How To Tattoo

A properly applied tattoo will be legible for the entire life of the animal, ensuring that the animal’s identity is never lost.

Equipment Needed

• Tattoo pliers

• Tattoo number and letter digits

• Alcohol disinfectant and a rag

• Tattoo paste ink (green is best) and a toothbrush for application

Tattooing Procedure

Be sure that the animal is properly restrained in a squeeze chute. You may need to put a rope halter around the animal’s head and tie it so that the animal doesn’t move too much.

Determine which ear your herd will be tattooed in. All animals in your herd should be tattooed in the same ear. You may choose to tattoo in both ears. Stand behind the animal, facing in the direction the animal is facing, to determine which ear is right and which is left. In western states it is best to tattoo females in the left ear since the veterinarian will tattoo the right ear when heifers receive their Brucellosis vaccine.

Check your tattoo on a piece of paper or cardboard before you begin to ensure that the letters and numbers are in the correct placement and order.

Clean the ear of dirt and wax with the alcohol and rag.

Liberally apply ink to the area where the tattoo is going to be applied.

Apply tattoo pliers with correct digits between the ribs of the ear. Squeeze firmly.

Apply ink to toothbrush and vigorously rub ink into the holes created by the tattoo pliers.

Soak the tattoo digits in alcohol between cattle to clean and disinfect them.

Change the tattoo digits to be prepared for the next calf.