"Substantial losses can occur if animal identification systems cannot quickly and adequately identify individual animals, the premises where they were located, and their movements throughout production and processing. This creates a need met by this study in determining how traceability systems should be designed and promoted in order to improve voluntary participation rate. This research utilized a survey of U.S. cow-calf producers to identify cow-calf producer preferences and perceptions regarding voluntary traceability systems and system attributes and in turn determined what type of voluntary traceability systems would receive the greatest support. Meeting this core objective allowed for better identification of the potential success of alternative voluntary traceability systems that could exist in the beef industry. A second tier of research questions included examinations of mandatory vs. voluntary NAIS [National Animal Identification System] preferences, self-revelation of current NAIS participation, and the most current concerns and important issues to cow-calf producers regarding traceability. Results have policy implications as the optimal voluntary traceability system hinges critically upon cow-calf producer perceptions of traceability systems and system attributes. Results indicate the importance of considering producers' perceptions and preferences regarding traceability when designing traceability systems"--Abstract.
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