TATTOOING FOR TRACEABILITY

Under proposed federal traceability laws, slap tattoos will be an acceptable method of identification on hogs sent for slaughter. Please make sure that tattoos are 100% readable.

STEP 1: MATERIAL PREPARATION

• Use permanent ink (accredited by CFIA)
• Keep your hammer in good condition with clean numbers
• Never clean equipment with alcohol or gas
• Always replace broken or bent numbers

STEP 2: THE TATTOO

• Use the number(s) that are officially assigned to the premises where hogs are shipped from (contact your provincial pork organization to obtain official numbers)
• Ensure that the numbers are in the correct order
• Tattoo close to shipping time
• Aim for the shoulder
• Dip the hammer in the ink often

STEP 3: MONITORING

• Train and follow up with employees
• RECORD ALL INFORMATION AT www.pigtrace.ca

REMEMBER: PROPER TATTOOING IS KEY TO EFFECTIVE TRACEABILITY AND HELPS TO ENSURE YOU GET PAID PROPERLY FOR YOUR HOGS

Download Tattooing for Traceability PDF»