ALBERTA

THOROUGHBRED

MICROCHIPPING

PROJECT Growing Forward 2 Traceability Program Project

ABSTRACT Final report on microchipping in the Alberta

Thoroughbred Industry

Jean Kruse General Manager, C.T.H.S. (Alberta Division)

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Table of Contents

Introduction 2

Project Objectives 3

Detailed Description of Project 4

Project Objectives Completed 6

Completed Project Activities 9

Conclusion 13

Recommendations 15

Appendix 18

A. Example of Microchipping demonstration announcement

B. Step by Step Users Guide for Implanting Microchips

C. Horse Racing Traceability and Health Management Software Program Summary

D. Certificate of Completion for Alberta Veterinary Medical Association

E. Financial General Ledger Reports 2015-2018 (Not included in Public Presentation Report)

F. University of Calgary Veterinary Report

G. Microchipping Project Update

H. Owner/Agent Informed Consent Form

Acknowledgements 35

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Introduction

The equine industry has been lacking an acceptable way to identify equines. Over the years

several different methods of identification have been explored including iris scanning to ear tags.

Current methods are not standardized nor are they widespread or accepted by all equine industry

groups. The challenge has been in finding a solution that will be acceptable to all aspects of the

equine industry. This challenge looks to have been answered with a new microchip location that

will meet or exceed any federal or provincial legislative requirements and also provide a user net

benefits to the equine industry.

Disease control and traceability for equines has created some difficulties due to the lack of a

unique individual animal identification for equines in Canada. In the past, Thoroughbreds have

been identified through written descriptions of markings which have not been accurate enough

to easily identify Thoroughbred horses. Although tattooing has been in use for a number of years

only Thoroughbreds who have arrived at a racetrack for the purposes of racing are tattooed. The

tattoo itself is problematic as it can be extremely difficult to read especially as the Thoroughbred

ages.

Beginning in 2008 The Jockey Club began offering microchips for sale to interested owners and

breeders for use in Thoroughbreds residing in the U.S.A. and Canada however their use was not

a requirement for Thoroughbred breeders or owners. Registration and participation of microchip

usage was voluntary.

In 2016 The Jockey Club put into place the mandatory requirement that beginning in 2017 all

Thoroughbred foals would be required to be microchipped. This requirement made the

acceptance of microchipping easier for the Alberta Thoroughbred Microchipping project to be

introduced to the Thoroughbred industry however as The Jockey Club chose a different microchip

location than the Alberta Thoroughbred Micro-chipping project. The suggested implant site from

The Jockey Club is in the nuchal ligament in the left side of the equine in the middle third of the

neck. The implant area promoted by The Jockey Club created some challenges to the project

however these were addressed and led to a compromise between The Jockey Club and the

Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society.

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Project Objectives

The objectives of the Alberta Thoroughbred Microchipping Project were as follows:

Standardized method of identification and location that can be used as the industry

standard for equine identification and management.

Integration of microchips and software into breed organizations and comingling events.

To implant every Thoroughbred foal born in the next three years in Alberta with a

microchip.

Assist breeders in adopting and integrating new technologies such as software and chip

readers into their businesses.

To provide a template for other breed organizations and associations to adopt and follow

in the future.

To move the equine industry towards a high standard of equine identification and

management.

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Detailed Description of the Microchipping Project

Over the years several different methods of identification have been tried for equines with

limited success. Work by Mr. Les Burwash, Equine Specialist at Alberta Horse Industry explored

several options over the years. Ear tags were not embraced as equine owners involved in

showing or competing with their horses did not want an identification method that would be

visible. Ear tags were also problematic in that they could be pulled out and lost, a problem that

has been experienced in the bovine industry which has used this method of identification for a

number of years.

Iris scanning was also investigated as a possibility however the technology could not address the

main question as to what happened if it was possible for the iris to change over the age of an

equine what that would mean for identification.

Microchipping appeared to be the best option however even that technology generated some

issues. Early microchips were encased in glass which created issues of migration where the

microchip did not stay where it was implanted and would be found in other parts of the body.

These early microchips also created a hazard of breakage and what that could mean to the equine

if the microchip broke inside the body of the equine.

Microchips have progressed and the ones current in use by The Jockey Club and the Alberta

Thoroughbred Microchipping project are Bio-compatible, FDA-approved SLIM polymer

encapsulated microchips. https://www.pet.datamars.com/portfolio-items/t-sl-slim-polymer-

microchip-usa/?portfolioCats=63

The Jockey Club has opted for implementation in the nuchal ligament area. It is the view of this

project that the nuchal ligament area is problematic for a number of reasons. The microchip has

been found in some cases to migrate from the nuchal ligament making it difficult to find and

therefore read the microchip. Implanting a microchip into the nuchal ligament of a foal can mean

that as the equine ages the microchip may become deeply embedded into the nuchal ligament

also making it difficult to find and read. The Jockey Club has also asked that the implant area be

in the left side of the equine and in the middle third of the neck. This leads to some difficulties

amongst some individuals who are implanting the microchip to become confused as to which is

the left side of the equine or where the middle third of the neck may be.

Inserting into the nuchal ligament may involve sedating the equine and shaving the area where

the microchip will be inserted. This also introduces a foreign object into an area that the horse

uses for movement.

Being able to read the microchip when placed in the nuchal ligament can create some difficulties.

Equines are not always comfortable with people approaching them from the side in order to read

the microchip when it has been inserted in the side of the neck. The natural curiosity of equines

means that they are quite comfortable using their sense of smell to sniff at anything that is held

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out to them. This means that when looking for a microchip that has been implanted nasally it

makes it easier for a novice handler to get a reading.

This project focuses on a new implant site; above the dorsal aspect of the orbicularis oris muscle

and underneath the depressor septi muscle. This location is completely novel and addresses

several concerns of equine owners. First of all it is very easy to find the implant area and no risk

of getting the implant area incorrect. Secondly, this area does not develop muscle causing the

microchip to become lost in the surrounding tissue. The area is easy to find in order to read the

microchip, especially for individuals who do not have a lot of experience around equines. Equines

naturally use their sense of smell to learn about the world around them and approach the

microchip readers without fear.

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Project Objectives Completed

1. Standardized method of identification and location that can be used as the industry

standard for equine identification and management.

The nasal implant area has proven to be a method of identification that can be standardized and

used in the equine industry for identification and management. The nasal implant area allows for

ease of administering the microchip with a 99.9% retention rate. Current data is showing that if

the microchip is there after 24 hours it will retained for the life of the equine.

The nasal implant area provides a safe and easily accessed area to identify equines. The natural

inclination of an equine to use their nose to explore which means that reading microchips

inserted within the nasal area is easy and can be managed by individuals who do not have a lot

of experience in working with equines. It also allows for equines to be identified if they are being

trailered to comingling sites as handlers do not need to access the inside of a trailer.

Dr. Wayne Burwash, veterinarian, has stated that nasal implants are a huge step forward and

highly recommends that breed organizations adopt this implant area for microchipping.

2. Integration of microchips and software into breed organizations and comingling events.

Over the course of the project microchips were inserted in to several breeds of horses other than

Thoroughbreds. In total 2,200 Thoroughbreds and other breeds were implanted with microchips

into the nasal area. The horses implanted also encompass a wide range of ages; from day old

foals to brood mares the microchipping project had a wide range of ages volunteered to take part

in the project.

The number of horses that were microchipped along with the age range has provided the project

with a robust sample to review in regards to the viability of the nasal implant area.

3. To implant every Thoroughbred foal born in the next three years in Alberta with a

microchip.

Due to the decision by The Jockey Club in 2016 that as of 2017 all Thoroughbred foals were to be

microchipped the objective of implanting every Thoroughbred foal born in the next three years

has been met and in fact will continue past the three years sited in the project. On November 7,

2016 the Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society recommended that the nasal implant site be the

preferred site for Canadian bred horses. Allowance was made for Canadian breeders to choose

if they wished to use the nucal ligament site adopted by The Jockey Club rather than the nasal

implant area.

Registration papers provided by The Jockey Club have the microchip number recorded on the

papers.

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4. Assist breeders in adopting and integrating new technologies such as software and chip

readers into their businesses.

Several clinics and farm visitations were conducted over the course of the project showing how

to implant the microchip into the nasal area. Overall breeders were enthusiastic about the ease

of implanting into the nasal area and many have now undertaken to do their own equines

without the need for someone else to handle the implants.

Two software programs were developed in conjunction with the microchipping project. One

software program has been developed for farm management and has been beta tested by several

breed farms. It is still in the beta testing stage. This software program will be able to be used by

both small and large equine breeders allowing for the management of all areas of equine care.

The second software program was developed for use on the racetracks and allows for inventory

management along with the needs of the racing authority regarding veterinary treatments. This

program is also being beta tested by Century Downs and Horse Racing Alberta.

5. To provide a template for other breed organizations and associations to adopt and follow

in the future.

Throughout the course of the project guidelines and procedures have been developed in order

to provide a means for other equine breed organizations and associations to adopt. This would

include the protocol for microchipping in the nasal area along with the development of software

that can be used for breed farm management.

The production of a video outlining both the protocol and methodology provides an easily

accessible template for other breed organizations to adopt and follow moving forward.

Other equine organizations such as the Standardbred, Quarter Horse, Equestrian Canada and

Horse Welfare Alliance of Canada have all expressed interest in adopting the nasal implant area

as the area of choice due to the ease of implanting and reading a microchip.

6. To move the equine industry towards a high standard of equine identification and

management.

The need to move the equine industry towards a high standard of equine identification and

management has become a priority. With the number of natural disasters that the province has

experienced in the last number of years it has become obvious that when it comes to emergency

response and the movements of equines having a method of identification is absolutely

necessary. If a breeder is unable to move equines to a safe site via trailering and needs to cut

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fences to allow for equines to escape the use of microchipping allows for easy identification of

the equine and the ability to return that equine to the owner.

Use of microchipping also allows for identification regarding equines that may have been stolen

and attempts made to sell at auction or to the processing plant.

In light of several natural disasters that have happened throughout the Province of Alberta the

use of microchipping is quickly being adopted as owners see the benefits of having their equines

easily identified. In the case of fire or flood owners are not always able to evacuate their stock in

a timely manner and may need to open gates or cut fences to free their animals in the event of

the need for evacuation.

Sales Companies in the U.S. are also now looking for evidence that Thoroughbreds being

presented for sale have had a microchip inserted. The Jockey Club requirement of microchipping

all registered Thoroughbreds has made moving the industry towards equine identification that

much easier.

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Completed Project Activities

1. Microchipping Demonstrations:

During the term of the project demonstrations of the microchip implant area were given in

several locations throughout Canada and Europe (example of Microchipping Demonstration

Appendix A). These included the following:

February 23, 2016 demonstration held at Olds College with the students in the equine sciences

course.

August 18, 2015 demonstration at Highfield Stock Farms in Okotoks.

November 21, 2016 demonstration/training sessions in Ontario.

December 2, 2016 demonstration and training in B.C. Presented to breeders and Horse Council

B.C.

February 23rd, 2017 demonstration/training session held at Calnash Ag Event Centre in Ponoka,

Alberta

March 22nd, 2017 demonstration/training session held at Highfield Stock Farm in Okotoks,

Alberta.

February 23, 2017 demonstration of microchipping and hands on training was held in Ponoka,

AB. The (10) ten attendees included veterinarians, animal health technologists, equine breeders,

and trainers. Thoroughbred horses being microchipped were mainly mares (23 total).

2. Development of a Step by Step Guide for implanting microchips in the Nasal region:

A step by step users guide for implanting microchips in the nasal region of equines was developed

and published for use in

This users’ guide was available online and was also printed and handed out at demonstrations

and clinics for attendees to have as a resource. A copy of the users’ guide can be found in

Appendix B.

3. Video of how to implant microchip:

The microchipping project contracted with Fresh Cut Television in order to produce a video

explaining how to insert the microchip into the nasal area but also other information regarding

the reasoning behind the use of the nasal implant area.

The completed video can be viewed online at https://www.cthsalta.com/microchipping-media

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4. Development of farm management software:

Dr. Troy Drake of Herdtrax was contracted to develop both a farm management software and

racetrack software program that would be able to make use of the microchip technology. The

software programs are not dependent upon where the microchip is placed (nuchal ligament or

nasal). They are dependent upon microchips that are ISO compatible.

The farm management software has been beta tested with a number of Thoroughbred breeding

farms. Bar None Ranches in DeWinton, Higher Trails in Okotoks and Highfield Stock Farms were

some of the larger equine sites that were given the opportunity to beta test the software.

To date the farm management software program is in the beta testing phase. A full project

summary can be found in Appendix C.

5. Development of racetrack management software:

Dr. Troy Drake of Herdtrax was contracted to develop a racetrack software program that would

be able to make use of microchip (RFID) technology at the racetrack. This software allows for

tracks to scan horses arriving or leaving the racetrack site providing the racetrack secretary with

access to the equine inventory onsite.

The software program will allow for racetracks to also have the ability to manage and monitor

animal health, random drug testing and race position verification. The full description of this

software program is found in Appendix C.

6. Continuing Education Credits for Veterinarian Technicians:

February 23, 2017 training session in Ponoka, AB was approved for 2 continuing education credits

through the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association (ABVMA).

February 24, 2017 training with AHT from Northlands Park.

March 22, 2017 training session in Aldersyde was approved for 2 continuing education credits

through the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association (ABVMA).

Certificate of Completion can be found in Appendix D.

Microchipping of Thoroughbreds and other equines throughout Alberta and Canada:

November 2016: Microchipping of horses in Ontario and B.C.

Date: Number Microchipped

Type Venue Notes:

June 2/16 15 TBs Northlands Park

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June 8/16 2 TBs Okotoks Highfield Stock Farm

June 20/16 12 TBs DeWinton Running Fawcett Thoroughbreds

3 TBs Langdon

June 16/16 41 TBs Northlands Park

June 23/16 18 TBs Northlands Park 33 horses rescanned -100% retention

June 27/16 31 TBs Madden Stone Ranches- Rescanned on July 4/16 100% retention

July 7/16 8 TBs Northlands Park 28 horses rescanned-100% retention

July 14/16 38 TBs Northlands Park 24 horses rescanned-100% retention

August 4/16 14 TBs Northlands Park 30 horses rescanned -100% retention

August 8/16 6 TBs Ponoka Woodriver- microchipping and training

August 11/16 53 TBs Northlands Park 47 horses rescanned- 100% retention

August 18/16 54* TBs Northlands Park 1 reinserted due to travelling back down the track. 56 horses re-scanned- 100% retention

August 24/16 35 TBs Northlands Park 49 horses rescanned- 100% retention

August 25/16 45 TBs Northlands Park

August 31/16 32 TBs Northlands Park 77 horses rescanned-100% retention

Sept. 2/16 2 TBs Airdrie Sertan Racing Stable-rescanned on 09/14/16 with 100% retention

Sept. 8/16 42 TBs Northlands Park 44 horses rescanned-100% retention

Sept. 17/16 2 TBs Northlands Park 45 horses rescanned-100% retention

Sept. 27/16 11 TBs Three Hills Winchester Stables

Sept. 28/16 20 TBs Northlands Park

Nov. 15/16 13 TBs Didsbury Peaceful Valley 7 weanlings, 5 yearlings, 1 2YO

Nov. 29/16 5 TBs Okotoks Bar None Ranches

Jan. 30/17 2 TBs Nanton Jug Handle Ranch

Feb. 21/17 27 TBs Viking

Feb. 24/17 8 TBs Strathmore Don Knight Farm

March 14/17 2 TBs Dewinton Pozzo Farm

March 16/17 17 TBs Bowden

April 29/17 2 TBs Barrhead

May 23/17 17 TBs Madden

7. Presentations:

On November 2-3, 2016 Adrienne Herron presented at the Traceability Symposium 2016 about

Regulated Indicators – Equine Challenges and Research Solutions outlining findings from the nasal

microchipping project and solutions for equine traceability. The symposium, held in Calgary,

brought together governments, industry and private sector to identify gaps, share successes and

lessons learned to “bridge the gaps” as traceability moves forward in Canada.

The 2017 Equestrian Canada (EC) Convention took place April 7-9 in Vancouver, B.C. The EC

Convention was held in partnership with the Horse Council of British Colombia (HCBC) in order

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to provide the Canadian Equestrian community with three days of educational opportunities,

world-class speakers and social networking events- revolving around the theme, “Building a

Unified Canadian Equestrian Community”. Adrienne Herron presentation “Equine Traceability”,

the presentation was well attended with 35 people in attendance. The EC Industry Council asked

for Adrienne Herron to become a council member with Equestrian Canada seeming to be eager

to work on traceability and microchipping.

8. Presentation to International Equine Associations:

In January 2017 a presentation was made by Adrienne Herron to the International Thoroughbred

Breeders’ Federation (ITBF) meeting which was held in Cape Town, South Africa.

The project was presented to ITBF members and veterinarian delegates during the conference.

A live demonstration was held at one of the participating stud farms. Two older broodmares were

microchipped in the rostral interincisive canal to demonstrate the location and ease of

application. Several questions were asked at the demonstration regarding the rate of infections

(none to date). The live animal demonstration incited many conversations with delegates and

veterinarians about the location. The location was theoretically well received from the delegates

and veterinarians. There was interest from countries that already have a microchipping protocol

in place (South Africa, Ireland, United Kingdom and Japan). There were questions raised about

moving away from the current location of the nuchal ligament towards the nasal areal and how

that change might occur. The ITBF was presented with the background of the project,

rationalization of the location, overview of the project and development of software through a

power point presentation.

A meeting was also held with Dr. Allan Guthrie (head of the South Africa microchipping team) to

discuss the project and potential future collaboration. Dr. Guthrie was receptive to the project

and potential location and planned to test the location for himself.

Adrienne Herron also stopped in Germany to meet with the International Standards Organization

(ISO). The project power point presentation was shown to the veterinarian in charge of any

potential ISO standard for equine identification location (Dr. Sven Huther). Dr. Huther expressed

enthusiasm for the location and supported moving forward with the location for the ISO standard

for equine identification.

Overall the project was well received and the international equine community has expressed

interest in the microchipping location project.

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Conclusion

In February 2015 the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (C.F.I.A.) published a report entitled

Proposed Risk Management Strategy for EIA Control in Canada which was prepared by the

Domestic Disease Control Programs Terrestrial Animal Health Division of the C.F.I.A. In this

report the C.F.I.A. stated:

4.7 Lack of unique individual animal ID and equine traceability

The CFIA has some significant difficulties performing disease control activities associated with EIA

due to the lack of a unique individual animal identification system for equines in Canada. For

example, the current written and pictorial descriptions of an equine and its markings have been

insufficiently accurate to conduct EIA measures in certain circumstances. This has resulted in the

CFIA having to expend extra resources to properly conduct investigations. Also, the lack of a

national standardized ID system to identify individual equines has impacted the CFIA’s ability to

effectively and efficiently track relevant health and movement information. The absence of a

searchable database containing testing information also contributes to the difficulties faced.

These gaps in information as well as technology make it challenging for the program to be as

responsive and effective as possible.

6.6 Linking EIA control with improved ID and traceability

An effective identification system is a key component to any successful disease control effort and

a national standardized system that would allow for the identification and tracking of an individual

equine could have a significant and positive impact on the EIA program. The establishment of such

a system would also have benefits for the equine industry beyond the program and because of

this it is being proposed that a national standardized equine ID system be developed and

implemented in association with EIA testing in the future. Significant stakeholder collaboration

will be required in this area.

The Alberta Microchipping Project addresses both of these statements by the C.F.I.A. and has

further applications that will greatly assist with traceability and management of the Canadian

equine herd.

1. The use of microchips provides a unique individual animal ID and provides equine

traceability. Each microchip (RFID) has its own unique number and once inserted into

the nasal area does not migrate to other areas of the animal. When inserted correctly

retention is 99%.

2. Insertion into the nasal area makes it an easy area to read the microchip. This also

means that individuals who do not have any experience in being around equines will be

able to have easy access to reading microchips and not have to wait until someone with

handling experience is available.

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3. Using the nasal area as the insertion area ensures there is no confusion regarding

exactly where the microchip should be inserted. It has been discovered that for some

individuals knowing right from left and what exact area on the nucal ligament is to be

used can create misunderstandings leading for equines to be microchipped more than

once.

4. Equines who are being shipped will be able to be identified easier when the microchip

has been inserted into the nasal area. Individuals only have to have access to the

equine’s head area in order to read the microchip. An equine’s natural instinct is to sniff

at items thereby making the use a reader to find out the microchip number easily done

and without having to get into a trailer or up close to an equine in order to read

microchips.

5. Herdtrax Inc. developed an easy to use web based database application for the tracking,

monitoring and auditing of individual horses at each respective venue. An existing

equine farm management program was developed to assist with the day to day

occurrences at a breeding farm. If necessary horse records and their entire history can

be transferred between the racetrack program and the farm management program.

6. When inserted into the nasal area of an equine it provides a way to easily identify an

individual equine. The nasal insert does not require producers or owners to incur high

costs in order to microchip their equines. They do not need to have a vet or vet tech

involved in the insertion nor do horses require to be tranquillized to have the microchip

inserted into the nasal area.

7. When inserted into the nasal area and following the correct insertion protocol the

retention rate of the microchip is 99.9%. Equines who were part of the program were

scanned after insertion and then several weeks later. A year later microchips were still

found in the equines where the microchip had been inserted into the nasal area and the

microchip had not migrated to any other area in the equine.

8. The orientation and depth of implant with the nasally implanted electronic identifier provides an advantage in reading the implant over the nuchal ligament location. Electronic identifiers placed in the nuchal ligament can be deeply imbedded in tissue and orientation of the implant may make it difficult for the transceiver signal to reach and activate. The nasally implanted electronic identifier has less overlying tissue with correspondingly easier penetration of the transceiver signal to the electronic identifier. The radiographic images of the eleven nasally implanted equines indicates that the longer side of the implant (10.9 ± 0.4mm) is oriented towards the transceiver which improves readability and read range. Furthermore, changes in body condition score or in implant depth due to growth are unlikely to impact the nasal region as is possible in the nuchal ligament location.

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Recommendations

It is recommended that the nasal implant area be adopted as the area for microchip insertion for

the Alberta equine herd. With the Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society supporting the nasal

implant area for all Canadian Thoroughbreds it would make sense for this implant area to be

adopted by all Canadian equine organizations and to become the Canadian standard. The

advantages of using this area far outweigh any disadvantages.

It is recommended that work be continued on developing a software program that can be used

to manage and monitor the Alberta equine herd. Herdtrax has made advances in having a usable

and made in Alberta solution to equine herd management both on racetracks and other

comingling sites; including breeding farms of all sizes. Continuing to work with this software and

developing it further for use in Alberta would be a cost effective answer to traceability both

within and outside of Alberta.

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APPENDIX

A. Example of Microchipping demonstration announcement

B. Step by Step Users Guide for Implanting Microchips

C. Horse Racing Traceability and Health Management Software Program Summary

D. Certificate of Completion for Alberta Veterinary Medical Association

E. Financial General Ledger Reports 2015-2018 (Not included in Public Presentation Report)

F. University of Calgary Veterinary Report

G. Microchipping Project Update

H. Owner/Agent Informed Consent Form

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Acknowledgements

The Alberta Thoroughbred Micro-chipping Project was made possible by the generous

support of the Government of Alberta and the Growing Forward 2 Traceability Program.

We would like to thank them for all their support.

This project would also not have been possible without the vision of Ms. Adrienne

Herron, M.Sc., P. Ag., Agriculture and Rural Development Division.