Last year, the Holsteiner and Trakehner Verbands participated in the launch of a pilot project on so-called "thermochips".
The company MSD has developed a microchip that combines the identification of equids with an easy-to-use temperature measurement. This thermochip is already in use on large farms in Germany, and last year Holsteiner breeders were able to order the chip for the first time as part of the project. In 2024, 150 thermochips are available via the Holsteiner Verband.
In addition to conventional microchips, the thermochip can not only be used to read the identification number, but at the same time record the body temperature at the implantation site. Since the measurement is faster and more stress-free than rectal temperature measurement, it can be used, for example, for continuous monitoring. The identification number can still be read with all conventional reading devices. However, the additional temperature measurement can exclusively be carried out with reading devices from the company MSD.
Interested breeders who wish to take part in the project must state with the birth notification that a thermochip is to be implanted. The costs amount to 15.00 euros per chip (5 euros are charged when shipping the transponder, 10 euros upon passport shipping). The Holsteiner Verband office in Kiel is happy to provide further information (email wessel@holsteiner-verband.de).
Further information on the MSD thermochips:
Photo: Janne Bugtrup
