Livestock theft has long been a pervasive issue affecting farmers, particularly smallholder farmers who rely heavily on their animals for their livelihoods. The introduction of DNA technology offers a promising solution to this problem, providing a scientific and irrefutable means of identifying livestock and tracing ownership.
Dr Pranisha Soma, a researcher at the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) with over 15 years of experience in molecular genetics, research, and development, shares her insights on DNA technology and the fight against livestock theft.
The role of DNA technology
According to Soma, “DNA is an irrefutable means of identification for an individual and can be used to trace the lawful owner of an animal in the presence of a reference sample.”
This technology is pivotal in forensic stock theft cases, where DNA profiling of samples can link suspects to either the crime scene or the crime itself.
She adds that the accuracy and reliability of DNA evidence make it a powerful tool in the judicial system, helping to secure convictions and deter future thefts.
“DNA forms the blueprint of life! This is on a molecular level. It can be compared to that of a unique fingerprint. So the DNA profile of individual animals is different.
“In the event of stock theft or dispute, the DNA profile of the stolen animal or carcass is compared to the DNA profile of the sample in the database. Suspects may be linked to the crime scene through the matching of the DNA profile of the meat samples from a crime scene and blood on his clothing,” she explains.
However, due to the lack of infrastructure and the dispersed rural areas throughout the nation, this is not always feasible.
Feasibility for farmers
Adopting DNA technology for commercialising farmers, considering their resources and technological proficiency, Soma acknowledges that resources remain a significant challenge but pointed out that there are affordable solutions available.
“The adoption of such technologies by smallholder farmers depends on various factors, including awareness about the devices, income level, access to technology, and how much livestock contributes to their livelihood,” she says.
Soma emphasises the importance of understanding these factors to encourage adoption.
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Initial steps for implementation
When asked about the initial steps for farmers to implement DNA technology, Soma highlighted the fundamental practices of branding and ear tagging.
“These are crucial steps. Livestock owners are compelled to brand mark their livestock. A brand mark shows to whom the animal belongs. According to law, cattle must be brand marked if they are six months and older, which is aimed at supplying a means of identification of the legal owner of that particular animal,” she says.
Ear tags, on the other hand, assist in identifying individual animals, making them essential for effective livestock management and theft prevention.
Costs and financial support
Addressing the costs involved in implementing DNA technology, Soma introduced the Livestock Identification Catalogue System (LidCAT), a trademark of the ARC. “It’s currently available at a minimal cost of R20 per sampling kit,” she says.
The additional costs for DNA profiling are also relatively affordable, with routine DNA profiling offered at R165 per sample and forensic testing at R850 per sample.
Soma shares exciting news about financial support for farmers. “The ARC has recently been approved with funding from the department of land reform and rural development to integrate DNA technology in agricultural systems across the country. This project will be particularly beneficial for smallholder farmers where there is a high incidence of stock theft.”
Training and support for farmers
Training and support are crucial for the effective implementation of DNA technology. Soma outlined the resources available to farmers, including extension offices and agricultural offices through the department.
“ARC’s programme, Kaonafatso ya Dikgomo (KyD), is also on the ground across provinces and available to assist farmers and provide the necessary support in terms of training,” she says.
These programmes aim to equip farmers with the knowledge and skills needed to utilise DNA technology effectively.
Soma points out that DNA technology has already shown significant effectiveness in reducing livestock theft in areas where it has been implemented.
“In provinces where the system was introduced, the incidence of stock theft was reported to have decreased.”
The presence of DNA technology acts as a deterrent to potential thieves, knowing that the identification of stolen livestock can be accurately traced back to its rightful owner.
Legal framework and law enforcement collaboration
Regarding the legal framework surrounding DNA technology for livestock identification, Soma clarifies that there is no current national legal framework specifically for DNA technology. However, livestock identification is guided by the Animal Identification Act and the Stock Theft Act, which require the identification of individual animals.
“In terms of DNA technology, particularly with breed societies, they may prescribe the requirement of DNA parentage verification for breeding animals,” she adds.
Soma also explains the collaboration between law enforcement agencies and farmers in using DNA evidence in livestock theft cases.
“The South African Police Services (SAPS) stock theft units would follow the process for forensic stock theft investigations that include sample collection, collection of information, case details, and the delivery of the exhibits to the forensic testing laboratory while maintaining the chain of custody of those exhibits.”
However, she highlights potential challenges in implementing DNA technology. “If samples are compromised or degraded, the quality and quantity of DNA may not be optimal.”
Additionally, the lack of a reference sample can pose a challenge in the event of a stock theft incident or a dispute over animal ownership.
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