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Knowledge Guide

RFID Animal Ear Tag

Published 2022-09-03Raybaca IOT Technology

What The Tag Actually Does

An RFID animal ear tag is an electronic ID that stores a unique number and responds when a reader sends a signal. It enables automatic identification without manual entry, reducing errors and speeding up tracking during handling, vaccination, or movement.

How It Works In The Field

When an animal passes near a reader, the tag activates and sends its ID back. This allows real-time data capture at chutes, gates, or loading ramps. The system records the ID, time, and location, which feeds into farm management software for breeding, health, or traceability records.

Why It Survives On A Bull's Ear

Tags are made from TPU material sourced from BASF or BAYER, which resists tearing, UV damage, and moisture. They are tested under high and low temperature conditions and must pass tensile strength tests before shipment to ensure they stay attached through three years of outdoor exposure.

What Frequency You Need

Low frequency tags operate at 134.2 kHz under ISO 11784 and ISO 11785 and are read at close range. Ultra high frequency tags operate at 860-960 MHz under ISO 18000-6C and can be read from one to five metres. Choose based on whether you need individual checks or group capture at a gate.

Matching Tags To Readers Before You Buy

A reader only works with its matching frequency. A 134.2 kHz reader cannot read a UHF tag, and a UHF reader cannot read an implanted pet microchip. Confirm the frequency and format (FDX-B or HDX) before placing any order to avoid mismatched equipment.

Product Ranges Mentioned Here

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Questions on This Topic

What is the difference between LF and UHF ear tags

LF tags operate at 134.2 kHz and are read at close range, while UHF tags operate at 860-960 MHz and can be read from one to five metres. UHF allows group reading, LF offers better performance in wet or wetted conditions.

Can I use the same reader for both LF and UHF tags

Only if the reader is explicitly designed as dual frequency. Standard readers are built for one frequency only and will not read tags outside their band.

Are the tags resistant to weather and animal movement

Yes. Tags are made from TPU from BASF or BAYER and undergo high and low temperature testing, tensile testing, and machine readability checks before shipment to ensure durability.

What standards do the tags follow

LF tags comply with ISO 11784 and ISO 11785. UHF tags comply with ISO 18000-6C. ICAR certificate is held for ear tags (Extra ID 900250 and 900264, December 2023).

Do the tags need a battery

No. RFID ear tags are passive devices. They draw power from the reader's signal and only respond when activated.

Put This Into Practice on Your Own Operation

Send us the animal, the quantity and where the read has to happen, and we will recommend the tag and reader that match what you just read.