Pictured above are the Button Tag only style OR the Button with hanging tag
USDA 840 tags can be placed in either ear, but typically they are deployed in the Dexter's Left ear. This is because most vets use the Right ear for Brucellosis tags.
Before heading out to the working area, look over your 840 tags to make sure you have the proper applicator to deploy the tags. They are often times, brand specific. Bring some rubbing alchohol with you to clean the applicator between cattle. Also bring something to write on to record the tag number for each Dexter. Typically I am also pulling tail hairs for genetic testing at the same time I am placing in ear tags. In this situation it may be easiest to bring different paper envelopes for each Dexter. You can write their name and tag number on the envelope, where the tail hairs will be stored.
Now that you are out in the working area, restrain the Dexter in a squeeze chute if at an age where you can not just grab them. Secure their head using a halter, if in a squeeze chute, if you are learning how to place tags. On a piece of paper or envelope, write down the Dexter's name and the tag number you have ready to deploy. Do this BEFORE you place the tag. The numbers are small and would be difficult to read if the calf is throwing their head around.
Clean the ear with a little rubbing alcohol on a paper towel if available. The tag will go in between the hard cartilage ribs, where the skin is smooth and flat. Locating the placement of the tag on the inside of the flap is dependent somewhat on the age of the calf. If a younger calf (8 mo or younger), you do not want to place the tag too far inward ( toward the ear canal) because as the calf's ear grows, the tag hole made will move further into the ear. If the calf is older ( 9 months or more) you can deploy it more accurately in the center of the ear flap, as you will not see as much movement, growth wise at this age. Make sure you have the tag placement deploying in the correct direction. Line up the applicator on the ear, then firmly and quickly squeeze the applicator on the ear. Make sure the tag is secure before releasing the cow.
( See picture below for placement of an older calf or grown Dexter.)
*Also reference the instructions on your tag manufacturer insert
TEXAS Animal Health Commission https://www.tahc.texas.gov/adt/pdf/ADT_PremisesID.pdf. Just call 1-800-550-8242 ext. 733. and tell them you need a premise ID for your farm so you can buy 840 tags. In just a few minutes they will assign you a number.
Texas No Cost RFID Program: https://www.tahc.texas.gov/news/brochures/TAHCBrochure_RFID840FreeTagGuidance.pdf
Louisiana Office of Animal Health and Food Safety https://www.ldaf.state.la.us/animal-health/veterinary-health-division/ LDAF Office of Animal Health and Food Safety Veterinary Health Division 5825 Florida Blvd., Suite 4000 Baton Rouge, LA 70806 Fax: 225-237-5555 Phone: 225-925-3980
Louisiana Premise ID Application: http://www.ldaf.state.la.us/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Business-Farm-Application-for-Premises-ID-Number11-2019.pdf
Valley Vet https://www.valleyvet.com/ct_search_results.html?q=840
*If buying the USDA 840 hanging tags, make sure they are for Cattle, not Swine ( In general it should be a size Large, even if it is a calf you are tagging.) If buying the buttons only tags, just make sure they are standard size and not the small ones for sheep or swine
Jeffers https://www.jefferspet.com/products/usda-840-fdx-eid-tags-bag-of-20
*The number on a USDA 840 tag is a long number. The ADCA would need the LAST 6 digits of that # for Registration Purposes. Best Practices is to use that same 6 digits when submitting genetic testing, so the lab work and registration papers all have the same Permanent ID for the Dexter.
