Colour Markings: Mark Your Cattle Visibly Within Seconds

Colour Markings: The Quick Sign in the Shed

Sometimes it has to happen right now. A cow is in heat, an animal is due for treatment, a group is being dried off. With marking spray or a livestock crayon you set a sign in seconds that everyone on the farm understands. Colour markings work alongside the ear tag and are the practical addition for your daily herd checks.

Spray, crayon or Tailpainter

The TopMarker marking spray covers with strong pigment and suits big marks that you can read right across the shed. RAIDL livestock crayons in blue, yellow and violet are the choice for finer marks and for farms that work with a fixed colour code. The Tailpainter applies paint evenly to the tail head through a roller, which is popular for heat detection because the paint is rubbed off when a cow is mounted. Spare one litre paint tanks and the rotating holder for the RAIDEX RAIDL keep your system ready for the next round.

Marking with a system

A fixed code does more for you than many single marks. Decide which colour stands for what, for example one for treatment with a withdrawal period, one for heat and one for sorting. Put the code up where everyone can see it, so relief staff understand it at once. Mark in a spot you can see easily while walking the shed, usually the tail head, the back or the flank. On a dry, clean coat the paint holds noticeably better. Shake the can before spraying and close crayons after use, then the colour stays economical for a long time.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a mark stay visible?
That depends on the product, the weather and the coat. Plan with a short term mark and check it regularly, especially in rain and out on pasture.

Can I mark dairy cows with paint?
Keep away from the udder area and leave room around the cluster. The tail head and the back are practical spots where the paint does not get in the way of the milking routine.

Which colour works on a dark coat?
Bright, strong shades are easiest to read on dark hair. Many farms use yellow or violet for that and keep blue for light coloured animals.