UK Sheep EID

Practical advice for flock traceability and smarter management

UK Sheep EID has been mandatory for over a decade, but many farmers still underuse its full potential. Whether you’re tagging lambs, recording treatments, or drafting by weight, electronic identification can transform flock management.

Here’s how to make the most of it.

1. What Is Sheep EID?

Electronic Identification (EID) uses LF radio tags embedded in ear tags or boluses. Each tag stores a unique ID number that can be scanned with a reader to access animal history, treatments, weights, and more.

2. What Equipment Do You Need?

EID ear tags (mandatory for most sheep movements)
EID reader (EID Stick Reader, EID Tag Reader or panel)
Weighing system (optional but powerful)
Farm software (for syncing and analysis)

3. What Can You Record with EID?

Treatments (drenching, vaccinations)
Weight and growth rates
Lameness scores
Breeding history
Grouping and drafting decisions

4. Tag vs Bolus – Which Is Better?

Ear tags: Cheaper, easier to apply, widely used
Boluses: Lower loss rates, harder to administer, more expensive

Most UK farms use ear tags for simplicity and cost.

5. How to Use EID Effectively

Scan sheep during handling to record treatments
Draft by weight or group using EID data
Sync data with farm software for analysis
Use EID to reduce paperwork and improve compliance
Apply for FETF grants to upgrade your system

Final Thoughts

UK Sheep EID isn’t just a legal requirement – it’s a powerful tool for smarter flock management. With the right equipment and workflow, you can improve traceability, reduce labour, and make informed decisions.

If you’re upgrading your sheep yard, our Livestock Handling System Design service can help you integrate EID scanning and weighing points for faster, low‑stress handling to comply with UK Sheep EID legislation.