The bovine traceability system is operated in accordance with EU regulatory requirements whereby movements from holding to holding are recorded on a computer database. Under the Animal Identification and Movement (AIM) system, herd keepers are required to obtain the appropriate Certificate of Compliance approving the movement of bovine animals from one holding to another holding for any reason, and which includes to/from another holding for feeding purposes such as bed and breakfast or feedlot operations. The application system allows herd keepers to apply for Certificates of Compliance either manually or online.
The current facility to record "feedlot movements" on AIM was introduced many years ago solely to assist in the establishment of stocking density for premia payments that is no longer applicable and therefore this movement type is no longer required. My Department is currently examining the removal of this “for feeding’’ option when applying for a Certificate of Compliance and a consultation process is underway.
Under EU Regulation No. 1760 /2000 as amended, my Department is required to record herd keepers details and movement from holding to holding. The legal position is clear in relation to the parameters for managing a database for traceability purposes and the AIM system records movements from holding to holding and has no remit with regard to ownership of bovine animals.
