Tattoo Information
Dexter Identification Information
Breeders of registered Dexter cattle are required to uniquely identify their animals by one of 3 methods: ear tattooing, metal ear tags, or freeze branding. All 3 methods must include the tattoo letters allotted to the owner at birth of the animal, a number which identifies the animal within the herd and which is not duplicated within a given calendar year and the appropriate year letter denoting the year of birth. Eg. ABC 1A.
Tattoo letters must be registered by contacting Canadian Livestock Records Corporation.
The metal ear tags may be obtained by contacting Adrian Hykaway, Fort Saskatchewan AB
E-mail: hykaway@mcsnet.ca Phone/Fax 780-998-7358
Tattoo Year Letters
For a complete list, visit
Canada Livestock Records Corporation website.
| 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
| K | L | M | N |
"The success in securing a lasting tattoo mark depends entirely upon the operator."
A few simple rules must be observed:
- Halter or muzzle the animal if necessary.
- Cleanse the area to be tattooed, using a cloth dampened with a cleansing fluid such as alcohol to remove dirt, grease, and wax.
- Insert the correct symbols in the pliers and press down very firmly over the needles a thin rubber sponge pad. This pad helps to release the needles from the skin.
- Check the correctness of the symbols by making a mark on a piece of paper.
- Smear ink on the needles and on the skin, choosing an area free from freckles and warts if possible. Place the symbols parallel to and between the veins or cartilaginous ridges of the ear. The accidental piercing of a vein may spoil the tattoo.
- Make the imprints with a quick, firm movement and immediately apply a further amount of ink from the container on the ear and rub vigourously and continuously for at least fifteen seconds to ensure penetration. This is very important. The most effective method is to rub thumb and forefinger, though a brush may be used.
- Remove the rubber pad and rinse it and the needles in water, then dry. the sponge rubber pad should be discarded when it begins to lose its elasticity. The brush, if one is used, should also be rinsed.
- Do not disturb the area until the healing process is complete, which may be from five days to 21 days, depending on the age of the animal.
Keep a list of tattoo numbers with name of animals and enter same in your private breeding record.
|