Cattle Identification: Incorporating Official ID and Genetics

Key Takeaways

• USDA APHIS requires official livestock traceability to improve visibility of cattle diseases and potential disease outbreaks.
• Official cattle ear tags must display the U.S. shield and be part of the USDA 840 series, and ordering these tags requires a Federal Premise Number that identifies where animals are housed.
• Beef and dairy cattle must be officially identified when crossing state lines or participating in shows, exhibitions or rodeos, with additional requirements for all dairy breeds and beef-on-dairy crossbreds.
• Approved forms of official ID include USDA 840 visual tags, USDA 840 electronic identification tags and registered tattoos or brands when accepted by state authorities.
• Tissue sampling units allow producers to collect samples for parentage verification, genetic selection and BVD diagnostics, providing valuable data to improve herd genetics and overall profitability.

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 sexually intact cattle and bison 18 months of age and older
  • All dairy cattle - This includes dairy beef cross animals and refers to the new definition of dairy animals
    • "All cattle, regardless of age or sex or current use, that are of a breed(s) or offspring of a breed used to produce milk or other dairy products for human consumption, including, but not limited to, Ayrshire, Brown Swiss, Holstein, Jersey, Guernsey, Milking Shorthorn, and Red and Whites." - this includes Beef-on-Dairy crossbreeds.
  • Cattle and bison of any age used for rodeo or recreational events
  • Cattle and bison of any age used for shows 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.

Whether for horse, livestock or pet, Valley Vet Supply is your one-stop shop for trusted care. Explore more of our cattle category at ValleyVet.com