What is the difference between a livestock brand mark and a herd designation mark, and why does it matter for traceability? Herman Labschagn¿ddresses confusion arising from livestock identification controls following the foot-and-mouth disease crisis. Through practical questions and answers, he explains the purposes of each type of mark, the legislation governing their use, how they are registered and transferred, and why stud breeders and commercial farmers need to understand the distinction. The article also discusses the challenges of duplicate marks and the role of databases in combating stock theft.
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HERD DESIGNATION MARKS HERMAN LABSCHAGNÉ
he controls following the
THE MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED
recent foot-and-mouth crisis
QUESTIONS ARE THE FOLLOWING:
have made everyone more aware of the importance
of branding. However, this has led to
Why is branding essential? Brand marks are essential to prove the origin of an
confusion between livestock farmers and
animal. The brand or herd designated mark is linked
authorities about which brands are valid.
on a database to enable traceability. This is especially
to an owner as well as his location and is registered
important regarding stock theft matters and for stud
determines how animals should be marked, with
breeders it is important to know who the animal was
preference for tattoo or branded marks. Ear tags are
bred by. The stud breeder can thus check the pedigree
not a permanent mark as they can be lost or worn out.
of an animal and see who bred the ancestor.
Animals' ears are sometimes cut off due to stock theft
Why is there so much confusion about brands?
and this can lead to further problems.
The control measures after the foot-and-mouth crisis have made everyone more aware of the brands as control is now better applied especially at auctions. Auctioneers are now checking to ensure if an animal
What legislation controls the marking and branding of livestock?
is marked with branding or tattoos and if that mark is valid. This has led to confusion between livestock
There are two laws that apply viz. The Animal
farmers and authorities about what brand or mark
Improvement Act 62 of 1998 for Herd designated marks
should be marked on their livestock. The authorities are
for Stud Breeders and the Animal Identification Act of
also not always aware of the specific brands used by stud breeders.
2002 for branding and excludes the Animal Improvement Act in paragraph 15.2. The Animal Improvement Act
Stud farmers use herd designation marks
was promulgated before the Animal Identification Act
livestock farmers and it can also duplicate stud brands between breeds. This leads to the greatest amount of confusion.
How should animals be marked?
Is there a central database where authorities can confirm marks? No, not at the moment, but it will surely be addressed
The Animal Identification Act stipulates that a
by the new LIDS system proposed for traceability.
permanent mark must be applied, and it varies from
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