National Livestock Identification System Alpaca and Llama ...

NLIS ALPACA AND LLAMA DATABASE OPTIONS REVIEW
Database Cost Comparisons and Selection
1. Cost estimates are indicative only and require detailed analysis to define the
cost more accurately.
2. Taking into account all the component cost estimates, the NLIS option will be
considerably cheaper than the LTAT option.
3. Based on the indicative number of animals and the operating costs, it is likely
that the ongoing cost of NLIS will be in the order of $0.50 per head per year.
Recommendation
The NLIS database offers considerably lower costs and has the full functionality
and interfaces available. The NLIS database offers by far the best option to
support NLIS (Alpaca and Llamas)
Identification Options
1. The technology selected must be the same as other species in Australia to
ensure compatibility with existing equipment.
2. The use of NLIS accredited ear tags seems to be the best option for the
alpaca industry. The industry will need to look at whether it needs to trial tags
for the species or use accreditations from other industries such as sheep.
3. The use of subcutaneous implants by the llama industry could be acceptable
but the technology needs to the same as other species (HDX and ISO
11785/11786). This would preclude any use of llamas for human
consumption.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the alpaca and llama industries adopt the same
technology base as that adopted by the cattle, sheep and goat industries. The
best option for accreditation of ear tags will be to use the tags already accredited
for cattle or sheep.
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