How to Mark Cattle With Paint

Marking cattle with paint allows ranchers to identify what is going on with any animal in the herd at a given time. Livestock may be marked to indicate vaccination status, for sorting, heat detection, breeding status and other health management issues.This marking can be especially helpful for breeding, as the marks will wear off as the cow is repeatedly mounted. While one color paint can mark a cow in heat, another color can signify a cow that is pregnant. Cows that have been vaccinated can get yet a different color, where the ones needing vaccination will have no paint.

Things You'll Need

  • Cattle
  • Paint markers or paint crayons
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Instructions

  1. Instructions

    • 1

      Place the cattle into headlocks to keep them still while applying paint. An alternative is to wait until milking time, or when the cows are being moved through the management rail or parlor exit alley.

    • 2

      Apply a uniform mark on the cow where it can be seen by other people. The spine, near the tail, is a good location, especially if the mark is large enough. A mark of a foot or so in length, as wide as the applicator on the pen or crayon, will be easily seen by others.

    • 3

      Walk through the cattle to touch up markings, making sure the markings are uniform on every cow. Choose a time of day when the cattle are relaxed and not feeling restless. If an animal does not like to be marked, it can get marked in a headlock or at the feed bunk.