Sheep and goat identification and traceability: guidance for keepers in Scotland

What is electronic identification (EID)?

Electronic identification, often referred to as EID, is a tool which allows keepers to record information on individual animals more quickly and easily, especially where large numbers of animals are moved at speed. The electronic identifier has a microchip which contains the animal's individual number. The electronic identifier can be an ear tag, a bolus (an identifier in a container that is swallowed and stays in the animal's stomach) or a pastern tag (a band around the animal's lower leg). The number in the microchip can be read by using an electronic reader.