SHEEP FARMING:

Sheep must be tagged in accordance with the rules set down under the National Sheep Identification System (NSIS) and only tags that have been approved for use under the NSIS may be used. The requirements for sheep born prior to 1 January, 2010 continue to be the NSIS rules that were in force at that time. Some of the identification requirements for sheep born after 1 January, 2010 are as follows:

All sheep must be tagged with at least one tag by either 9 months of age or on leaving their place of birth, whichever comes first. Animals intended for breeding must be double tagged by 9 months of age with a conventional mart tag in the left ear, and either a ruminal bolus or an electronic tag in the right ear, both bearing an identical 12-digit number. Usually both tags on a sheep fitted with an electronic tag will be yellow. The tag on a sheep fitted with a ruminal bolus will be light blue.

In the case of sheep intended for slaughter before 12 months of age they may be tagged in just the left ear with a conventional slaughter tag.

QQTagging may be used as a management tool. For example a record of tag numbers of problem ewes will identify which ewes will need to be culled once the lambs are weaned and a new fleece begins to grow. Tagging and traceability are a must if the farmer intends to promote a branded lamb product.