| Problem | Explanation | Solution |
Tag has snapped at the neck | The tag snagged and broke to avoid ripping the animal’s ear. This is a design feature of the tag to reduce injury to the animal. Tags can become snagged on fences, gates and feed bins. Snagging is more likely to occur if tags are placed towards the end of the ear. | Retag the animal with a white Breeder Tag if it is still on its property of birth, or with an orange Post-breeder Tag if it is an introduced animal. |
Ear has ripped | The tag has become snagged and has ripped the ear when the animal moved its head. This is more likely to occur in younger animals, and if tags have not been applied correctly. | Retag the animal placing the new tag closer to the head and away from the torn section of the ear. |
Tag has been lost but is intact | The tag has become snagged and the pin has pulled through the hole. The size of the hole increases if the wound created by the pin becomes infected. Placing the tag in disinfectant solution prior to application minimises the risk of infection. | Retag the animal avoiding the hole left by the lost tag. |
Microchip within the tag does not work after application | The component of the tag containing the microchip has a lump on its printed face. The tag must be placed in the applicator so that the lump faces out of the open end of the applicator. If not, the microchip may be damaged during application. On rare occasions, the microchip may be smashed after application. | NLIS tags with non-functioning microchips may be removed provided they are immediately replaced. For introduced cattle, a Post-breeder Tag must be used and the producer must, within 24 hours, advise the Department on toll-free 1800 678 779 of the number on the tag that has been removed and the number on the replacement Post-breeder Tag. Producers with NLIS database access have the option of entering this information directly onto the database. |
Tag is lost after application because the pin and female components have separated | The pin has not been successfully inserted into the the female component of the tag during application. This can occur if insufficient pressure is placed on the handles of the applicator during tag attachment. It can also occur if the correct applicator is not used, or if the applicator is not fitted with the correct pin. The correct applicator for NLIS ear tags supplied by Allflex Australia is known as the Allflex Universal Applicator. The Allflex Ultra-Matic Ultra Tag Applicator can also be used. The correct pin for the attachment of NLIS tags supplied by Allflex is known as the 'Red Universal Pin' and fits both the Allflex Universal and Allflex Ultra-Matic applicators. Spare Red Universal Pins are available from rural merchandise outlets. | Check that you have the correct applicator and that the applicator is fitted with a 'Red Universal Pin'. Retag the animal. |
