What This Pig Ear Tag Does
A pig ear tag gives each animal a unique identity — both visual and electronic. The laser-etched number on the tag surface lets you identify a pig by sight. The EM4305 chip inside stores the same number digitally, so you scan the tag with an LF reader to pull up health records, breeding data, and feed conversion logs without chasing the animal around the pen.
These tags run on LF technology at 134.2 kHz under the ISO 11784/85 FDX-B protocol. That is the global standard for livestock electronic identification. The close read range is designed for scanning one animal at a time at the chute or feeding station — exactly where most swine producers need reliable ID.
Pigs live hard. They root in mud, rub against pen walls, and crowd together in humid barns. The rounded, low-profile shape of this tag sits close to the ear with minimal catch points. The male-female button lock holds tight through the ear, so the tag stays in place through daily wear.
Why These Tags Work for Swine
- ISO 11784/85 compliant: FDX-B protocol matches the standard used for livestock traceability worldwide — your pig IDs work with any standard LF reader
- Dual ID in one tag: Laser-etched number for visual checks and EM4305 chip for electronic scanning — no need for two separate tags
- Built for pen conditions: TPU body resists moisture, manure acids, and repeated rubbing against concrete and metal
- Rounded, low-profile design: Smooth edges and compact shape reduce snagging on feeders, fencing, and pen hardware
- Secure button lock: Male-female pair locks tight through the ear — low loss rate even in group-housed pigs
- IP68 sealed body: Fully waterproof and dustproof — survives pressure washing and humid barn air without chip damage
- No battery needed: The chip is passive — powered by the reader signal, so it works for the animal’s entire life
Pig Ear Tag Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
| Material | TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) |
| Chip | EM4305 |
| Frequency | 134.2 kHz (LF) |
| Protocol | ISO 11784/85 (FDX-B) |
| Dimensions (Female) | 22 × 12 mm |
| Dimensions (Male) | 25 × 22 mm |
| Weight (Female) | 5 g |
| Weight (Male) | 1.9 g |
| Color | White |
| Reading Distance | 0–50 cm |
| IP Rating | IP68 |
| Operating Temperature | -20°C to +65°C (No icing) |
| Application Temperature | -30°C to +75°C (No icing) |
| ID Marking | Laser Engraved |
| Packaging | 100 pcs per bag |
How to Apply Pig Ear Tags
- Restrain the pig: Use a hog snare, sorting board, or have a helper steady the animal. Piglets can be held under one arm.
- Load the tag: Place the male button into the applicator pin, then fit the female tag over the button guide.
- Position on the ear: Center the tag in the middle third of the ear, between the veins. Avoid the ear tip and the heavy cartilage at the base.
- Squeeze and release: Press the applicator handles firmly until the male button locks through the female tag. Release and check that both halves are seated flush.
- Test the read: Scan the tag with your LF reader to confirm the ID reads clean before releasing the pig.
Applications
- Sow identification: Give each sow a permanent ID and link her to breeding records, farrowing history, and litter performance
- Piglet tracking: Tag piglets early and connect them to birth weight, litter origin, and parentage data
- Health and vaccination records: Log treatments, shots, and vet visits by scanning at the chute — every scan updates the animal’s record
- Feed conversion monitoring: Track individual or group feed intake and weight gain by scanning at the feeder or scale
- Breeding program management: Record heat cycles, mating dates, farrowing records, and offspring parentage
- Transport and traceability: Meet program requirements with ISO 11784/85 FDX-B compliant tags that stay readable from farm to market
Ready to Tag Your Swine Herd?
If you run a pig operation and need a pig ear tag that survives pen life, our LF FDX-B tags give you the durability, compliance, and read reliability to track every animal. The right RFID ear tags for pigs mean every scan links to a clean record, every health check is faster, and every group of pigs is easier to manage.
Request a quote today and tell us your herd size, tagging schedule, and reader setup. We will help you pick the right pig ear tags for your operation and get them shipped fast.
FAQ
Q: What is a pig ear tag?
A: A pig ear tag is an identification tag attached to a pig’s ear. It carries a laser-etched number for visual ID and an RFID chip for electronic scanning, letting farmers track health, breeding, and feed records per animal.
Q: What frequency do these pig ear tags use?
A: These tags operate at 134.2 kHz LF under the ISO 11784/11785 FDX-B protocol. This is the global standard for livestock electronic identification and works with standard LF stick readers.
Q: What is FDX-B in livestock tags?
A: FDX-B stands for Full Duplex Bidirectional. It is a communication protocol under ISO 11784/11785 where the tag and reader exchange data simultaneously. Most government traceability programs require FDX-B compliant tags.
Q: How far can these pig ear tags be read?
A: These LF tags read from 0 to 50 cm depending on the reader and environment. The short range is designed for scanning individual animals at a chute, feeder, or handling gate — exactly where most pig farmers need it.
Q: Are these pig ear tags waterproof?
A: Yes. The TPU body is rated IP68 — fully sealed against water and dust. The tags survive rain, manure, and pressure washing without damaging the chip.
Q: At what age should piglets be tagged?
A: Most producers tag piglets within the first few days after birth while they are still easy to handle. Early tagging links each piglet to its litter record, parentage, and health history from day one.
Q: Can sows and piglets use the same tag?
A: The same tag model can be used for both sows and piglets because the button-lock design adjusts to different ear thicknesses. The female tag sits close to the ear, so it works for smaller piglet ears as well as mature sow ears.
