NVAP Reference Guide: Cattle Identification

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.

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