Every calf on our farm needs to have visible identification at all times. It is necessary even though farmer can tell who everyone is even from the backside of the cow.
We choose to use ear tags. Each animal receives two yellow ear tags. On these ear tags it includes the date the animal was born, the animal’s mother & the animals identification number. Shortly after birth each animal has their ears pierced & tags placed in each ear. Each animal is given two tags so if they lose one, they still have identification.
Why do we put the date of birth on the tag? We need to know how old each animal is for many reasons. As a young heifer we know how long to keep them on milk. As a young adult, we know when to breed her. Yes, all this information is in our record books but it is nice to not have to carry it around or run to the barn to just check a date.
Why do we put the mother’s number on the tag? This helps us to keep track of the family tree.
Why do we put their identification number on the tag? Each animal has to have their own identification number. With this number we track when they were born, their mother, any vaccinations they might have received, when they cycle, when they are breed, when they calve, etc.
Everything you need. Piercing gun, tag, back of tag & ink pen.
It is much like piercing human ears. In is not a traumatic experience & does not require anesthetic. In fact, parents pierce their children’s ears shortly after birth. Although everything pictured above might look scary, you have to remember that a newborn calf can weigh anywhere up to 100 pounds. Even smaller calves are larger than a new-born human baby.
Sporting her new earrings!
Shortly after their ears are pierced, they forget they are even there.
Krista Stauffer
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Love it! Another great way to explain it is if a veterinarian comes out, it is important for them to be able to see her whole history! Record keeping is just as important on paper and in a computer, as in our heads!