Goat leg-band option approved for use

Goat producers now have an alternative to conventional ear tags, ensuring they can continue to meet their traceability requirements.  

An EID, leg band identification device for use in dairy, earless and miniature goats has been granted full accreditation status by Integrity Systems Company (ISC) on recommendation by the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) Standards Committee and in collaboration with state and territory departments following the fulfillment of its field trial performance requirements.  

From 1st March 2023, dairy, earless and miniature goat producers will be required to fit an NLIS device to the animal when completing a movement and the movement must be recorded in the NLIS database (noting the tagging of dairy, earless and miniature goats in Victoria is voluntary).

SAFEMEAT’s Advisory Group Chairperson Andrew Henderson – said that SAFEMEAT supported this move to ensure that suitable identification options were available for dairy, earless and miniature goats to underpin goat traceability nationally. 

“With biosecurity threats on our doorstep it is critical to fast-track alternative traceability options for dairy, earless and miniature goat producers. We are listening and delivering for industry in consultation with state authorities.” 

ISC Chief Executive Officer, Jane Weatherley commented that, “The goat leg band identification devices are electronically readable and now give dairy, earless and miniature goat producers an alternative to conventional ear tags, to help them meet their traceability requirements.” 

Goat Industry Council Association (GICA) President, John Falkenhagen said, “Australian goat rangeland producers, dairy producers and small breeders provide high-quality exports that require the highest standard of assurance. Giving another identification option for our producers to assist with traceability and product assurance will help protect this standard so we can continue to stand by what we sell.” 

For dairy, earless and miniature goat producers ready to utilise the leg band device, the leg bands manufactured by Datamars can be purchased through registered rural suppliers. 

“SAFEMEAT and ISC are committed to continuous improvements across our industry’s integrity systems. We are pleased to see this device added to the portfolio of fully accredited devices to give our producers another option to support their traceability and product assurance requirements,” said Ms Weatherley.