CFR > Title 9 - Animals and Animal Products > CHAPTER I—ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE > SUBCHAPTER A—ANIMAL WELFARE (parts 1 to 12) > PART 2—REGULATIONS > SUBPART E—Identification of Animals (§2.50 to §2.55) > 2.51—Form of official tag.

2.51—Form of official tag.

(a) The official tag shall be made of a durable alloy such as brass, bronze, or steel, or of a durable plastic. Aluminum of a sufficient thickness to assure the tag is durable and legible may also be used. The tag shall be one of the following shapes:
(1) Circular in shape and not less than 1 1/4 inches in diameter, or
(2) Oblong and flat in shape, not less than 2 inches by 3/4 inch and riveted to an acceptable collar.
(b) Each tag shall have the following information embossed or stamped on so that it is easily readable:
(1) The letters “USDA”;
(2) Numbers identifying the State and dealer, exhibitor, or research facility (e.g., 39-AB); and
(3) Numbers identifying the animal (e.g., 82488).
(c) Official tags shall be serially numbered. No individual dealer or exhibitor shall use any identification tag number more than once within a 5-year period.