov.au Kellyanne Semple Phone: (02) 6030 4566 Mobile: 0417 143 161 E-mail: kellyanne.semple@dpi.vic.gov.au The following are useful contacts for further information
The Brochure - On Farm Benefits (PDF 280kb) You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the document below. A free copy can be downloaded from Adobe Acrobat (external link). |
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© The State of Victoria, 1996 - 2008.
This document was published on 26/09/2008.