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NFU Scotland (NFUS) said the industry has a ‘chance to lead' the way when it comes to embracing the benefits of electronic identification in cattle.

ScotEID has been actively researching bovine EID drawing upon ongoing experiences of implementing sheep EID in the country.

Electronic tagging

EID uses radio frequency Identification technology whereby the identity of animals is encoded onto a microchip attached via a device such as an ear tag

Calls for the sector to adopt electric tagging has been ‘two decades' in the making and NFU Scotland said their members are ‘hugely frustrated'.

NFUS vice president Andrew Connon said:

"While subject to further consultation, we believe the Scottish Government should now mandate the use of Ultra high frequency ( UHF) EID in the Scottish herd at the earliest opportunity.  Based on the report, UHF tagging is practical, adaptable and user friendly and to not go down this route would be a step backwards at a time when the industry has a chance to lead."

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