Identification: Marking Pigs Permanently and Temporarily

Identification: Every Pig Clearly Accounted For

In a pig herd every animal has to be reliably identifiable, officially just as much as in the daily handling. There are two routes for that, and they complement each other well. The ear tag stays in the ear for the animal's whole life and carries the herd number, while colour from a spray or crayon shows for a few weeks what matters right now. You will find both here for the pig house.

Permanent marking with the ear tag

The required herd identification runs through the ear tag. It is applied in the first weeks of life and stays with the animal through to slaughter, so material and fit have to be right. You can choose between the one-piece Primaflex system and the two-piece Twintag, along with the matching aluminium applicator and a conversion kit that switches an existing applicator to other tags. The registration number itself is issued by the responsible authority and not by the trade. So settle your number before you order printed tags.

Temporary marking during the working day

For anything that only has to hold for a few days or weeks, you reach for colour. With a livestock marking spray you put a clearly visible dot or line on from a few metres away, without holding the animal. The marking crayon is the right choice when you are standing close to the animal anyway and need a clean line. Both come in several strong colours, so you can build a system of your own: one colour for treated animals, one for the next load, one for sows due a check. The colour stands up to rain and rubbing and grows out again by itself after a while.

Frequently asked questions

When does a piglet have to wear an ear tag?
The time limits are set by each country for itself. As a rule a piglet is identified before it leaves the herd of birth, so at the latest when it is sold. Which limit applies to you and where the numbers come from is something your authority will tell you.

Spray or crayon, which suits better?
The spray is quicker, because you work from a distance and do not unsettle the group. The crayon puts a more precise line on and uses less colour, but calls for an animal that is standing still or held. Many units keep both to hand.

How long does a colour mark stay visible?
Depending on the product, the housing and the weather it is a few weeks. The colour is rub resistant and survives rain, but grows out slowly with the bristles. For a permanent record only the ear tag will do.