Standards
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Para 9.3. states that
Identification of cattle Brand identification of cattle is compulsory before or at the age of six months. However, if a producer intends to remove cattle from the farm before they reach the age of six months, it is mandatory to mark them with the owner’s registered stock brand symbol before the removal. If animals are bought or otherwise legally acquired, they must be branded with the new owner’s stock brand within 30 days of change of ownership.
Size, form and position of the brand must follow the current legislation. Cattle intended to be exported to South Africa must be branded with an “N” on the left neck and cattle imported from South Africa must be branded with a “(-)”on the left neck.
All cattle in Namibia are individually identified the latest at the age of six months or when leaving the holding of origin, whichever occurs first. Cattle must be identified FAN MEAT STANDARDS FOR LIVESTOCK PRODUCER FAN MEAT STANDARDS FOR LIVESTOCK PRODUCERS F-STD-01 (Revision 4) Nov 2019 Page 23 of 26 using a set of official identification ear tags. All tagged cattle must be registered on the central database within 14 days from attaching the official ear tags. The ear tags remains for life, regardless of changes in ownership, the new owner is only required to add his/her brand mark at the next available brand area as per the branding sequence according to the Stock Brands Act 24 of 1995. Imported cattle must be individually identified and registered as such on the central database.
Import ear tags can be obtained from the State Veterinary office. Imported cattle are tagged with red ear tags.
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para 9.4. states that
Identification of small livestock Small livestock are currently identified by means of group identification based on the owner’s registered stock brand on a metal ear tag or a tattoo.
Sheep and goats must be marked by a metal ear tag or tattoo in the left ear before they are older than three months. If animals are bought or otherwise legally acquired, the old ear tag/tattoo remains, but they must, within 30 days, be marked with the new owner’s registered stock brand according to the legislation. Individual identification of small stock is envisaged by the Directorate of Veterinary Services for the future, and producers are recommended to stay updated with latest animal identification regulations.
Individual identification of small stock is currently required for export to the Republic of South Africa.
All tagged small stock must be registered on the central database within 14 days from attaching the ear tags.
Imported small stock must be individually identified and registered as such on the central database.