1. + Maintaining Records in the Animal Science Industry Objective: Define identification systems including branding, ear notching and tagging that are used in the animal industry.

2. + Identification Systems… Why is it important to ID livestock? Basis for keeping accurate records of the herd/flock Keep records on animal’s parents, birth date, production records, health history, etc. Provide producer with information to make management decisions Indicate ownership

3. + How do I select the best ID method for my herd? Consider the application method Visibility from a distance Equipment needed for application Cost Permanence Ease of application

4. + Identification Methods 1. Branding 2. Ear tagging 3. Ear notching 4. Tattooing

5. + Branding Uses a metal instrument to burn or to freeze a mark on the animal Originally used to show ownership NOT individual animal identification numbers Can be read anytime of the year

6. + Branding Angle Branding System Commonly used with BLM horses (US Bureau of Land Management) aka “mustangs” Simple Universal Only need 2 branding irons Brand usually placed on horses neck Learn how to read an angle brand herehere

7. + Branding

8. + Ear Tagging Uses special pliers to attach plastic pieces with numbers on them Easy to read from front view Less permanent that some systems

9. + Tattooing Uses a special tool to put inked numbers in ears, lips or other locations Permanent Simple and relatively painless to use

10. + Design Your Own Brand Be creative…design your own brand Think about your own interests and Knightdale High School Include at least THREE different symbols You have 30 minutes…GO!

11. + Ear Notching Uses a special notching tool to cut out little “V” notches on animal’s ears

12. + Ear Notching Pig’s RIGHT= Litter Number Pig’s LEFT= Pig Number 8181 9 2727 3 1 9 3 1

13. + Litter # 27+3+1=31 Pig # 9+1=10 Litter # 9 Pig # 1+3 =4 Litter # 27 Pig # 9+3+1=13 Litter # 81+1 = 82 Pig # 9+1+1= 11

14. + Identify the Litter Number and Pig Number… Complete the Swine Ear Notching Worksheet First, identify the litter number and pig number Then, mark the appropriate notches for each of the pigs listed