RFID chips to tackle Kenyan cattle theft
Pastoralists are set to benefit from a noble mode of taming cattle rustling in Kenya, with the introduction of an innovative electronic tracking chip to keep tabs on cattle.
Cattle rustling is reported to claim over 600 lives and displace thousands annually.The initiative which is supported by World Bank and East African Agricultural Productivity Project is overseen by the government of Kenya through the agricultural ministry. “Pastoral communities in arid and semi-arid lands of Kenya depend on livestock for their livelihood. Mobility is a key strategy used by pastoralists to efficiently utilise available resources, notably pasture and water.
However, this strategy is being interrupted by a vicious cycle of livestock rustling hence the need for the introduction of the creative way to tame the vice, explained Dr. James Kariuki from the ministry of agriculture, one of the overseers of the project.
According to Biztech Africa, the project leverages the available telecom and ICT infrastructure as it uses the GPS tracking devices which are inserted in the cows’ rumen. Mobile phone and internet penetration in Kenya currently stands at 77.2 percent and 63 percent respectively. With such advances in the number of mobile phone and internet penetration, it is believed that the improvement of ICT infrastructure has contributed hugely and these are the same infrastructure that the initiative is leveraging on for its success. The project dubbed Electronic Livestock Identification and Traceability (ELITS) entails usage of a Rumen Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID) bolus that contains a microchip which is encased in a ceramic capsule.
The RFID is inserted into the reticulum of an animal using a bolus gun. The bolus confers a unique animal identifier number that is read using a reader and entered into a central computerized data base. The bolus does not affect the health of the animal since it’s an inert chemical.
According to reports, the data base units are stationed at border points and around all the slaughter houses around the counties in the country. The chip embedded in the bolus emit a signal and the radio receiver detects it and in case the signal is weak the receiver is connected to a directional antennae. The receiver can track over a distance of 15 kilometres.
Food traceability market worth $14 billion by 2019
A new report form Markets and Markets predicts the Food Traceability Market is projected to grow at a CAGR of about 9% to reach $14 Billion by 2019.The report, “Food Traceability Market by Technology (RFID, GPS, Barcode, Infrared, Biometric), End User (Manufacturer, Warehouse, Retailer, Government), Application (Fresh food Produce, Meat & Poultry, Seafood, Dairy, Beverage) & Region – Global Trend & Forecast to 2019″, defines and segments the Food Traceability Market on the basis of various technologies, end users, applications, and regions, with analyses and projections of the market size of each of these segments in terms of value.
RFID boosts nutrition for quality pork
Tracking technology advances are helping U.S. producers keep pace with the demand for high-quality, nutritious pork. One system playing an increasingly important role is Electronic Sow Feeding, or ESF. Electronic sow feeding is the only method that provides true individual animal nutrition to maximize performance and sow comfort in a group housing setting according to Automated Production Systems (AP), a manufacturer of swine production equipment.
Proper nutrition is essential to the health of gestating sows and the development of baby pigs. With ESF, sows are identified by an RFID (radio frequency identification) tag, similar to the bar code on consumer products. When the animal enters the computerized feeding station, the system recognizes the tag and automatically dispenses the feed ration and nutritional supplements specific to her needs. In other forms of group housing, sows are fed as a group, which does not ensure that all animals actually eat the right amount necessary for optimal health.
Major food wholesaler tracks wholesale produce wirelessly
Janam Technologies, a leading provider of rugged mobile computers that scan barcodes and communicate wirelessly, is deployed in Holland Bazaar, one of London’s largest wholesale food suppliers, for barcode scanning and product selection at the company’s 24-hour warehouse. Nation Wilcox Systems, a leading software solution provider for the wholesale food service distribution and supply sector, developed and installed a customized ISSAC (Integrated Sales & Stock Accounting) system for Holland Bazaar.
The ISSAC System developed for Holland Bazaar supports operations with tools for receiving stock, sales entry, stock checking and point-of-sale (POS), in addition to the complete spectrum of ‘back office’ accounting systems. This wireless solution, which runs on Janam’s XG105 as well as iPad Minis at the checkout, communicates real-time data and directs POS invoices to nominated printer(s). The system allows each mobile device to establish multiple, simultaneous sessions with the ISSAC server so that for example, two or more customers can be served at the same time while supplier consignment price returns and/or stock receipts entry can also be processed.