Abstract: An antenna apparatus includes a structure configured to mount within a stock race to permit animals to pass therethrough. One or more antenna coils are attached to or within the structure and provide a magnetic field laterally across the structure. The coils may be arranged in a Helmholtz configuration to provide a substantially uniform field in a read zone. The structure may have an open top and the side walls of the structure may be slanted forwards.

Abstract: An antenna apparatus includes a structure configured to mount within a stock race to permit animals to pass therethrough. One or more antenna coils are attached to or within the structure and provide a magnetic field laterally across the structure. The coils may be arranged in a Helmholtz configuration to provide a substantially uniform field in a read zone. The structure may have an open top and the side walls of the structure may be slanted forwards.

Abstract: An animal identification system, including: a race including a pair of opposed walls between which, in use, animals pass, and a floor including one or more steps or sloping sections defining a height change; one or more readers configured to read electronic animal identification devices borne by animals passing along the race; wherein, at least one of the one or more readers is positioned beneath, on top of or within the floor at or near the height change such that, in use, movement of the animals caused by the height change tends to bring the animals' identification devices into closer proximity to that reader.

Abstract: A portal antenna (10) particularly suited for enabling low frequency RFID devices carried by animals to be read when animals are proceeding through a stock race or the like. The portal antenna includes a portal structure (11) through which an animal can pass and about which is wound at least one coil (18/19) of antenna conductor. At least one elongate radiator element (21) preferably projects to at least one side of the portal structure (11). Preferably the radiator(s) (21) is/are of ferrous/magnetically conductive metal. The radiator(s) can form a separate structure or be part of the wall structure of a stock race.

Abstract: A portal antenna (10) particularly suited for enabling low frequency RFID devices carried by animals to be read when animals are proceeding through a stock race or the like. The portal antenna includes a portal structure (11) through which an animal can pass and about which is wound at least one coil (18/19) of antenna conductor. At least one elongate radiator element (21) preferably projects to at least one side of the portal structure (11). Preferably the radiator(s) (21) is/are of ferrous/magnetically conductive metal. The radiator(s) can form a separate structure or be part of the wall structure of a stock race.