Permanent Identification
All registered pigs must be permanently identified for all 3 types or registration (Full, Companion Animal and Animal for Harvest).
The identification must be placed in or on the pig prior to leaving for the breeders farm.
Identification is needed to register the pigs and should be placed on the DNA submittal form with UC Davis.
Identification is for registration and identification purposes only.
The AKKPS does NOT specify what brand of ID Method is used as this is left up to the breeder to choose. Further down on this page. there are links to different ID methods collected from AKKPS Breeders.
AKKPS accepts 3 forms of permanent identification for registration purposes. Please make sure that the form of ID is acceptable in the country which you live.
- Microchips – Any brand of chip is accepted. The numbers should be unique, so the numbers are never repeated in any pig in the AKKPS herd book. No symbols are accepted. Microchips are places behind the RIGHT ear.
- Ear Tags – Any brand or style of ear tag is accepted. The numbers and/or letters on the ear tag should be unique so the number is never repeated in any pig in the AKKPS herd book. Only numbers and letters are accepted (no symbols).
- Tattoos - Tattoo your herd prefix in the right ear of the pig and tattoo the registration number (including AKKPS) in the left ear. Tattoos fade easily and are not recommended but are accepted.
Should a chip no longer scan, an ear tag falls out, or a tattoo becomes illegible, a new form of identification should be applied to the animal and the AKKPS notified using the Herd Book Correction Form and the AKKPS registrar will update the ID method and number.
All states in the USA and Canada have identification requirements for CVI’s (Certified Vet Inspection) for transport. Please consult each state for their requirements.
Identification Requirements are different in the USA and Canada.
Please read below AKKPS requirements as well as the countries requirements.
USA Identification Guidelines & Product Links
Within the USA there are no specific requirements on what method (eartag, microchip, tattoo) or tyoe (840, not 840) of Identification is used.
The AKKPS allows any method, type or brand that the breeder chooses.
Please note transport and processing may require a specific method and or type.
What is "USDA 840" Identification?
A USDA 840 official ear tag or microchip is a source of animal identification that, with accurate movement records, provides the ability to trace animals to their origin through a Premise ID Number.
What is a Premise ID (PIN) or Location Identifier (LID)?
A Premises ID Number (PIN) or location identifier (LID) is a unique code that is permanently assigned to a single physical location / farm and is assigned by the residing state the animal is from.
Does the AKKPS Require a Premise ID Number or the use of 840 Identification?
NO - The AKKPS does NOT require Members Farms to have a Premise ID Number and does NOT require the use of 840 Identification.
How do I get a Premise ID Number?
Premise ID Numbers are obtained through your state. Healthy Farms Healthy Agriculture (click here) provides a list and more detailed information.
What form of ID Method is required by USDA Processors?
For USA residents, USDA certified processors and other processors may require a certain form of identification or not allow certain forms of identification. Please check with your processor to see what the requirements are for processing. Should a new form of ID be used, please fill out the Herd Book Correction Form to update the pigs permanent identification.
Is a CVI (Certificed Vet Inspection) required for transporting pigs and is a specific ID Method required?
When crossing state lines or when traveling within a state with a pig their are requirements put forth by the states. Please check with each state for their requirements and consult your veterinarian.
EAR TAG LINKS
USDA 840
QC Supply 840 Ear Tags (click here)
Valley Vet 840 Ear Tags (click here)
GENERIC - NOT USDA 840
MICROCHIP LINKS
TATTOO LINKS
Canadian Identification Guidelines
Canada ONLY permits Ear Tags and they must be through PigTRACE (click for more info).
Canada does NOT permit Microchips or Tattoos.
PigTRACE gives the Canadian pork industry a competitive edge by offering pork buyers and importing countries improved production security that is resilient to market disruptions resulting from disease or food safety problems. This improved security offers pork buyers peace of mind in knowing they are sourcing pork from one of the most secure supply chains in the world.
Canada is one of only a few countries to initiate a national swine traceability system. In being one of the first countries to initialize a national program, Canada is securing our position as a global leader.
Please note all links are links provided by AKKPS Members. The AKKPS does not sponsor or recommend any specific brand of ID Method.