Not all operations may find it necessary to use individual numbers, but individual numbers are needed when any animal has to be recognised separately from others. Thus no two animals will have the same combination of notches. A sharp knife gives less predictable and controllable results. It involves removing V-shaped or U-shaped portions of the ear rim in a specific and individual combination of positions, using a special ear notching pair of pliers. It can be used for all livestock species, but is particularly common in the pig industry. There are variations in systems, but each identifies the animal by an individual number expressed in the relative positions of a combination of notches in the ear rim. The chance of infection or disease transmission from one animal to another exists, but can be reduced with proper hygiene and correct technique.Įar notching is a simple and handy method to identify animals individually from a distance.Defacing or altering is easier and less obvious than with a brand.The animal has to be restrained when being tattooed, similarly but less so than when branding.It works less well with darkly pigmented animals and animals with woolly ears.The animal generally has to be restrained in a crush, passage or neck clamp. It is inconspicuous and requires close examination to read.The equipment is far more portable and can be carried in a small case or bag.It is suitable for all livestock – cattle, sheep, goats, horses, pigs, game animals, and even dogs.The animal experiences less pain and stress than with branding.The material, a biologically inactive ink, has no effect on the animal.The animal’s skin is damaged less than with branding.It can be used by itself, or as a backup to other identification systems.It is unobtrusive, which can also be a disadvantage.The cost is lower than branding, in terms of equipment, consumables and time.It can be used on animals of any age, whether small or large stock. If the correct tools and material is used, it is simpler and quicker than branding and requires less preparation and infrastructure.As with a brand, it is only applied once in an animal’s lifetime.After use, clean and dry the pliers and dies with a soft brush in water containing liquid dishwashing detergent.Tattooing ink has antiseptic properties that promote healing. The excess ink will fade in time, while the ink in the holes of the tattoo will leave a permanent mark when the skin recovers.Spread a small amount of tattoo ink on the tattoo area and rub it into the holes made by the pins.Close the pliers with a quick, firm motion so that the tattoo character pins pierce through the ear.Slip the pliers over the ear in the position where the tattoo is to be placed.The pins should be visible through the rubber stripper material, which acts as a spacer and prevents the ear from remaining stuck to the tattoo needles. If you are new to this technique, place a rubber ear-release stripper over the tattoo dies and close the pliers.When tattooing piglets, clean the outside of the ear. Clean the fat/wax layer off the ear surface with alcohol and remove any hair.Check that the tattoo is correct by testing on a piece of cardboard or other similar surface.Place the tattoo character dies (letters and/or numbers) in the appropriate sequence and position in the pliers.The needles pierce the skin to make clear and readable marks.īlack tattoo ink is used for normal use and green tattoo ink for animals with a black or darkly pigmented skin. A pair of pliers, character dies and ink are some of the tools needed for tattooing livestock. The dies contain sharp, nickel-plated steel needles set in a fiberglass reinforced nylon base and are available as numbers and letters. Tattoo pliers are designed to accommodate a combination of easy-change standard 3/8” character dies that cannot be inserted upside down. Inferior quality ink can be absorbed into the bloodstream, causing it fade. The tattoo will be legible and permanent if the correct equipment, permanent tattoo ink and procedure is used. If properly done, a tattoo is as distinctive and permanent as a brand and complies with the requirements of both animal identification legislation and breed regulations.
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