Central Queensland University has been awarded a $200,101 traceability grant to improve meat traceability through the existing National Livestock Identification System. Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management David Littleproud said the research will look at ways to improve meat traceability, animal welfare and meat quality.
“On-animal sensors or smart-tags is an emerging technology and we’re only just learning the full extent of how it can benefit the red meat industry,” Minister Littleproud said.
“This research looks at how smart-tags technology can be used in traceability, linking pre-farm gate management with the results obtained at processing.
“It involves a review of how smart-tags can be used to detect disease and management issues, and a case study to inform how this data can be employed for industry.” While there is a commercial drawback to diseases, given that they ultimately result in carcass downgrades, any incentive to improve the health and welfare of animals can only be a positive.
“What’s even better is that this technology doesn’t have to reinvent the wheel,” Minister Littleproud said.
“We already use sophisticated ear tags in the form of the NLIS, so this research can be used to improve and expand on a product that is already in use.
“We know consumers in Australia and internationally want greater transparency and real time advice about the origin and safety of product in the modern digital marketplace.
“Whether it’s through developing block-chain technology to assist with food safety, an app to track kangaroo meat harvesting or a DNA database to combat illegal logging, these round two projects will give Aussie exporters the competitive edge.” Central Queensland University Associate Professor Mark Trotter said that he was grateful for the grant.
“We thank the Australian Government for its support to develop a sensor-based livestock traceability system,” Assoc Prof Trotter said. For more details on the 14 successful round two projects, visit agriculture.gov.au/market-access-trade/traceability-grants-program
