Using EID and Weigh Scales to Track Cattle Growth & Health

Regularly weighing EID-tagged cattle and syncing the data to herd management software gives you accurate growth trends, early health warnings, and better marketing and breeding decisions. If you’re still estimating weights or writing numbers on paper, you’re leaving money and insight on the table.

Why Weighing Cattle + EID Data Matters

Accurate, individual animal data is the foundation of performance-driven cattle management. When you pair electronic identification tags (EID) with scales, you can:

• Track individual growth rates (average daily gain, weight gain since last session to identify high performers).
• Spot poor performers early and adjust feed, conduct health checks, or change grouping.
• Plan drafting/marketing by actual weight, not guesswork.
• Record treatments and withdrawals against the correct animal ID and ensure accurate treatment doses are calculated for the weight of each animal.
• Build long-term genetic insight by linking sire/dam data to growth results.
• Reduce data entry errors and save time compared to handwritten or visual tag recording.

What you need to make weighing cattle easy

A functional EID-enabled weighing set-up typically includes the following equipment: 

1. Electronic ID Tags (EID / RFID) in each animal

2. EID Reader (Panel, Wand, or Integrated)

• Detects the tag as the animal enters the chute/weigh area.
• Sends the tag number to the scale head or handheld device.
• Panel readers are hands-free; wands are handheld to offer flexibility in the yards.

3. Weigh Platform / Load Bars

• Load bars sit under a weigh platform, alleyway, weigh crate, or cattle chute.
• Accuracy depends on correct mounting, level footing, and calibration.

4. Scale Indicator / Weigh Head

• Displays live weight and records weight information for each animal.
• Links the EID tag read to the weight record.
• Many models let you add notes: condition, treatments, pregnancy status.

5. Software or Cloud Herd Management Platform

• Receives session data (EID + weight + notes) by either manual data transfer or automatic sync to cloud-based software options.
• Calculates average daily gain, reporting options for trends, and comparisons.
• Generates draft groups, alerts, compliance records, and reports.
• Syncs across devices: yard, office, mobile.

Choosing the Right EID-Enabled Weighing System for your operation

When choosing the right EID-enabled weighing system for your operation, it’s important to consider the unique needs of your farm and livestock. When looking at options, consider these points below:

• Animal Classes: Beef calves, dairy replacements, finishing stock or mixed ages?
• Volume & Throughput: Occasional weighing vs high-throughput yards.
• Handling System Compatibility: Fits chute, alley, or platform dimensions?
• EID Read Range & Speed: Reliable reads in high-interference metal yards?
• Data Entry Options: Add treatments, notes, or body condition in-yard?
• Connectivity: USB only, or wireless/cloud? Does it work offline?
• Software Integration: Syncs with herd records, official movement systems, or farm management software?
• Reporting Power: Average daily gain trends, draft lists, comparing mobs?
• Service & Local Support: Calibration help, repairs, and training available?

Customer Case Study:

Te Pari Auto Sorting Chute makes cattle sorting faster and easier

The new Taurus Auto Sorting Chute and Te Pari's Macrostock Scale System are making weighing cattle faster and easier for Mike Faulkner, who owns Faulkner Cattle Company in Oklahoma.

"In 2026, we will process approximately 10,000 head of cattle. This will be a mixture of both privately owned cattle and customer cattle. With these type of numbers it became essential to make sorts on the cattle very precise to get the most money for a draft of cattle." Mike said.  

Mike chose to get a complete solution package from Te Pari that included the Taurus Auto Sorting Chute with Load Bars, integrated EID tag reader and the Te Pari Macrostock Scale System.

"The auto sort has given us the ability to sort cattle with higher average pay weights when marketing them. For instance, an extra 10 pounds per head now translates to an additional $5000.00 per semi-truck load, based on a 50,000-pound payload. This increase in efficiency has had a substantial positive impact on our bottom line."

"Another significant benefit is that the auto sort allows us, as ranch owners, to perform other duties while ranch employees handle the sorting process. This increased efficiency has been invaluable in managing our ranch operations more effectively.”

"Thank you to Te Pari for providing such an innovative and effective solution that has greatly enhanced our cattle sorting and grading processes."

Watch the full video from Mike Faulkner

Te Pari Cattle Solution Packages

Te Pari Livestock Handling Solutions have an integrated weighing system and EID tag reader that is designed to work together for the best efficiency and performance.

By choosing Te Pari, you get everything you need from a single supplier, along with a dedicated support team to guide you every step of the way.

We offer a wide range of options to suit all types of farming operations, including:

Integrated Weigh & EID Packages: Load bars, scale head, and EID tag reader ready to fit to your cattle chute.

Auto Cattle Sorting Systems: Te Pari’s Taurus Auto Sorting System makes processing large numbers of cattle quicker and easier.

Scale Indicators: Te Pari offers a range of options from trusted brands like Tru-Test, Gallagher, and Te Pari’s own Macrostock Scale, letting you capture weights, record EID tags, log treatments, and draft by weight range.

Local Support & Training: We provide installation advice, calibration assistance, staff training, and ongoing technical support for troubleshooting, repairs, and servicing.

Ask us for a recommended package sized to your herd, handling system, and data goals.

Ready to upgrade your weighing equipment?

Contact us for more information and free advice.