Last checked against official sources on 13-10-2026.
Every cow and buffalo in India is meant to carry a yellow ear tag with a 12-digit number, often called Pashu Aadhaar. If your animal’s tag has fallen off or been torn, it’s worth getting it replaced quickly. This guide explains why, and how. For more on cattle care, visit our cow hub.
What the ear tag is
A unique ID in the form of a 12-digit bar-coded ear tag is being issued to all livestock animals under the National Digital Livestock Mission. [S1] The tag ID is the key under which field workers record information about the animal. [S1] The records sit in the “Bharat Pashudhan” system, run by NDDB with the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying. [S2]
Why it matters
- Vaccination: registration and vaccination data are uploaded against the ear tag on the Bharat Pashudhan portal. [S3]
- Breeding and treatment: artificial insemination, health services and treatment are recorded against it. [S2]
- Insurance: under the National Livestock Mission, an insured animal must be tagged with the 12-digit ID, and a photo with the ear tag clearly visible is needed. [S4]
What to do if the tag is lost
- Contact your local veterinarian, AI technician or paravet. These are the people who do ear tagging. [S5]
- Get the animal re-tagged. The government’s advisory says that if an applied ear tag is lost, the animal should be re-tagged and the information uploaded immediately. [S5]
- Make sure the record is updated so the animal’s vaccination and breeding history stays linked to it.
- Keep the new number written down, and photograph the tag.
We didn’t find an official document saying whether the same number is re-issued, or whether there’s a fee for a replacement, so ask the person re-tagging. Ear tags under the national disease control programme are procured centrally. [S3]
Tagging tips from the advisory
- The tag goes in the middle third of the ear, preferably the left ear, and not in an existing hole. [S5]
- If the ear becomes seriously infected after tagging, contact your local vet straight away. [S5]
Check your animals’ records on the 1962 app
The government’s “1962” livestock owner app is connected to the national livestock database and shows owners information about their registered animals. [S1] It replaced the earlier e-Gopala app. [S1] You can also call 1962 for veterinary services. See our 1962 helpline guide.
The Pawsitive Hoomans Take
Write down every animal’s ear tag number today and keep a photo. If a tag falls off, you’ll be able to tell the vet exactly which animal it was, and its vaccination history won’t be lost.
🐄 A free Pet Passport keeps each animal’s ear tag number, photo and vaccination record in one place, and our Vaccination Tracker reminds you what’s due.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if my cow’s ear tag falls off?
Ask your local vet, AI technician or paravet to re-tag the animal and update its record. [S5]
What is Pashu Aadhaar?
The 12-digit unique ID on the bar-coded ear tag issued to livestock under the National Digital Livestock Mission. [S1]
Why does the ear tag matter?
Vaccinations, breeding, treatment and insurance are all recorded against it. [S2] [S3] [S4]
How can I see my animal’s records?
On the government’s 1962 livestock owner app. [S1]
Sources and last checked
- [S1] PIB, National Digital Livestock Mission, Lok Sabha written reply (16-12-2025) – pib.gov.in – Last checked: 13-10-2026
- [S2] PIB, Digitalizing India’s Dairy Sector (09-01-2026) – pib.gov.in – Last checked: 13-10-2026
- [S3] PIB, Foot and Mouth Disease, Lok Sabha written reply (11-02-2025) – pib.gov.in – Last checked: 13-10-2026
- [S4] DAHD, Operational Guidelines for the National Livestock Mission (July 2021), hosted by the Meghalaya AH&V Department – megahvt.gov.in (PDF) – Last checked: 13-10-2026
- [S5] DAHD, Advisory to States on ear infections post tagging (28-09-2020) – archived copy (PDF), original removed from dahd.gov.in – Last checked: 13-10-2026
Disclaimer: PawsitiveHoomans is an independent information resource and is not affiliated with DAHD or NDDB.