A detection tag and apparatus for the detection of the reproductive status of animals, or for assisting in the drafting of selected animals. The detection tag is capable of electronically transmitting a signal. Tags for detecting the reproductive status of an animal have a first surface that is affixable to the hide of an animal and a second and opposite surface which includes abradable material. Such detection tags are configured such that removal of some or all of the abradable material alters the ability of the detection tag to transmit a signal electronically or alters a characteristic of the electronically transmitted signal. A tag reader is used to read the signal from the tag. The detection tag can include an RF/EMF blocking circuit/loop and/or removable flood coat layer which is damaged/removed partially or completely during mounting of the animal allowing the tag to indicate a status change.
