Enjoyrfid Technical

Tracking of animals and livestock management using radio frequency identification (RFID) tags is a common practice in several countries, but its application in tracking camels used in high-stake races is a novel service that an Omani company is trying to promote in the sultanate and in the region.

The investment in racing camels is growing by the day and the asking price for race camels often goes beyond hundreds of thousands of rials. “When high stakes are involved, getting all the information of a camel from its pedigree to medical history at your fingertips is useful,” said Yousuf al Yahmadi, managing director, Expert Software, which has tagged 800 camels at the Royal Camel Corps in the recent past. 

He added that the information can come handy in races like His Majesty's Cup, where each region participates with its camels. “The norm is to identify each animal by verifying the history and pedigree in an intensively laborious process, but consider getting all the relevant data including track record at the click of a button, with the use of RFID tags. The technology is sure to streamline the management of camels.”

RFID tags for animals represent one of the oldest uses of RFID technology. Originally meant for large ranches and rough terrain, RFID has become crucial in animal identification management. Yahmadi's company uses 135khz frequency tags which are implanted in the animal's body with an injecting device.

“An RFID reader or a hand-held device, when brought in close proximity of the animal, identifies it with a unique ID that the tag is provided with using the radio energy transmitted by the reader as its energy source,” said Sandeep Kondaji, business development manager, Expert Software.

He explained that the tag only provides a unique identity code for the animal. “The unique ID on each tag provides an efficient method of identifying animals and collecting data more quickly. By integrating the ID with the database, the tagged animal's details on feeding, location, vaccination and health history can be tracked in real time.”

He added that the technology is used for farm animals worldwide and helps in monitoring the health, movement and productivity of cattle.

The company is also in talks with the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries regarding cattle tagging on the Salalah-Yemen border. “There are approximately 7,000 cattle on the border, and with the problem of cross-overs to the other side, proper tracking of animals is  top priority. We have submitted a proposal to the ministry and hope to work on the project,” said Yahmadi.