MDGA Tattoo/EID Policy

Miniature Dairy Goat Tattoo/EID Policy – aligned with USDA National Scrapie Eradication Program Standards.

MDGA requires each animal registered to be tattooed as the PRIMARY Identification of each animal. Owner is responsible to assure legibility of tattoos and provide acceptable assistance to read them (ie: flashlight) in the event of transportation or the need for verifying for MDGA programs.

EID (Electronic Identification or Microchip) will be accepted as a SECONDARY or supplemental form of Identification IF the PRIMARY Identification (tattoos that match those listed on the Certificate of Registration) is apparent, but faded and/or illegible. An EID/microchip will then be allowed and located in an approved site and listed on the Certificate of Registration for EID. Owner is responsible to assure placement of EID and provide an EID reader in the event of transportation or the need for verifying for MDGA programs.

Acceptable ID:

• • Tattoos in the appropriate locations matching what is recorded on the Certificate of Registration. 
  • EID/Microchip matches the Certificate of Registration IF the Tattoo is apparent but illegible. 

Unacceptable ID:

• The tattoo is incorrect when compared to the Certificate of Registration.
• Animal has been re-tattooed but not listed as such on the Certificate of Registration.
• Two or more EIDs and only one listed on the Certificate of Registration.
• Animal has a re-implant of EID but is not detected.
• EID does not match what is on the Certificate of Registration.
  

Tattoo Locations

The Breed Registry herd tattoo that has been assigned to the owner must be tattooed in the right ear.

The individual animal ID number must be tattooed in the left ear.

Animals with either absent or injured ears may have the tattoo in the tail web or flank.

EID Locations

The implant number must be an Animal Identification Number (840) issued to the flock of origin (other number formats applied before March 11, 2015 are allowed) per the National Scrapie Eradication Program Standards for goats.

The EID must be placed in a site allowed by the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) and in accordance with any applicable Federal, State, or local laws or regulations. 

Implants must be located between the skin and the cartilage of the back side of the ear near the base OR between the skin and the bone of the tail near the base of the tail. The animal must be tattooed with a legible “E” if the implant is at the base of the ear, or an “ET” if the implant is in the tail fold per National Scrapie Eradication Program Standards for goats.  

It is recommended by USDA/APHIS that EID be applied at the same time as the tattoos. If applying either implant or tattoo at a later date than 1st method of ID is applied, extreme care should be taken that the correct tattoo or EID number be assigned the animal.