Tattooing 101: Reviewing the Basics of Identifying Calves
Source: www.usjersey.com
Topic: Tattoo
Sort Desciption: sey Cattle Association can be done by either tattoo or approved ... All calves identified by tattoos must be tattooed before leaving ...
Content Inside: I dentification of animals is a Jersey breeder’s first responsibil- ity when a calf is born. It is also one of the most important, as identification is essential for keeping genetic information as ac- curate as possible. Permanent identification for registration by the American Jer- sey Cattle Association can be done by either tattoo or approved tamperproof American ID eartags in both ears. The Tattooing Rule The requirements are set forth in Rule II, Identification, of the Rules for the Registration and Transfer of Jersey Cattle: Sec. 2 (a) ForAnimals Identified by Tattoos All calves identified by tattoos must be tattooed before leaving individual pens or ties. One or both ears may be used, and the letter and numbers in the ears must be stated on the application for registration. No two animals of the same sex in the same herd may have the same tattoo. Tattoos must include at least one letter and one number. The letters I, O, Q and V may be used only if accompanied by an additional letter in the same ear, or approved by the Executive Secretary. Tattoos may not exceed a total of seven letters and numbers in each ear. It is the owner’s responsibility to maintain a valid and legible tattoo in the ear of each animal owned. When a tattoo correction is required, the owner must notify the AJCA of the correction, which will then be made in the records of the Association. When a tattoo becomes faded, the owner must re-tattoo the ani- mal in the same ear with the same tattoo. The Basic Procedure The AJCA Board of Directors first adopted a Voluntary Tattoo Program in 1958 to promote accuracy of record keeping. 1. Select any letter (except I, O, Q, and V). 2. Number the calves consecutively from 1 to 999, the number preceded by the letter you have selected. For example, if you select M as your letter, the tattoos will read M1, M2, M3, and so on. 3. Put the same tattoo in both ears. In case the tattoo should fade in one ear, the animal can still be po ...
tattooing 101