Different Identification Methods

By Travis Meteer

How do you know who is who? When you have a multitude of animals, it’s important to have an identification system in place. Using an ID system allows for better organization in a herd and makes daily checks, vet visits, and sorting run smoother. By exploring the methods used on different operations, you can better determine what ID system will be most beneficial to you.

Ear Tags

Ear tagging is one of the most common forms of identification. Blank tags come in many different colors and sizes and are inserted into the ear of the animal. Tags allow for more written information, are weather resistant, and inexpensive. If tags are blank, using permanent marker is recommended. Birthdate, sire, dam, and identification number can be included when writing out a tag. In feedlots or penned settings ear tags can be read relatively easily. If cattle on pasture have ear tags, using an additional identification method can be helpful as ear tags can get dirty.

Branding

Two types of branding are commonly used. Freeze branding utilizes liquid nitrogen, alcohol, dry ice, and branding irons. Irons are chilled and applied to the animal’s hide for sixty to seventy seconds. The branding kills the pigment producing cells but not the hair follicles themselves. When healed, the hair grows back white and can easily be read on black hided animals.