Animal ID Flashcards
State 7 methods of animal ID
-Markings (physical characteristics)
-Behaviour/personality
-Microchips
-Ear tags
-Mutilation
-Tattoos/brands
-Rings
List the pros of markings as a method of ID
(4)
-Easy to spot at a distance
-Will not change
-Does not cause stress
-Cheap
List the cons of markings as a method of ID
(4)
-Can moult off
-Can change with age
-Can be hard to see
-Not very precise (can vary in opinion)
List the pros of ear tags as a method of ID
(5)
-Clear
-Can also identify sex at a distance (dependent on which ear it’s in)
-Comply with laws in some cases
-Information can be stored from given code/number - linked to a database
-Visible from a distance (readable with binoculars)
List the cons of ear tags as a method of ID
(8)
-Can get caught and cause injury
-Can be put in wrong and cause injury
-Staff training required
-Can break off, rub off, fall out, etc
-Causes stress to animal via being caught and tagged
-Doesn’t look pleasant or natural
-Costs to have, use and keep up to date
-Involved physical restraint
List the pros of mutilation as a method of ID
(3)
-Mostly permanent
-Clear if done correctly
-Cheap
List the cons of mutilation as a method of ID
(6)
-Could grow out over time
-Can cause stress and pain to animal
-Looks unpleasant
-Public perception
-Ethics
-Involves physical restraint
List the pros of rings as a method of ID
(6)
-Clear
-Can also identify sex at a distance (dependent on which leg it’s on)
-More permanent than other methods for birds
-Comply with laws in some cases
-Information can be stored from given code/number - linked to a database
-Can be used worldwide for research and communication
List the cons of rings as a method of ID
(6)
-Has to be done by a trained person
-Can cause injury if done incorrectly
-Can come off eventually
-Can lead to animal getting caught if done incorrectly
-Involves physical restraint
-Can cause stress to animal when fitting
List the pros of tattoos & brands as a method of ID
(3)
-Permanent
-Clear, unambiguous
-Can link to databases
List the cons of tattoos & brands as a method of ID
(5)
-Some people will remove parts of animals to get rid of tattoos (e.g. ears)
-Causes pain whilst being done
-Needs trained person to do correctly
-Ethics
-Involves physical restraint
List the pros of microchips as a method of ID
(6)
-Precise and informative
-Links to databases
-Not visual - aesthetically pleasing
-Small, light
-Doesn’t restrict or cause potential risk to animal
-Can be used for a huge range of species
List the cons of microchips as a method of ID
(5)
-Can migrate or disappear altogether
-Needs a trained person to fit
-Need equipment to be able to read them
-Involves physical restraint
-Costs
List the pros of behaviour/personality as a method of ID
(4)
-Non-invasive
-Cheap
-Sometimes quick
-No visual or physical impact on the animal
List the cons of behaviour/personality as a method of ID
(4)
-Linked to long term knowledge which won’t always be there (e.g. change of staff due to sickness or leaving)
-Behaviour varies
-Can be interpreted differently
-Only lasts as long as the given behaviour is being presented
