Identification: Reliable Overview for Your Cattle

Identification: The Foundation of Herd Management

Structured herd management begins with the reliable identification of the animals. Whether you need to treat a cow, move her to another feeding group, or monitor her heat, you must be able to recognise her immediately and without a doubt. Good visual marking saves you time every day in the barn and on the pasture and prevents serious mix-ups.

The Right System for Every Situation

Since cattle spend time both in the narrow milking parlour and on extensive pastures, there are various ways to mark them optimally:

• Markings on the Head and Neck: With coloured ear tags or large numbers on a neckband, you can recognise the cattle at a glance even from a distance, without having to get close.
• Quick Colour Indicators: Marker pens and colour sprays are ideal for short-term use. You can use them to mark treated animals or use special paints for heat detection.
• Leg Identification: In the milking parlour, you have the cows' legs at eye level. With a conspicuous ankle band, you can immediately spot animals with discarded milk before attaching the milking cluster.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the official ear tag not enough?
The official number is small and hard to read from a distance. For internal farm processes, large, easily readable numbers or a clear colour system for certain animal groups are much more practical.

How do I mark cows whose milk must not go into the tank?
Ankle bands are best suited for this. A red band on the leg immediately signals to you when entering the milking parlour that this cow must be milked separately.