The Eartag Info F3/M1 is a professional-grade, two-piece identification system engineered for the South African livestock and smallholding sectors. Designed as a “Medium” visual solution, it is the primary choice for farmers who require a balanced tag size that is large enough for easy reading but light enough for younger animals or smaller livestock breeds. The system consists of the F3 Medium Female component and the M1 Male Button, providing a secure, tamper-evident lock that is specifically designed to remain in place throughout the animal’s growth cycle.
Key Performance Features
- Medium-Visual F3 Female Component: Features a 58mm x 45mm surface area, providing an ideal balance between legibility and comfort for calves and small stock.
- Integrated M1 Male Button: Equipped with a precision-molded plastic point that provides a clean, rapid pierce through the ear cartilage, reducing the risk of tearing or infection.
- UV-Stabilized TPU Construction: Manufactured from high-grade, flexible Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) that remains supple in the freezing Highveld winters and resists the brittleness caused by intense summer sun.
- Non-Snag “Doughnut” Lock: Features a specialized 360° rotating lock mechanism that allows the tag to “swing” freely, preventing it from getting caught on wire fences or thick thorn bushes.
Ideal Applications
- Calf-to-Heifer Identification: The industry standard for marking young stock before they are transitioned into the mature cow herd.
- Large Sheep & Goat Breeds: Perfect for providing high-visibility identification for Boer Goats, Dohne Merinos, and Dorpers where a “Maxi” tag might be too heavy.
- Feedlot Batch Identification: Ideal for color-coding smaller groups of stock by origin, weight class, or vaccination status.
- Agricultural Research & Trials: A reliable primary tool for marking specific animals in nutritional or breeding trials where a readable number is required without excessive weight.
Product Benefits
- High Retention Rates: The combination of flexible TPU and a secure locking mechanism ensures the tag “gives” under pressure rather than pulling out of the ear.
- Superior Visibility: The F3 component allows for clear, hand-written or branded numbers that can be identified from a distance in the kraal or crush.
- Safe & Hygienic Application: The smooth plastic point of the M1 male component minimizes tissue trauma, leading to faster healing and reduced “ear-flick” irritation.
Pro Tip: For the best visibility, use a Fine-Tip Tag Marker and write the numbers while the tags are still in the bag; this prevents the numbers from smudging during the marking process. Installation Note: Use a Universal Total Tagger or an Ultra Eartag Applicator for a consistent “snap-lock” every time. Maintenance Note: Avoid applying the tag too close to the edge of the ear; a centered position between the two main ribs is the “sweet spot” for long-term retention.
