Retention matters: Using the right applicator with the right tag

This article was first published in Volume 4 Issue 3 of ABP Magazine (September 2024). Watch for more digital content from the magazine on ABP Daily.

Tag retention is important to us all. Many producers across the country have been tagging cattle for years, and as equipment and technology evolve, it is important to stay informed and up to date. Failing to do so increases the changes of things going awry.

The rule of thumb when applying CCIA RFID indicators, often referred to as tags, is that the correct applicator must be used to apply the tag. Applicators may all look the same – essentially a pair of pliers with a pin on one jaw – but that’s where the similarity ends. Each manufacturer of a CCIA-approved indicator supplies the proper applicator for their product. This is because each pin in each applicator is different in length and at the tip where it seats into the male stud portion.

Using the wrong applicator can cause problems with tag retention. If the pin is shorter than required, the male portion may not seat into the female portion of the tag, preventing it from locking together. The tag may appear installed in the ear, but once the animal moves, the constant motion of its head and ears can cause the male portion to fall out, leading to a lost tag.

Differences between the tips of each brand of pin are even more pronounced. Each pin tip is machined to fit precisely into the tip of the male stud for that specific manufacturer. When the pin doesn’t fit it can’t lock properly. When pressure is applied during tagging, the pink may slide off the inside of the stud’s tip and puncture the side of the stud’s shaft. This results in a partial puncture of the ear, a wasted tag stud, and a ticked-off bovine.

You may come across some manufacturers that brand their applicator as a “universal applicator.” In my mind, universal means one applicator fits all tags – universally. Applicators vary across brands and are designed to be used with specific tags only.

For the best results and improved retention, check the tag package for the proper tools and instructions. Using the correct applicator is key to successfully applying tags and ensuring they stay on the animal.