Radio Frequency Indentification Device (RFID)

A Radio Frequency Identifcation Device (RFID) is a device used for electronic identification. An RFID ear tag can be applied to an animal's ear in the same way as a visual ID tag. The RFID contains a microchip with a unique identification number and specialized micro-electronic circuitry (a transponder) for communicating this unique number to an RFID reader.

The RFID is called a passive communication device because it does not contain a battery. Rather, it uses electromagnetic energy received from the RFID reader to power the transponder and send a radio signal containing the unique identification number back to the reader. This number can then be fed directly to a computer for recording.

RFID technology works in dirty, dusty and moist environments and does not require a direct line-of-sight to work. This means the technology works exceptionally well in livestock and carcass processing environments.