The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Pigs => Topic started by: matt286bay on March 30, 2010, 10:34:33 pm

Title: metal ear tag
Post by: matt286bay on March 30, 2010, 10:34:33 pm

when i bought my weaners about 3 weeks ago they were tagged with a metal tag, just noticed tonight that one has lost it, what do i need to do and when. regards replacing and when do they need tags
hope someone can help

Title: Re: metal ear tag
Post by: egglady on March 30, 2010, 10:55:05 pm

i dont know but will be following this thread as we are in a similar position!  i think (hope) nothing is needed till they go to the abbatoir

Title: Re: metal ear tag
Post by: JulieS on March 31, 2010, 06:02:59 am

Personally I hate it when people put metal tags on weaners!  What chance have their ears got to grow without them digging in?  The plastic ones are much kinder and don't get caught up in anything.

Now the weaners are with you and not moving anywhere until they go to the abattoir then don't worry.  You will need to identify them as yours to go to the abattoir anyway...In this area that has to be a metal tag with your name on.  In other areas it can be a slap mark, plastic tag or metal tag. 

I have GOS here, and I identify all piglets with plastic tags.  Then if they are destined for meat they get their metal tag while they are eating the evening before they go off.

Enjoy your pigs, they are wonderful!!!   :love: :pig: :love:

Title: Re: metal ear tag
Post by: matt286bay on March 31, 2010, 09:25:33 am

thank you, like i say i bought them with the metal tags in . not me did them

Title: Re: metal ear tag
Post by: JulieS on March 31, 2010, 09:34:48 am

No,  I'm sorry....wasn't having a go at you  :)

Title: Re: metal ear tag
Post by: egglady on March 31, 2010, 09:51:10 am

same for me!

Title: Re: metal ear tag
Post by: supplies for smallholders on March 31, 2010, 04:12:33 pm

They "Should" have metal tage in when they go to slaughter with your herd number on.

Metal tags are the only ones approved to withstand the slaughter process of pigs.

Thanks

Title: Re: metal ear tag
Post by: AWP on March 31, 2010, 05:20:29 pm

This is not strictly true!! I depends on which slaughter house you use. Ours are happy to take plastic tags, it all depends on the process used hot water/ flame, ours use the hot water process, so plastic is fine. Check with the slaughter place first!

Title: Re: metal ear tag
Post by: JulieS on March 31, 2010, 05:39:57 pm

Some are happy with slapmarks.   Best to check with your own abattoir beforehand.

Ours only accepts metal tags