Animal Identification

Animal Identification Today

Many animals are identified by ear tags, ear notches, brands implants or tatoos. Forms of identification vary among species and areas of the country.

Additionally, individual segments of the industry tend to use forms of identification which are disregarded or removed in subsequent production phases.

Loss of animal identification through the production chain reduces our ability to respond to disease events and to use identification as a management tool for improving efficiency.

Animal Identification Number (AIN)

Animals will be issued a unique AIN or Animal Identification Number consisting of:

Country Code (3 digits)
12 digit Animal Number
Example: 840 003 123 456 789

The AIN can be displayed on visual identification, electronic identification or a combination of visual and electronic identification.

Both forms of ID contain only the 15 digit ID number. They do not contain your premise number or management information.

Official NAIS ID's can be obtained from the following approved distributors.

Click here for further information concerning NAIS ID's and approved distributors.


Animal Identification
		Animal Identification . . . Not a New Concept Documents show the use of animal identification in large animal industries dating back to the late 1800's and early 1900's. The USDA used premise and animal identifications to trace movements of diseased animals during tuberculosis, brucellosis and hog cholera outbreaks. Eradification programs have benefited agriculture and laid the groundwork for the current national animal identification plans. Animal Identification Today Many animals are identified by ear tags, ear notches, brands implants or tatoos. Forms of identification vary among species and areas of the country. Additionally, individual segments of the industry tend to use forms of identification which are disregarded or removed in subsequent production phases. Loss of animal identification through the production chain reduces our ability to respond to disease events and to use identification as a management tool for improving efficiency. Animal Identification Number (AIN) Animals will be issued a unique AIN or Animal Identification Number consisting of: Country Code (3 digits) 12 digit Animal Number Example: 840 003 123 456 789 The AIN can be displayed on visual identification, electronic identification or a combination of visual and electronic identification. Both forms of ID contain only the 15 digit ID number. They do not contain your premise number or management information. Official NAIS ID's can be obtained from the following approved distributors. Click here for further information concerning NAIS ID's and approved distributors.
	This site was created by Oklahoma State Univeristy Animal Science Extension with support from the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry to provide information to producers interested in learning more about the National Animal Identification System.