This might include a metal tag in one ear and a plastic in the other. In situations where it is vital you have permanent identification of stock, use multiple eartags. When losses are higher than this, examine application technique and check for a particular reason tags are being lost. If you follow the manufacturer’s directions, stock should lose less than 5 per cent of the tags annually. Applying ear tags when stock are wet or dusty is more likely to result in infection and potential tag loss. If the applicator pierces the ear, then disinfecting it between animals is important. A piercing type applicator used with a tag that also has a piercing point will ruin the tag. The male part of some tags has a piercing mechanism built in, while other systems rely on the applicator to pierce the ear or punch a small hole in the ear. Use the correct applicator for your tags as many are not compatible with more than one type of tag. This is particularly important if you apply them to young lambs as the ear will keep growing and this can cause problems. One-piece “wrap-around” tags need to be placed much closer to the edge of the ear or they will cause damage to the ear by rubbing. This means it is less likely to get caught on things and torn out. In most cases a two-part tag is applied through the middle part of the ear. Each requires a slightly different technique. Some ear tags come as separate male and female parts, while other tags are single tags that wrap around the edge of the ear. Use the correct colour so there is no confusion over the animal’s age – for 2016 the tags are black. Ensure you can achieve this in your facilities before you start the job.Īcross Australia there is a recognised system of colours for sheep ear tags. The job is made far easier and has a better outcome when you use high quality animal restraint during the process. Pay attention to where the ear tag should be placed in the ear, what direction the ear tag should go through the ear (which part faces the front of the animal) and what disinfectant protocol should be followed between tags. Manufacturers provide application instructions which are important to follow to ensure tags stay on, and avoid problems such as ear infections. If using a brand you aren’t familiar with, ask a producer for tips on applying the tag. Application devices also differ across tags and so grazing situations should be taken into account when choosing a tag.īefore applying an ear tag, make sure it is the appropriate tag for the species and breed. They are made by a number of companies, each with their own design. Identification tags vary in size, colour, material (metal or plastic) and shape. Every property with livestock must have a PIC, so if you don’t, discuss this with your local Department of Primary Industries. All sheep must have a visually readable identification tag and both cattle and sheep tags must be stamped with a Property Identification Code – PIC. For example, all cattle must have an electronic national livestock identification tag before moving properties. This will be governed, in part, by regulations. The first thing to consider is the most appropriate ear tag. While this is not as reliable as branding, ear notching or ear tattooing, it is quick and allows for visual or electronic identification of each animal.Įar tags are available for most livestock, although they aren’t commonly used on dairy goats due to high rates of infection. One of the most common methods of identifying livestock is to apply an ear tag. BEING able to identify individual animals on your property is critical to good farm management.
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