As you add livestock to your farm, you will likely need to use ear tags to identify your animals. When done correctly, tagging is an affordable, quick, and effective method of identification. This is why tags are some of the most popular farm supplies used by farmers and ranchers. 

What Are They?

Ear tags are small plastic or metal pieces pierced to animals' ears using an applicator device. They come in a variety of sizes, colors, and shapes. The plastic option is more easily visible in the paddock, but metal tags are less likely to be lost. 

The tags typically assign each animal a number for identification purposes. For example, the first cow to join the herd could be A001, with "A" standing for 2021, to indicate it was the first animal in 2021. Calves may have a number to match their mother. Placement on the left or right ear could make it easy to recognize males versus females at a distance. All animals kept together or of the same age group might have the same color tag. 

While these tags are helpful for cattle and pigs, they are not usually used for dairy goats, as infection is a common concern with them. 

Types of Tags

Basic

Basic tags are applied in a variety of ways. For example, a flag-shaped tag has two discs that are joined through the ear, with one or both featuring the plastic tag. A plastic clip tag is a molded strip that is folded over the edge of the ear. A metal tag is made of steel, aluminum, or brass. The sharp points are clipped over the ear's edge. 

Electronic Identification (EID)

Electronic ear tags use radio frequency identification technology (RFID). This allows them to be tracked by the National Animal Identification System (NAIS) for livestock moved across state lines or sold for a profit. These have become popular since the mad cow disease epidemic in 2004. 

Fly Tags

These tags have pesticide chemicals that are mixed into the plastic itself. The chemicals are soluble in oil, so the oils on the animal's hair slowly pull these substances out of the tags. This measure can help protect the livestock from insects such as flies and lice by killing them on contact. 

To help take care of your livestock, visit Bolivar Farmers Exchange in Bolivar, MO. This agriculture company has offered a full selection of farm supplies, such as feed, fertilizer, buckets, and tags, at affordable prices since 1920. Their knowledgeable staff can help you select the products that are right for you. Learn more about their offerings on their website. Call (417) 326-5231 with questions about specific farm supplies.