Animal ID

3:30 p.m.
Dr. Ted McCollum, Extension beef cattle specialist in Amarillo, led off the afternoon's session on "Improving Profit with Animal Identification."
McCollum said it's important to distinguish what the animal identification system is.
"The National Animal Identification System is focused on animal tracking and disease control."
He said a national plan had been in the beginning stages long before the first discovery of mad cow disease in December 2003. McCollum also noted the system is not just for beef cattle, but for other livestock, including swine and poultry.
The national system won't be fully implmented until 2008, but McCollum urged ranchers to register with the Texas Animal Health Commission for a premise identification number.