Co-Authors:
Seroussi, E., Agricultural Research Organization, Institute of Animal Science, Bet-Dagan 50250, Israel
Yakobson, E., Agricultural Research Organization, Institute of Animal Science, Bet-Dagan 50250, Israel
Garazi, S., Veterinary Services, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel
Oved, Z., Veterinary Services, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel
Halachmi, I., Agricultural Research Organization, Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Bet-Dagan 50250, Israel
Abstract:
Two-plated self-piercing eartags were first developed in the 19th century, but information on their retention rates is scarce. A method is presented that facilitates estimation of eartag retention rate by using a random sample of cows that initially had 2 tags (1 on each ear) placed for identification and at least 1 of which survived. Striving to adopt the European Union standard for cattle ear tagging, the Israeli veterinary service conducted a field test to evaluate the performance of plastic eartags under the conditions of a typical Israeli dairy farm. The initial sample (n = 900 cows) was tagged on a single farm. Retention rates were estimated based on the ratio between the observed numbers of cows with 1 or 2 eartags in the surviving group (n = 97 cows). Based on this long-term (>3 yr) field test, the highest yearly retention of flag eartags (0.89 ± 0.03) was lower than expected (0.98). Tag design and on-farm management were key factors affecting tag retention. A better design of the feedline yoke system in the feeding area, avoiding slits that can entangle the eartags, would help increase tag retention. © 2011 American Dairy Science Association.
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