The Digital Heartbeat of Dairy Cows
Therio Dairy Guide
Last updated: February 2026 - Therio Editorial Team
Summary
The best cattle identification software in 2026 includes Allflex Livestock Intelligence, Y-TEX Corporation, and DairyComp 305, based on Therio's analysis of 539+ product guides across 18 dairy technology categories from 160+ companies. These platforms lead in USDA 840-series RFID compliance, breed registry integration, and herd management connectivity. Selecting the right cattle ID system is one of the most consequential technology decisions a dairy operation makes, and this guide ranks and compares the top options.
Global leader in electronic identification and monitoring
Allflex offers the broadest product line of any cattle ID manufacturer, from 840 RFID ear tags to full SenseHub herd monitoring integration. Their readers and tags are widely considered the industry standard for USDA-compliant electronic identification.
View ProfileAmerican-made visual and electronic ear tags
Y-TEX is a leading domestic producer of visual and RFID cattle ear tags, offering a wide range of tag sizes and colors. Their 4-Star and 9-Star RFID tags are widely used for USDA 840 compliance across dairy and beef operations.
View ProfileIndustry-standard dairy herd management with integrated ID
DairyComp 305 has been the backbone of dairy records management for decades. Its tight integration with breed registries and RFID readers makes it the default records platform for large commercial dairies managing animal identity alongside production data.
View ProfileModern cloud-based dairy herd management
BoviSync offers a more modern, cloud-native approach to dairy herd records with strong mobile support. Its animal identification and event recording features are well-regarded by mid-size operations looking to move away from legacy on-premise systems.
View ProfileEar tag sensor system for continuous cattle monitoring
CowManager's sensor ear tags go beyond basic identification, tracking activity, rumination, and heat detection in real time. Ideal for dairy operations that want identification and monitoring in a single ear tag device.
View ProfileRFID readers, tags, and software for full traceability
Datamars offers a complete cattle identification ecosystem, from HDX and FDX-B RFID tags to wand and panel readers, with software for recording and managing animal events. Strong choice for farms that need hardware and software from one vendor.
View Profile| Platform | RFID Support | Breed Registry Integration | Cloud-Based | 3rd-Party APIs | Price Model |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allflex / SenseHub | Yes (840 RFID) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Hardware + subscription |
| Y-TEX Tags | Yes (840 RFID) | Via herd software | N/A (hardware) | N/A | Per-tag pricing |
| DairyComp 305 | Yes | Yes (Holstein) | Partial | Limited | Site license |
| BoviSync | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Per-cow subscription |
| CowManager | Yes (sensor tags) | Via herd software | Yes | Yes | Hardware + subscription |
| Datamars | HDX and FDX-B | Via export | Partial | Limited | Hardware + software license |
RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) cattle identification uses microchip-embedded ear tags or boluses that store a unique electronic ID number. A handheld or panel reader scans the tag wirelessly, recording the animal's ID without requiring visual line-of-sight. Most modern dairy operations use 840-series RFID tags that comply with USDA Animal Disease Traceability requirements.
An 840 tag is a USDA-official ear tag for cattle in the United States that begins with the country code 840 (USA) followed by 12 digits unique to the individual animal. 840 tags are available in both visual (printed) and electronic (RFID) formats. They are the official identification method recognized for interstate movement and disease traceability under USDA's Animal Disease Traceability (ADT) program.
HDX (Half Duplex) and FDX-B (Full Duplex B) are the two main RFID protocols used for livestock identification in the ISO 11784/11785 standard. FDX-B is the global standard recommended by the International Committee for Animal Recording (ICAR) and is used by most modern livestock RFID tags and readers. HDX was more common in older North American systems. Most current readers support both protocols.
You may need electronic identification depending on your state's requirements and your operation's needs. USDA's updated Animal Disease Traceability rule for interstate movement of dairy cattle now requires official electronic identification. Beyond compliance, RFID enables automatic data capture at the milking parlor, feeding stations, and sorting gates, reducing manual labor and recording errors significantly.
For smaller dairies (under 200 cows), cloud-based systems like BoviSync or AgriWebb offer good functionality at lower cost with minimal IT overhead. Many small operations also use their milk recording program's built-in ID features. The Therio Dairy Directory covers options for operations of all sizes across the Identity, Traceability, and Records category.
Yes, many modern cattle ID platforms offer integrations with major genomics providers. Clarifide (Zoetis), Accelerated Genetics, and other genetic testing services can often push results directly to your herd management platform using your animal's official ID as the matching key. Check with your ID software vendor for their specific genomics integration partners.
USDA's ADT regulations require that cattle moving interstate be officially identified with USDA-approved ear tags. As of 2024, the rule was updated to require electronic identification (RFID) for dairy cattle moving across state lines, replacing the previous visual tag-only option. Operations should consult their state veterinarian or USDA APHIS for the most current requirements.
The Therio Dairy Directory's Identity, Traceability, and Records category covers 40+ cattle identification products, including RFID tags, EID readers, herd management platforms, and traceability software. Each product guide includes features, company information, and use case details to help you compare options.
Browse all cattle identification and traceability products in the Therio Dairy Directory, including detailed product guides for RFID tags, EID readers, herd management software, and more.
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