Guide to Writing Livestock Ear Tags

Effective livestock management requires clear and accurate identification of each animal. Ear tags serve this purpose, providing a simple yet effective means to distinguish individual animals within a herd. This guide explores three common methods for writing cattle ear tags, along with best practices to ensure proper identification.

Starting with the Year of Birth

This method involves marking the last digit of the year an animal was born on its ear tag. By following these steps, farmers can easily determine the age of cattle, which is crucial for both management and market purposes.

Step 1: Write the Last Digit of the Year of Birth

Begin by identifying the last digit from the year the cow was born. For instance, a cow born in 2018 would have an '8' written on its ear tag. This lets you quickly assess the cow's age merely by observing the tag. Use a black permanent marker to write the number boldly and clearly on the left side of the tag.

Pro Tip: This method is particularly beneficial for potential buyers at livestock markets, who can easily determine the age of the cow just by looking at the tag.

Step 2: Incorporate a Slash or Dash

For added clarity, include a slash or dash after the birth year. For example, a cow born in 2002 would have '2/' marked on its tag. Farmers often use slashes, but some prefer a dash. While optional, this step simplifies identification, especially during market days. Note that some farms opt for a dash instead.

Step 3: Add the Calf's Birth Number

Number each calf born in a calendar year with a sequential number, starting from 1. For example, the 20th cow born in 2019 would be marked as 9/20. It's essential to restart numbers after each year to keep records organized.

Using Consecutive Numbers

In this system, you number each cow in your herd sequentially, starting from 1. Once you reach 9999, you'll need to restart the numbering to avoid tagging too many digits on the tag, which can be difficult to read.

Step 1: Number the Existing Herd and New Calves

Starting from 1, assign numbers to existing cows and then give new calves sequential numbers. For example, your 102nd cow would be marked as 102. To maintain readability, use placeholder '0's before the number if it's less than 100. Cow number 5 would be marked as 005, and cow number 50 as 050.

Step 2: Restart Tag Numbers at 9999

Once you hit 9999, the tagging process requires a renumbering to prevent clutter and ensure easy readability. In very small herds, consider restarting at 99 instead.

Step 3: Guess Age to Distinguish Between Animals with the Same Number

This system only works if you have fewer than 9999 cows in a single season, as it uses the same numbers for different cows. However, the physical age difference will help you identify which cow is older. For example, calf number 333 born in 2018 would likely be larger than cow 333 born in 2008, making it easier to distinguish.

Using the Letter System

The letter system assigns a unique letter to each year, which is then combined with the calf's birth number. This method requires coordination with a breed association to ensure accurate markings.

Step 1: Determine the Letter for Each Birth Year

Consult your breeders association for the correct letter assigned to each birth year. Some associations use different letters for different years. For example, in England, G 2019, H 2020, I 2021, and J 2022. Write the letter for the birth year before the calf's number. For instance, the 15th cow born might be marked as G15.

Step 2: Add the Calf's Birth Number

Number each new calf in a sequential manner, starting from 0. For example, the 15th cow born would be marked as G15. It's important to note that the letter only indicates the birth year, not the year within the fence.

Step 3: Keep a Reference Chart for Easy Access

Even if you eventually memorize the letter codes, maintaining a reference chart can help new employees or anyone unfamiliar with the system. The chart helps in ensuring accurate tagging and easy identification. You can order charts from your breeders association or print one online.

Conclusion

Proper ear tagging is a fundamental practice in cattle management. By adhering to these three methods, farmers can ensure clear and accurate identification of each animal, facilitating better management, breeding, and sale processes. Whether you choose to use the year of birth, consecutive numbers, or a letter system, the key is consistency and clarity to maintain the health and value of your herd.