Ear Tagging with Care: Minimizing Stress and Injury in Cattle
At Tennessee Cow Rescue, we don’t use ear tags. Each of our cows has a name and a unique personality that makes them easy to distinguish. However, we understand that many farmers rely on ear tagging to manage their herds. Ear tagging can cause unnecessary stress, pain, and even injury to calves and cows when done improperly. That’s why we’re sharing this guide to proper ear tagging techniques to ensure the process is as safe and humane as possible for the animals.
While we hope for a future where ear tags are no longer needed, we recognize the realities of today’s farming practices. If you choose to tag your cattle, here are some best practices to minimize discomfort and risk:
Preparing for Tagging
Gather the Right Equipment
Ensure you have enough tags and applicators ready before starting.
Use lightweight, ergonomic applicators in good working condition to reduce the risk of startling or hurting the animal.
Keep backup equipment available in case of malfunction.
Set Up a Clean Workspace
Use a hygienic surface to place your tools and tags.
Clean the tagger with alcohol or a disinfectant to prevent the spread of bacteria or viruses.
Hygiene and Biosecurity
Always wash your hands and wear gloves when tagging.
Clean the animal’s ear with an alcohol wipe to remove debris and reduce the risk of infection.
Avoid cross-contamination by cleaning the applicator between uses.
Restraining the Animal
Calves: Use a calf crate or position their head gently between your legs to steady them.
Adult Cattle: Secure them in a chute to minimize movement and ensure safety for both the animal and the handler.
Photo from Merck Animal Health Cattle
Proper Placement of the Tag
Avoid Sensitive Areas: The ear has two large veins running parallel to its length. Never pierce these veins or the cartilage ridges in the center of the ear.
Ideal Positioning: Place visual tags in the center of the ear and electronic identification (EID) tags two-thirds of the way into the ear, closer to the head. This reduces the likelihood of snagging and tearing.
After applying the tag, ensure it moves freely to avoid pinching or discomfort.
Post-Tagging Care
Consider pain meds the day of and the day after tagging
Monitor the animal for several days for signs of infection or irritation.
If an infection occurs, remove the tag, consult a veterinarian, and wait until the ear has healed before reapplying.
Why Proper Tagging Matters
Improper tagging can lead to significant pain, infections, and long-term damage to the ear. Tags placed too close to the tip are more likely to tear out, causing unnecessary distress. Farmers can help prevent such issues by following these guidelines and promoting better animal welfare.
Our Commitment to Animal Care
At Tennessee Cow Rescue, our mission is to advocate for compassionate and ethical treatment of all farmed animals. While we don’t endorse ear tagging, we believe in sharing knowledge to improve animal welfare in farming practices. If you’d like to learn more about our work; follow us on social media, sign up for our newsletter or volunteer or visit the rescue.
For More info visit https://tcr.farm/638 Merck’s article Brush up on ear-tagging techniques By Scott Holt