Ear tagging a bovine takes a fraction of
a second, especially when they're immobilized.
They're likely hide branding also because it's
a good idea. Tags get brittle and crumble,
get rubbed off, get torn out buy other livestock, etc.
A brand is there until it's steak and burger time.
I've helped lip tattoo before, but it's not very
efficient for cattle. It's no party tattooing a
lively horse