Methods of Animal Identification Flashcards
What criteria should marking techniques fulfil?
permanent legible at a distance inexpensive humane inconspicuous fast and easy to do and use
What physical methods of identification are there?
breed colour markings toe clipping ringing freeze marking temporary marking tattooing microchipping tagging
Where is a horse microchip administered?
midneck on the left side into the nuchal ligament
What is breed standard?
the set of distinguishing features of a particular breed
What is the governing body or society for dogs, cats, rabbits and horses?
dogs - the kennel club
cats - the governing council of cat fancy
rabbits - the british rabbit council
Horses - has individual breed societies
What types of natural marking techniques are used for identification?
colour patterns scale patterns scars shape/size distinguishing features
When are natural markings useful?
enables owner to identify individual pets at home
identifying individuals in the wild but may take some expertise e.g zoo animals
horse ID (passports)
When might a non-natural technique of marking be useful?
for individuals in a herd
for animals that have no natural markings
for legal requirements
for permanence
What animals is ringing used on?
birds
What birds have to be rung for legal reasons?
birds of prey
endangered species
When would we use closed rings?
For ringing birds for legal reasons (birds of prey and endangered species)
What precautions needs to be made for applying closed rings?
not going to be too small not too loose mother doesn't try to take it off ring should be able to spin easily should show the year of birth and a special code individual to the bird
How do you obtain the rings for ringing birds?
through specialist dealers approved by DEFRA
What should you be able to prove when selling birds rung for legal reasons?
that they have been captive bred
When are open rings used?
on birds that don’t have to be rung e.g racing pigeons
