Livestock Identification Made Simple

Correct and timely identification of livestock is a crucial part of responsible farming in the UK. Whether you’re rearing sheep, goats, or cattle, compliance with tagging regulations not only helps traceability and disease prevention but also protects your business from costly penalties and movement restrictions. In this blog, we’ll guide you through why livestock identification matters, the rules you need to follow, and best practices for tagging, with a special focus on tools like TagFaster that make the process quicker and safer for both farmers and animals.

In the UK, the identification of livestock is a legal requirement to help prevent the spread of animal diseases. Failure to correctly identify animals can lead to serious consequences, including rejection at livestock markets, penalties or reductions to Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) payments, movement restrictions, and even prosecution following random inspections by the Rural Payments Agency (RPA). Missing, incorrectly applied ear tags and poor record-keeping are common causes of non-compliance.

In fact, in 2016, ear tagging was the main area of transgression, with over 1,300 livestock farmers in England facing penalties under these rules (source: DEFRA).

Ear tags are the most widely used method of livestock identification, although alternatives such as boluses and leg pasterns are also available. Official suppliers like Datamars allocate official identification numbers sourced from the GB Ear Tag Allocation System (ETAS), ensuring tags meet legal standards. These numbers are laser printed on ear tags and encoded into the transponders of electronic sheep tags, with the option to add additional management information separately.

Livestock must be identified within nine months of birth or before leaving their holding of birth, whichever comes first. Lost or damaged tags, or tags removed for infection treatment, must be replaced within 28 days or as soon as the infection clears.

Animals destined for slaughter within 12 months of birth can be identified with a single electronic ear tag showing only a flock or herd mark. Animals kept for longer or for breeding purposes must be double tagged with both an electronic and a visual tag (source: DEFRA).

In Northern Ireland, all sheep must be double tagged from birth (see www.daera-ni.gov.uk for more details).

When tagging sheep or goats, it’s essential that the operator is properly trained and competent. To help with this, all Datamars sheep tags are despatched with full instructions. In-store displays also feature sample applicators, tags, and dummy ears, along with video clips available on the Datamars YouTube channel, to help users become familiar with the tag range. In addition, the Datamars team is always happy to offer advice and answer any questions about best practices for ear tagging.

Best Practices for Livestock Ear Tagging

✔ Check Tag Information on Arrival

When ear tags arrive on the farm, check them immediately to ensure they are printed with the correct information. Mistakes can happen, and it’s much easier to rectify errors before tags are inserted into animals.

✔ Choose the Right Tag for Your Animals

Select a tag style and size suitable for the breed, size, and age of your livestock. For example, TagFaster tags are lightweight and low-profile, making them ideal for young lambs. The transponders are sealed in flexible material, ensuring security and readability for life.

✔ Follow Manufacturer’s Instructions for Fitting

Always follow the specific fitting instructions provided by the manufacturer and use the correct applicators. TagFaster tags can be fitted with conventional pliers but are best used with their automatic applicator, which reduces the risk of torn ears, particularly in older or more lively lambs.

✔ Secure the Animal During Tagging

Ensure the animal’s head is secured to prevent sudden movements. Tagging animals in a race can help reduce stress by keeping them calm and surrounded by others. Using the TagFaster automatic applicator allows for quicker tagging, minimising stress and risk of injury.

✔ Maintain High Hygiene Standards

Ear, tag, and applicator must all be clean before tagging. Consider disinfecting your equipment and the tagging area. Antiseptic lubricating gels containing mild chlorhexidine can also be applied to the male part of the tag to reduce infection risks—just ensure any products used are safe for animals destined for meat or milk production.

✔ Tag During Cooler Weather When Possible

Cooler weather reduces the risk of “fly strike,” a major cause of ear infections. If tagging during warmer months, consider using an insecticide and monitor tagged animals closely.

✔ Correct Tag Placement Matters

Avoid main blood vessels and cartilage ridges when applying tags. Different tag designs require different placements, so always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions. When fitting loop tags, allow for ear growth.

✔ Fit Two-Piece Tags Correctly

When using two-piece plastic tags, insert the male part from the back of the ear, ensuring it is as central as possible. The female part should sit inside the ear after insertion.

✔ Store Tags Properly

Keep unused tags in a sealed, clean container in a dry place. Tags can absorb moisture and become soft if stored in damp, unheated outbuildings, which could affect their performance.

✔ Post-Tagging Care

Check newly tagged animals after a week and treat any inflamed wounds, especially in warmer weather. Early intervention helps prevent infections.

✔ Remove Hazards in Animal Housing Areas
Inspect livestock housing areas for sharp objects, such as damaged feed racks or feed barriers, that could catch and tear ear tags. Also, remove plastic twine used during feeding and bedding, as it can entangle with tags and cause serious ear injuries.

Click here to find out more about TagFaster