Use of Radio-frequency Identification Technology to Assess the Frequency of Cattle Visits to Mineral Feeders

An abstract of a study by Ranches et al utilizing radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to accurately assess the frequency of individual animal visits to mineral feeders is presented. Twelve yearling heifers consisting of 3 breeds (Braford, Brahman, and White Angus) were fitted with RFID ear tags and placed in a bermudagrass pasture with free-choice access to a single RFID-equipped mineral feeder. Results suggest a seasonality of visits to a mineral feeder during a 24 h period and also a variability of visits according breed; suggesting a greater number of visits by the Brahman heifers.