This week’s management notes discusses advice on dealing with tag loss rates and how animals that lose tags need to be managed.
The way sheep are tagged will have a significant influence on tag loss rates and also influence the risk of ear infections. This is not as big a concern during the winter months when fly activity is lower, but it can still have an effect.
Button tag advice
The advice for applying button tags is to insert the tag midway in height of the ear, taking care to avoid cartilage (can be seen on the underside of the ear) and at a distance of about one third of the way along the animal's ear, measuring from the head out.
This distance may need to be extended in breeds with thicker ears, as there should be some room for the tag to rotate and for air to circulate around the site of application.
Placing tags towards the edge of an animal’s ear will significantly increase the risk of tags being caught on something and being pulled out. Aspects such as feeding barriers or feeders being tied with string or wire at a height where sheep may be scratching can greatly increase the number of tags lost.
Wrap-around tags
The introduction of mandatory EID tagging on 1 June 2019 has witnessed an increase in sales of single electronic wrap-around tags and wrap-around tag sets.
Many farmers continue to use button tags for sheep that will remain on the farm long term, but some have made the switch to wrap-around tags given the increased availability and aim of reducing overall tagging costs.
The general recommendation is to allow 4mm to 5mm for ear growth
Tag manufacturers advise applying the tag in a manner that leaves room between the edge of the ear and the tag. This is to ensure tags do not become too tight as animals mature and ears grow. In aged sheep, this is less of a concern.
The general recommendation is to allow 4mm to 5mm for ear growth and, again, more may be necessary for breeds with large or thick ears.
Wrap-around tags should be applied at the top of the ear and similarly to a button tag – about one third of the distance out from the head, taking care not to pierce cartilage. The male part which pierces the ear should be applied on the outer part, leaving less risk for tags to get caught.
Where at all possible, tag when ears are dry and ensure the sheep is securely restrained. Disinfecting tags and the ear by spraying a substance such as methylated spirits on tags can also be beneficial.
Read more
Sheep Management: lost tags at point of sale, marketing lambs and testing silage
Record New Zealand prices see 3,000 sheep sold in 27 minutes
Sheep farmers need €5.50/kg to break even – ICSA
This week’s management notes discusses advice on dealing with tag loss rates and how animals that lose tags need to be managed.
The way sheep are tagged will have a significant influence on tag loss rates and also influence the risk of ear infections. This is not as big a concern during the winter months when fly activity is lower, but it can still have an effect.
Button tag advice
The advice for applying button tags is to insert the tag midway in height of the ear, taking care to avoid cartilage (can be seen on the underside of the ear) and at a distance of about one third of the way along the animal's ear, measuring from the head out.
This distance may need to be extended in breeds with thicker ears, as there should be some room for the tag to rotate and for air to circulate around the site of application.
Placing tags towards the edge of an animal’s ear will significantly increase the risk of tags being caught on something and being pulled out. Aspects such as feeding barriers or feeders being tied with string or wire at a height where sheep may be scratching can greatly increase the number of tags lost.
Wrap-around tags
The introduction of mandatory EID tagging on 1 June 2019 has witnessed an increase in sales of single electronic wrap-around tags and wrap-around tag sets.
Many farmers continue to use button tags for sheep that will remain on the farm long term, but some have made the switch to wrap-around tags given the increased availability and aim of reducing overall tagging costs.
The general recommendation is to allow 4mm to 5mm for ear growth
Tag manufacturers advise applying the tag in a manner that leaves room between the edge of the ear and the tag. This is to ensure tags do not become too tight as animals mature and ears grow. In aged sheep, this is less of a concern.
The general recommendation is to allow 4mm to 5mm for ear growth and, again, more may be necessary for breeds with large or thick ears.
Wrap-around tags should be applied at the top of the ear and similarly to a button tag – about one third of the distance out from the head, taking care not to pierce cartilage. The male part which pierces the ear should be applied on the outer part, leaving less risk for tags to get caught.
Where at all possible, tag when ears are dry and ensure the sheep is securely restrained. Disinfecting tags and the ear by spraying a substance such as methylated spirits on tags can also be beneficial.
Read more
Sheep Management: lost tags at point of sale, marketing lambs and testing silage
Record New Zealand prices see 3,000 sheep sold in 27 minutes
Sheep farmers need €5.50/kg to break even – ICSA
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