Reading tags
Every NAIT tag has a unique RFID number that identifies an individual animal. Find out how to read or scan tags so it's easier to keep your NAIT account up to date.
What RFID tags are
Tags approved for use in the NAIT scheme are radio frequency identification (RFID) tags. They store information on a microchip inside the tag, including a unique 15-digit number. This number is used to trace an individual animal throughout its life, starting when you register it in NAIT after you've tagged it. registration after tagging. After you register the tag in your NAIT account, this number is used to trace the animal throughout its life.
RFID tags are printed with a corresponding visual ID number so you can read them visually or with an electronic scanner — called an RFID scanner or reader.
Two ways to read NAIT tags
You can read tags:
- visually, or
- with an RFID scanner.
Visually reading the tag
It's easier to read a tag before it's on an animal. After they've been tagged it may be difficult to get close enough to safely read the printing.
If you don't have a scanner, using a visual panel tag in addition to the NAIT tag can help you identify an animal from a distance.
NAIT-approved birth tags often come with an RFID tag and a matching visual ID panel tag which are already linked in NAIT. You can also choose to use your own type of visual tag and link it to the RFID tag in your NAIT account.
Reading tags with an RFID scanner
You can use an electronic scanner to read RFID tags. The scanner collects the tag data and saves it into a file. You can upload the file to your NAIT account when you register or move your animals.
Some scanners come with their own mobile apps or computer software that helps you send information to your NAIT account.
Getting help with reading your tags
Using an information provider
A NAIT-accredited information provider can help you with your NAIT requirements. They can read tags, register animals and record animal movements on your behalf.
When saleyards and meat processors can scan tags for you
If you're sending animals to a NAIT-accredited saleyard or meat processor, you don't need to read the tag numbers first. They scan the tags and record the movement for you.
If you're receiving animals from a NAIT-accredited saleyard, they scan the tags and record the sending movement to you. You must confirm that you received the animals in your NAIT account.