Performance evaluation of leg and ear numbers in radio frequency identification systems (RFID) in sensitive livestock products in goat breeding

This study, evaluated the readability of electronic leg and ear tags in Saanen goats. Fifty-seven goats were identified with the electronic leg tap (ELT) and electronic ear tags (EET) from birth until the lactation period ends. Readability of FIT and EET was %.30% and 90.55% respectively in static conditions at the end of 12 months. Foot and udder, with no infection rates for ELI and EET in calm and aggressive goats were 95.70% and 100%, respectively. No infection rates of foot and udder for ELI and EET in calm and aggressive goats were 95.70% and 100%, respectively. Tagging method and animal temperament was not statistically significant. As a result, low animal traceability with ear tags was determined by this study. Besides, it is suggested that smaller-sized tagging materials would be more accurate when the ankle was selected as a body area to place identification tags in goats. The resulting issue to be considered is that the leg tagging should not negatively affect the animal welfare and the foot and udder health. In the future, using a leg band in the identification of goats will become more widespread as it does not damage animals and has a high readability capacity.