ID Is The Key

摘要

An industry-wide identification system will mean more accurate records and a simpler ID system for producers. How many numbers are assigned to each of your animals by people outside the farm? When asked this question last spring at the National Genetics Workshop, dairy producer Linda Hodorff counted around 10 numbers. Her list included a Dairy Herd Improvement (DHI) ID number, calf-hood vaccination tag, breed registration number and tattoo number — just to name a few. Multiple identification for animals has resulted in vital cow information, such as genetic parentage and health records, being stored in too many places with too little cross-referencing. These multiple numbers create confusion because each industry database can only be accessed by its own |( assigned number.