, Government

EAR TAGGING OF ANIMALS IN MODEL CATTLE MARKET

Cattle Markets Management Companies in Punjab, Pakistan

jab

Local Government and Community Development,

Government of the Punjab

Dr. Muhammad Rasheed, Livestock Professional03336901401; muhammadrasheed2352@gmail.com

1. Introduction:

Livestock marketing is the most important segment of livestock business. Hence, for ensuring reasonable returns to the producers as well as protecting consumers’ interests, an efficient marketing system is necessary, promoting production and attracting marketing agents. Livestock are generally marketed either at village level by personal contact between buyer and seller at special places called cattle markets organized for animal trade. These cattle markets are organized at different levels such as; sub-tehsil, tehsil and district levels on daily, weekly, fortnightly, monthly and sometimes yearly bases. These markets are traditional; therefore both buyers and sellers are mostly well informed about these market days or dates, as they are remained un-changed since ages. In addition special livestock markets are also organized on provincial/regional festivals especially before Eid-ul-Azha,. In general, both small and large ruminants are traded in the same markets, however at some places, buffalo, cattle, sheep and goats, camel & horses are also traded in separate markets. For instance, in bakker mandies, only small ruminants are marketed. In villages, depending upon the nature of need arisen, the farmers choose time, place and agency for disposing their animals.

There are about 258 livestock markets in Punjab. These include small primary collecting markets, secondary distribution markets and large terminal markets which are interconnected for supply of animals and exist since long time. Primary markets are held at town/village level, secondary markets are larger distributor type located near big cities while terminal markets are the largest based in big cities mainly at provincial level. In most of these markets mixed species of livestock are traded on daily/weekly or monthly intervals. The livestock market, both in urban and rural areas, are mainly a single-day affair, which left the livestock owners at the mercy of intermediary and deprived them of proper price of their stock. Similarly no proper market exists for livestock products like milk and eggs, which called for an organized marketing system of livestock products on modern lines.

2. Objectives on Model Cattle Markets:

Government of the Punjab with its development and facilitation vision, has established Cattle Markets management Companies under section 42 of company ordinance 1984 at each division level. The main mandate and responsibility of Cattle Market management Company will be to safeguard the interest of stakeholders by ensuring good quality of services for buyers and sellers under prescribed regulatory framework. In initial phase model cattle markets will be developed having following Objectives:

To provide better atmosphere to the livestock traders and farming community Identification of current livestock marketing patterns and assessment of gaps To reduce the livestock losses during transportation, loading and unloading To minimize the role of middle man who is exploiting the sellers and the buyers To develop a complete value chain approach in marketing and traceability (E-

Tagging of animals)

3. Animal Identification with Ear Tagging:

Animal identification system will enable the Cattle Markets Management Company (CMMC) for registration and tracing of an animal or group of animals handled at cattle markets. The purpose is to develop a comprehensive system for the identification of animals with a modern technique by Ear tagging the individual animal showing its birth, pedigree and other related information. This system will help in live animal traceability permitting rapid detection, containment, elimination of disease threat, disease surveillance, controlling the theft, food security assurance, market access, value addition and opportunity for genetic and product improvement along with the increased consumer protection, product credibility and to enhance market access and penetration. The established animal identification system, identify the potential of livestock leading to an animal products traceability system, required under national and international obligations. Such system in Punjab will benefit the farmers and government departments who wish to uniquely identify their animals as per standards of OIE (Chapter 4.1 & 4.2). The credibility of such system will establish Auditable Marketing Chain that would be required by any country wishing to import product from Pakistan.

3.1. Main Objectives of Ear tagging : To establish animal registration and identification system under Cattle Markets

Management Company (CMMC) being established under Government of the Punjab. .

To develop and implement legal framework, procedures under designated competent Authority / department for registration of livestock owners, animals identification and animal movements.

To maintain animal health with efficient disease surveillance, reporting, diagnosis, control of disease, quarantine and vaccination programmes.

To ensure public health with effective surveillance and control of zoonotic diseases and food safety.

To support in management of livestock emergencies e.g. natural catastrophes or man-made events.

To support in trade for inspection and certification activities of veterinary services, as desired under international obligations.

3.2. Key Elements

Cattle Markets management Company will be responsible to launch, implement and maintain Animal Identification System with Ear tagging having following Key Elements:

Developing a system for registration of animals coming at cattle markets with dedicated database.

Developing a system of unique identification for each animal indicating district, tehsil, village, farmer and animal description.

Developing of appropriate software / database for data entry / enquiry, management information and reporting.

Arrangement of standard yellow ear tags with required print data. Training of staff for data recording and ear tagging. Training of farmers (Buyers and Sellers) for record of animals.

Developing Animal records at livestock markets /mandies and in slaughter houses.

3.3. Outcome

Animal Identification System with Ear tagging under established Cattle Markets Management Company will bring remarkable change in livestock marketing system as well as Farm to Fork Compliance in Food Safety will be covered with following outcomes:

Employment generation in use if Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) Sale and Maintenance of Information Communication Tools (Computers and Phones) International recognition for the export of livestock and products. Easy access to Disease investigation and diagnosis. Support in creation of disease free zone in Punjab. Record keeping at farmer level, minimizing of Smuggling of animals. Identification of productive and unproductive animal. Functioning of slaughter houses and cattle markets Direct market access to livestock farmers for better price and elimination of middle

man.

4. Scope of Ear tagging in Cattle Markets of Punjab:

The Livestock in Punjab is traded by formal and informal process of buying and selling, having not exact documentation. The estimated animals brought and sold at different markets in Punjab are shown below: (source: L&DDD reports)

S# Name of DivisionType of Mandi

No. of animal Marketed

Large Small

1 Bahawalpur Weekly 3000-4000 5000-6000

2 D.G Khan Weekly 1000-1500 8000-10000

3 Faisalabad Weekly 3000-5000 10000-15000

4 Gujranwala Weekly 4000-5000 10000-12000

5 Lahore Weekly 2000-3000 8000-10000

6 Multan Weekly 3000-3500 5000-6000

7 Rawalpindi Weekly 2000-2500 3000-4000

8 Sahiwal Weekly 1000-1500 2000-2500

9 Sargodha Weekly 2000-3000 3000-4000

Animals Marketed in a week: 29000

Animal marketed in Month: 116000

Animal Marketed in Year: 1392000

5. Working Methodology

Animal Ear tagging with registration and Identification could be introduced without any major investment or need for Government to purchase any capital items. The dedicated database having agreed software, holding records for individual farmers, farms and animals, would be the 1st step to move forward to complete livestock Ear Tagging under Cattle Markets Management Company (CMMC) in Punjab.

Initially the CMMC administration office located at division level may launch ear tagging with identified unique codes for each animal handled at pilot cattle markets. The existing staff of Livestock and Dairy Development and Local Government Departments under supervision of Technical Expert could be used to ear tag and collect the initial data required. This data would be transmitted physically or electronically to the dedicated database located at CMMC office who would take the further steps.

Eventually it is anticipated that the office and admin function of CMMC firm would be transferred to the responsibility of the Livestock and Dairy Development Department Punjab or as decided by CMMC. This would then give the department total control over the whole system. It would remain the function of CMMC to ensure the functionality of the data base and ensure the security of the information held on the servers based at division or province level. The CMMC would also be responsible as and when the system needed to be updated. The system needs to be designed, staffed and approved to ensure functionality when all of the animals in the province are registered but initially it should be stated as pilot project in designated area (Cattle Markets) with prescribed target. This target could be incorporated into any requirement to identify a specific region or designated area identified, for example the eradication of FMD or other transboundry animal diseases.

5.1. Initial registration of cattle

The following flow details the initial registration of animals at a cattle market.

The deputed staff / VO or Para vet inspect the animal for any disease symptoms and fill format having description of animal.

The staffs allocate code or number for animal and ear tagged. The records may have each farmer’s details on a pre printed paper form i.e. name /

address number of animals. [Note that the form contents MUST be unique and must therefore be able to uniquely identify farmers with the same name that reside in the same village.

At the cattle market, the deputed staff will put the tag in the animal and record it on a paper card that accompanied the tag along with details of the animal e.g. gender, breed, dam, sire.

The deputed staff will return the card to CMMC office the cattle will be registered using the details recorded on the paper card and the barcode of the tag used. Once registered on the data base the information should not be altered except by an authorised operator. The data can also be viewed by any computer terminal authorised and any changes to data will identify the computer terminal that made the changes.

Procedures will also be put in place to store the paper based forms. There is probably a requirement to store them so that the information entered into the application can be validated if there are any queries or following a mistake.

5.2. Proper Steps to Animal Tagging

The deputed staff should have practical training to put ear tag in ear of animal brought at cattle markets with following steps:

Ear tag and applicator should always be compatible on practical ear tagging.

The animal should be properly restraint / secure in cattle crush or appropriate / purpose built place before applying ear tag

Movement of the animal’s head could create an undesirable situation to appropriately apply the ear tag. This could cause injury to the person or livestock, or improper tagging of the animal.

Hands on training for staff, deputed for ear tagging of animals with Identification of tagging site on the animal’s ear

The Ear Tags should be applied in the middle third of the ear between the upper and lower ribs

The ear tags, placed too far outside of the recommended position are prone to snagging and may be easily torn out.

The Ear Tags placed too far inside of the recommended position may cause pinching and/or necrosis

The applicator pin to ensure the tip is in good condition, If the tip is bent or broken, insert replacement pin

Check alignment by closing the jaws of the applicator to the point where the two tag halves meet; the stud should be centered within the button hole.

Proper hygiene and cleanliness during the tagging process is necessary to reduce the risk of infection and clean the tagging site of animals ear

Examine the tag to verify it is correctly, comfortably, and securely positioned.

Record necessary data of the animal on paper as well as in computer

6. Launching & Managing Database:

6.1. Software and Data Entry Requirements

The available software / database could be used after its reviewing compatibility with objectives of Animal Ear Tagging Project by Cattle Markets Management Company (CMMC). Otherwise, customized software /database may be developed from Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB), covering required functions, options and reporting. In customized software, number of interfaces / screens should be developed, allowing the information required to track livestock to be entered into the

database. All screens should have a dual function as both data entry and data enquiry screens, considerably reducing the application development and maintenance overhead and the time required for the user to become accustomed to the system.

6.1.1. Android application:

Cell phone or tablets having Andriod application with dedicated Animal Ear tagging program having registration, identification and reporting windows could also be used.

6.2. Human Resource Needed:

6.2.1. At Province Level:

Position For Number

Technical ExpertConsultant

Overall designing, launching and implementing Animal Ear Tagging project

01

Computer operatorTo enter, manipulate, analysis and reporting ear tag data with animal and farmer’s profile

01

6.2.2. At 01 model cattle market:

Position For Number

Veterinary Doctor (Animal Health)

Inspection, surveillance and reporting notifiable livestock diseases. To maintain and report ear tags data as per SoPs

01

Veterinary Assistant To apply ear tags with data collection 02

Computer operatorTo enter, manipulate, analysis and reporting ear tag data with animal and farmer’s profile

01

Animal handler To support in handling animals for ear tagging 02

6.3. Equipment Needed for 01 model cattle market :

Equipment For Number

Computers / Laptops To maintain and report ear tags data as per SoPs 01

Tablets PCTo maintain and report ear tags data as per SoPs

01

Cell Phone AndriodTo maintain and report ear tags data as per SoPs

01

Ear Tags Standards To ear tagging the livestock at cattle market 20000

Appliers To apply ear tags 100

Cattle Crush To keep restraint animals for ear tagging process 02

Ropes To keep restraint animals for ear tagging process 02

Antiseptic Spray To keep hygienic and infection free tools 100

6.4. Funds allocations and cost estimates:

The Animal Era tagging having registration and Identification system could be introduced without any major investment by Cattle Market management Company as no need for any capital items.

In available animal recording system, the cost of an individual tag plus registration of the animal’s details into the data base will be PKRs 150-200 depending on is specification of ear tags.

With the establishment of unit in a CMMC having administration of the scheme, the agreed part of this cost could be allocated as running cost.

The percentage of allocation of the registration fee from 20 to 25 Rupees could be structured over for CMMC resources arrangements.

With the implementation of Ear Tagging Project, the incoming animals having ear tags with data entry may be subsidized on cattle market registration fee.

Annexure- A

Components, Human Resource, Equipment will be put under budget estimates with the approval of concept and working methodology. However, Rs 150-200 per animal cost is anticipated, using available animal ear tagging, registration and identification system.

S# Name of District Type of Mandi No. of animal Marketed

Large Small

1 Attock Weekly 2000-2500 3000-4000

2 Bahawalnagar Weekly 1500-2500 4000-5000

3 Bahawalpur Weekly 3000-4000 5000-6000

4 Bhakkar Weekly 1000-1500 2000-2500

5 Chakwal Weekly 3000-4000 5000-6000

6 Chiniot Weekly 1000-1500 1500-2500

7 D.G Khan Weekly 1000-1500 8000-10000

8 Faisalabad Weekly 3000-5000 10000-15000

9 Gujranwala Weekly 4000-5000 10000-12000

10 Gujrat Weekly 2000-3000 3000-4000

11 Hafizabad Weekly 1500-2000 2000-2500

12 Jhang Weekly 2000-2500 3000-3500

13 Jhelum Weekly 4000-5000 7000-8000

14 Kasur Weekly 2000-3000 3000-4000

15 Khanewal Weekly 1000-1500 2000-2500

16 Khushab Weekly 1000-1500 2500-3000

17 Lahore Daily 2000-3000 8000-10000

18 Layyah Weekly 1000-1500 2000-3000

19 Lodhran Weekly 1000-1500 2500-3000

20 M.B.din Weekly 1500-2000 2500-3000

21 M.garh Weekly 1000-3000 3000-3500

22 Mianwali Weekly 1000-1500 2000-2500

23 Multan Weekly 3000-3500 5000-6000

24 Nankana Weekly 1000-1500 2000-3000

25 Narowal Weekly 1000-1500 2000-3000

26 Okara Weekly 2000-2500 2500-3000

27 Pakpattan Weekly 3000-3500 1000-2000

28 R.y.khan Weekly 1000-1500 2000-3000

29 Rajanpur Weekly 500-1000 2000-2500

30 Rawalpindi Weekly 2000-2500 3000-4000

31 Sahiwal Weekly 1000-1500 2000-2500

32 Sargodha Weekly 2000-3000 3000-4000

33 Sheikhupura Weekly 3000-5000 500-1000

34 Sialkot Weekly 1000-1500 2000-2500

35 T.T.singh Weekly 1000-1500 2000-2500

36 Vehari Weekly 2000-2500 3000-3500

Total 64000-91000 123000-158000