Ritchey Autotagger® applicator - Ministry Approved sheep ear tags, automatic livestock tagging solution, eid

Autotagger® FAQ

Q What is the Autotagger®?

A. It is an automatic tagging applicator, designed for tagging sheep. The product has been developed and manufactured by Ritchey, the Masham, North Yorkshire-based supplier of products to the agricultural, equine and pet market.

The Autotagger®, which comes with a set of 'practice' tags, can take 10 tags at once. This reduces tagging time considerably, when compared with a standard applicator.

The Autotagger® uses a staple gun action, eliminating the need for a blade. A standard/manual applicator is supplied alongside the Autotagger®. The product was launched to trade customers (agricultural merchants) in August, 2009, and will be on sale to farmers from 26 October 2009.

Q. Other automatic taggers have a straight pin, why is the Autotagger®'s pin curved?

A. Straight pins often result in the misalignment of the tag. Loop tags pivot around the hinge in an arc motion. Straight pins do not follow this arc and therefore often miss the female closure element.
By contrast, the curved Autotagger® pin mimics the fangs of a snake, allowing the pin to follow the arc motion of the tag. It will remain in line with the target area from the time it leaves the applicator, until the tag is secured in the ear.

Q. Why use an angled tag?

A. The angled tag gives greater access to the centre of the ear, as well as improving the operator's line of sight. The applicator is also marked with a target, enabling the operator to line up the top of the applicator with the centre of the ear.

Q. Why has Ritchey favoured a staple-gun action for inserting tags when other models use a blade.

A. Replacing the standard blade with a staple gun action gives improved safety for both the operator and the animals being tagged. This staple gun action also makes the applicator easy to load and straightforward to use.

Q. Can I load the Autotagger® with broken tag strips?

A. Broken tag strips, or even a single tag can be used, provided a drive tag - which takes up the final place in the run - is in position.

Q. Will the tags be available in EID and will they fit the Autotagger®?

A. An EID option will be available. Ritchey will then offer the current Autotagger® for visual tags and an EID version for EID tags. Unfortunately, it has not been possible to design the Autotagger® to accommodate both visual and EID tags. The manual applicator can be used for both visual and EID tags.

Q. Does the Autotagger® offer any welfare benefits, compared with rival models?

A.
1) The length and parallel closure action allows space for the animal's ear to grow, to prevent pinching.
2) The tags have been designed to minimise the risk of sharp pips of material being left on the edge of the tag after use.
3) As detailed above, the use of a staple gun action to replace the standard blade gives improved safety for both the user and the animal.

Q. Can I use the tags to record management information?

A. The tags have a double line printing area, which can be used for recording management info, such as DOB, sire name etc. The information can either be pre-printed, or written by hand with a marker pen.

Q. What is the applicator made of? Is any maintenance needed?

A. The Autotagger® is made of glass-filled nylon, which makes it highly durable. It can be washed using a pressure washer, or simply rinsed in a water-based cleaning solution

Q. Will other tag brands fit the applicators?

A. No.

Q. What retention rates do you expect?

A. Different farmers experience widely different tag retention rates due to their individual farming practices and the characteristics of their farms. In testing we have achieved a retention rate of over 99%.

Q. Why is a manual applicator included alongside the Autotagger®?

A. The manual applicator can be used where it is not necessary or relevant for a user to use the Autotagger®.

Q. When will product be available?

A. Shipments from 26th October with standard delivery times.

Q. Are the applicators guaranteed/can they be repaired?

A. The applicator has been designed to withstand normal on-farm conditions, and has proved to be robust during practical testing.

Q. What is the life expectancy of the tag?

A. The tag is designed to be highly durable and long lasting; however, we would recommend our RD2000, button or leaf tags for breeding stock.

Q. How will Ritchey deal with any problems farmers may have?

A. The only problems Ritchey envisages will relate to the fact that it is a new product and farmers may need advice on correct loading. Detailed instructions will be available with the product and demonstrations will be available on line.

Q. Where can farmers buy the Autotagger?

A. They will be available from traders. Please see the www.ritchey.co.uk for a list of stockists, or contact Ritchey direct on 01765 689541.