In purebred operations, breed registries often require specific data be recorded on the day of a calf’s birth. The same number could be used for tattoos and brands. Some producers identify the calf with the same number as the dam, but add an additional number to designate the year of birth for the calf.Ĭows can be identified in many ways: ear tags, tattoos, brands, or Electronic Identification (EID). Heifers going back into the herd would be branded with the same number as the tattoo. Using the first number to represent the year avoids starting with “0” except when starting a new decade. The first number (or letter) on the tag or tattoo usually designates the year of birth. Tattoos or ear tags are used to identify every calf born within a given calving season. Only after cattle are identified can the second step- establishing breeding and calving seasons- be considered.Ī simple system that has been satisfactory for many producers is to number calves consecutively within a year. This makes animal identification the first step in improving beef cattle production on the ranch. The Florida Cattle Identification Rule requires that cattle 18 months of age or older must be tagged with official individual identification.Įvaluating ease of calving, weaning weight, average daily gain, reproductive efficiency, age, and health, helps beef cattle producers make some decisions about the animal. All of these reasons make identification essential.

The Federal Traceability Rule requires that cattle moving interstate (across state lines) must be officially identified. Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) assures the consumer of a safe and wholesome product identification and written records help ensure adequate meat withdrawal times and disease containment. Identification is important in beef cattle herds for several reasons: effective record-keeping, performance testing, reproductive records, treatments and routine herd health work, and federal and state regulations.

Mount and blade cattle disappear