Cattle Tracing
Cattle Tracing: Information for Member States
Model of Eartag used for Identification of Bovine Animals
Primary Eartags
All cattle must be identified by two ear tags, each bearing the same unique identification number. In Northern Ireland primary and secondary tags are usually identical but herd keepers have the option to choose a button tag as a secondary tag.
The main eartag (known as the primary tag in NI) is a large leaf, yellow, plastic, two-piece (male and female) eartag, which conforms with Article 3 of Commission Regulation (EC) No 2629/97 (Repealed by (EC) No 911/2004) from 1 January 2000 eartags are supplied in numeric format.
Secondary Eartags
This secondary eartag can be the same design and colour as the primary eartag and herd keepers have the option to use this tag with smaller characters, which leaves space to record management information.
Button eartags can also be used as a secondary tag. Button tags are yellow, round two-piece and plastic.
Competent Authority
Northern Ireland
Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
Animal Health & Welfare Division
Dundonald House
Upper Newtownards Road
Belfast
Northern Ireland
BT4 3SB
Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
Animal Health & Welfare Division
Dundonald House
Upper Newtownards Road
Belfast
Northern Ireland
BT4 3SB
Contact person: John McConnell