ISO 24631-6:2011

Overview

ISO 24631-6:2011 is an international standard developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) that focuses on radiofrequency identification (RFID) of animals. This part of the standard specifies how animal identification information-originally defined by ISO 11784 and ISO 11785-is visually represented on RFID transceiver displays and how such data is transferred from transceivers to information systems. These systems may store animal identification data in databases, use it for process control, or display it for management purposes, enabling streamlined animal tracking and identification in agricultural and veterinary contexts.

Key Topics

• Animal Identification Encoding
  The standard deals with data structures consisting of a 15-digit decimal code unique to each animal worldwide. This includes either:

  • A three-digit country code (ISO 3166-1 numeric) plus a 12-digit national identification number, or
  • A three-digit manufacturer code plus a 12-digit manufacturer-assigned identification code.

• Display Formats
  ISO 24631-6:2011 mandates how RFID transceivers must display the identification code to users:

  • At minimum, a single line of 16 characters or two lines of eight characters each for clear visual representation.
  • Optional extended displays for additional user information, rerun counters, and other supplementary data can use up to three lines of eight characters or two lines of 16 characters.
  • Separation of different code parts by spaces for better readability.

• Data Transfer Protocols
  The standard defines how animal identification data is communicated over data links such as RS-232 or USB:

  • ASCII format transmission including start of text (STX), carriage return (CR), and line feed (LF) characters.
  • Optional timestamps in the format "aammjjhhmmss" can be appended to aid in time-sensitive tracking and process control.

• Supplementary Fields
  Additional user information, rerun counters for identification retags, and other technical flags can be incorporated, authorized only when associated with country codes.

• Compliance and Testing
  This part complements ISO 24631-1 to ISO 24631-4 by ensuring conformity and performance of RFID devices used in animal identification, as specified by authorized bodies such as ICAR (International Committee for Animal Recording).

Applications

• Animal Identification and Tracking
  Enables precise electronic animal identification across farms, veterinary clinics, and livestock management systems, enhancing traceability and biosecurity.

• Database Integration
  Facilitates seamless data transfer from RFID transceivers to centralized databases for record keeping, regulatory compliance, and breeding program management.

• Process Automation
  Supports process control applications in agriculture, such as feeding, health monitoring, and movement tracking based on RFID identification data.

• Visual Display for Operators
  Provides clear and standardized animal identification display on portable RFID readers, enabling quick and accurate verification in field or clinic settings.

• Regulatory Compliance
  Assists in compliance with international livestock identification requirements through standardized encoding and data transfer protocols.

Related Standards

• ISO 11784
  Radiofrequency identification of animals – Structure of the code for animal identification.

• ISO 11785
  Radiofrequency identification of animals – Technical concept and communication protocols.

• ISO 24631-1 to ISO 24631-4
  Series covering testing and performance evaluation of RFID transponders and readers in animal identification.

• ISO 3166-1
  Country codes standard used for representation of names of countries in animal identification codes.

• ISO/IEC 8859-15
  Encoding standard for the graphical character sets used in visual display and data transfer.

Conclusion

ISO 24631-6:2011 sets a crucial framework for the standardized representation and communication of RFID animal identification data. By clearly defining display formats and data transfer protocols, it ensures interoperability and reliability across RFID devices and animal management systems worldwide. This standard supports agricultural stakeholders, veterinary services, and regulatory authorities in maintaining efficient and transparent animal identification and tracking processes.