An electronic identification leg band on a dairy goat.

LEG band electronic identification devices have been approved for use in Australia’s dairy, earless and miniature goat herds.

The EID-equipped leg bands have been granted full accreditation status by Integrity Systems Company.

The recommendation for approval came from the National Livestock Identification System Standards Committee in collaboration with state and territory government departments, following the fulfilment of 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.

SAFEMEAT’s Advisory Group chairperson Andrew Henderson said SAFEMEAT supported the 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,” he said.

ISC chief executive officer Jane Weatherley said 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 of Australia president John Falkenhagen said Australian rangeland goat 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,” Ms Weatherley said.

“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,” she said.

For information on the leg band please visit the ISC website.

Click here to view a flyer on goat NLIS tag and leg band requirements for dairy, miniature and earless goats

Click here for more information on the NLIS.