LF animal / livestock reader
Specialty
What is it?
LF animal readers are designed specifically for reading low-frequency RFID tags implanted in or attached to livestock and companion animals. They read the FDX-B (ISO 11784/11785) or HDX transponders used in ear tags, injectable microchips, and bolus tags. Available as handheld stick readers for individual animal scanning or as panel/race readers mounted on chute gates for automatic identification as animals pass through. The LF frequency is used because it couples reliably through animal tissue, mud, and manure where higher frequencies fail.
How it works
The reader generates a low-frequency magnetic field (125–134.2 kHz) from a coil antenna. When an animal tag enters the field, the tag draws power from the field and transmits its unique ID code back to the reader. FDX-B tags use full-duplex communication - they transmit while the reader field is active. HDX tags use half-duplex - they charge a capacitor from the field, then transmit when the field drops. Stick readers have the coil in the wand tip; panel readers use a large flat coil mounted on a race gate. The reader decodes the 64-bit animal ID (country code + national ID) and logs it with a timestamp or sends it to herd management software.
Industries
Use cases
- Individual animal identification at chute or race
- Livestock auction and sale yard scanning
- Veterinary patient identification
- Pet microchip scanning (found animal lookup)
- Wildlife tracking and population studies
- Feed station and automated sorting systems
Pros
- Reads through animal tissue, mud, and manure reliably
- IP69K wash-down rating for farm sanitation
- ISO 11784/11785 global standard ensures interoperability
- Handheld stick form factor is easy to use in the field
- Long battery life (LF requires very little power)
Cons
- Short read range compared to UHF (centimetres, not metres)
- Slow data rate - one animal at a time
- Cannot do bulk inventory like UHF readers
- Panel readers are expensive and require chute installation
- LF-only - cannot read UHF or HF tags
Specifications
| Category | Specialty |
|---|---|
| Frequency | LF (125–134.2 kHz) |
| Read range | 5–30 cm (ear tag); up to 80 cm with panel antenna |
| Environment | Outdoor only |
| IP rating | IP67–IP69K (wash-down rated) |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, USB, Serial, WiFi (base station models) |
| Antenna configuration | Integrated stick/wand antenna or external panel/race antenna |
| Price range | $300–$3,000 per reader (stick reader to panel system) |