What is the purpose of USDA back tags in swine identification?

USDA back tags serve a crucial role in the identification and management of swine in commercial production, particularly in relation to their processing for meat. The primary purpose of these tags is to mark animals for slaughter, ensuring that tracking is maintained from farm to processing facility. This tagging system aids in the identification of individual pigs and their respective herd history, which is vital for maintaining food safety standards and traceability in the meat supply chain.

When pigs are sent to slaughter, the back tag indicates that the animal has completed the necessary inspections and has met all health requirements prior to processing. This system of tagging helps mitigate risks associated with disease outbreaks and allows for better monitoring of animal health, which is critical for both public health and the safety of the meat supply.

While other aspects of swine management, such as genetic lineage, age, and breeding status are important, they are typically addressed through different means or systems rather than solely relying on back tags. The core function of these tags is specifically related to indicating animals that are marked for slaughter.