The Digital Heartbeat of Dairy Cows
Therio Comparison Guide
Last updated: February 2026 - Therio Editorial Team
Summary
When comparing cattle identification systems, the key differences come down to USDA compliance capability, automatic data capture, and per-animal cost. RFID electronic tags are now required for interstate dairy cattle movement, visual tags remain essential for quick field identification, and sensor tags add real-time health monitoring at a higher price point. Therio's Dairy Directory covers 40+ cattle ID products across these three technology types, drawn from a database of 539+ dairy technology solutions from 160+ companies.
| Feature | Visual Ear Tags | RFID / Electronic ID Tags |
|---|---|---|
| USDA 840 Compliance | Yes (printed 840 tags) | Yes (electronic 840 tags) |
| Interstate Movement Required | No (as of 2024 rule update) | Yes - required for dairy cattle |
| Automatic Data Capture | No - requires manual entry | Yes - via parlor readers |
| Health Monitoring | No | No |
| Activity and Heat Detection | No | No |
| Cost Per Animal | Low ($0.50 - $3) | Medium ($3 - $12) |
| Reader Hardware Required | No | Yes |
| Works Without Power | Yes | Yes (passive RFID) |
| Data Integration | Manual / barcode scan | Automatic via reader |
Most modern dairy operations use a layered approach: a visual 840 ear tag in one ear for quick identification in the field, an RFID 840 electronic tag for automatic data capture and compliance, and sensor tags (like CowManager or Allflex SenseHub) for health and reproduction monitoring on high-value animals or herds where monitoring pays for itself. The Therio Dairy Directory's Identity, Traceability, and Records category covers the full range of cattle ID products across all three categories.
RFID tags are now required for dairy cattle moving across state lines in the United States. USDA updated its Animal Disease Traceability (ADT) regulations in 2024 to mandate electronic identification (RFID) for interstate movement of dairy cattle, replacing the previous visual-tag-only option. All dairy cattle moving interstate must carry an official 840-series RFID tag. Some states impose additional requirements beyond the federal minimums. Dairy operations should consult their state veterinarian for current requirements.
A visual 840 tag and an electronic 840 tag are both official USDA animal identification tags beginning with the country code 840 (USA) followed by 12 unique digits. The visual tag is printed with the 15-digit number and is read by eye or barcode scanner. The electronic tag contains a microchip that transmits the same 15-digit number wirelessly when scanned by an RFID reader. Many of the approximately 9.4 million dairy cows in the U.S. now carry both types, one in each ear, providing both quick visual ID and automated electronic capture.
Sensor ear tags are cattle identification devices that combine electronic ID with embedded sensors collecting real-time data from the animal. Depending on the product, they may monitor movement and activity (to detect lameness or illness), rumination behavior (to indicate feed intake), temperature, or a combination. Data transmits wirelessly to base stations in the barn, which aggregate information into a management platform. Major sensor tag systems include CowManager, Allflex SenseHub, and Smartbow, typically costing $50–$150+ per animal. They are significantly more expensive than standard RFID tags ($3–$12) but can provide early health alerts that reduce treatment costs.
RFID readers for livestock typically support both HDX and FDX-B protocols, the 2 main standards used in cattle RFID under ISO 11784/11785. This means a reader from one manufacturer can usually read tags from another manufacturer that complies with the same ISO standards. However, proprietary software integrations, warranty coverage, and reader performance can vary when mixing brands. Therio's Dairy Directory profiles 40+ cattle ID products, including readers and tags from multiple manufacturers, to help operations evaluate compatibility.
Specific cattle ID products can be compared in the Therio Dairy Directory's Identity, Traceability, and Records category, which includes detailed product guides for 40+ RFID tags, EID readers, sensor tag systems, and herd management software from 160+ companies. Each guide covers features, company information, pricing where available, and practical use case details.
Browse all cattle identification and traceability products in the Therio Dairy Directory, including RFID tags, EID readers, sensor tag systems, and herd management platforms.
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