The Goat Industry Council of Australia (GICA) is encouraging feedback and comment from dairy goat producers on the removal of the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) tagging exemption of Australian Dairy Goats.
NLIS Sheep & Goats was introduced on 1 January 2006, however under the NLIS Sheep & Goats National Business Rules, dairy goats have been exempt from tagging for property-to-property movements (requirements vary between the states/territories).
GICA president Rick Gates said the Council remains firmly committed to strengthening the current National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) Sheep & Goat traceability system.
“GICA has identified a number of opportunities to improve the visual NLIS traceability program across the goat industry.
“GICA, with input from the Dairy Goat Society of Australia (DGSA), commissioned a desktop study on NLIS Tagging Options for Australian Dairy Goats,” Mr Gates said.
The study included a review of published literature and a survey of tagging procedures from four large-scale goat dairies operating in Australia, with a collective total of over 6300 goats tagged.
The survey results suggested that a successful tag retention rate with minimal / no infection, may be achieved in dairy goats if the following procedures are implemented:
- An appropriate device is used (such as the Allflex Mini Mini visual tag or the Allflex Lightweight RFID tag);
- The tag is clean and is applied in a clean environment;
- Disinfectant is used on the tag and applicator;
- The tag is inserted in the correct position of the ear; and
- Ongoing monitoring of tag retention rates and management of causes of loss.
The NLIS is Australia’s system for identifying and tracing sheep and goats for biosecurity, food safety, product integrity and market access purposes.
To have your say on the consultation plan and desktop study visit this page of the GICA website.
Submissions are due by 15 March 2017 via maria@agstarprojects.com.au.
For further details contact Rick Gates, GICA President on gatesgoats1@bigpond.com, (08) 8091 9464 or 0428 919 464.