NVAP Reference Guide: Cattle Identification

Last Modified: December 01, 2025
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Preface

Introduction

Control and Eradication

Poultry

Aquatic Animal

Animal Health Emergency Management

Animal Movement

Animal Identification 

Appendix

Record all forms of identification if more than one form is present. (See figure 2 for an example of a calfhood vaccination identification, figure 3 for a depiction of cattle dentition to assess age, and table 3 for a list of bovine breeds and abbreviation codes.) In addition to listing the approximate age, gender, and breed of the animal, use one or more of the following identification methods:

  • Official eartag (1.59 MB).  
  • Individual animal’s registration tattoo accompanied by the official registration certificate issued by a recognized breed association.
  • Official registration brand accompanied by official brand inspection certificates issued by a recognized brand inspection agency.
  • Registration number of a breed association recognized by APHIS –VS in conjunction with an official eartag, tattoo, or brand.
  • USDA-approved backtag. Backtags are used mostly in stockyards or slaughterhouses. These cannot be used as the only identification for on farm testing. 

Figure 2— Example of a Brucellosis calfhood vaccination identification.

USDA-approved backtag.

Figure 3— Cattle dental formula. (Adapted from Bovine Practitioner, No. 9-74, and "Incisor Tooth Eruption, Development and Attrition," Texas A&M University)

Example of a Brucellosis calfhood vaccination identification.

Table 4: State, Tribe, and Territory Codes

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