Location and retention of transponders used for electronic identification of sheep

Abstract

Electronic identification implants in sheep were evaluated in relation to advantages offered over traditional tag systems. The 2 (medial and posterior) techniques located transponders under the scutiform cartilage of the ear. In neither technique were all implants retained, or capable of being read, nor could they be adequately recovered during commercial slaughter, thereby limiting the value of the scutiform cartilage as an implantation site.