Ministry Cattle Tags

Sheep and Goat Tag Legislation

All animals must be tagged on their holding of birth with an ear tag as soon as possible (within six months of birth for intensively reared animals or nine months of birth for extensively reared animals) or before they are moved off the holding, whichever comes first.

In Great Britain, the holding of birth tag must display 'UK'; the flock mark, followed by an individual identification number (in Scotland this must be six digits). This tag is known as UK Baseline tag.

Animals moving from a holding that they were not born on must be tagged with an 'S' movement tag showing the flock mark of the holding you are moving them from. No animal number is allowed on an 'S' movement tag.

Animals born before 2003 and not on their holding of birth must be tagged with an 'S' Baseline tag showing an 'S', the flock number of the holding it currently resides on followed by an individual animal number.

From 5th December 2005 you must choose the animal number you want to start at. This will be registered with Defra and subsequent orders will run on from the initial start number. Please ensure that your choice of start number is higher than the highest animal number currently on your farm.

Lost tags must be replaced with either the number lost, if known, or a replacement 'R' tag if the animal number is not known. This tag must be red in color.

Animals moved within Great Britain must be accompanied by movement documents. Animals born after 9th July 2005 and intended for intra community trade* or export will require two identical holding of birth or ear tags.

Temporary marks are no longer a valid form of identification for sheep or goats.

Goats born after 9th July 2005 must have an ear tag as the primary form of identification.

It is recommended that UK tags with animal numbers are fitted to the animals' left ear. Subsequent 'S' movement tags should be fitted in the animals right ear.

* Journey which begins in one EU member state and ends in another.