The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Pigs => Topic started by: craiglockwood on March 18, 2011, 08:51:49 pm

Title: Another ear tag question....
Post by: craiglockwood on March 18, 2011, 08:51:49 pm

When I picked up our two saddleback weaners they were both already tagged by the breeder.  This evening I noticed that one of the pigs must have caught the tag on something as it has ripped out of its ear ???  The pig (called Sausage) seems fine and although there has been blood it seems to have dried up.

Obviously when they go to slaughter they will need tags/tattoos.  Should I tag Sausage with my new herd number, meaning both pigs have different numbers or retag with breeders number so both pigs are the same?

Title: Re: Another ear tag question....
Post by: supplies for smallholders on March 18, 2011, 09:09:12 pm

Hi,

Tag it with one of your tags and record the replacement in your herd book.

Thanks

Title: Re: Another ear tag question....
Post by: Tudful Tamworths on March 19, 2011, 06:14:23 pm

Your pigs would have needed your own (metal) tags  - or slap mark - bearing your own herd number in any case.

Some breeders attach plastic management tags for their own information, but you always need to tag with your own herd number for any additional move. Most abattoirs will insist on a metal tag or a slap mark. Some manufacturers of plastic tags say their tags will withstand the abattoir process, but you risk getting turned away at some if your tags are not metal/if you don't have a slap mark.