Final Report

INDEX The project on electronic identification of livestock, which will be described in this report, began in March 1998 and was concluded on December 31st, 2001. The present report is subdivided into three main parts. The first part presents the objectives of electronic identification of livestock and the experience gained in the past. A general description is then made of the Electronic Identification of Animals of the IDEA Project and its technical features, the working method of the project and the methodology for the evaluation of the results. The second part provides the global results of the in-field activities, of the performance of tagging and reading equipment, and of the data recordings and transmissions activities. The third part presents a list of requirements for an improved animal identification, registration and management system. The general conclusions of the IDEA Project and some recommendations, which may be considered for the future implementation of the electronic identification on livestock in the European Union, have been provided.