CHAPTER 4 Instruments for the Identification of Animals
These instruments provide the user with a means of permanently or temporarily identifying animals.
INSTRUMENT
Ear Notcher
| FUNCTION | To make permanent identifying marks in the ears of pigs, goats, and sheep. |
| CHARACTERISTICS | One jaw of this instrument has a sharp blade that punches a hole or makes a notch; the other is a solid block. The pinna is placed between the jaws of the notcher. When it is squeezed, a piece of tissue is removed from the pinna. The resulting hole or notch is placed around the edge of the pinna and indicates a particular number based on the position and left or right ear. The size of the notch at its base varies from  to ½ inch. A notch of  can be a V, an inverted U, or a round hole. |
INSTRUMENT
Hauptner Mouse-Ear Identification Tag and Applicator
| FUNCTION | To identify a particular rodent with a numbered tag. |
| CHARACTERISTICS | A small tag bearing an identification number is attached to the ear of a mouse or rat when the handles of the applicator are squeezed. |
INSTRUMENT
Identification-Tag Applicator
| FUNCTION | To apply ear tags to cattle, sheep, and goats. |
| CHARACTERISTICS | These taggers come in a variety of versions. Their purpose is to attach some form of ear tag. Most involve a puncturing device onto which the tag is threaded; the other jaw of the applicator is fitted with the back of the tag (much like a human’s post-style pierced earring), which is designed to keep the tag in the ear. The tag is placed into the ear so that it faces forward. This is not a permanent form of identification because the tags can be ripped from the ear. |
INSTRUMENT
Tattoo Outfit: Manual
| FUNCTION | To identify an animal permanently by placing numbers or letters inside the ear, lip, or thigh. |
| CHARACTERISTICS | One jaw of the instrument is designed to hold three to five digits or letters; the other has a padded block. The body part is placed between the jaws of the instrument, and the handles are squeezed with enough pressure to puncture the skin. Tattoo ink is then rubbed into the resulting holes. Large- and small-animal tattoo outfits are available. Reasons for tattooing include verification of brucellosis vaccination and identification of a specific purebred animal. |
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