Bobby calves to require NLIS identification from January 1

Cattle producers are reminded that bobby calf exemptions for the phase-in period of the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) will no longer apply when the final stage of the system is introduced on January 1, 2006.

“From January 1, 2006, all movements of cattle between properties with different Property Identification Codes (PICs) must be notified to the NLIS database,” said NSW Department of Primary Industries Executive Officer NLIS Michael Beer.

“This is the final phase of the staged introduction of NLIS in NSW,” he said.

“Importantly, this means the exemption for NLIS tagging of bobby calves to slaughter will no longer continue. 

“ALL bobby calves will require permanent identification with an NLIS device before leaving any property from January 1, 2006.”

Mr Beer said calf producers would continue to have access to discounted Allflex NLIS devices for about six months and dairy calf producers may be able to access further device subsidies under a Dairy Industry Conference grant.

He said NSW was implementing a policy for calf identification in co-operation with other states including Victoria.

“The identification of calves in NSW is in line with the requirement to identify cattle of any age,” he said.

“It is also in preparation for residue management programs such as the NARM program being implemented by processors of veal.”

Mr Beer said current NLIS requirements mean all cattle leaving any property must be identified by an approved NLIS device before they leave the property (except when moving between properties under a single PIC). 

Saleyards and abattoirs are required to read all devices on cattle traded through saleyards or direct to slaughter and transfer the animals on the NLIS database.

From January 1, all property-to-property movements must also be registered on the NLIS database (except between properties under one PIC).

Mr Beer said the NLIS database underpins the entire electronic identification system. 

“This is where all devices are recorded against registered Property Identification Codes when the original order for devices is placed.” 

For information on the NLIS, contact your local NSW Department of Primary Industries livestock officer, your Rural Lands Protection Board, call the NSW DPI NLIS helpline on 1300 720 405 or visit the website www.dpi.nsw.gov.au. For NLIS database enquiries visit www.nlis.mla.com.au or phone the NLIS Helpdesk on 1800 654 743.

Media contact: Brett Fifield 0427 029 511.