Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS)

Mangaluru, Jun 22: The union government has introduced a novel technology for cattle identification: muzzle prints, which function similarly to human fingerprints by providing unique and complete information for each animal.

Currently, cattle are identified using ear tags, a method with notable limitations and issues such as tags falling off or causing infections. To address these problems, the government has decided to implement muzzle impression technology, which will be rolled out in phases across various districts. A circular has been sent to all districts, including Dakshina Kannada, to begin gathering muzzle prints from approximately 10,000 cattle.

The new technology is particularly advantageous for tracing missing or stolen cattle through their unique muzzle impressions. This method is expected to curb illegal activities related to cattle and streamline the process of collecting and maintaining cattle information.

Dr Arun Kumar Shetty, deputy director of the Dakshina Kannada animal husbandry and veterinary sciences department, explains, “Currently, we use ear tags with 12-digit identification numbers for cattle. These tags can fall off and sometimes cause infections. Muzzle impression technology eliminates these issues, providing a reliable method for obtaining precise information about each animal.”

The government’s circular emphasizes the benefits of muzzle impressions, noting that they will facilitate the collection of comprehensive data such as the cattle's age, owner, and reproductive history. Once the muzzle print is recorded, all related information can be easily accessed, simplifying cattle census and tracking efforts.

With the new system, a scanned muzzle print will provide all pertinent information at the user’s fingertips, significantly enhancing cattle management and identification processes.