Tags placed too far outside the recommended area are prone to snagging and getting ripped out, while tags too far inside the animal’s ear could cause pinching or necrosis. Tags should be placed in the middle third of the ear between the upper and lower ribs. Make sure the applicator is aligned before tagging the animal by closing the applicator to the point where the two halves meet the stud should be centered with the hole. Make sure the applicator pin is not bent or broken.Make sure the applicator is aligned before tagging the animal by closing the applicator to the point where the two halves meet the stud should be centered with the hole. The stud must be completely onto the applicator pin and the panel/button portion must be under the opposite clip. Place each half of the tag onto the applicator. Use rubbing alcohol or disinfectant to clean the applicator as well as the tagging site in the ear. Proper hygiene is necessary to prevent infections. For sheep and goats, properly grip the animal’s head to hold it in place. Confine swine in a small pen, use hog boards, or a hog snare to completely secure the pig. Limiting head movement prevents improper tagging or injury to the animal or human doing the tagging.įor cattle, use a cattle chute with a head gate, halter and/or nose lead.
![cow ear tagger cow ear tagger](https://www.valleyvet.com/swatches/41057_L_100_vvs.jpg)
Properly secure the animal to limit the animal’s head movement during the tagging process.
![cow ear tagger cow ear tagger](https://ae01.alicdn.com/kf/HTB1S.2cRpXXXXbmXFXXq6xXFXXXV/20Pcs-Cow-Cattle-Large-Ear-Tag-Laser-Typing-Plastic-Digital-Numbering-Livestock-Ear-Tag-Marked-Identificationd.jpg)
Click the graphic above for more Farming 101 advice. Before starting, make sure you have the proper ear tags and tag applicator. Tagging livestock is an important part of animal identification but must be done properly to keep the animal from losing its tag or getting an infection.