A calf birth must be reported to the livestock traffic database (TVD) within 30 days – the same as for lambs and kids. Every cloven-hoofed animal requires two ear tags; for cattle the tagging deadline is shorter: the calf must be tagged with two ear tags within 20 days of birth (lambs and kids within 30 days) – or sooner if it leaves the birth farm earlier.
What information do I need?
- Ear tag number of the calf
- Date of birth
- Sex
- Dam (for pedigree)
- if required: breed and colour
Two deadlines – do not confuse them
- Tagging: two ear tags within 20 days of birth.
- TVD birth notification: within 30 days.
In practice it is best to handle both at the same time: as soon as the calf has its ear tags, the notification is made with just a few details. Anyone who waits risks losing track of both deadlines.
How to avoid missed deadlines
- Tag early – apply the ear tags promptly so the 20-day deadline does not slip away.
- Link the dam – if pedigree is taken over automatically, you save typing and avoid errors.
- Deadline reminder – a system that displays open notifications before the deadline expires.
On transport: accompanying document
If the calf later leaves the farm, it requires an accompanying document stating the origin, destination, and animal. You can find a complete overview of all cattle notifications in the guide Notifying cattle to the TVD: deadlines and process.
Do you also keep sheep or goats? The same 30-day notification deadline applies to lambs – see Notifying a lamb birth to the TVD.
Report directly at the animal with Herdy
In Herdy you record the calf birth directly against the dam: enter the ear tag number, sex, and date, and the pedigree is linked automatically. Open notifications and approaching deadlines are visible at any time on the dashboard.