Evaluation of the electronic identification rumen boluses for improved lamb growth

Summary

Robust animal identification and tracking systems are essential for the maintenance of the industries disease and food safety reputation, and future market access. This project aimed to establish if bolus tracking devices could provide an alternative to ear tags, and if they could provide any advantages or opportunities. 

No growth advantages were shown for bolused lambs born in spring. Although there was a small adverse impact for autumn born lambs, the margin between growth rates of control and bolus lambs equate to only minor economic impact.  

For new technology to be successfully introduced to an industry it is important that the impact of the technology is assessed at the different user levels prior to implementation.  Processor feedback indicates that more work in conjunction with processors is required to develop a cost efficient processing system capable of handling bloused lambs and potentially recovering boluses at slaughter.

Objectives

This project involved trials both on-farm and in the meat processing sector.

Key findings

This project showed that blouses are a competitive option to electronic ear tags for reliable on-farm identification and tracking of lambs within the processing system. They demonstrated excellent retention and readability, however there needs to be a mechanism for alerting processors that lambs with boluses are to be processed. 

This project also showed a small adverse impact for autumn lambs, although the margin between growth rates of control and bolus lambs equate to only minor economic impact.

Benefits to industry

The high retention rate and readability of boluses observed in all trials has shown the bolus is a competitive option to electronic ear tags for reliable identification on-farm and tracking lambs within the processing works. Reliable identification and tracking systems will enable more accurate producer feedback and assist to maintain Australia’s high reputation for disease and food safety, and enhance export market opportunities.

MLA action

Tracking of small ruminants such as sheep and goats has become an increasing priority with biosecurity threats and new government requirements for EIDs coming into place over the next few years. Integrity Systems Company (ISC) is working to support producers in this transition.

Future research

It was recommended that further research be conducted to better understand the implications of using sheep boluses under Australian conditions.

This includes:

• Explaining the differences between autumn or spring born lambs and the interaction between nutritional influences, and the presence of a bolus in the rumen on growth rate.

• Determining if the placement of the boluses in the stomach has an impact on lamb growth or welfare.

• Determining if the weight of the lamb at bolus administration influences boluses placement. 

On the meat processing side it was recommended:

• Further investigation occur into the implications for the placement of boluses in the stomach and the risk of damage to rendering equipment in abattoirs.

• Processor perception of plant damage compared to actual risk, and the risk of boluses falling out into the blood pit.