Farming animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, horses, etc., is a good business, but at the same time, it is a vocation that presents many difficulties for farmers and ranch owners. This is necessary for reasons ranging from security and animal tracking to health management of your animals. There are now many sophisticated technologies available to you, such as RFID, which makes the task of monitoring your animals simple. In this guide, we will explore what an RFID animal tag reader is, what makes it necessary to get one, and tips for selecting the best item for your needs.
An RFID Animal Tag Reader is a device used to read tags from animals implanted with RFID animal tags.
An RFID animal tag reader refers to any device used to capture or read RFID tags that may be on your animals or livestock. It enables you to monitor and trace the animals without physical effort from your side. RFID is an acronym that refers to Radio Frequency Identification. According to the information displayed, the reader utilizes electromagnetic fields to send information to the RFID chip transponder in the tag on the animal. Whenever the RFID tag is within the reader’s reach, its unique ID code is scanned by the RFID tag reader. This code plays a significant role in identifying the animal for tracking and monitoring the animals.
Identifying the Importance of RFID Animal Tag Reader
For security reasons, such as animal tracking for disease surveillance, animal breeding programs, etc., farmers or ranchers must monitor their animals constantly. This can be very time-consuming to monitor each animal’s movement and health. It becomes easy when you invest in an RFID reader and ensure that you tag down your livestock since this makes the whole process automatic and less involved in terms of human input. Here are some key reasons to use RFID technology: Here are some key reasons to use RFID technology:
- – Make it easy to locate animals and trace their movements.
- – Supervise those that are either stray or escaped
- – Which helps to find and track sick animals more easily
- – Monitor progress and health-related parameters throughout the study
- – Optimize breeding and animal management procedures
- – Meet the goal of preventing theft and unauthorized abattoir operations through surveillance.
- – Create reports that would help to give a better understanding of the farms and their future development.
Indeed, there are so many benefits associated with using RFID readers in animal husbandry, and thus, it is indispensable that modern animal husbandry operations acquire the technology.
This article found that the following are significant factors to consider while selecting an RFID Animal Tag Reader;
As numerous kinds and variations of RFID readers can be purchased today, how do you know which one to choose? Here are the key factors to evaluate. Here are the key factors to assess:
Frequency of Operation
RFID systems are categorized according to the range of frequencies: low frequency (LF), high frequency (HF), and ultra-high frequency (UHF). The LF and HF frequencies provide a shallow read range but can be effective in environments with metal and liquid barriers. Both UHF and HF have their advantages; for instance, UHF offers longer read ranges, but it is affected by metals and liquids. It depends on your application use, but the later versions are mostly preferred.
Read Range
The reading distance range can differ from a few centimeters to 60 meters depending on the UHF frequency. Based on your requirements, which short-range is req orr distances enable independent observation and surveillance.
Antenna Type
It radiates the electromagnetic field to capture the information from RFID tags. Whereas compact readers have integrated antennas, external high-gain antennas are helpful in the case of more extended ranges. Find out whether the reader supports external connections to the integrated antennas.
Ruggedness
It will get exposure to dust, water, and even rough handling at your ranch, and the reader will get to learn more. It should have robust IC housing and IP ratings such as IP65 or IP67 for it to have the capability to work in a real-world setting.
Data Logging & Software
The reader hardware should be capable of connecting to a computer/ smartphone to download recorded scanned RFID data for analysis. A good software/app component option will make managing your RFID animal tracking system much more accessible.
Battery Life
Since most handheld reader operations will occur outside, the battery area should be reliable for a proper scan. The battery-operated ones are convenient because they are mobile and do not require plug-in cords. Solar charging is also one of the best sources of outdoor power as well.
Once you analyze the above aspects and consider your relevant circumstances, selecting the most appropriate RFID reader for animal tracking is relatively easy. Today, many prominent manufacturers such as Datamars Livestock, LSJ Technology, Nedap Livestock Management, and many others produce excellent readers that can manage all your needs.
This article aims to help the reader get familiar with RFID animal tag readers and how they can be implemented.
Once you have chosen the right RFID reader, here is a quick step-by-step guide to get your animal monitoring system up and running: Once you have selected the right RFID reader, here is a quick step-by-step guide to get your animal monitoring system up and running:
1. Buy RFID tags encased in a waterproof material, such as an ear tag or bolus, that fits each animal appropriately. Make sure that the tag’s antenna is positioned correctly.
2. If using RFID reader hardware, ensure that they have been appropriately set up and that batteries are charged in case they are rechargeable. Make sure to test and install any software that might be needed and adjust settings if necessary.
3. Approach a tagged animal’s ear/bolus and then use the reader and try to read at different distances and angles to check the read performance.
4. Ensure that there are set practices on a regular basis when conducting animal scans, for example, the time of the day, positions for scanning the animals, and how to update the software, among others.
5. You teach your staff how to use the reader in a way that will not stress out or hurt any of the animals.
6. Pursue analogous scanning schedules to create animal behavior logs and health records.
7. Try incorporating RFID data into how the business conducts operations over time. Monitoring results, making alarms for abnormalities, and planning the further expansion of the farms, etc.
An efficient, high-quality RFID system designed to meet your livestock’s management requirements. And so animals stay happy and healthy!
Over to You!
This brings to a close the most comprehensive guide on RFID animal tag readers we provided. If you have any type of animal husbandry business, whether small or large scale, hopefully this article has persuaded you to at least consider implementing the RFID system for enhanced, effortless identification of your livestock and improving control over them. When you consider your peculiar needs and conditions, you will simply invest a little time into research that will help you select the right RFID reader setup. [Read more] regarding McCain’s proposed solutions on livestock tracking and farm management utilizing RFID innovation which have received several awards.