The United States has been debating the need of a national identification system of livestock for several years. This system would track animals throughout life. Canada has had a mandatory identification system for livestock in place for a few years, as have several European countries. The recent case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) detection in Washington emphasizes the need for the United States to have the ability to trace individual animals. Thus far, the cost has been considered too onerous for implementation. Producers are always wary of regulatory intrusion, but in light of the current situation it seems imperative that we have the ability to trace animal’s movement. Beyond the concern with homeland security and disease tracing, a national I.D. system could provide valuable management information. With the new electronic forms of I.D., eventually we could track all animal diseases and treatments. When dairy producers purchased heifers they would have access to all locations a particular heifer was housed and how long she was housed there. You would know how many times she was bought and sold as well as her herd of origin. You might be able to know how many sales barns, etc., she has passed through. This could increase the value of animals coming from high-health-status herds. Beef producers could better track feed programs and other management practices to improve efficiency. Feeder cattle buyers could better determine whose cattle provided the best return for the investment. The cow/calf producer would learn how the offspring of his/her breeding herd did in feedlots, and make genetic selections and management changes accordingly. None of us like more regulation, and we already think big brother is watching over us. But for a moment think of the alternatives. Can we afford not to support a national I.D. system?
