According to the Animal Identification Act (No 6 of 2002), “marking” is the placement of an identifying mark on an animal but excludes marks on the horn or hoof, paint marks, ear tags, notches and holes. That leaves branding and tattooing with various livestock equipment items you will need.
 
Keeping animals for financial gain requires registration with the Department of Agriculture, and failure to do so is a crime. In addition, marking animals without being registered, including marking otherwise as permitted by the Act, is an offense.
 
When to Tattoo
Calves: > 1 month
Sheep, goats, pigs: MUST be done at 4 weeks
Ostriches: > 1 month
Horses: > 6 months
 
How to Tattoo
Clean the inside of the ear and position the pins of the tattoo pliers.
The black pad of the tattoo pliers must be behind the ear, then press pliers firmly so that pins pierce the skin.
Apply ink to the inside of the ear, rubbing it in with your thumb and then leaving ti to dry (no ink goes on the pliers).
Don’t use a toothbrush to rub in the ink and don’t wipe the ear with a cloth after tattooing. Excess ink will disappear in 1-2 weeks.
 
Tattoo letters are sharp, nickle-plated steel needles wet in a fibre glass reinforced nylon base.
 
Green tattoo ink is recommended for dark skin and black ink for lighter skin.