LFP 221: Livestock Farm Practice (0+1)

TATTOOING

• It is a permanent mark which is very difficult to alter and requires more effort. When the wound heals the dye is retained under the skin and it leaves a permanent mark.
• It is usually placed on the ear; sometimes lip tattoo can also be made. In places where tattoo ink is not readily available finely ground charcoal may used as a substitute.

Procedure

• Select the site for tattooing.
• Decide about number and symbol to be tattooed.
• Select and place the appropriate number and fix it on the tattoo forceps.
• Check the number in a piece of paper.
• After proper restraining of the animal, clean the tattoo spot with spirit swab to remove the greasy material.
• Apply the tattoo ink liberally.
• Apply the forceps firmly for tattooing.
• After tattooing, remove the forceps and apply tattoo ink again over the punches.

Disadvantages

• Not suitable for dark skinned animals as the tattoo marks are difficult to read on dark skinned animals
• Warts make it impossible to read the tattoo.