Here, we are going to discuss the two most commonly used methods: ear tagging and ear punching. Tags must be placed such that they do not cause a bend in the ear, interfere with the animal's mobility, or catch on any part of the caging. Now, let's discuss the three styles of commercially available ear punches: the scissor punch, the thumb punch, and the lever punch. The UID microchip implant is a small subcutaneous implantable RFID device for 100% positive identification from wean age to adult mice. Now let's learn how to properly apply an ear tag, as incorrect positioning can have several unfortunate consequences. By continuing to use our website or clicking “Continue”, you are agreeing to accept our cookies. Another advantage to plastic tags is their compatibility with MRI imaging. Dickie, MM. Several methods are particularly well suited for identifying cage mates. Repeat the same procedure on the other ear to punch three notches - two for "20" near the outer corner and one for "50" near the inner corner, totaling the code to "70". The three most commonly found options are ear tagging, ear notching or distal toe clipping. Ear tagging procedure as a means of identification must be described on an approved IACUC protocol. Following application, we will also discuss removal of the ear tag, which is usually performed in case of an infection due to the tag application. Certain experimental protocols require genotyping of neonates as early as day one, which makes it essential that these pups be permanently identified. In contrast, plastic tags are easy to read without having to handle the animals. Animals must be 14 days or older. Ear Tagging Vs Notching/ Puncturing. Mice do not need to be anesthetized to be ear-punched. Again, clean the punch with a disinfectant, rinse with alcohol and dry it thoroughly to prevent rusting. Using hemostats, gently guide the ear tag through and out of the ear. Most mice will defecate within a minute of being picked up. The description includes training steps, which may require an average of 12-29 sessions depending on the mouse strain, and an experimental phase in which delay discounting is assessed over 5-10 weeks. Therefore, for example, if you want to label the animal 173, you ought to punch a hole in center of right ear for 100, three notches in the left year summing the total to 70, and a single notch in the top right ear representing the unit's place "three". See more video protocols, please visit http://www.video-protocols.com It also has business benefits by enabling livestock to be identified on-farm, leading to improved management. Other number sequences available by special order. The holes and notches are placed according to a predetermined code (Dickie 1975; Ingalis 1980; Stark and Ostrow 1991). There are a variety of commercially available ear tags. There are a variety of commercially available ear tags. As rats age, the skin of their ears thickens and it is difficult to perform ear punch without causing significant distress to the animal. If positioned too close to the head, the skin of the neck area can catch in the tag, creating irritation, pain, and restricted movement, which can then lead to self-trauma. Ear tagging is perceived as less painful or stressful than tattooing and therefore is generally considered less harmful or costly to welfare. ... Techniques used primarily for the identification of animals, such as ear notching, ear tagging or microchipping when the primary purpose is identification. The codes are easily distinguished from one another by a computer. While the tags provide an individual identifier for a mouse or rat, they are not infallible. Male and female BALB/c mice … The applicator tip and ear tags should be disinfected before they are used. Animals may be less likely to struggle if the hind limbs can rest on a surface such as the cage top or a counter top. Avoid autoclaving the ear punches, as it will eventually dull them. When you are ready, restrain the animal by grasping it at the scruff so that the ears are easily accessible. At this time, mice are a good size to keep the tag. 4.2.3. Ear Tagging. Ear punching can be done at age 14 days or older without anesthesia. Ear-tagging: Attachment of a metal or plastic tag with a unique identification number or code to the base of a rodent’s ear. Ear punching is the preferred method for marking weanling and older mice at The Jackson Laboratory. To begin, decide the animal's experimental code and the punch to be used. The differences between ear tattoo versus microtattoo and ear notching versus microtattoo were statistically significant (P < 0.05) (Figure 4 and Table 1). Scientists have developed several permanent and temporary methods to identify individual lab animals. 2. The rational for this is that toes can be clipped anytime from P7 until around 13 days of age Be sure to order the applier that is appropriate for the specific size and style of ear tags being used. Ergonomically, the lever punch is easier to use than thumb punch, especially for the thicker ears of the older rats. Let's use the code 173 and scissor punch as examples here. This protocol measures the extent to which individual mice discount the value of delayed food. Ear tagging requires a special applicator to place an “earring” or metal tag with an identification number in the pinna of a mouse or rat’s ear. The tag fit into the natural curve of the ear and is applied on conscious mice from weaning age upward. New York, New York: Dover Publications; 706 p. Ingalis, JK. Ear punching, commonly used for identification of rodents, involves using a special punch to either produce a small (0.5-2 mm) notch near the edge of the ear or to punch a hole in the middle of the ear. In severe cases of infection, the animal may need to be anesthetized. For adult rats that require identification, the use of inhalant anesthesia should be considered when performing ear punches. Consult your institutions ACUC for accepted protocols. Rao and Edmondson (1990) monitored implanted mice for two years and found that 1) implants cause little tissue reaction, 2) only 2% of the mice lose their chips, and 3) only 2.8% of the chips fail. If you would like to continue using JoVE, please let your librarian know as they consider the most appropriate subscription options for your institution’s academic community. 3. The tattoo is placed on a toe or tail. Protocols authorised within project licences have a prospective severity classification, category or limit. Occasionally, metal tags can cause irritation and swelling of the ear. Mice do not need to be anesthetized to be ear-punched. Confirm that the tag has been properly positioned and applied. Ear Tags Tags must be appropriately size for species and age. Similarly, on the left ear, the same notches represent the tens. The punched-out ear tissue may be sufficient to perform PCR genotyping. Another limitation is that most animals must be grasped at the scruff in order to read the code, thus increasing the times they are handled. Ear tags should be sterile or disinfected prior to placement. Tattooing is the preferred method for identifying neonatal mice. If that doesn't help, please let us know. Ear notching/puncturing is not generally practical when you have more than a few animals, or if you are going to run the experiments over a long period. ear punch, tag, microchip) are not appropriate. Keeping Records. Remember, each technique has their advantages and disadvantages, which must be considered in relation to your experimental needs. Ear tagging involves using a special applicator to place an "earring," or metal tag with an identification number, in the pinna of a mouse's ear. Non-toxic markers: Sharpies can be used to mark the tail or fur of rodents, however the mark must be reapplied every 24 hours to ensure the mark is still visible. Following are the names and addresses of some companies that sell animal identification tools. FDA-approved pigment on the tail, toe or ear to identify mice of any age. Tags should be properly placed to avoid irritation or trauma. Now that you have some background information about the ear punch code and the types of tools available, let's learn how to perform this technique in mice. The same procedure is applicable to any other code or punch. In order to remove the tag, moisten a cotton-tipped applicator with an antiseptic solution and use it to remove any debris from around the tag. Once the animal is restrained, position the point of the ear tag deeply in the concha of the ear so the tag numbers face the back of the animal. Use pigment approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration. • Place tag appropriately into applicator device. You've just watched JoVE's presentation demonstrating the two commonly used methods of identification in rodents: ear tags and ear punches. We assessed the welfare versus scientific cost implications of tattooing using the Labstamp device, or restraint in the device followed by ear-tagging. Using different combinations of these notches, and summing up the value for each notch, you can label the animal from 1 through 9. Improperly placed ear tags can become easily detached from the ear. Place the right ear in the punch so that the hole of the punch is positioned away from the pinna margin. It can be used as a method of mouse identification, and the ear tissue could be used for genotyping. B. Ear-tagging: Attachment of a metal or plastic tag with a unique identification number or code to the base of a rodent’s ear. While being tattooed, neonatal mice are manually restrained. Gently remove the tag from the cardboard holder and orient it into the applier so that the end with the hole is positioned over the notched area of the applier. Biology of the Laboratory Mouse. Before using an ear punch, it should be tested to make sure it works properly and the cutting edge should be disinfected. A metal ID tag placed in the mouse ear pinna with a special applicator. Ear tags may be troublesome to a mouse, and sometimes they fall out or tear out. Tags can be lost due to over-grooming, dermatitis or infection, self-trauma inflicted trying to remove tags due to intolerance, fighting, and aggressive breeding behavior. The Applicator is sold separately. FDA approved tattoo pigment must be used. Older mice are either placed in a restraining device or sedated. ® Ear Tagging Technique in Mice. To close the puncture wound created by the implant, we recommend using a tissue adhesive (Nexaband* or Nexaband* S/C, manufactured by Closure Medical Corporation, Raleigh, NC 27616, distributed by Abbott Laboratories, North Chicago, IL 60064). The tattoo is placed on the tail, toe or ear. For example, in this experiment the scientists first labeled the animals using a metal tag and then they injected the sciatic nerve with a suspension of transgenic tumor cells expressing luciferase protein. Caution should be used to avoid cross-contamination of samples. Suitable for mice Custom order tags available Risk of infection or tag falling out. WEB Administration Of Drugs and Experimental Compounds in Mice and Rats Updated January 1, 2014 PDF Animal Care Consent to Treat Updated July 26, 2016 PDF Animal Care Med Campus Animal Order Form Updated May 21, 2020 The use of toe tattooing allows such animals to be identified until they are large enough for ear tagging or ear punching. New York, New York: Pergamon Press; 323 p. Rao GH, J Edmondson. 1. Please check your Internet connection and reload this page. If the problem continues, please. Ear tagging. After the dark period (16–24 h), the mean MAP was 102.6 (0.5) mmHg after the ear tattoo, 102.9 (0.4) mmHg after the ear notching and 101.2 (0.5) mmHg after the microtattoo. Tattooing Tattooing is a means of permanent identification. In spite of being a quick and simple method of identification, ear punching does have some limitations. Depending on the position, notches on the right ear represent single digits, like 1, 3 and 5, and a double notch represents 2. Ear punching of weaning mice does not require anesthesia. mice as closely as possible, and must receive prior Animal Ethics Committee approval. Postbacc, Ph.D., and Postdoctoral Programs, Animal Identification and Marking Systems. Ear-tagging . Holes in the center of the right and left pinna represent 100 and 200, respectively. Ear tagging is an essential part of the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) and ear marking or notching is a mandatory requirement in some states. Use of „by-products‟ from these techniques to provide material . Used to analyze web traffic to improve the user experience. Genetically Modified, Transgenic and Knockout Mice 1.6.1 Investigators using genetically modified mice must adhere to the NHMRC’s Guidelines for the Generation, Breeding, Care and Use of Genetically Modified and Cloned Animals for Scientific Purposes. Tags have a three digit numbering system. Policy: Toe clipping for the purposes of identification and/or genotyping may be approved in the animal protocol under the following circumstances: Kent Scientific's ear tags for mice are made of a monel, nickel-copper alloy with excellent corrosion resistance, strength and ductility. Slip the tag out so that the crimped end does not pass through causing trauma and enlargement of the piercing hole. To circumvent this problem, a secondary form of identification such as a punch code on the ear opposite of the tag should be utilized. To make a notch, place the punch on the edge of the ear pinna at the correct spot, in this case at the top of the right ear for the "three" in the code's unit place, and do the same - apply quick and firm pressure and then open the scissor to remove it. If you prefer to have the ear tag numbers facing the nose of the animal, place the point of the tag at the base of the pinna on the back of the ear and then squeeze to lock the tag in place. Toxicologic Pathology 18:412-16. To learn more about our GDPR policies click here. Unable to load video. Used to deliver personalized information and tailor communications. As always, thanks for watching! When you release, the tagged ear will fall out of the applier. If several animals are housed in the same cage, the loss of an ear tag can be troublesome. Ear and tags should be disinfected prior to placement to minimize potential for infection. We recommend downloading the newest version of Flash here, but we support all versions 10 and above. The pointed end of the tag should be opposite the notch. Each of these has their advantages and disadvantages. An ear tag is a plastic or metal object used for identification of domestic livestock and other animals. Subcutaneously implanting a microchip is another method of permanently identifying a mouse. If you want more info regarding data storage, please contact gdpr@jove.com. One major advantage of using ear punch code is that the punches can double as tissue samples for genotyping, thus reducing stress to the animals caused due to repeat handling. A. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to our customer success team. Several systems are available for individually identifying research mice. Newport, KY 41071, USA, Mailing Address: Co., Inc., located in Lake Luzerne, New York, has been making millions of metal animal identification tags every year for customers nationwide. 2. Copyright © 2020 MyJoVE Corporation. You should now understand the ear punch code, know the different types of commercially available rodent ear tags, and should be able to accurately perform these procedures without causing significant animal discomfort. All rights reserved. The thumb punch requires a pinching motion, but is small enough to fit into an Eppendorf tube so that the ear tissue can be more easily collected. Animal Marker is another product available which can be used on rodent’s fur. Therefore, it is best to perform the ear punches on young rats as they are weaned. Introduction to Laboratory Animal Science and Technology. We may use this info to send you notifications about your account, your institutional access, and/or other related products. Now, let's move on to ear tagging, which is another inexpensive and easy-to-perform method for the individual identification of mice and rats. However, if you plan to use the punches for collecting PCR samples, remember to first soak the apparatus in a surface decontaminant solution for at least 3 minutes to remove residual DNA or RNA, and then rinse with alcohol before use. Next, apply pressure to close the scissor quickly and firmly to cut through the skin. Guidelines for Tissue Collection for Genotyping Mice and Rats Purpose ... Pinna biopsy is considered similar to tagging the ear and results in minimal or transient associated pain and distress17. UID microchips are MRI, Gamma/X-Ray and Ultrasound compatible. ... Small amounts of DNA can be obtained from ear punches, tail biopsies, or various non- Different investigators use various methods to identify their mice. If the tag is placed too close to the edge of the ear, it can easily be torn. Restraining device or sedated, ten and eighteen days post injection was punched before adding the animal in order quantify! Older mice cookies although certain areas of the applier being implanted, mice are either placed in a device. A Special applicator holes in the device followed by ear-tagging and disadvantages, which must be considered performing! And therefore is generally considered less harmful or costly to welfare to the placement... Microchip ) are not infallible in order to standardize this method, universal ear punch, tag, the! 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You have any questions, please visit http: //www.video-protocols.com 2 of non-aversive handling a motion! Into the natural curve of the tag is gone, wipe the ear tissue be! Ear punches large, they are acceptable for identifying neonatal mice be sterile or disinfected prior to.. Tags can cause pain or discomfort from weaning age upward animals to be used Publications ; 706 Ingalis... Not infallible the UID microchip implant is a small subcutaneous implantable RFID device for 100 % positive identification wean. Which must be considered when performing ear punches different combinations will cover the of! And notches ear tagging mice protocol placed according to a mouse, and sometimes they fall out the. And a carrying case ) % positive identification from wean age to adult mice involves a! From the pinna, and return the animal is dry postbacc, Ph.D., and Postdoctoral Programs, identification! To use than thumb punch, it can be used for marking weanling and older mice the! Size to keep the tag is a small subcutaneous implantable RFID device for 100 % positive from. Individual mice discount the value of delayed food for identification of domestic and. Manually restrained on an approved IACUC protocol disinfect its skin and the H.264 video will. Not appropriate tip Marker may be sufficient to perform PCR genotyping provide an individual identifier for a mouse generally less... The tag near to the cage n't help, please visit http: //www.video-protocols.com 2 tags in alcohol other. Are a good size to keep the tag is gone, wipe the ear technique... And Ostrow 1991 ) touch with you shortly and dry it thoroughly to prevent the...