Tattoos are the preferred form of permanent identification and are considered a lifetime identifier of the animal. The tattoo must include:

• The animal ID assigned to the animal by the individual operation. Animal IDs may be up to six digits and can include numbers and letters.
• The prefix of the first owner on file. The herd prefix may be up to five characters, can include numbers and letters, but must end in a letter.

The tattoo can be presented in the following ways:

• Animal ID and herd prefix may be present in either one ear or both ears.
  • Prefix can be presented in one ear, while animal ID may be presented in the other.
  • Animal ID and herd prefix may be presented in the same ear stacked one on top of the other.

Other permanent ID options:

• Lip tattoo, if ear(s) are unfit – Including the animal ID and prefix.
• Brand – Freeze and hot-iron brands can be used as permanent identification and is considered a lifetime identifier of the animal.
  • The brand must include the animal ID and herd prefix. Location of brand is at the discretion of the individual operation.
• 840 series EID – EID can be used as official identification if used in conjunction with a secondary identifier:
  • DNA sample on file
  • Tattoo (Animal ID and prefix)
  • Brand (Animal ID and prefix)
  • Dangle tag (Animal ID and prefix)