Cattle Identification: Incorporating Official ID and Genetics

For better visibility of cattle diseases and potential disease outbreaks, the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has enforced the traceability of livestock.

What Does This Mean?

Official cattle ear tags applied must showcase an official U.S. shield. The official USDA 840 series tags are compliant with these ongoing regulations. Orders for official livestock ear tags will require a Federal Premise Number (PIN), which represents the location where animals are housed. Cattle producers can register with their state board of animal health for a PIN. Official cattle identification standards have been set by the USDA to ensure that each state recognizes and accepts livestock identification from other states.

Beef cattle requiring official identification:

Breeding stock 18 + months old crossing a state line

Beef cattle of any age exhibited at shows, rodeos or exhibitions

Dairy cattle requiring official identification:

All female dairy cattle crossing a state line

Males born after March, 11, 2014, when crossing a state line

Dairy cattle of any age exhibited at shows, rodeos or exhibitions

Official identification must consist of one form of approved ID, such as:

Official USDA 840 series visual ear tag with an Individual Animal Identification Number

Official USDA 840 series Electronic Identification (EID) ear tag with an Individual Animal Identification Number

Tattoo or brand (provided the registration papers accompany the animal) when agreed to by shipping and receiving states authorities

Progress Herd Genetics

By leveraging tissue sampling, cattlemen can have access to key data that progresses operational profits -- such as genetic data, BVD diagnostics and more.

Advancements in genetics testing allow producers to have animal DNA analyzed for parentage verification, genetic selection, BVD diagnostics or other genome mapping. Tissue Sampling Units (TSU) are used to punch and collect tissue sample from an animal’s ear. As each tissue punch is collected, it is automatically sealed inside the collection tube in a specially designed preservative. This process allows clean, easy and efficient collection of tissue for testing.

Find essentials for livestock production here. For questions and additional information, contact our Technical Service team at 800-468-0059.