Tag Numbering Information

 

 

• Cows:
  Use Large size ear tags.
  Use numbers 1 thru number in herd.
  Keep the end number the number of cattle you own (ie 1-100).
• Bulls:
  Use Large size ear tags.
  Can use a different color tag than for cows.
  Use numbers 1 through number of bulls in herd.
• Calves:
  Use calf-size tags.
  Number 1 through the number of momma cows.
  Buy two sets or a bag of blanks for twins.

For example:
If I have 100 cows and 2 bulls in my herd, I would have large pink tags numbered 1 through 100 for the Cows. I would have large blue tags numbered 1 & 2 for the Bulls. I would have medium calf-size tags numbered 1 through 100 with 2 sets of each number ready for calving season using the same color for gender as above.

As the calves are born, I would tag the calf with the same number as the cow (if Mom is #51, calf gets #51). You can tag males and female calves different colors. I would keep 2 sets of each number on hand or blank tags to write on in case I needed a back up for a lost tag or a cow has twins.

At the end of the year, I would cut off the medium size calf tag with a tag removal knife and store it to reuse the tag, buying a bag of new buttons to apply the tag with during calving season the next year. I would replace the keeper calf tag with a Large size ear tag, adding to my current numbering system (#101 in pink for a cow and #3 in blue for a bull).

If I wanted to advertise my ranch I would use custom tags with my ranch name and phone number on the Cows, Bulls, and Calves tags and leave the tags in the animals and replace these tags each year.

Tag Positions

• Put visual tags in right ear
• EID or insecticide tags in left ear (check your state requirements)

see this link for helpful information

You can use two visual tags. Double tag in case of loss of tags or 1 tag has the management number and one tag has Ranch name/Rancher name, phone number, city, state, etc.

If you sell the animal, keep the number tag and let the custom tag go with the livestock for advertising.