How do you know who is who? When you have a multitude of animals, it’s important to have an identification system in place. Using an ID system allows for better organization in a herd and makes daily checks, vet visits, and sorting run smoother. By exploring the methods used on different operations, you can better determine what ID system will be most beneficial to you.
Ear Tags
Ear tagging is one of the most common forms of identification. Blank tags come in many different colors and sizes and are inserted into the ear of the animal. Tags allow for more written information, are weather resistant, and inexpensive. If tags are blank, using permanent marker is recommended. Birthdate, sire, dam, and identification number can be included when writing out a tag. In feedlots or penned settings ear tags can be read relatively easily. If cattle on pasture have ear tags, using an additional identification method can be helpful as ear tags can get dirty.
Branding
Two types of branding are commonly used. Freeze branding utilizes liquid nitrogen, alcohol, dry ice, and branding irons. Irons are chilled and applied to the animal’s hide for sixty to seventy seconds. The branding kills the pigment producing cells but not the hair follicles themselves. When healed, the hair grows back white and can easily be read on black hided animals. Heat branding requires branding irons to be hot when placed on the animal. A red iron is considered too hot, while an ashy color is typically the proper temperature. Brands are usually placed on the rump or shoulder of the animal for five to ten seconds. When done correctly, heat branding kills the hair follicle itself, preventing the regrowth of hair. Both freeze brands and hot brands are easier to read from a distance and are ideal for large grazing operations.
Electronic Identification
EID tags are one form of electronic identification used. Electronic ear tags are relatively small, placed in the ear of the animal, and can be read by a scanner. Data can be entered into a computer and transmitted to the tag. When the tag is scanned, the information entered can be accessed. Tags can be used to track things like weight, age, and average daily gain. EID tags can also assist in animal disease traceability (ADT). A good ADT system supported by EID can assist state animal health officials in tracking and identifying diseased animals.
Tattoos
Tattooing is another form of permanent identification. In cattle, the tattoo is placed above the first rib of the ear, so as not to interfere with ear tags. Some breed associations require animals to be permanently identified, and tattooing is a less invasive procedure compared to branding. For dark pigmented ears, green ink is preferred so that the tattoo is readable. Tattoos are nearly impossible to read from a distance, so an additional form of ID is recommended.
Summary
Whether you use ear tags, branding, electronic ID, or tattooing, each method provides different benefits. The utilization of an identification system can be beneficial to any operation. It allows for sick, injured, pregnant, open, and market animals to be more easily recognized. Implementing an ID system can improve the accuracy and organization of record keeping, while providing every animal with a form of identification improves the overall efficiency of your operation.
About the Author
Mabry Bruhn is a student at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign who works in beef production, research, and producer outreach as a University of Illinois Extension intern in the I-BELIEF program through the Department of Animal Sciences in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences. This article has been reviewed by Extension Commercial Agriculture Educator, Travis Meteer.