This work aimed to analyse the financial impact of the implantation of a bovine traceability system using double plastic earrings, in the rural properties of Minas Gerais State. Data of the Empresa de Assistência Técnica e Extensão Rural were used, being identified on March, 2004, a total of 309,551 rural properties, with an average of 67 bovines per property. The cost for the implantation of a traceability system in the rural properties of the state, with 67 bovines, varied from R$6,39/animal to R$6,43/animal. Considering that the additional income per traced animal varies from R$15,00 to R$30,00, since the majority of slaughter houses have paid the ranchers from R$0,03 to R$0,07 per per weight unit of meat (pounds), it was concluded that the implantantion of the traceability system has an economical viability, as the additional incomes exceed the costs of implantation.
Beef cattle; cost of production; traceability; safety feed; simulation
