Electronic Sheep Identification contract awarded to ADAS

Defra has today awarded a contract to ADAS, to conduct a trial of electronic identification (EID) and electronic data transfer (EDT) within the English sheep industry. The trial will assess how easy the equipment is to use and will look at training and support requirements for use of EID and EDT on farms, and in abattoirs and markets. It will also identify potential benefits of EID/EDT for the sheep industry.

The trial will take place within three cluster areas, in the North East, South West and Midlands and will include a minimum of 50 lowland, upland and hill farms in total, selected to ensure a full range of environmental conditions, production systems and farmer attitudes to the technology. Around 70,000 sheep will be electronically identified using a range of eartags and boluses. In addition, use of EID and EDT will be examined and tested in a small number of markets and abattoirs at key stages during the sheep production cycle.

Practical work will commence on selected farms, which will be drawn from lists provided by industry representatives, between March and May 2004 and ADAS will train participants in the use of EID/EDT equipment (which will be provided) and supply advice and guidance throughout the course of the trial. ADAS will monitor and report back to Defra as the trial progresses and interim findings are expected by the end of September 2004. The study will conclude with the production of a final report in June 2005. Information on progress will be available on the Defra website throughout the trial.

The project has widespread support from the farming industry, particularly NSA, NFU, BMPA and LAA with whom Defra has worked in partnership during the setting up of the project.