FDX vs HDX NAIT Tags: Which is right for your farming operation?

NAIT tags are those mandatory electronic ear tags that help keep track of your livestock. But did you know there are two main types of NAIT tags? They’re called FDX and HDX, and while both help you comply with NAIT, they work differently and suit different farming setups. Choosing the right one can save you time, money, and hassle.

What is the purpose of NAIT in New Zealand?

As farmers you know that NAIT is a mandatory scheme which traces the location of your cattle from birth to death. Tracing animals means the government can respond quickly in the event of biosecurity or disease risks. Learn more about the mandatory NAIT scheme here.

There are two types of NAIT Tags – FDX (Full Duplex) and HDX (Half Duplex) – radio frequency identification (RFID) tags. They store information on a microchip inside the tag. NAIT tags are white for Cattle and orange for Deer. Learn about which option would best suit your farming operation below.

What’s the Difference Between FDX and HDX?

FDX (Full Duplex) Tags: The Economy Option

FDX tags are the low-cost, economy option that ensures you meet NAIT requirements without breaking the bank. Think of FDX like a phone call where both the tag and reader talk at the same time. This “full duplex” communication can sometimes cause a bit of signal confusion, but it works well in quieter environments. You can tell which NAIT Cattle tags FDX because of their yellow centre.

On the farm:
FDX tags are great on beef operations where scanning happens outside the dairy shed, like in cattle yards or paddocks where it’s generally quieter. They’re perfect if you want a reliable, cost-effective way to comply with NAIT without needing advanced tech. Note that for Allflex sheep tags we use HDX tags only.

HDX (Half Duplex) Tags: The High-Performance Solution

HDX tags are Allflex’s high-performance electronic ID tags. They use a “two-way radio” style communication: the reader sends a signal, then the tag replies. This method maximizes read distance and read rate, even in noisy, challenging environments like meat works, steel cattle yards or cattle crushes. Allflex’s HDX NAIT tags are also compatible with our Protrack Gate – perfect for sorting and drafting your herd with EID and a great entry-level gate if you are looking ahead to tech or cow wearable opportunities in the future. Studs and larger scale commercial operations often also tend to use HDX tags due to their reliability when accuracy is needed for regular weighing to record and track cattle growth rates. HDX Cattle tags have a black center.

On the farm:
HDX tags are ideal for loud cattle crushes and busy yards where background noise and metal can interfere with scanning. They also work seamlessly with technology, or larger commercial or beef studs where regular weighing is occurring.

Feature	FDX Tag (Economy)	HDX Tag (High-Performance)
Cost	Lower cost, budget-friendly	Higher cost, premium option
Communication	Full duplex (both talk at once)	Half duplex (reader signals, tag replies)
Read Distance	Shorter	Longer, better in noisy/metal environments
Best For	Sheep & beef farms, quieter yards	Dairy farms, loud cattle crushes, steel yards
Advanced Tech	Basic NAIT compliance	Compatible with, Protrack Drafting Gates for EID herd sorting.
NAIT Compliance	Yes	Yes

Which Tag Should You Pick?

Here’s a quick guide based on your farm setup:

• Looking for a low-cost NAIT-compliant tag? FDX tags are your go-to. They work well where scanning happens in quieter yards or paddocks. They are also a perfect option if you have a smaller livestock block or are a hobby farmer and don’t want to break the bank but need to be NAIT compliant.
• Need high-performance tags accuracy in noisy environments or regularly weighing your stock? HDX tags are the better choice. They excel with loud cattle crushes, integrate with advanced tech Protrack drafting gates and are the preferred option if tracking growth rates is important for you on farm.
• Want to use the latest livestock performance tools? HDX tags open the door to more advanced monitoring and management of your herd.

Also, check your readers. Some are designed to work better with one tag type, so make sure your equipment matches your tags. Learn more about Allflex’s reader here.

Want to See How They Work?

If you want a quick visual on how FDX and HDX tags differ, check out this helpful video:
FDX vs HDX NAIT Tags Explained

Both FDX and HDX NAIT tags keep your animals traceable and compliant. The best choice depends on your farm’s environment, and whether you want to use advanced livestock management tech. Whether you pick FDX, HDX, or a mix of both, you’ll be set up for smoother, smarter livestock tracking.

To learn more and chat with the Allflex Team in your region click here.

We recommend having a good read of the Ospri website to further familiarize yourself with NAIT Compliance.

To order your birth packs or replacement tags contact your local Rural Supply Store.

And remember, Always Ask for Allflex.

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