Animal identification using external marks or internal identifiers is a process done to identify and track specific animals. It is done for a variety of reasons including verification of ownership, biosecurity control, and tracking for research or agricultural purposes.
History
Individual identification of animals by means of body markings has been practiced for over 3,800 years, as stated in Code of Hammurabi. The first official identification systems are documented as far as the 18th century. In Uruguay for instance maintained at that time a register of hot brands.
Noninvasive methods Wildlife photo-identification
Biometrics
Birds
Leg rings Wing tags Microchip implants (parrots) Telemetry (falconry birds)
Domesticated mammals Sheep Freeze branding Branding (hot-iron) Collar Earmarking Ear tags (non-electronic) Ear tags (electronic) Semi-permanent paint
Pigs Collars (electronic and non-electronic) Earmarking Ear tags (non-electronic) Ear tags (electronic) Semi-permanent paint Tattoo (see animal tattoo)
Horses Collars (non-electronic) Branding (hot-iron) Branding (freeze) Microchip implants Lip tattoo
Cattle
Anklets Branding (freeze) Branding (hot-iron) Collars (electronic and non-electronic) Earmarking Ear tags (non-electronic) Ear tags (electronic) Rumen bolus (electronic) Cowbell Photo-identification of noses
Dogs Collar Microchip implants Tattoo
Laboratory rodents Earmarking (notching or punching) Ear tags (nickel, copper or scannable 2D barcode tags) Microchip implants Hair dye Toe clipping Manual tattoos (tail, foot pad or ears) Automated tail tattoos
Wild mammals Bats Photo-identification of wing membranes
Koalas Photo-identification of noses
Giraffes Photo-identification
Zebras Photo-identification of stripes
Marine mammals Transponders Adhesive tags Fin photographs Fluke photographs
Fish Microchip implants Fin clipping Coded wire tag Passive integrated transponder Acoustic tag Visible implant elastomer (VIE)
Sharks Photo-identification
Amphibians Microchip implants Toe clippings Passive integrated transponder Visible implant elastomer (VIE) Photo-identification
Invertebrates Adhesive tags Semi-permanent paint Photo-identification
National animal identification schemes British Cattle Movement Service in Britain National Animal Identification and Tracing in New Zealand National Animal Identification System in the United States National Livestock Identification System in Australia
Footnotes
Gallery
References