Modern farming: A dive into 6 identification technologies for dairy cows
Livestock identification refers to the process of marking or tagging animals to distinguish them individually or as part of a group. It helps track, manage, and ensure the health and safety of livestock. Identification methods can be used for various purposes, including disease control, breeding programmes, theft prevention, and trade compliance.
The global livestock identification market was valued at US$1.74 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach US$2.78 billion by 2031. It is expected to register a CAGR of 8.1% during the forecast period. The growth of the livestock identification market is driven by factors such as the large potential to reduce economic losses and livestock mortality rates due to accurate and efficient animal disease traceability, rapid adoption of automation technology and IoT-enabled devices for efficient management of livestock farms, increased focus of livestock farmers on real-time identification and tracking of animals, and data-driven decision-making.
Product launches and developments have been the key strategies that major players in the livestock identification market have adopted over recent years. Companies also adopt several other growth strategies, such as product launches, acquisitions, partnerships, and collaboration in the livestock identification market to increase their market share.
Radio Frequency identification (RFID)
RFID technology is a transformative tool for livestock identification, offering efficient and reliable methods for uniquely tagging and tracking animals. This technology is increasingly adopted across various livestock farms, including cattle, pig, and goat farms, driven by regulatory mandates and the need for improved management practices. This technology offers numerous benefits, including tamper-proof ownership verification, improved traceability, streamlined record-keeping, as well as theft prevention. RFID tags ensure compliance with regulations, assist in livestock auctions, and simplify ownership transfer processes. They also support insurance claims and theft recovery by providing accurate ownership data.
The system typically involves RFID tags, readers, and data management software. RFID tags, which can be attached as ear tags, injected under the skin, or placed as boluses in the stomach, store a unique identification number for each animal. These tags are read by handheld or stationary RFID readers, which retrieve the stored data wirelessly. This eliminates the need for manual identification, reducing human error and improving operational efficiency.
The primary advantage of RFID technology in livestock identification is its accuracy. Each animal is assigned a unique ID, which is critical for maintaining precise records and ensuring proper management. RFID-based identification simplifies processes such as inventory tracking, regulatory compliance, and herd segmentation. For example, it becomes easier to quickly identify animals during transportation, sales, or audits, ensuring adherence to government traceability standards.
Another key benefit of RFID identification is its role in enhancing traceability within the livestock industry. RFID enables end-to-end tracking throughout the lifecycle of each animal by embedding unique identifiers. This capability is crucial for food safety regulations, allowing authorities and producers to trace the origin of animal products in case of a disease outbreak or contamination. It also helps build consumer trust by ensuring transparency in the supply chain.
AI and blockchain
Artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain technologies are revolutionising livestock identification, offering robust solutions for proof of ownership, efficient management, and enhanced traceability. Al systems integrated with advanced biometric techniques, such as facial recognition and retinal scanning, enable the accurate identification of livestock, mainly cattle. These systems minimise human error and automate processes like health monitoring and activity tracking. By analysing large datasets, Al can provide predictive insights into livestock behaviour, disease outbreaks, and optimal management practices, thereby improving productivity and reducing costs for farmers and stakeholders.
Blockchain technology complements these advancements by ensuring transparency and immutability in livestock records. Each animal’s unique identifier, derived from Al-based biometric data, can be securely stored on a blockchain ledger. This creates a tamper-proof digital record of ownership, vaccination history, breeding data, and movement across supply chains. Blockchain’s decentralised nature ensures that all stakeholders, from farmers to distributors, can access consistent and verifiable information, fostering trust and accountability. Additionally, smart contracts powered by blockchain can automate compliance with regulatory standards, streamlining transactions and reducing disputes.
Together, Al and blockchain offer a synergistic approach to livestock identification. They enhance traceability, making tracking an animal’s journey from farm to market easier and ensuring food safety and ethical sourcing. This integration also addresses challenges such as cattle theft and fraudulent claims of ownership by providing indisputable proof tied to biometric and blockchain data. As the agriculture industry embraces these technologies, they are set to redefine livestock management, making it more secure, efficient, and sustainable.
Bluetooth Low Energy
Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology is increasingly being integrated into livestock identification systems, especially in areas related to proof of ownership and management/traceability. BLE provides a cost-effective and energy-efficient way to enable real-time livestock tracking and identification, making it an ideal solution for enhancing livestock management practices. Ranchers and farmers can quickly and accurately verify ownership and track animal movements throughout the supply chain by equipping animals with BLE tags or collars. This capability is particularly valuable in ensuring the legitimacy of livestock ownership, preventing theft, and maintaining accurate records for traceability.
In terms of management and traceability, BLE technology facilitates seamless integration with centralised databases and cloud-based platforms. These systems maintain comprehensive details about each animal, including health records, breeding history, and production data. This information can be accessed instantly via mobile devices or computers. BLE-enabled systems can also generate real-time alerts, such as when an animal crosses a predefined boundary, aiding better herd management and reducing the risk of loss or misplacement. Moreover, BLE’s low power consumption ensures long-lasting battery life for the tags, reducing maintenance and operational costs for livestock owners. For example, Xminnov (China) offers the BT05L Animal Ear Tag Waterproof BLE Cattle Tag, which features online automatic inventory management. It monitors micro-environment temperature and animal activity simultaneously, collecting and transmitting data to the base station. The data is presented intuitively, making it ideal for tracking and managing the characteristics of livestock. It is primarily used for managing live animal loans for pigs, cattle, sheep, and other livestock.
The proof of ownership aspect of BLE-based livestock identification is enhanced by its unique, encrypted communication capabilities. Since BLE devices transmit a unique identifier, this technology can be paired with blockchain or other secure systems to create an immutable record of ownership. This not only enhances the security of livestock transactions but also facilitates compliance with regulations related to animal welfare, traceability, and disease control. In conclusion, BLE technology offers a reliable, scalable, and cost-effective solution to improve livestock identification, ownership verification, and overall traceability in modern farming and ranching practices.
GPS
GPS technology in livestock identification has become crucial for improving efficiency, traceability, and security in animal farming. Livestock can be tracked in real-time across vast areas using GPS-enabled collars or tags. This capability allows farmers and ranchers to monitor the movements of their animals, ensuring they stay within designated grazing areas or other predefined zones. With real-time location data, farmers can prevent livestock from wandering into unsafe or restricted areas, such as roads or neighbouring properties, ensuring better herd management.
One of the most valuable features of GPS in livestock management is the ability to create geofences. These are virtual boundaries set around specific locations or regions. If an animal crosses the set boundary, the system triggers an alert, notifying the farmer or rancher. This technology plays a significant role in controlling large herds, particularly in expansive rural areas where manual monitoring can be challenging.
Integrating GPS with other farm management systems allows for precise tracking of animal movements, ensuring that animals remain within designated areas and preventing them from straying. This level of traceability is essential for maintaining food safety standards, complying with regulatory requirements, and facilitating recalls if necessary. Furthermore, it supports efficient herd management by providing insights into grazing patterns, helping farmers optimise pasture usage, and improving operational decisions.
Big data
Big data in livestock identification involves using advanced technologies such as RFID tags, GPS trackers, and IoT devices to collect and analyse vast volumes of data on livestock. This data tracks the location of animals and improves farm management practices.
One key aspect is real-time animal tracking, which helps farmers manage grazing, prevent theft, and monitor health. Additionally, big data enhances the traceability of livestock throughout the entire supply chain. By recording detailed information on the animal’s location, health, and movements, farmers can ensure full traceability from farm to market. This is particularly important for food safety and compliance with regulations, as it allows for quick identification of animals in case of disease outbreaks or recalls. Integrating this data creates a transparent and accountable system for livestock management, instilling confidence in stakeholders regarding the origin and condition of the animals.
Tissue sampling
Tissue sampling in livestock identification is critical for proving ownership and ensuring effective traceability. By collecting biological samples such as blood, hair, or tissue, livestock owners can establish clear records of ownership, helping to prevent fraud and verify the identity of animals.
Tissue sampling allows for precise tracking of animals throughout their lifecycle in terms of management and traceability. By linking each animal to its genetic profile, owners and authorities can monitor animal movements, verify compliance with regulations, and track the animal’s history, including health and breeding information. This level of traceability is essential for maintaining transparency in the food supply chain and ensuring accountability in livestock management.
