Identification

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You can identify your pig by an eartag, tattoo or double slapmarks. All equipment can be purchased from agricultural suppliers. For a list of suppliers please see annex 3.

Eartag

• An eartag must be stamped or printed – not hand written
• It contains the letters "UK" followed by your herdmark
• For example, UK AB1234
• Tags used for slaughter must be metal or flameproof plastic to withstand carcase processing
• Tags used for movements between holdings can be plastic

Tattoo

• A tattoo of your herdmark on the ear
• For example, AB1234
• UK not needed

Slapmark

• A tattoo of the herdmark which is applied on each front shoulder area of the pig
• Legible for the life of the pig and throughout the processing of its carcase
• For example, AB1234
• UK not needed

Temporary Mark

• Paintmark on the pig – for example, a red line, black cross or blue circle
• Must last until the pig reaches its destination
• Combined with the movement document, the temporary mark identifies the holding from which the pig moved

Identification of Pigs under 12 months old

• Move between holdings with a temporary paintmark
• Move to slaughter with an eartag, tattoo or double slapmarks

Identification of Pigs over 12 months old

• Move between holdings and to slaughter with an eartag, tattoo or double slapmarks bearing your Defra herdmark

Below are photos of an eartagged pig and a slapmarked pig.