Application of Radio Frequency Identification in the supervision and management of live pigs

In order to establish an efficient traceability system of animal-derived food, an information system based on Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology for the supervision and management of the inspection and quarantine of live pigs was established, critical technical parameters and equipment of the RFID system was screened and optimized, and evaluation of the effect in a preliminary trial was done. The test results show that covering the overall management of live pigs including feeding, quarantine, transportation and slaughter, the RFID system provide a new information-based identification approach for pig breeding industry and other breeding industry. The RFID eartags can completely replace the current official tattoos of live pigs supplied for Hong Kong consumer, and significantly improve the supervision level of the health and safety of live pigs supplied for Hong Kong consumer.