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BULLETIN 20, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



breeders but also by the leading breed associations. The association 

 labels have stamped upon them the abbreviation of the breed associa- 

 tion and the registiy number. 



The tag should be placed in the lower part of the ear, fairly close to 

 the head, with the number on the inside. The label should not be 

 too loose or it is more likely to be torn out. Neither should it be too 

 tight or it may damage the ear. Sometimes the ears become sore 

 from inserting the labels, especially if the operation is carelessly 

 performed. Occasional attention should be given the lambs after 



Fig. S. — Methods of marking sheep: a, Ear label; b, notching; c, tattooing. 



inserting the labels to insure their ears healing properly. The one 

 objection to ear labels is that they may be torn out. The ear label 

 is illustrated in figure 8, a, and the punch for inserting it in figure 9. 

 The latter may also be used for notching. 



Notching. — Notching is a good way to mark sheep, and it is quite 

 frequently used. Notches upon certain parts of the ears indicate 

 certain numbers, the sum of the numbers represented by the notches 

 being the number of the sheep. By a series of notches any numbers 

 desired for the farm flock can be obtained. The system is shown in 



figure 8, b. Numbers up in 

 the hundreds involve a 

 rather complicated system, 

 but these are not usually 

 necessary on the farm. To 

 avoid a complex system, 

 each crop of lambs may be 

 numbered from 1 upward. 

 In this way it will not generally be necessary to notch higher than 

 100. This system is sometimes used as a check for ear tags in case 

 the latter become torn out. 



Tattooing. — Tattooing on the inside of the ear is a satisfactory 

 way of marking sheep, especially those having light-colored ears 

 (see fig. 8, c) . Special tattooing instruments are upon the market for 

 this purpose having adjustable numbers and letters, with which a 

 combination containing three or four of either or both can be secured. 

 This is another good method of checking on the ear label. India ink, 

 both stick and liquid, special tattooing oil, and indigo can be "used for 



Fig. 9. — Punch used for inserting ear labels, 

 used for notching. 



Can also be 



