What does the NLIS number mean?
An approved NLIS device has two numbers : RFID* number – an electronic number within the microchip. This electronic number includes a code for the manufacturer and a unique number for that device. *RFID = radio frequency identification device NLIS number – a visual number printed on the ear device or, for a rumen bolus, on the matching management tag. The first eight characters of the visual number are your PIC, followed by codes for the manufacturer, the device type, and the year of manufacture. The last five numbers are a unique serial number for each animal. These two numbers are unique for each device and are linked on the NLIS database. More information can be obtained from Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA).