Animal Tagging FAQs
Do I have to tag my calves with electronic tag sets?
Yes, from 1st July 2022 all calves born must be tagged with a white electronic and yellow tissue tag set.
If I buy Cormac cattle tags, do I require a new applicator for the electronic tags?
No, our universal applicator which you have from us, applies the new electronic tag sets.
If I lost an electronic tag set, do I have to replace it with an electronic tag set?
Yes, it is a legal requirement to replace a lost electronic tag set with another electronic tag set, similar if you lost a single electronic tag, you must replace it with a single electronic tag.
Do I need to know the last number issued to me from my previous supplier?
No, all approved suppliers work from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) AIM database.
Regardless of which supplier you use, the DAFM will issue the same tag numbers automatically.
Is it the same tagging process as I would have always done?
No, our tag application method is different, and we would ask you to carefully read through our instructions and guides before proceeding to tag.
Please see “How to Apply Tags” Video for detailed instructions.
Do I need two applicators?
No, our Universal Applicator allows you to apply both Electronic tags and Tissue Tags sets without modification as demonstrated in our Tag Fitting Guides and Videos.
All new sets of calf tag runs will require the purchase of our Universal Applicator at €29.95.
If your individual requirement for speed of application or convenience for loading tags, you can convert your old applicator to a visual tag applicator with a change of pin and use our Universal Applicator to apply the tissue tag.
- Our Universal Applicator will apply both ear tags without any changes or modification.
- Can be used with both Cattle and Sheep Tags.
Do you have to adjust anything underneath the red top on the applicator?
No, the red top is used as an indicator that this side should always be at the back of the calf’s ear as demonstrated in our Tag Fitting Guides and Videos.
Will my old Allflex® applicator apply Caisley/Cormac Tagging Cattle Tags?
If you do not have our Universal Applicator, but have an Allflex® applicator; a special Applicator Pin can be inserted into the Allflex® applicator allowing you to apply specific tags using the Allflex® applicator.
Please note that this applies to:
- Electronic Tags
- Replacement Tags
You WILL require our Universal Applicator to apply any of our Tissue Tag sets or Replacement Tissue Tags.
Can Cormac Tagging print replacement tags that have been issued by another supplier?
Yes, we can supply all of your replacement tag needs.
This includes the following replacement tags
- Tags issued since Nov 16
- Tags issued between 1999-2016
- Tags issued before 1999
- Any tags on imported animals.
Which Labs accept the Cormac Tagging Tags?
Labs that are currently approved for testing our tags include:
- Agri Diagnostics Dunrine, Killarney, Co. Kerry.
- Animal Health Laboratories Shinagh House, Bandon, Co. Cork. 023-8854-100.
- Independent Milk Laboratories Shercock Road, Bailieborough, Co. Cavan. 042-9675-353.
- Enfer Labs Unit T, M7 Business Park, Newhall, Naas, Co Kildare.
- Farm Lab Diagnostics Emlagh, Elphin, Co. Roscommon.
- FBA Laboratories Ltd Carrigeen Industrial Estate, Cappoquin, Co. Waterford.
- Scottish Agricultural College SAC Veterinary Services, Greycrook, St Boswells, Melrose, Roxburghshire, Scotland TD6 0EQ
Please check Animal Health Ireland (AHI) if the lab you use is not currently listed here or give your lab a call to inquire. As labs are approved by AHI, they will be added to this list.
How long can I keep sample before sending to the designated BVD lab?
The tag is supplied with desiccant (little white balls within the sample tube) to assist preserve the sample.
Best practice guidelines state that the sample should be kept at room temperature before posting to lab within 7 days.
What happens if I lose a tissue sample container before sending it to lab or a sample comes back with an empty result from the lab?
Please contact us and order a supplementary button tag in order to collect a second piece of tissue for BVD testing.
When do I tag sheep?
All sheep must be tagged before they reach 9 months of age or before they leave the holding.
What tag do I use for lambs moving directly to factory?
All lambs moving directly to factory must be tagged with an official yellow single electronic tag which should be placed in the lamb’s right ear before it leaves the holding.
What tags do I use for farm to farm, mart, export or breeding?
All sheep going to farm to farm, mart, export or breeding must be identified with a full electronic tag set. i.e Conventional tag in the left ear and a matching electronic tag in the right ear.
What tags do I use for imported sheep?
Sheep imported from within the EU and from Northern Ireland must retain the original electronic tag set inserted in their country of origin. Must not remove tags from imported sheep.
If you require further offical sheep identification queries
- Phone: 01 5058833
- Email: [email protected]
How do I apply for a goat herd number?
All goats must be tagged before they reach 9 months of age or before they leave the holding.
What tags do I use for goats?
All goats must be identified with a matching set of official NGID conventional tags, one in each ear.
What tags do I use for goats going to export?
Goats being exported must be identified with a full offical electronic tag set. One conventional tag in the left ear and a matching electronic tag in the right ear.
Do I need to have my pig herd registered with the National Pig Identification and Tracing System (NPITS)?
To apply for an Irish pig herd number, download and complete the PZ1 Form from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine website and the Pig Welfare Requirements Booklet, then return them to your local District Veterinary Office, who will contact you to arrange a suitability inspection of your premises before issuing the number. A herd number is required to own or trade in pigs, and all movements are recorded on a central database.
Steps to Apply for a Pig Herd Number
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- Read the Requirements: Before starting your application, read the Pig Welfare Requirements Booklet to understand the obligations for pig keepers
- Download the Form: Obtain the PZ1 Form (Application for Registration of a Porcine Establishment and as a Keeper) from the gov.ie website.
- Complete the Form: Fill out the PZ1 Form with your details.
- Submit the Application: Return the completed form to your local District Veterinary Office (DVO).
- Await Inspection: Your local DVO will contact you to arrange an inspection of your premises to ensure they are suitable.
- Receive Your Herd Number: If your premises meet the requirements, the Department will issue you a herd number.
Order Cancellation: all info on delivery, returns and order cancellation can be found here – Delivery, Returns and Cancellation Policy
Do I need to have my pig herd registered with the National Pig Identification and Tracing System (NPITS)?
Yes, you must have you pig herd registered with the National Pig Identificationa and Tracing System (NPITS).
What tags do I use for breeding pigs?
All breeding pigs must be identified with an approved green eartag bearing the letters IE, pig herd registration and an individual animal number.
What tags do I use for non breeding pigs?
All non- breeding pigs on your holding must be identified as they leave the holding depending on where they are going:
- Pigs going to the factory must be identified wiht a slap marked dispalying their herd number,
- Pigs moving directly to another holding must be identified with an official green ear tag in the left ear
- Pigs moving to a sccond holding must be identified with a second official green ear tag displaying the herd number of the holding they are being moved from.
Do I tag pigs moving between units?
All pigs must be tagged moving between units even if the units are owned by the same individual.
How do I get approval for a closed integrated unit?
More information regarding the requirements governing the identification and registration of animals are available on gov.ie: Animal Identification & Movement (AIM)
Support Resources
Our Support Resources are here to make working with Cormac Tagging as simple and efficient as possible. Whether you need quick answers in our FAQ, step-by-step guidance through our videos, order forms, or details about delivery, everything is in one place. Designed with farmers in mind, this hub helps you manage livestock tagging with ease and confidence.
