7 October 2010

2 minute read

Oceania

Biosecurity Queensland inspectors have noticed loss of tags is a particular problem with bulls.

Biosecurity Queensland Townsville-based inspector Rachael Palfreyman said it was most likely because of their feisty nature in the paddock, where bulls fight with each other and lose their tags in the process.

"Bulls especially can be a bit cantankerous and certainly the most difficult in the herd to retag, but it is a requirement that all stock are properly tagged before they are moved," Ms Palfreyman said.

"There is definitely no exemption for bulls. Producers risk a $4,000 fine if they send an untagged bull off a property."

To make life a little easier for handlers, and to minimise stress on the animal, Biosecurity Queensland has the following tips:

Tag all cattle young, they are easier to handle and easier to restrain. Tagging cattle at the same time as husbandry operations such as castration and dehorning will avoid double handling the cattle for the sole purpose of having to apply an ear tag.

Dehorn cattle young. Whenever you muster take the opportunity to dehorn stock that were either missed or not dehorned correctly.

Dehorned bulls or bulls with relatively short horns are easier to catch in the head bail which makes restraining them for retagging much simpler.

If you have tagged your animals as weaners and a few have lost tags they should still have tag holes. Applying a tag to cattle that have lost their original tag can be done through the same hole.

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