What should a livestock bill of sale include?

Species and class, the number of head, a description covering age, sex, and breed, ear tag numbers or brand, weight, the price, the sale date, and both parties' names, addresses, and signatures.

How do you describe multiple head on one bill of sale?

Record the head count and describe the group together — for example twelve black Angus heifers, ear tags 101 to 112. If individual animals differ materially in age, weight, or value, list them separately so each is identifiable.

Are brand inspections or health certificates required?

Some states require a brand inspection before livestock is moved or sold, and health certificates are commonly required for transport across state lines. Requirements vary — check your state's requirements with the relevant agriculture or livestock authority.

Bill of sale

Livestock bill of sale

For cattle and other livestock sales. Head count, ear tags or brand, weight.

Bill of sale

Livestock bill of sale

Item details

Species / class

Number of head

Description

+ Optional details

Ear tag numbers / brand

Weight (total or average, lbs)

Health papers included

Seller

Full name

Address

Buyer

Full name

Address

Sale

Sale price (USD)

Sale date

City

State

Payment method

Gift / no consideration

Swap the price line for standard gift wording.

Sold as-is

No warranties expressed or implied, unless otherwise stated.

+ Witnesses

Witness 1 name

Witness 2 name

+ Notary acknowledgment

Include notary block on document

Some states require notarization for vehicle transfers — check your state's requirements.

Signatures

Seller signature

Sign with mouse or finger.

Buyer signature

Sign with mouse or finger.

First document free. No signup.

Create a free account to save profiles and keep a history.

Template only — not legal advice. See disclaimer.

LIVESTOCK BILL OF SALE

Date: —

Seller

—

Buyer

—

Item description

Species / class

—

Number of head

—

Description

—

Sale price (USD)

$—

Payment method: Cash

The item is sold AS-IS, with no warranties expressed or implied, unless otherwise stated.

Seller —

Date: —

Buyer —

Date: —

Describing the animals

Livestock sales are usually by the head or by weight, and the document needs to make clear exactly which animals transferred. Start with species and class — bred cows, feeder steers, heifers, ewes, goats — then the head count, then a description covering breed, sex, and approximate age.

Identification

Ear tag numbers, an electronic ID number, a tattoo, or a registered brand are what tie the description to specific animals. Record tag ranges where the animals are tagged in sequence, and note the brand and its location on the animal where one is present.

Weight and pricing basis

If the sale is priced by weight, record the total or average weight and where it was measured. If it is priced by the head, say so. Writing down the basis avoids an argument when the scale ticket and the invoice do not line up.

Inspections and paperwork

Depending on where the animals are and where they are going, a brand inspection, a certificate of veterinary inspection, or specific testing may be part of the transfer. These rules vary and change — check your state's requirements with the relevant agriculture or livestock authority before hauling. Note in the document which papers are being handed over with the animals.

Condition

Private livestock sales are commonly written as-is, with the buyer accepting the animals in their present condition after inspection. If the parties have agreed to a specific term — a preg-check condition, for example — write it into the exceptions field rather than leaving it verbal.

Bill of sale by state

The template works nationwide. Popular state pages:

All 50 states + DC

Livestock bill of sale

Livestock bill of sale

Item details

Seller

Buyer

Sale

Signatures

LIVESTOCK BILL OF SALE

Describing the animals

Identification

Weight and pricing basis

Inspections and paperwork

Condition

Bill of sale by state

Also need one for something else?