ABSTRACT
One of the earliest uses of RFID technology is in the area of animal tracking. Animal tracking includes the placement of RFID tags on both wild and domestic animals. In the case of wild animals, RFID tags can be used to determine the migratory and spawning patterns of captured, released, and then recaptured animals. This is particularly important in the case of near-extinct species. Domestic animal applications include both livestock and pets. In the case of livestock intended for consumption, the animal is likely to be tagged due to health issues. This has become increasingly important due to reoccurring animal epidemics and bioterrorism issues. In the pet industry, exotic animals, particularly breeders, may be tagged due to their rarity or expense. Family pets may also be tagged due to sentimental value. Some countries such as Thailand have already required that pets be tagged. In this chapter, we will discuss:
Tag placement methods• Animal RFID technology• Livestock tracking standards• Related human applications•
The method of RFID tag placement is somewhat dependent on the type of animal that is to be tagged. Both external and internal tagging methods may be employed. The following parameters generally determine what method of tagging is to be utilized:
The size of the animal• The presence of a previously existing external tag• Aesthetic considerations•
As would be expected, larger animals provide more exibility than smaller animals in tagging. Flexibility is increased from both the standpoint of tag size and tag positioning. Despite the increasing miniaturization of RFID technology, larger tags still generally have greater capabilities and range than smaller tags. Since larger animals can obviously handle larger sized tags, more exibility is possible than with smaller animals.
