Traceability databases in the New Zealand sheep industry
G. J. CRUICKSHANK
Genequest Limited, 511 Craggy Range Road, R D 12, Havelock North, New Zealand
Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production 65: 91-92
Sheep traceability will become a necessity in New Zealand to cover consumer, biosecurity and international trade requirements. The requirement to track individual sheep from lamb processors to the farm of birth is a major logistical challenge but is considerably easier than in some of New Zealand's trading partners. Definition of the requirements of a traceability system and implementation into an effective model are still under debate. A major requirement is the design and implementation of a central database to cater for present and future needs. A traceability system could be developed using databases and technology already used in the sheep industry.
Keywords: NZSAPAB; sheep; traceability; database.Last Updated 23/07/2005