Cattle tag protocols
Understand the actions you must take to identify cattle – including different devices, correct application and traceability regulations.
One of the keystone pillars of the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) is to ensure all livestock are identifiable. To maintain lifetime traceability, all animals leaving a property (PIC) must be identified with an NLIS-accredited device before a movement occurs.
Australia’s cattle industry relies on producers individually identifying their livestock with an NLIS-approved electronic identification device to ensure any breaks in traceability or identification are amended as soon as possible.
This guide outlines the steps and actions to identify cattle as required by the NLIS.
Approved devices for cattle identification
All cattle must be tagged with an NLIS-accredited electronic Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID) before being moved off a PIC. This device can be used as the single form of identification or in conjunction with a visual ear tag.
An NLIS-accredited electronic RFID device incorporates an NLIS ID and an RFID number, both of which can be used to identify livestock.
The NLIS ID number is printed on the outside of the electronic device. The RFID number is assigned to the electronic RFID chip inside the device, which is able to be read using a scanner/tag reader.
All NLIS devices (including both the NLIS ID and RFID numbers) are uploaded to the NLIS database by the device manufacturer against the PIC they were issued to on purchase.
Refer to this factsheet for more information on NLIS-approved cattle devices.
Understanding breeder and post-breeder devices
The colour of the devices used on cattle is defined by the property of birth and previous tag loss.
- Breeder devices are white and are used to permanently identify cattle before they leave their property of birth.
- Post-breeder devices are orange and are used to permanently identify introduced livestock not already identified with an electronic tag, or that have lost their original tag.
Once an animal has been tagged, the device should remain with the animal for life. It is an offence to purposefully remove an NLIS device from an animal and apply another device. Check with your state and territory contacts for how to deal with non-functioning devices in your jurisdiction.
Correct device application
While precise application can vary between devices, there are a few simple steps to ensure correct practice:
- Ensure the correct device is being applied.
- If moving an animal off its property of birth – tag with a white breeder device.
- If a device is lost and the animal is no longer on its property of birth – tag with an orange post-breeder device.
- Use the correct applicator and undamaged pin. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for preparation.
- Apply the tag in the optimal position. Both breeder and post-breeder tags must be attached to the center of the right (offside) ear, as seen below:
Additional tagging information
When purchasing and applying NLIS cattle devices, it is important to remember:
- All NLIS accredited devices will have the NLIS logo printed on them. Cattle devices will also have the words 'Do not remove' on the male button.
- Devices purchased for use on one property must not be applied to cattle located on another property unless the parcel of land is linked to the identified PIC.
- Cattle devices must not be used to identify any other livestock species (such as sheep, goats, alpacas and pigs).
- Devices must not be removed without approval or exemption from state or territory departments of agriculture.
Compliance with NLIS requirements ensures accurate livestock identification and traceability through the value chain. Animal identification is essential for ensuring consumer trust in Australia’s gold standards of biosecurity, food safety and traceability.