Initiative provides proof of cattle ancestry

The ARC scheme represents a global standard in animal traceability, authenticity and knowledge, aiming to deliver added value to animals from pedigree herds.

The scheme will create an integral tissue bank that will provide evidence of the ancestry of those animals registered into the herd book.

This will be established through submitting a tissue vial at the point of tagging and registering the animal.

Holstein UK are contributing to the collection of the tissue, through a partnership with leading ear tag manufacturer Caisley. This enables Holstein UK to provide members with a simple, yet tamper proof, tissue sampling system, allowing added value to the breeds genetics within the herd book.

The scheme is also available to calves of pedigree animals that will go through to the meat supply chain. These animals can be registering through a separate database, when choosing to provide DNA and parentage.

Registering animals will see a minimal change. Members can use their preferred method of registration with links to BCMS, after registering animals with the society. The animal’s passport will then be sent directly on to member, eliminating the duplication of registration information.

The tissue sample taken whilst ear-tagging is then simply inserted into the pre-addressed envelope. On receipt Holstein UK will add the animal to the approved register and follow the choice of either storing the sample for future or immediate testing.

The establishment of ARC has been driven by the call for the differentiation of pedigree animals and their offspring. This has been delivered by allowing the use of management tags with icons.

The benefit is that this allows the clear identification of animals that bring with them complete ancestry information, providing comprehensive information to use when making breeding decisions.

The scheme will add confidence to the herd book, both for our industry and also to the wider audience. Cattle purchasers, dairy processors, retailers of both meat and dairy products, will know ‘you get what’s on the label’

Holstein UK are working to promote the ARC scheme as a flagship brand in providing clear traceability for the bovine sector, providing benefits right throughout the supply chain.

With pedigree cattle providing full ancestral traceability, Holstein UK strongly believe the need to be clearly illustrating the benefits that cattle in and closely linked to the herd book carry. The ARC management mark provides this clear differentiation and confidence and will be available to other breeds in the future.

More information on the ARC scheme can be found at www.approvedregisteredcattle.com or by calling 01923 695 200.

Lizzie Bonsall is Holstein UK's identification quality manager