Working with EID tags and equipment
The continuous need for improvement in management and production practices is contributing to the increasingly popular use of electronic ID/RFIDs in the cattle industry. All CattleMax editions include electronic ID interfaces to help you continue enhancing your record keeping and performance methods.
Several EID tag manufacturers include an electronic list of EIDs with your order. CattleMax is able to download these EID lists directly into the software, where the records are automatically linked (if the EID list includes visual IDs) or you choose the animal record to link for each EID entry. Purchasing "matched pair sets" from an EID vendor eliminates the need for cattle to be handled just to record which cattle receive what EID tag.
All CattleMax-compatible electronic ID readers can be connected to a computer that is at the chute or pens. As cattle EIDs are scanned, you can automatically add the EID number to an existing cattle record, add a new animal record with the EID, or view the animal's record that already has the recorded EID value.
Some electronic ID readers include a memory capability that allows for storing of scanned electronic ID values without the need for a computer to be connected at the time the EIDs are scanned. This is a good option if a computer is not available or is not practical at chuteside.
After working cattle, you can download the list of EIDs that were scanned right into CattleMax, and even apply events such as medical treatments or update pasture locations for the cattle that were worked.
Being able to quickly generate a list of visual ID entries from CattleMax is also a helpful feature for ranches to implement EID tags. Ranches that already have visual IDs for their cattle and want to make the downloading of corresponding EID entries much easier can supply the EID manufacturer with a list of visual tags, which the EID vendor then supplies you with a list of EIDs to easily match to your existing visual IDs.
Interested in purchasing an EID reader to scan EID tags? By choosing an electronic ID reader that is compatible with the CattleMax software, you are helping ensure a seamless interface between the software and the equipment. With the cooperation of electronic ID reader manufacturers, a chart is available to help you compare the features of available electronic ID readers. The CattleMax EID Reader Comparison Chart (PDF) includes more information about CattleMax-compatible electronic ID reader manufacturers and EID reader features.
Cattlesoft does not manufacture or sell electronic ID readers and therefore remains independent in the electronic ID tag and reader choices. We encourage you to contact each manufacturer or manufacturer reseller to assist you with choosing electronic ID tags and readers that will work best for your specific operation and needs.
Cattlesoft has personally tested equipment from the
following vendors:
- Allflex
- Digital Angel (Destron reader)
- I.D.ology
- Temple Tag (Destron reader)
- Y-Tex
