04/13/05 DNA cattle ID

DNA Cattle ID With mandatory individual animal ID in the near future; new technology is currently being utilized and tested. I'm Jeff Keane; I'll tell you about one right after this. Officials at Colorado Department of Agriculture are testing the use of DNA analysis to track and identify cattle. Wayne Cunningham, state veterinarian at the Department says the DNA technology will compliment other ID systems. A study involving Colorado State University, Research Management Systems USA in Fort Collins, and MMI Genomics in Beltsville, Maryland was conducted over a two-month period. This double-blind test correctly matched 34 cows solely on DNA analysis. The most successful part of the study was the fact the results were confirmed in 40 hours, which is eight hours quicker than the USDA's National Animal Identification System recommends for a trace back time period. Time is a very important factor in response to an animal health emergency or a disease containment and control. This technology would also work identifying elk, horses, sheep, swine, and just about any other species. When all the pilot animal ID programs, testing, premise ID prototypes, and new technology finally get analyzed it is going to be interesting to see the recommendations that are presented. I only hope they are fairly simple, efficient, and can possibly still protect some producer privacy. I'm Jeff Keane. Western Farmer-Stockman April 2005