OS ID intelligent livestock identification for better farm management

Livestock production is the world’s largest user of land area and a major user of water. Production is increasing rapidly due to population growth, rising incomes and changes in dietary habits. In fact, the total demand for animal products in developing countries is expected to double by 2030. Satisfying this demand while protecting the natural resource base is one of the major challenges facing food production today. To address this, advanced livestock management solutions are needed to strike a balance between productivity and sustainability.

OS ID offers full animal identification, enabling farmers to track the identity of their livestock and collect valuable data on the animals’ health, welfare and productivity. The company provides intelligent and tamper-proof visual and electronic identification products, ranging from ear tags and radio-frequency identification (RFID) readers to applicators, collars and bells. OS ID also offers tissue sampling solutions using animal-friendly tags for taking biopsies in an easy, cost-effective manner.

Moreover, OS ID has innovated special product features. These include the use of high-quality plastic and a unique, patented locking mechanism that makes reuse of the tags impossible. The company has also patented an eco-friendly production method that reduces plastic packaging and waste.

OS ID visual and electronic identification tags provide traceability down to the level of the individual animal, which is a fundamental requirement for the effective management and protection of the food chain. This also allows farmers to meet the growing consumer demand for information about food origin.

OS ID products connect to official livestock databases in countries with mandatory tagging schemes, enabling farmers to easily comply with national reporting requirements. In addition, livestock data allows farmers to differentiate themselves in the market based on sustainable management, animal welfare, health and nutrition.

The 27 EU countries have a substantial population of livestock, with 143 million pigs, 77 million bovines, and 74 million sheep and goats. In the world of high-tech agriculture, the farmers of these animals require advanced livestock identification solutions.

OS ID is the only product developer and manufacturer of visual and electronic identification products in Northern Europe. Established in 1936, the company already provides solutions to a major share of the Scandinavian market. OS ID is now seeking to expand into other European countries, mostly in the B2B market.

OS ID is a member of NCE Heidner Biocluster, Norway’s national cluster for bioeconomy and sustainable food production.