Identification
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.
