The Identification of Bovine Animals

Each animal must be double tagged with approved identically numbered all-numeric yellow plastic tags, one tag in each ear. One of these official tags called the primary tag must be a large flag type tag. The other tag, called the secondary tag may be a large flag tag, a smaller flag tag or a button tag. One of these tags must also be a BVD Sample Tag.

DAERA will introduce Electronic Identification (EID) for bovines on a voluntary basis from 7 September 2026. Further information can be found here. Where an EID tag is applied, the front leaf of the EID tag must be white, and the rear leaf may be white or yellow. If using a button tag, it will be all white. Ear tags must be sourced from a DAERA approved tag supplier

The tags must be inserted:

• Within 36 hours of birth in the case of a dairy herd; and
• Within 20 days of birth in herds other than dairy herds, unless they leave the herd before 20 days in which case they should be tagged before leaving.

All aborted or stillborn calves must be identified with at least one approved all-numeric tag which must be enabled for BVD sampling. If not inserted in the carcass the second tag must be destroyed.

Ear tags must be sourced from a DAERA approved tag supplier.

Where to obtain approved cattle ear tags in Northern Ireland

You must also register with your chosen tag supplier by sending them the following form.

Appointment of Tag Agent form | Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs

Advice on how to apply bovine cattle tags can be found at the following link.

Cattle Tagging Best Practice | Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs

What to do when Tag(s) are lost.

You need to source and insert an approved replacement tag (same tag number) from your chosen tag supplier as soon as possible and within 28 days of being discovered or prior to movement.

If both tags are lost the animal must be re-identified with your next available tag set, one of which must be a BVD sampling tag and then DAERA must be notified using Form MC1A. 

MC1A Keeper Notification of Re-identification

When animals are reidentified with a new number they will receive an Identity Query Status (IDQ), which will restrict their movement other than to slaughter in NI. The IDQ may be removed if the previous identity can be validated by a Private Veterinary Practitioner (PVP) or DAERA Official, on the basis of evidence as listed under section 1 of the MC1A above.

N.B. Prior to Slaughter contact the Food Business Operator (FBO) to check if they are willing to accept the IDQ animal for the Human Food Chain.