Cattle Eartag Changes
Cattle Ear Tag Numbers – Important Information
DARD Reporter
17 September 2008
17 September 2008
The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) has reminded herd keepers of important changes to the cattle ear tag numbering scheme.
From 30 September 2008 cattle ear tags of less than 14 characters may no longer be used for new calves.
In September 2007, DARD announced that all ear tags would be printed in 14-character format, and that existing stocks of ear tags with fewer characters could be used for a period of one year only. That period is now coming to an end.
DARD is also reminding herd keepers that the manufacture of all ear tags, including replacement tags, can be authorised through an approved ear tag manufacturer or agent. Herd keepers may also use the APHIS online service to obtain MC10 authorisations for purchasing tags.
The change was introduced to facilitate the export of cattle for breeding and production to some EU Member States where importers require 14 characters on ear tags.
The individual animal number will also have zeros added, if necessary, to form 4 digits.
An example of this is as follows:
