RFID Solutions for Livestock Management

The Need for Technology in Efficient Livestock Tracking

Traditional livestock management methods in Vietnam remain largely manual, requiring significant labor while lacking accurate tracking of individual animals’ lifecycle, health conditions, and feeding routines.

With increasing government regulations and stricter import standards from international markets—especially regarding traceability and disease control—applying technology has become essential.

Implementing RFID in livestock management brings key advantages:

• Daily headcount automation
  Accurately track livestock numbers with minimal human effort, reducing labor costs and human error.
• Individual animal identification
  Assign unique RFID tags to each animal to record detailed lifecycle data—from birth and breeding to end-of-life.
• Health and feeding records tracking
  Monitor vaccination schedules and feeding routines, improving animal welfare and ensuring compliance with health and traceability standards.
• Stronger product competitiveness
  Enhanced transparency in animal origin and health history helps boost product credibility and meet export market demands.

RFID-Based Livestock Management Model

A basic RFID-enabled livestock management system typically includes the following components:

1. RFID Ear Tags for Livestock

Attached to the ear of each animal (e.g., cattle, pigs), these tags uniquely identify individual animals. The tags are designed to be highly durable, withstanding harsh outdoor conditions like sun, rain, and dust. Using UHF (Ultra High Frequency) technology, they support high-speed, simultaneous reading of multiple tags from distances of up to 5 meters.

2. Fixed RFID Readers

Installed at entry/exit points of barns or animal enclosures, these readers automatically detect tagged animals passing through and update the system in real time. They are commonly placed at:

• Livestock entry/exit gates – for counting and updating herd size
• Treatment area gates – for tracking disease control and treatment
• Pregnancy monitoring zones – for managing breeding, nutrition, and veterinary care

3. Handheld RFID Readers

Used by farm staff to conduct on-demand tasks in various locations, such as:

• Counting livestock in specific areas
• Updating or checking details of individual animals (e.g., weight, health, medication, pregnancy status)
• Locating specific animals for health checks, treatment, or vaccination

4. Management Software

This software connects to RFID readers and displays real-time data about the herd and individual animals. It can be accessed via computer, tablet, or smartphone. The software provides both summary and detailed reports to help managers track animal health, productivity, and inventory.

Integrated RFID-based system for individual cattle weight monitoring and identification

RFID Livestock Monitoring & Management Workflow

Step 1: RFID Tag Attachment

Each animal is tagged with a durable RFID chip, typically attached to the ear. This tag acts as a unique identifier for the animal throughout its lifecycle.

Step 2: RFID Scanning via Fixed or Handheld Devices

As animals pass by fixed readers or are scanned manually, data is automatically linked to their tag and synchronized with the software in real time.

Step 3: Data Management via RFID Software

The management software collects data from the tags and generates comprehensive reports for:

• Herd inventory
• Barn and zone-level management
• Feeding schedules
• Animal health metrics
• Harvest tracking
• Vaccination and medication logs
• Herd separation and breeding
• Sales and stock tracking

The system also tracks the breeding history of each animal, helping managers make informed decisions on herd development and resource planning. It simplifies meat traceability, providing detailed records of vaccination, diet, and health—crucial for meeting regulatory standards and enhancing consumer trust.

Contact 1Gate for more information on our solutions

📧 Email: info@1gate.com.vn
📞 Phone: 0778 333 000