Project aims to solve ear tag issues

_{Farmers and crofters are being asked about their experiences with ear tags.}

A new project aims to gather evidence on tag loss and retention rates, and how this could be addressed to help livestock keepers in the future.

Researchers at SRUC are investigating what makes applying ear tags difficult and what causes ear tags to fall out.

They are looking to speak to a range of farmers and crofters, including both those who have issues with ear tag losses and those who don’t, to find out how to avoid these problems.

The team, led by Dr Kate Lamont and Dr Sam Beechener, is looking for answers to a variety of questions about people’s experiences with ear tags, including whether they find locating the tag in the ear a problem, if there is a breed of cattle or sheep that seems more prone to ear tag loss, or whether a particular type of fence, field boundary or even type of tag causes more problems.

Dr Sam Beechener said: “There are lots of ways for farmers and crofters to have their say. It can be via a quick chat on the phone, a text or an email, or by sending photos, completing an online survey, or even a site visit where they can point out what the problem is and where on the farm or croft it occurs.”

The project is funded by the Scottish Government which is trying to establish how big a problem ear tag loss is for livestock keepers, what the causes are, and importantly, what could be done to help.

For more information, call 07714 528 850 or email eartagloss@sruc.ac.uk.

Posted by SRUC on 20/09/2022