摘要 |
A tracking system for animals and carcasses comprising a tag (1) to be attached to an animal that can be etched with a 2d symbology code (2). The 2d symbology (2) identifying code etched on the tag (1) indicates the source of the animal. A code reader is provided at the meat market processing plant. The system also has a computer for collecting and storing source information that can be accessed to provide the source information for animals processed by the meat processing plant. The preferred embodiment is a polyurethane button ear tag (1) etched with a 2d symbology data matrix code (2). The ear tag (2) includes a post 3 for piercing an animal's ear and an indicia face (4) attached to the post for etching an identifying code (2). The tag is secured by a plate (5) that slips over a ridge (6) at the end of the post. The tag will survive the abuse from animals in a feedlot and initial processing at the packing plant.
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