Tagging is an important part of animal identification, as it allows ranchers and producers to easily identify, track, and tend to their livestockIt is a simple process, but it must be done correctly to ensure safe and efficient results.Guide the cow into a chute with a gate to keep it out of trouble.Load your device with both halves of the tag, then position it over the cow's ear.To make sure the tag is secure and visible, squeeze the handles of the applicator.
Step 1: Determine when to tag your animals.
You can apply tags shortly after birth, or around the time that you begin branding young or fully-grown cows.The time that you choose depends on how operations are carried out on your farm or ranch.It may be easier to keep up with calves that have been tagged at birth.Others don't want to bother with it until a cow is sold.If you don't want to tag yourself, the officials at the feedlot or auction will be more than happy to do it for you.It is recommended by some experienced ranchers to hold off on tagging until the calf no longer needs its mother's milk.A calf's bond with its mother could be disrupted by attempts to tag it.
Step 2: The cow can be secured with a head gate.
It is necessary to safely restrict its movement in order to tag a fully grown steer.Guide the cow into the chute with a halter or nose ring.To keep the cow from moving its head more than a couple inches, tie the lead rope to the side of the gate that is tight.Young calves don't need a head gate.Simply lay the calf down on its side and hold it.An assistant may be able to help hold the calf still.The risk of injury to you or the cow could be increased by erratic movement.
Step 3: Make sure the cow is not stressed out.
If your subject is calm, the tagging process will be much easier for you.The cow can be soothed by petting it and speaking to it in a soothing voice.It will get used to having its ears handled.The cow will be less likely to struggle if it is not afraid.
Step 4: The cow's ear is a good place to find a tagging site.
There is a soft spot in the middle of the ear.The part of the ear that is not visible will give the least amount of pain to the cow.Keep your equipment away from the ear canal.
Step 5: Pick the best tag for your animals.
Small-lot farmers use basic plastic tags as the most common and least expensive means of identification.The display panel has an easy to read ID number.It is possible for ranchers to track their livestock remotely via special radio frequencies with the use of more sophisticated electronic identification systems.The decision of which type of tag to use depends on a number of factors, including the size of your herd, the amount of money you're willing to spend, and the process of identification.If you tag an animal for the first time, make sure to note its age or purchase date on paper in case something happens to the tag.
Step 6: It's a good idea to clean the Applicator.
All materials that come into contact with the cow's ear should be sterile.The male and female components should be wiped down with rubbing alcohol or a disinfecting solution.Anybacteria will be eliminated by this.If you want to protect the cow's ear, you can use a cloth or cotton ball soaked in alcohol.Don't let the solution get into the ear canal.Before and after use, be sure to clean the applicator thoroughly.Cleaning and sterilizing the applicator after each tagging session will keep it working longer.
Step 7: The two halves of the tag should be put into the container.
There is a pointed stud on the backside of the visual panel.Put the button or backing into the clip on the other arm.Before moving on, make sure that both pieces are securely attached.The diagram stickers on the new tools show where each piece goes and how to load it.If the panel of the tag is facing away from the male stud piece, it will be easier for the cow to see it.
Step 8: Check the jaw for alignment.
Take a practice run before you tag.The jaw needs to close before the two tag pieces meet.The hole in the backing piece should be centered on the stud.It may be necessary to remove and reload the hole and stud if they are out of alignment.You will have wasted a tag if you close the jaw completely.
Step 9: The site needs to be positioned over the applicator.
Use the other hand to gently stretch and flatten the cow's ear.The soft central part of the ear should be above the device's jaws.Cartilage, visible blood vessels, and other easily- damaged structures should be avoided.
Step 10: The shut applicator needs to be fastened firmly and quickly.
The handles should be squeezed together in a smooth motion.As the 2 halves of the tag come together, you will hear a loud click.Release the handles and pull the applicator away once the tag is in place.Speak to the cow in a soft voice and stroke its head and neck to keep it calm, but don't touch its ears.Before the cow moves its head, you need to get the tag in.When you are ready to insert the tag, don't put any pressure on the handles.Failure to apply the tag on the first try will cause unnecessary pain.
Step 11: Take the finished tag and inspect it.
Check to make sure the tag is secure and not causing the cow any distress.If you need to adjust the tag later on, it may be a good idea to keep a record of the animal's unique identifying code or number.When using an electronic identification device, it is important that the visual panel is on the outer part of the ear.
Step 12: Tag the other ear if you want to.
Many ranchers tag both ears of their cattle to make it easier to read from either side.Along with traditional panel tags, some insert an additional EID orRFID device.You should repeat the process the same way you did the first one if you decide to apply a second tag.
Step 13: The cow should be allowed to go.
Release the animal from the chute if the tag is in position.For several years, the newly-attached tag will allow you to track, identify, and account for the cow among the rest of your livestock more easily.Sturdy metal buttons stay put longer than flimsy plastic tags.
Step 14: For the next few days, check the site for signs of infections.
Keep an eye out for the area around the tag.Any excessive redness, swelling, or discharge should be treated as a serious concern.If your cattle spend a lot of time in wet conditions, rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide can be used to prevent infections.After the puncture has healed, continue treating the site with Disinfectant.If the symptoms don't go away in about a week, contact a large animal vet for a more advanced course of treatment.