National Animal ID & Tracking

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  • National Animal ID and Tracking
  • ACCU-TRAC® National Animal Identification & Dairy Management Systems
  • Getting Started with the National Animal Identification System and ACCU-TRAC®
  • Food Safety Solutions
  • Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and Animal Traceback
  • Traceback Compliance and Management Practice Profitability

    • National Animal ID and Tracking

    Safeguarding the health and well being of the national livestock herd and preserving global consumer interests while enhancing the value of each individual animal is vital to animal agriculture. Whether it’s National Animal Identification Systems implementation, source and process verification programs, branding programs, supply chain management, or managing individual animals to an optimum economic endpoint, producers need tools. These tools must be dynamic, capable, and effective in meeting the business objectives of individual livestock operations while satisfying the demands of an ever-changing marketplace, including food safety protocols. Micro Dairy Logic offers a wide array of dairy business tools.  MDL combines the most advanced management systems together with cattle herd health and food safety protocols in a unique, comprehensive, total-systems approach. That’s why at MDL we say we provide “Advanced Dairy Solutions”.

    ACCU-TRAC® National Animal Identification & Dairy Management Systems

    The ACCU-TRAC® Systems portfolio offers the most comprehensive individual animal life-time management systems technologies available anywhere. The ACCU-TRAC® family of products offer producers a broad range of systems alternatives tailored to meet the objectives of each user. ACCU-TRAC® Systems enable supply chain management, profit optimization, tracking, trace-back, specification program compliance, source and process verification, compatibility with the National Animal Identification System (NAIS), and extensive data analysis and knowledge management.

    ACCU-TRAC® ON-LINE…..for web-based data recording
    The ACCU-TRAC® ON-LINE System is a flexible web-based animal identification and tracking system designed for farmers, ranchers, and health professionals to record and report production and National Animal Identification System (NAIS) data, source, age, and process verification in conjunction with commercial data sharing programs.

    ACCU-TRAC® Data Services…..for manual data recording
    ACCU-TRAC® Data Services is a simple-to-use manual data collection and reporting system for livestock producers not using a computer. ACCU-TRAC® Data Services uses a system based on standardized forms that contain data elements necessary for National Animal Identification System (NAIS) compliance. ACCU-TRAC® Data Services can also be used for production information and verification programs.DRUG-TRAC® Health Management and Induction System.....for yard data recording The DRUG-TRAC® System is a complete individual animal induction, health assurance, and trace-back system for large commercial calf and heifer growers. DRUG-TRAC® collects, reports, manages, and verifies individual animal identification, production processes, and intervention information. DRUG-TRAC® is the standard individual animal induction component of the overall ACCU-TRAC® System for large commercial growers.ACCU-TRAC® MOBILE…..for chute-side or home office data recording
    ACCU-TRAC® MOBILE provides farmers, ranchers, and health professionals a simple yet comprehensive windows-based application used either as a desktop or as a mobile chute-side tool for source, age, and process verification recording in conjunction with production and National Animal Identification System (NAIS) data collection and compliance verification.

    DRUG-TRAC® Health Management and Induction System.....for yard data recording The DRUG-TRAC® System is a complete individual animal induction, health assurance, and trace-back system for large commercial calf and heifer growers. DRUG-TRAC® collects, reports, manages, and verifies individual animal identification, production processes, and intervention information. DRUG-TRAC® is the standard individual animal induction component of the overall ACCU-TRAC® System for large commercial growers.

    ACCU-TRAC® ON DEMAND! Web Portal…..for web-based data recording and information managementThe ACCU-TRAC® ON DEMAND! Web Portal is a flexible internet-based solution that allows National Animal Identification System (NAIS) compliance, business information management, and product purchases. ON DEMAND! manages all your NAIS needs -- register and manage premise information, collect and manage NAIS event data, and receive real-time compliance verification reports. Whether its source, age, or process verification information, ON DEMAND! provides the on-ramp to meet your individual animal needs. And when you need information or products, you will get them ON DEMAND!

    Getting Started with the National Animal
    Identification System and ACCU-TRAC®

    How to Start

    Step 1 – To log in to the ACCU-TRAC® ON DEMAND! Web Portal, go to the Micro Dairy Logic website at www.microdairylogic.com and click on the “My Micro Dairy” button which will take you to the portal log in page where you will establish a User ID and Password.

    Step 2 – Establish a Premise Identification Number (PIN) for your operation.

    • To register your premise, select the U.S. map on the Micro Dairy Logic web portal under “Do you need an NAIS Premises Identification Number (PIN)?” and click on Your State. The Micro Dairy Logic web portal will automatically link you to your state animal health authority. Complete your state’s PIN form. Information requirements will vary by state. Receive PIN from state animal health authority.
    • If registering multiple PIN’s for multiple premises, select a PIN for your primary premise.

    Step 3 – Purchase Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags from Micro Dairy Logic.

    Step 4 – Select the ACCU-TRAC® Management System that best suits your operation.

    Step 5 – Select the NAIS event that represents what you are doing with your livestock.

    Step 6 - Report the NAIS Official Data through your MDL ACCU-TRAC® System. Official Data includes your Premise Identification Number, the Individual Animal Identification Numbers, and Official Event Information along with the event date.

    Step 7 – When you are ready to submit Official Data to the Official Database, Micro Dairy Logic will process your data to confirm the validity of the premise information being reported and submit your Official Data to the Official Database. Official Data are securely stored in the Official Central Private Sector Database.

    Step 8 – After processing the Official Data, MDL will provide you with a Confirmation Report which provides verification and status of your report – Confirmation Reports represent confidential data and may be viewed only by you through Micro Dairy Logic’s ACCU-TRAC® ON DEMAND! Web Portal or MBT will transmit a facsimile of the report.

    Step 9 – Once you receive the Confirmation Report, review the report, and reconcile any discrepancies.

    Step 10 – Once you have finalized your NAIS transactions, print and file your report or manage your reported Official Data through your personalized MDL ACCU-TRAC® ON DEMAND! Web Portal

    Food Safety Solutions

    National Animal Identification System FAQs

    1. What is the goal of the National Animal Identification System (NAIS)?
    The goal of the National Animal Identification System is to have the capability through a federal, state, and industry partnership to identify all animals and premises that had direct contact with a foreign animal disease (FAD) within 48 hours after discovery.

    2. Is the NAIS a voluntary or mandatory program?
    Currently the NAIS is a voluntary program, however USDA may choose to make the program a mandatory program in the future.3. How does it work?
    There are three major components of NAIS

    1. A uniform premise identification system A uniform and nationally recognized numbering system for individual animals
    2. A uniform and nationally recognized numbering system for groups or lots of animals

    4. What is the definition of a Premise Identification Number (PIN)?
    A unique number assigned by a Federal or state animal health authority to a premise that is in the judgment of the federal or state authority a geographically distinct location from other livestock production units. The premise identification number is associated with an address or legal land description and may be used in conjunction with a producers own livestock production numbering system to provide unique identification for an animal. The premise identification number may consist of;

    1. The states’ two letter postal abbreviation followed by the premises assigned number, or;
    2. A seven character alphanumeric code with the right-most digit being a check digit

    5. How do I get a Premise Identification Number?
    In order to receive a PIN, you must register with your state animal health department or state veterinarian. States may provide a website. Or for simplicity purposes, you may log on to the Micro Dairy Logic website at www.microdairylogic.com, click on the “My Micro Dairy” button on the homepage, register username and password with the ACCU-TRAC® ON DEMAND! Web Portal, click on “Do you need a NAIS Premises Identification Number (PIN)?”, and click on the U.S. map for a link to the state in which you reside. Follow the instructions on the state website and fill out the required information, submit the form, the state will verify your information, and in turn issue you a PIN. (State requirements for what determines a premise and how or when a Premise Identification Number is issued may vary)

    6. What if I have multiple premises, should I register each one or only have one PIN for all of them?
    That is a decision you should make after consulting with you state animal health authority. Each state will establish their own criteria for registering premises and your state health official will be most qualified to help you determine the best alternative for your operation.

    7. What if my property crosses state lines, do I register one premise or two?
    Your state animal health authority will need to be consulted to determine what is best for your operation.

    8. What if I have multiple properties in more than one state?
    You will need to apply for a PIN in each state that you conduct operations.

    9. Is my premisenumber a permanent identification number?
    Yes, once registered, whether you are buying or selling a property, the PIN will be permanently associated with that property.

    10. What else is required once I have my PIN?
    If you are participating in the NAIS, you will be required to identify individual animals with a standardized identification method like Radio Frequency Identification Tags (RFID) or to identify non-commingled groups with a Group Identification Number (GIN). When you are moving your animals to a new premise, you will be required to report the movement of the individual animals or the group to the Official NAIS Database.

    11. What is the Official NAIS Database?
    The NAIS Official Database is a secure private-sector central database to which all Official Data are reported and confidentially stored for traceback purposes. The Official Database is used by the private sector to securely store Official Data for traceback. The following describes the uses of the Official NAIS Database.

    Private Sector: The private sector established the Official Database, a private-sector central database, so that Official Data could be securely and confidentially stored on the national herd and be made available on all animals for real time commercial traces and tracebacks initiated by state and federal health officials. The Official Database is used by producers, Data Service Providers, and Data Trustees to generate real-time commerce reports for producers and processors in the normal buying and selling of animals. These Commerce Reports are critical verification and reconciliation records that confirm to both seller and buyer that the Official Data events were reported and are accurate for each animal or group. Producer data is kept confidential between the seller and buyer. Commerce Reports do not show the previous Premise information of individual animals or groups.

    Health Officials: State and Federal health officials will have immediate access to the Official Database whenever they are conducting an animal health investigation. Health officials will pull data from the Official Database on target animals or premises and the cohorts of the target animals. Therefore, health officials receive the data they need in order to conduct disease eradication, perform surveillance, and monitor 48-hour traceback investigations without exposing confidential information associated with the healthy animals in the national herd.

    12. What are NAIS Official Data?
    Official Data are considered to be: Premise Identification Number, Animal Identification, Official Event Information, and Date and Time of the Official Events.

    13. What are NAIS Official Events?

    • Tag Allocated Tag Applied Moved In Moved Out Lost Tag Replaced Tag or Re-Tagged Imported Exported Sighting Slaughtered Died Tag Retired Animal Missing
    • ICVI (Certificate of Vet Inspection)

    14. What do I need to do in order to begin participating in the NAIS?

    • Register your premise(s) – (you can go to www.microdairylogic.com, click on “My Micro Dairy”, register, log in, click on “Do you need an NAIS PIN?,” and follow the instructions after that as one registration option.) Choose a Data Service Provider Purchase RFID Tags and Visual Tags Select a method (computerized system or manual data sheets) to record your Official Data and optionally your commercial production data Identify each individual animal with an RFID. Micro Dairy Logic also recommends using visual identifications methods as a supplement in the event that the RFID becomes lost, damaged, or unreadable. If making a non-commingled group move intrastate, you may assign a Group Identification Number or GIN Submit the applicable NAIS Animal Event information through your Data Service Provider Receive Event Confirmation Report(s) from your Data Service Provider confirming the submitted information Verify Confirmation Report information and reconcile any exceptions
    • File the Confirmation Report for your records

    15. What is a NAIS Data Service Provider (DSP)?
    Data Service Providers are entities that work with producers to collect and report Official Data and are licensed to register that data with the NAIS Official Database. By utilizing common data sharing standards, Data Service Providers submit Official Data to the Official Database through a Data Trustee.

    16. What are the costs involved with NAIS participation?
    Industry leaders are still working to determine the costs that will be directly associated with the NAIS Official Database

    17. What other costs will there be beyond the Official Database costs?
    The costs will be variable and will include the costs of RFID tags, visual identification tags, readers, and Data Service Providers. One can expect RFID tags to cost between $.70 and $3.00 per head and software alternatives to range from less that one dollar per animal to $5.00 per animal depending on the system and services you require. There are many types of data capture tools available from Micro Dairy Logic from the fully-automated measurement and management systems to manual data collection alternatives for those using no technology. Contact a Micro Dairy Logic representative to determine the costs and systems best suited to your operation.

    18. What if I want to change Data Service Providers (DSP) after I get started?
    The Official Data that you have submitted will always be securely and privately held by your DSP in its Official Private Database regardless of who your DSP is. If you change DSP’s, you will still have full access to the information that you have submitted and can view historical information through any DSP assuming that the DSP you choose is a participant in the Official Database infrastructure.

    19. What is a Data Trustee?
    Data Trustees ensure that commercial data is not present in the Official Data record, reconciles the data for any discrepancies and submits the Official Data to the Official Database. Data Trustees are certified by USDA and routinely audited with oversight provided by potentially a combination of USDA, USAHA and species groups.

    20. Where does the data I submit for NAIS compliance go?
    Official Data is submitted as previously described and is securely and confidentially stored in the Private Sector Central Official Database.

    21. What is the benefit of a private sector system?
    Only about ½ of 1% of the national herd is affected by Foreign Animal Diseases annually. In order to safeguard animal agriculture, the NAIS is designed to enable US animal health officials to access the data they need in order to meets investigation and surveillance needs and conduct tracings of affected animals within 48 hours. In an effort to protect producer privacy concerns against unwanted data mining of the nation’s premise and animal information, and given that 99.5% of the national herd is healthy, a private sector solution works to meet the objectives of both industry and government. In order to accomplish the NAIS objectives, competing Data Service Providers are willing to work together to utilize common data sharing standards to advance and accelerate a low-cost implementation of the NAIS by creating a technical solution that meets the USDA’s needs while also protecting producer privacy concerns.

    22. Who has access to my data and what data?
    Only you have access to the specific data that you have submitted to the Official Database. If there are other data that you authorize to be shared, for example in a verification program, that data may be accessed by others. Without that authorization, your data remains confidential and secure in the ACCU-TRAC? Database and the Official Database. State and Federal health officials, when conducting an animal health traceback investigation, will access data concerning premises, the target animal, and the target animal’s cohorts by pulling Official Data from the Official Database. Health Officials receive those data necessary to carry out the investigation.

    23. What about my commercial production data?
    Commercial production data, like performance information etcetera, is separate from Official Data and not included in the NAIS database. Data Service Providers such as Micro Dairy Logic provide a number of commercial data systems products that enable you to make informed decisions about your herd and add value to increase the profits to your operation.

    24. How do I access my data?
    Micro Dairy Logic provides users access to NAIS data as well as commercial data if applicable through a web-based tool known as a portal and called the ACCU-TRAC® ON DEMAND! Web Portal. You can access ON DEMAND! at www.microdairylogic.com. Click on “My Micro Dairy”, register, and log in! The portal is designed to provide you all of the tools you need to begin tracking your herd and sourcing health and identification products. It can be personalized for other information valuable to your business including news, markets, weather, and more extensive knowledge management such as data analysis tools.

    25. Why should I work with Micro Dairy Logic?
    Micro Dairy Logic is the pioneer in the field of individual animal management and has extensive tools for all levels of application. Known as the ACCU-TRAC? family of systems, these solutions have many capabilities that include everything from simple systems for NAIS data, source and process verification tools, and comprehensive individual animal management and decision-making for optimizing the profit of each individual animal. Talk to your Micro Dairy Logic representative about which system best fits your operation’s goals and objectives.

    26. Does this system work for COOL?
    The NAIS is not a County of Origin Labeling system. While there are some similarities in the two programs, the information requirements for NAIS and COOL are different.

    27. What type of information will I get from an NAIS?
    You will receive commerce reports from the Official Database that verify the premise, animal events, and animal identification information that you submit. These reports will be important between seller and buyer to verify that marketed animals are indeed part of the Official NAIS Database and have verifiable data. Commercial Production information will be stripped from the NAIS record and therefore will not be available to anyone through the NAIS. If you are interested in collecting or tracking additional information about your animals beyond the NAIS requirements, please contact your Micro Dairy Logic representative to learn more about the range of ACCU-TRAC? Systems available to you.

    28. How will I know animals that I purchase have the records they need?
    A buyer can request of his seller that he be provided a copy of confirmation reports that verify the animals being moved have records. And when you receive the animals at your premise, identify them, and submit a Move In Report to the Official Database. Micro Dairy will submit the information and report back to you an official Move In Commerce report that provides the information you need to know to verify the animal’s traceback history.

    29. What if I am not ready to participate right now?
    Today, NAIS is a voluntary system and your participation is determined based upon whether or not you are ready to receive more value from your animals by participating in traceback and verification programs. At some point in the future, it is anticipated that the NAIS will become a mandatory program. So, participating now provides a head start for your operation and may also yield more value for your herd by providing verifiable information to fulfill retail or export program requirements.

    30. How do I find out more about NAIS and Micro Dairy Logic?
    You have numerous alternatives to keep up with the latest events. We suggest that first you go to the Micro Dairy Logic website at www.microdairylogic.com and login as an ACCU-TRAC® On Demand! User. Once you have registered with us, you can keep up with the NAIS development and news along with updates about Micro Dairy Logic systems, services, and programs. You can also select links to other sites like USDA, USAIP, and others to keep up with current events. And you can always speak directly with a Micro Dairy Logic representative by contacting us at 806.372.2369 or e-mailing us at info@microdairylogic.com.

    Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and Animal Traceback

    Starting development in 2003*, Micro Dairy Logic has introduced the dairy industries first integrated, comprehensive, individual animal management system that tracks, records and manages inventory, health assurance including beef and milk withholds, feeding systems, as well as providing economic and financial analysis of a dairy operationMicro Beef Technologies introduced the beef industry’s first individual animal identification and health safety assurance tracking system in 1986 with the revolutionary DRUG-TRAC® Animal Health System. The DRUG-TRAC® System initially utilized electronic identification ear tags with bar code technology.  Since then, electronic identification methods have advanced with button transponders and other systems becoming more widely available. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and other unique animal identifiers are useful in implementing individual animal data collection, management, and traceback programs. RFIDs combine automated animal identification with good retention characteristics. With the ACCU-TRAC® Electronic Cattle Management System, Micro Beef has been utilizing RFID technology since the early 1990’s for individual animal data collection and traceback along with advanced management and marketing practices. The ACCU-TRAC® System combines individual animal data collected across industry segments from the ranch, through the feedyard, to the packer into software profiles for each animal accessible through ACCU-TRAC®’s extensive database. Micro Beef’s individual animal data reconciliation process ensures and verifies that the data collected actually belongs to the animal to which it is assigned and that it is matched correctly.An individual’s information is available at the touch of a button for reporting and analysis by accessing the unique Universal Animal Identification Number (UAIN) assigned to each animal. The UAIN is a unique and permanent number assuring a permanent database record for each animal regardless of the number or type of identification methods associated with the animal throughout its life. This is particularly important when identification devices are either lost or are deemed “no reads”. With this approach, the animal can still be identified utilizing additional information that is linked with the animal’s permanent database identifier Traceability is enhanced with independence from any single identification device. This approach also allows producers the flexibility of choosing the identification method that best fits their circumstances while enabling enhanced traceback capability. Therefore, more cattle will be traceable in the event of mandatory governmental regulations. Hundreds of thousands of individual cattle have been automatically tracked via UAINs in the ACCU-TRAC® System since 1994.

    Traceback Compliance and Management Practice Profitability

    Where did this animal come from?
    Who owned it?
    What other animals was it around?
    What did this animal eat?
    What ingredients were in the animal’s ration?
    How was this animal’s feed manufactured and delivered?
    Was it ever sick?
    What health regimes were administered to this animal?
    Is the meat from this animal free of antibiotic residues?
    Is there an audit trail?

    These are just some of the questions that the public and government health officials are asking producers. “Do I have answers for them?” will be the question producers will be asking themselves. With Micro Dairy Logic’s management and traceback systems, you’ll know the answers to these questions and more. In addition, the Micro technologies that give producers these answers also give them production efficiencies that increase their profitability.

    Micro can help production entities meet regulatory requirements — whether for national animal identification and tracking, health assurance, or feed safety protocols — while creating new efficiencies and profit-making opportunities for them. So producers can profit while adhering to regulatory compliance. Producers can implement a complete food safety system technology program for live animals today or they can begin with individual, stand-alone pieces as they grow towards that objective. Individual animal tracking and management is only a starting point.

    Traceability objectives will require individual animal tracking. Individual animal tracking opens the door to individual animal management which offers producers new profitability options. Individual animal management strategies optimize dairy and dairy/beef profitability by reducing production and performance inefficiencies while creating increased value and additional marketing opportunities. In the process, critical production control point accountability is achieved enabling both tighter efficiencies as well as food safety practices compliance. Tracking creates benchmarking opportunities against which performance, production efficiencies, and marketing results can be compared and analyzed. From here, the individual animal management possibilities are endless with the systems from Micro. The following are some of the food safety system control points and individual animal management benefits afforded by Micro to each segment of the production chain:

    Cow

    • Individual animal electronic identification (RFID)
    • Individual animal traceback/traceforward
    • Individual animal records tracking
    • Compliance verification
    • Source verification
    • Process validation
    • Program certification
    • Vaccination verification
    • Health assurance products
    • Health treatment verification
    • Genetic improvement
    • Specification cattle
    • Electronic individual animal performance profiles
    • Seamless information integration and transfer
    • Low-stress animal handling facilities and methods
    • Quality assurance
    • Automated drug residue prevention
    • Individual treatment histories
    • Feed safety assurance
    • Feed production and distribution control
    • Feed ingredient source verification
    • Information system analysis & reporting
    • Electronic individual animal performance profiles
    • Seamless information integration and transfer
    • Electronic individual animal performance profiles

    Calf and Heifer Growers

    • Individual animal electronic identification (RFID)
    • Individual animal traceback/traceforward
    • Individual animal records tracking
    • Compliance verification
    • Source verification
    • Process validation
    • Program certification
    • Vaccination verification
    • Health assurance products
    • Health treatment verification
    • Specification cattle
    • Electronic individual animal performance profiles
    • Seamless information integration and transfer
    • Quality assurance
    • Automated drug residue prevention
    • Individual treatment histories
    • Feed safety assurance
    • Feed production and distribution control
    • Feed ingredient source verification
    • Information system analysis & reporting
    • Electronic individual animal performance profiles
    • Seamless information integration and transfer
    • Electronic individual animal performance profiles

    Retailer

    Increased dairy/beef value to meet consumer demand through:

    • Specification production
    • Compliance verification
    • Source verification
    • Process validation
    • Program certification
    • Quality assurance/Quality control
    • Increased tenderness
    • Better quality & consistency
    • Extended shelf-life
    • Improved eating experience

    To learn more about the systems from Micro that yield these benefits, click on the ACCU-TRAC® or Beef Management Technologies buttons to the left.

     

    Thomas McDowra
    Manager, Dairy Sales
    P.O. Box 9262
    Amarillo, Texas 79105
    (806) 372-2369
    info@microdairylogic.com

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