The Eartag Econo Sheep & Goat (often designated as the F3/M3 or F3/M1 combination) is a professional-grade, two-piece identification system engineered for the South African small-stock sector. Designed specifically for the anatomy of sheep and goats, it is the primary choice for farmers who require a tag that is large enough to be read in the kraal but light enough to prevent “ear-droop” or irritation. Manufactured from high-flexibility, UV-stabilized polyurethane, these tags are built to survive the dense thorn-bush and intense sun of the South African interior, ensuring your flock remains accurately identified from birth to market.
Key Performance Features
- Optimal Visual Area (58mm x 45mm): Features a balanced surface area that provides excellent visibility for individual animal numbers while maintaining a lightweight profile.
- Reinforced Plastic Piercing Tip: Equipped with a precision-molded “Econo” male pin designed to slice cleanly through the ear cartilage, minimizing tissue trauma and promoting faster healing.
- High-Flexibility Polyurethane (PU): Manufactured from specialized medical-grade PU that remains supple in cold winter conditions, allowing the tag to “bend” rather than snap when caught on wire or branches.
- Universal 360° Rotating Lock: Features a “no-snag” design that allows the tag to rotate freely, reducing the mechanical stress on the ear and preventing the tag from being pulled out during grazing.
Ideal Applications
- Commercial Sheep & Goat Farming: The industry standard for marking breeding ewes and does with permanent management numbers.
- Lamb & Kid Identification: Perfect for providing high-visibility identification for young stock during weaning and backgrounding.
- Feedlot Batch Management: Ideal for color-coding groups of stock by origin, weight class, or vaccination status using the wide range of available colors.
- Show & Stud Breeding: A reliable primary tool for marking pedigree stock with the unique identifiers required for breed society registration.
Product Benefits
- Superior Retention Rates: The combination of a flexible tag body and a secure locking mechanism drastically reduces the “lost tag” rate compared to rigid alternatives.
- UV-Resistant Performance: Engineered to resist the yellowing and brittleness caused by South African sun exposure, ensuring the tag remains readable for years.
- Safe & Hygienic Application: The clean-pierce tip reduces the risk of necrotic tissue development and ear infections, keeping the animal comfortable and productive.
Pro Tip: When tagging sheep, always apply the tag between the two main ribs in the lower third of the ear to avoid hitting major blood vessels. Installation Note: Use a Universal Total Tagger or an Ultra Eartag Applicator for a consistent, secure “click” every time. Maintenance Note: If using a Tag Marker, apply the ink in a warm, dry environment and allow it to cure for at least 30 minutes before the tags are exposed to moisture.
