NLIS tagging protocols for cattle

One of the keystone pillars of the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) is to ensure all livestock are identifiable. All animals leaving a property (PIC) must be identified with an NLIS accredited device before a movement occurs, to maintain lifetime traceability.    

Australia’s cattle industry relies on producers to complete effective tagging and ensure that any break in traceability or identification is amended as soon as possible. This guide outlines the steps and actions to identify cattle as required by the NLIS. 

Approved devices for cattle identification 

All cattle must be tagged with an NLIS accredited electronic Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID) before being moved off a PIC. This device can be used as the single form of identification or used in conjunction with a visual ear tag. 

An NLIS accredited electronic RFID device incorporates an NLIS ID and an RFID number, both of which can be used to identify livestock. 

All NLIS devices (including both the NLIS ID and RFID numbers) are registered on the NLIS database by the device manufacturer against the PIC they were issued to on purchase. 

For more information about NLIS accredited cattle devices, see Accredited Devices List for Cattle. 

Understanding breeder and post-breeder devices 

The colour of tags used on cattle is defined by the property of birth and previous tag loss. 

• Breeder tags are white and are used to permanently identify cattle before they leave their property of birth. 
• Post-breeder tags are orange and are used to permanently identify introduced livestock not already identified with an electronic tag, or that have lost their original tag. 

Above: Cattle breeder devices

Above: Cattle post-breeder devices

Correct tag application 

While precise application can vary between devices, tags and manufacturers, there are a few simple steps to ensure correct practice: 

1. Ensure the correct tag is being applied.  
   • If moving an animal off its property of birth – tag with a white breeder device.  
   • If a tag is lost and the animal is no longer on its property of birth – tag with an orange post-breeder device. 
2. Use the correct applicator and undamaged pin. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for preparation.  
3. Apply the tag in the optimal position. Both breeder and post-breeder tags must be attached to the center of the right (offside) ear, as seen below:  

Additional tagging information 

When purchasing and applying NLIS cattle devices, it is important to remember: 

• All NLIS accredited devices will have the NLIS logo printed on them. Cattle devices will also have the words 'Do not remove' on the male button.   
• Tags purchased for use on one property must not be applied to cattle located on another property unless the parcel of land is linked to the identified PIC. 
• Cattle tags must not be used to identify any other livestock species (such as sheep, goats, alpacas and pigs). 
• Tags must not be removed without approval or exemption from state or territory departments of agriculture. 

Compliance with NLIS requirements ensures accurate livestock identification and traceability through all steps of the value chain. Tagging and animal identification is essential to ensuring consumer trust in Australia’s gold standards of biosecurity, food safety and traceability.