Electronic identification of Sarda goats under extensive conditions in the island of Sardinia

Ruminal bolus for electronic identification of Sarda goats under extensive farm conditions and the retention rate and health effects of ceramic boluses (70 mm × 21 mm, 75 g) enclosing passive transponders half-duplex (32.5 mm × 3.8 mm) were evaluated. A metallic balling gun was used in order to insert 1411 boluses into goats (1132 adults and 279 kids) and the effect on health and retention rate were determined over 8 months. The location of boluses in reticulum after the administration was checked with a hand-held reader. To verify the readability and the retention rate of bolus used as control readings at 1, 7, 30 and 210 days were recorded under dynamic conditions in a race-way, using a fixed reader with a frame antenna (94 cm × 52 cm). Health status was not affected by boluses in the control and the retention rate of boluses after the 8 months was 99.6% with six boluses lost. The ruminal boluses, when retained, showed a 100% readability in static conditions (restrained animals) with the hand-held reader. Farmers expressed satisfaction and interest in the electronic identification system. The use of the ceramic bolus is recommended as a safe and tamper-proof method for electronic identification of goats. This can improve the reliability for identification and management of goats within the extensive conditions in the Sardinia island.