If you’ve ever seen a cow, you’ve probably seen an ear tag. But what are they for? These tags are vital tools for identifying and tracking each animal, and they’re a key part of modern farm management.
For cow-calf producers and even larger operations, accurate identification is essential for keeping reliable records and making informed decisions about breeding, health, and feeding. Using an ear tag for each cow helps farmers stay organized and efficient.
In this article, we’ll explore the different types of cattle ear tags, the information they track, and the process of tagging a cow.
What is an Ear Tag?
An ear tag is a usually small piece of plastic or metal that farmers attach to an animal’s ear. Ear tags are a way to identify individual animals within a herd.
Ear tags weren’t always so sophisticated. Early farmers used other methods to tell their animals apart.
But what do those tags tell us about the cow?
Types of Ear Tags
Ear tags come in several varieties, each with its own purpose. Here’s a rundown of the most common types:
Visual Ear Tags
Visual or plastic ear tags are probably what you picture when you think of cow tags. These tags are usually made of plastic and come in a variety of colors and number combinations. Ranchers might use different colors to mark the year a calf was born, the breed, or some other classification system that’s helpful for record-keeping.
Numbers and letters are printed on the tags so they can be read easily. Sometimes, the placement of the tag on the ear can indicate whether the animal is male or female.
Electronic Identification (EID) Tags
EID tags use RFID (radio frequency identification) technology to assign each animal a unique 15-digit identification number.
Ranchers use scanners to read the information that’s stored on the tag. EID tags allow for automated data collection and can improve the accuracy of animal records.
Other Specialized Ear Tags
There are also some specialized ear tags for specific purposes, such as GPS tags for tracking an animal’s location and fly tags, which help control pests.
What information is tracked using ear tags?
Ear tags connect farmers with a wealth of data about their animals. They help track an animal’s entire history and performance throughout its life. This information is critical for farm management.
Data points commonly recorded include:
- Gender
- Birthdate
- Weight
- Mother cow
- Vaccination records
- Medical treatments
- Breeding history
Farmers use this information to identify the highest-performing animals for breeding programs, monitor the health of their herd and detect potential problems early, and make informed decisions about feeding and culling practices. In short, ear tags help improve the efficiency and profitability of cattle farming.
How does ear tagging work?
Farmers typically tag calves’ ears right after they’re born, or very soon after.
The process is pretty simple. They use a special ear tag applicator to quickly attach the tag. They have to make sure to put it in the right spot to avoid infection or having the tag fall out later.
Although it might look a little scary, most people who raise cattle say ear tagging is quick and doesn’t hurt the calf much.
Key Takeaways
When it comes to keeping track of your herd, ear tags are an essential tool for modern cattle producers.
With ear tags, you can more easily keep records, track individual animals, and make informed decisions about breeding, feeding, and healthcare. And as tag technology improves, we can expect even greater efficiency and accuracy in the future.
Ear tags are the key to effective cattle identification and management, whether you’re running a small family farm or a large commercial operation.