What is ear tagging in pigs?

Ear tagging or notching allows you to identify your pigs by sight. Notching is easy to do and costs nothing. You can identify up to 121 pigs in this way. This method can be used to identify other animals, e.g. sheep and goats.

Do pigs have to be ear tagged?

General advice for pig ear tag fitting. All pigs, regardless of age, moving to a market are required to be permanently identified, regardless of whether their onwards move is to slaughter or another holding. Permanent identification can be by either: an ear tag.

How much does ear tagging cost?

Estimated costs to producers, including RFID ear tags, installing the ear tags, and amortized costs of RFID readers range from $5.95/head for small cow-calf producers (40 cows) to $0.41/head for cattle feeders with over 8,000 head.

Why is ear tagging done?

Ear tagging and ear marking are used to identify livestock. Ear tagging is an essential part of the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) and ear marking or notching is a mandatory requirement in some states.

How do you tell a pig’s ear notches?

Ear notches are read with the litter number (right ear) first followed by the individual identification number (left ear) read second. Standard notches on the pig’s left ear are are the 1 notch located on the bottom of the ear near the pig’s head.

What are pig ear notches?

The pig’s right ear (as viewed from the rear of the pig) is designated as the “litter” ear. Notches in this ear tell the producer which litter the pig was born to. Producers may start with litter number 1 on the first of the year, or re-start the litter numbers several times per year, depending on the number of sows.

How do you remove a pig’s ear tag?

Slip the hook between the male side of the tag and the animal’s ear. Place the hook so that the blade encircles the stem of the tag. Hold the handle and gently pull on the hook while moving it up and down in a twisting motion. The blade will slice through the stem.

What tags do pigs need for slaughter?

Identification of pigs under 12 months old Move to slaughter with an ear tag, tattoo or double slap marks. Move to any type of market with an ear tag, tattoo or double slap marks. Move to a show or exhibition with an ear tag, tattoo or double slap marks – with an individual identification number.

How big is a cow ear tag?

Ear tags come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Depending on the brand and size of tag needed, sizes can range from 2″ H x 5/8″ W (Small) to 4 3/4″ H x 3″ W (Maxi or Large). The shape of tags can range from rectangular or square to an almost triangular shape.

What are ear tags used for in cattle?

Ear tags are used to help the livestock producer identify cows, bulls, calves, heifers, and steers and keep a record of their health history and of all the above-mentioned aspects. Such tags are used for other animals as well including sheep, goats, and rabbits. Benefits of ear tags

What are the regulations for swine ear tags?

These regulations vary from state to state. Federally-approved ear tags allow swine exhibitors at NSR and NJSA shows as well as purchasers of hogs at NSR sales to best meet the needs of these diverse requirements for each state. What is Premise Identification?

How do I get 840 ear tags for my Dog?

Your veterinarian may be an option to obtain 840 ear tags. However they are not a stockable tag, meaning that each time you order 840 ear tags, you must provide your Premise ID so that it is specific to the ear tags you are purchasing. This can only be done through an authorized ear tag dealer.

How to properly tag a cattle?

How to Properly Tag Cattle Step 1: Catching and Restricting Movement. Before an ear tag can be applied the animal must be caught and restrained to… Step 2: Significance or Ear Tag Color. The main reason for using ear tags is to better our ability to identify our… Step 3: Significance of