How to Install Ear Tags Correctly on Cattle and Sheep,Goat (Placement, Hygiene, Welfare)

How to Install Ear Tags Correctly on Cattle and Sheep

Ear tagging is one of the simplest jobs on-farm—but tagging incorrectly can lead to torn ears, infections, lost tags, and poor lifetime retention. In Australia, ear tagging is also a key part of farm identification and NLIS traceability systems. Meat & Livestock Australia notes ear tagging is used to identify livestock and is an essential part of NLIS. 

This guide covers a safe, repeatable process for both cattle and sheep, with best-practice placement, hygiene, and aftercare.

What you need before you start

Have everything ready before stock enter the yards:

Clean, compatible applicator for your tag brand (wrong applicators can reduce retention and readability). 
Undamaged applicator pin (replace bent/blunt pins). 
Clean tags (keep in packaging until use)
Antiseptic/disinfectant and a clean container for dipping applicator jaws (follow label dilution). Allflex and Agriculture Victoria both recommend disinfecting the loaded applicator jaws. 
A safe restraint setup: a cattle crush/head gate for cattle; secure hold/cradle setup for sheep. Proper restraint prevents injury to you and the animal. 
Optional: fly deterrent/aftercare spray where fly pressure is high (follow label directions)

Safety and animal welfare first

Cattle handling can cause serious injuries (crush, trampling, goring). That’s why safe facilities and positioning matter. 
For sheep and cattle, prioritize calm handling and only restrain for as long as needed. 

Correct placement: the most important step

Most retention problems come from poor placement.

General rule (cattle + sheep):
Place the tag in the middle third of the ear, between the two main cartilage ribs. Allflex’s EID guide specifies placing the tag vertically in the middle of the ear between cartilage ribs and avoiding placing it too deep. 

 

Cattle placement notes (especially EID/RFID):
Allflex recommends (for EID) placing the tag vertically between the cartilage ribs, about 2/3 from the outside edge and 1/3 from the head, and avoiding “too deep” placement. 
Allflex also notes “free air space” is critical—after tagging, check the tag isn’t clamping the ear tightly. 

Sheep placement notes:
Agriculture Victoria’s EID retention guidance emphasizes: correct applicator, disinfecting, secure restraint, and inserting with correct orientation so the RFID chip portion sits correctly (for the tag type). 
Also, sheep NLIS tags can be placed in either ear in Victoria, and trials indicate fewer tags are lost at shearing when placed in the left ear. 

NLIS note (Victoria cattle):
Agriculture Victoria states NLIS breeder and post-breeder cattle tags must be attached to the right (offside) ear. 
If you operate across states, check your local rules (they can vary).

Step-by-step: how to tag cattle correctly

Secure the animal in a crush/head gate so head movement is minimized. 
Inspect applicator pin; replace if bent/damaged. 
Load the tag correctly and disinfect the loaded applicator jaws. 
Wipe the ear clean (remove manure/dirt). Allflex notes the application site must be free of debris. 
Identify the cartilage ribs, then place the tag between ribs in the middle third of the ear. 
Apply in one firm motion.
Immediately check: tag seated correctly, not pinching, and has “free air space.” 
If EID, scan-test if you have a reader handy.

Important: Don’t re-use holes. Allflex’s A-Tagger instructions say do not use existing tag holes and to position the point between the cartilage ribs. 

Step-by-step: how to tag sheep correctly

Hold sheep securely (or use a cradle/table if you have one) to prevent twisting and misplacement. 
Confirm you have the correct applicator (brand-specific) and load tags properly. 
Disinfect the loaded applicator jaws. 
Clean the ear and pick a clean tagging site. 
Insert/apply with correct orientation (some systems advise inserting from the upper side so the RFID portion sits on the inside of the ear—follow your tag supplier’s instructions). 
Check the tag after application: it shouldn’t clamp the ear; allow room for growth if tagging lambs/weaners.

Aftercare: what to watch for

Check ears over the next few days for heat, swelling, discharge, or persistent bleeding. If a serious infection occurs, consult your veterinarian. 
In high fly-pressure periods, consider an appropriate fly deterrent after tagging (follow label directions and your local best practice).

Common mistakes that cause tag loss

Tag too close to the ear edge (snagging/tear-out risk). 
Tag too deep toward the head (can pinch tissue). 
Dirty applicator / dirty ear (higher infection risk). 
Using the wrong applicator or a damaged pin (poor placement, poor retention). 

 

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