Depending on your situation, you may choose to participate in animal identification, the second component of NAIS. Animal identification, whether individual or group/lot, provides producers and owners like you with a uniform numbering system for identifying their animals.

If you choose to identify your animals, there are two potential options:

1. Individual Identification
   Individual identification is a good option for many situations. Any animal can be identified individually if you prefer. The method of identification varies by species. USDA recommends using 840 animal ID devices whenever official animal identification is needed or applicable. Available in visual only eartags, radio frequency identification (RFID) eartags and injectable transponders, 840 devices use a standardized 15-digit numbering system. The resulting number is known as an Animal Identification Number, or AIN. The AIN stays with the animal throughout its life. All other official identification devices defined through the Code of Federal Regulations, including those with the National Uniform Eartagging System, continue as official and are NAIS-compliant.

2. Group/Lot Identification
   Group/Lot identification is best suited for animals that are raised and move through the production chain as one group. These animals can be identified by a Group/Lot Identification Number (GIN), rather than individual numbers. The GIN is a 15-character number consisting of the 7-character PIN; the date that the group or lot of animals was assembled; and a 2-digit number to reflect the count of groups assembled at the same premises on the same day.