Animal Identification - Tattooing
By Dr Mackie Hobson BSc(Agric),BVSc

1. Procedures and Protocols

Animal Identification is by law something all producers must do in South Africa. Identification also has a number of Husbandry, Health and Welfare benefits for example:

• Prevent theft
• Maintaining mother/kid bond- Nutrition/milk supply and reducing maternal stress through separation.
• Enable treatment animals without isolating and adding to stress
• Monitoring of animal data such as weights to enable early detection of health concerns
• TST (Target Selective Treatment) in roundworm management, identifying animals that require anthelmintic treatment and reducing dependence on anthelmintics through selection and reduced treatments.
• Maintain accurate health records of vaccination, treatments and nutrition.
• Selection of traits such as the hardy gene or disease/parasite resistance to reduce welfare concerns.

See the Mohair Best Practice video on Tattooing https://www.angoras.co.za/article/sa-mohair-industry-best-practice-tattooing

BY LAW LIVESTOCK MUST BE IDENTIFIED in South Africa.

Below South African Department: Agriculture Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD)

Jan Nel- Veterinary Law application and Law Enforcement (Feb 2021)