| Method |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
| Non Toxic Markers and Dyes |
- Inexpensive
- Simple procedure
|
- Temporary
- Must be frequently applied
|
| Ear Tag |
- Inexpensive
- Anesthesia not required
- Simple to do
- Permanent
|
- Possible local infection
- Animal must be securely restrained
- Tags can become dislodged Tags may
get caught in caging
|
| Ear Punch |
- Inexpensive
- Anesthesia not required
- Permanent
|
- Results variable
- Animal must be securely restrained
|
| Ear Tattoo |
- Efficient
- Permanent
- Moderate expense
|
- Moderate expense
- Experience/skill required
- Anesthesia required
|
| Electronic Transponders |
- Efficient
- Highly accurate
- Easy to use
- Permanent
|
- Moderate expense
- Current technology lacks standardization among products
- Animal must be securely restrained
- Anesthesia recommended
|