We have registered Angus. Spring calves start 1 (for the year 2011) and then 01, 02, etc.
Fall born start with 1 like this years spring but then 51,52
THerefore spring this year are 101,102,103 etc
Fall are 151,152,153 etc.
We use small white tags for Registered and small yellow for xbreeds ( these are easy to see, not to big for calves ears and easy to know if there's a new one when you don't see a tag) Color coding also helps keep the vet from cutting the wrong calves LOL ... DOc liked that idea.
We put date born, calf number, at bottom dam's number. (Everything is put in a book as well, but some info on a tag is handy if mom and calf get seperated or you just wonder who the dam is)
Use any system that makes it easy for you. WE change the tags to factory printed at weaning. Lt Blue for Registered and Lt Green for bulls. Heifers of either receive 2 tags, one in each ear... just in case.
Valerie