A sampling system that uses a handheld body that can hold a punch and storage container to receive the punch. A sample identification reader and an item ID reader are used to read ID of the item and punch or storage container. The timing between the taking of a sample and the reading of the item ID and the ID of the punch/storage container may be recorded and if the time is too long the sample may be assigned as being invalid or of high tamper risk.

A tag for attachment to an animal comprising: a transmitter unit for generating a transmitter signal; a first antenna unit connected with the transmitter unit, for emitting the transmitter signal; an energy source for providing electrical energy to at least the transmitter unit; and a housing in which the transmitter unit, antenna unit and the energy source are included, the housing being provided with an attachment opening for receiving therethrough an attachment element for attachment of the tag to the animal, characterized in that the first antenna unit is provided with at least one first winding which extends around the attachment opening.

In accordance with embodiments disclosed herein, there are provided methods and systems for real-time beef cattle monitoring utilizing Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) based technologies. For example, there is disclosed a system having at least a memory to store instructions; a processor to execute the instructions; a database to store data for heads of livestock, wherein each head of livestock is individually identified via a Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) tag, the RFID tag uniquely identifying each of the heads of livestock to the system; a plurality of antennas to read information transmitted from the RFID tags; a transactional and analytical server to receive the information transmitted from the RFID tags and to store the information in the database; wherein the transactional and analytical server to further analyze the information stored in the database to identify when each head of livestock is present within a defined feeding zone; and monitoring the heads of livestock for anomalous feeding behavior based on the analysis. Other related embodiments are disclosed.

A livestock management system for detecting, tracking, and responding to livestock location and physical parameters, and for determining livestock behavior and physical conditions correlated thereto. The system generally includes a plurality of tags and sensors attached to and implanted in a plurality of livestock, one or more local sensors, a management platform, and a remote computer system. Each tag receives, processes and maintains data regarding the location, activity and physical parameters of a livestock to which it is attached and locally determines the behavior and physical conditions of the livestock. The tags communicate with other nearby tags and sensors locally via dynamic mesh networks and with the management platform and remote computer system via longer range wireless networks. The management platform processes the tag data and produces herd-related data. The remote computer uses the tag data to generate and update livestock behavior and condition models for download to the tags.

A livestock management system for detecting, tracking, and responding to livestock location and physical parameters, and for determining livestock behavior and physical conditions correlated thereto. The system generally includes a plurality of tags and sensors attached to and implanted in a plurality of livestock, one or more local sensors, a management platform, and a remote computer system. Each tag receives, processes and maintains data regarding the location, activity and physical parameters of a livestock to which it is attached and locally determines the behavior and physical conditions of the livestock. The tags communicate with other nearby tags and sensors locally via dynamic mesh networks and with the management platform and remote computer system via longer range wireless networks. The management platform processes the tag data and produces herd-related data. The remote computer uses the tag data to generate and update livestock behavior and condition models for download to the tags.

A livestock management system for detecting, tracking, and responding to livestock location and physical parameters, and for determining livestock behavior and physical conditions correlated thereto. The system generally includes a plurality of tags and sensors attached to and implanted in a plurality of livestock, one or more local sensors, a management platform, and a remote computer system. Each tag receives, processes and maintains data regarding the location, activity and physical parameters of a livestock to which it is attached and locally determines the behavior and physical conditions of the livestock. The tags communicate with other nearby tags and sensors locally via dynamic mesh networks and with the management platform and remote computer system via longer range wireless networks. The management platform processes the tag data and produces herd-related data. The remote computer uses the tag data to generate and update livestock behavior and condition models for download to the tags.

One variation of a system includes a tag including a panel defining an inner face; an outer face opposite the inner face and comprising a digital optical identifier; and a set of perforations interposed between the digital optical identifier and a perimeter of the panel; a tag housing molded around the perimeter of the panel and through the set of perforations in the panel; defining a body supporting the inner face of the panel; defining a rim extending from the body, encasing an edge of the panel; extending through the set of perforations in the panel; and extending over the set of perforations in the panel; and a barb extending from the body opposite the rim; a backing plate configured to receive the barb of the tag housing; and an applicator configured to drive the barb through an ear of an animal and into the backing plate.

an animal tag comprising: a one-piece animal tag retaining member made of molded material, having: a first part comprising a female opening connectable to a male member for coupling the animal tag to a body part of an animal; a second part configured to accommodate one or more electronical components capable of obtaining information relating to the animal to which the animal tag is coupled; an intermediate part, located between the first tag part and the second tag part, having a form of a latitudinal recess for enhancing a flexibility of the animal tag.

Provided herein are identification elements for subject(s) or article(s) or interest, such as livestock animals, including: an attachment fitting for securing the identification element to a subject or article of interest; and a unique identifier element affixed to, integrated with, or embedded in the attachment fitting; wherein at least a portion of the attachment fitting is formed of a heat-releasable material which is solid at normal environmental temperatures, and which dissolves, melts, disintegrates, degrades, and/or evaporates upon artificial heating above normal environmental temperatures, such that artificial heating results in removal or detachment of the identification element from the subject or article of interest. Related methods and uses for tracking and/or identification of subject(s) or article(s) are also provided herein.

An example method for making a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag according to the present disclosure includes holding a transponder within a cavity of a mold using a fixture, closing the mold, injecting material into the mold cavity and around the transponder to form a part of the RFID tag, opening the mold, and ejecting the part from the mold.