New Zealand-owned ear tag company Zee Tags Ltd has made a break through in tag marking technology that gets around the perennial problem of poor tag visibility on stock.

Zee Tags Ltd’s John Ritchie says “Duramark provides a bold black number that is UV protected allowing the tag and number to retain their original bright colour and clarity for years. The UV shield also creates a smooth shiny surface on the printed tag which reduces the problem of dirt build up ensuring the tag remains clean and easy to read.”

He says the Duramark provides a brighter, clearer identification system for improved accuracy which is essential when farmers are recording new progeny to their dam and sire for on-going herd improvement. 

Zee Tags offer Duramark printing on management tags and official AHB primary and secondary tags (excluding buttons and medium sized tags).  Hereford breeders can also have their logo and other limited information added as required.

Farmer feedback regarding Duramark has been overwhelmingly positive.  This combined with Zee Tags ‘one tag for life’ strategy for high retention makes them popular with stud breeders and commercial farmers alike.

Another Zee Tags product, the original brass tag has now received Animal Health Board (AHB) approval.

“Brass tags have been available from the LIC (for use as a secondary tag) for the past five years.  Now Zee Tags brass tags are available through the Animal Health Board so beef farmers can also use them as secondary tags.”

John says the brass tag has several advantages as a secondary tag because they have a high retention rate yet low visibility.  This means stock don’t look like they are wearing a host of tags which is messy.

A specialist applicator for the brass tag is available which helps make tagging quick and reduces the chances of tearing the ear.  “Practically, it is a great tagger to use since it can be used either way up and tags can be loaded straight off the organiser.  Both these features are unique to the Zee Tags product.  It’s a nice and bright colour so is easily found if dropped in the dust and dirt.

“Some breeders are now also looking at electronic ID as a way of improving accuracy of recording and speeding up day to day farming operations.”  Zee Tags Ltd can help develop customised solutions for livestock identification.

Zee Tags products can be ordered through, Performance Beef Breeders, rural supply stores and veterinary outlets throughout New Zealand. 

For further information call Zee Tags on 0800 493 382 or visit www.zeetags.co.nz

®Duramark is a trademark of Farnam Companies, Inc., USA.