Individual identification of ewes is a foundational practice in effective sheep management. It allows producers to track each animal, contributing to overall productivity and well-being. By assigning a unique identifier, shepherds can manage their flock with precision, moving beyond general observations to detailed individual care. This supports informed decision-making throughout the ewe’s life cycle.
Reasons for Identifying Ewes
Labeling ewes offers many benefits for flock management. It facilitates precise health monitoring, allowing producers to track treatments, vaccinations, and illnesses for each animal. This record-keeping supports prompt intervention and helps prevent disease spread. It also aids in complying with regulatory programs, such as the National Scrapie Eradication Program, which requires individual animal identification and records of disposition.
Identification is also indispensable for accurate breeding records. Producers can establish dam-lamb relationships, record sire information, and track lambing ease or mothering ability, informing future breeding decisions. These records enable the selection of high-performing ewes and their offspring for replacement stock, supporting genetic improvement. Beyond breeding, individual labels assist in production management, such as tracking milk yield or wool quality, and inform culling based on individual performance.
Common Identification Methods
Several methods identify ewes. Ear tags are widely used, available as visual tags (plastic or metal) or electronic identification (EID) tags, often incorporating Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. Visual tags display numbers, letters, and color codes to denote birth year, sire groups, or individual identification. RFID tags allow automated scanning and data capture. These tags are applied with a specialized applicator that pierces the ear, and are available in multiple sizes and designs, such as button, swivel, or looping types.
Marking paint or sprays provide temporary identification, frequently used for short-term management tasks like sorting animals for breeding or separating groups for specific health treatments. These non-toxic, visible paints are applied to the fleece and eventually wear off. While not permanent, they serve as a practical aid for immediate visual differentiation within a flock. Collars can also be used for specific management needs, though they are less common for general flock identification in sheep.
Tattoos offer a permanent identification method, applied to the hairless inner surface of the ewe’s ear. This process involves using a tattooing plier with needles to puncture the skin in the shape of numbers or letters, followed by rubbing specialized ink into the perforations. Black ink is used for white-eared breeds, while green ink is common for dark-eared breeds to ensure readability. Tattoos are a requirement for purebred registry associations, though reading them necessitates catching and restraining the animal.
Applying and Maintaining Labels
Proper application of identification labels is crucial for animal welfare and retention. When applying ear tags, use the correct applicator for the specific tag type and disinfect its jaws thoroughly before each use to minimize infection risk. Place the tag in the outer third of the ear, avoiding major veins and cartilage ribs to prevent ear damage or discomfort. Allowing sufficient space for ear growth, especially when tagging lambs, is important; a margin of 4-5mm is recommended.
Maintaining accurate records corresponding to each ewe’s label is as important as the physical application. These records should detail birth dates, parentage, health treatments, and production data, linking directly to the unique identifier on the ewe. Regular monitoring of labels for loss or damage is necessary, and any lost tags should be replaced promptly, within 28 days, adhering to specific regulatory guidelines. This vigilance ensures continuous identification and data integrity.
Considerations for animal welfare are important to the labeling process. While the application of ear tags or tattoos causes a momentary pinch, similar to ear piercing, lambs heal quickly. Proper placement and hygiene during application significantly reduce the risk of irritation, swelling, or infection, ensuring the chosen method remains comfortable for the ewe. The aim is to provide a reliable identification system that supports both effective management practices and the well-being of the animal.