Abstract: An ear tag for identifying animals, enables a sample of biological tissue to be taken when the tag is applied to the animal. The tag includes a male part and a female part which are assembled by irreversible socketing. The stem of the male part includes a detachable head having a hollow distal part provided with a cutting edge for cutting out a biological sample when the head perforates the ear of the animal. The female part includes a central tube for receiving the head and at least partially receiving the stem when the ear tag is applied, the tube being associated with a detachable sample container arranged in the axial extension of the tube. The proximal end of the container has a first opening for receiving the head of the stem when the ear tag is applied, and the distal end of the container has a second opening enabling the inside of the sample container to be reached.

Abstract: An ear tag for marking animals includes a female portion consisting of a female head optionally borne by or formed in a first panel, a male portion consisting of a male punch optionally borne by or formed in a second panel, identifying means being borne by at least one of the male or female portions. The male punch is configured in two separable elements, one of which is housed in the female head and the other forms an organic matter sampling device during the passage of the male punch through the ear of an animal, which is moveable in an axial channel thereof and is withdrawn through the panel of the male portion after fastening the tag onto the animal's ear.

Abstract: The invention concerns a tamper-resistant and indelible method for marking objects, in particular labels, providing marking with good contrast and enhanced visibility. Said method is essentially characterised in that the marking is carried out in two operations: integral marking, i.e. in the thickness of the object; surface marking; said surface marking being superposed on the integral marking. The invention also concerns a marking label.

Abstract: A cattle identification tag for attaching to the ear of an animal comprises a male part which passes through the ear and locks into an eyelet in a female part. The female part has a cap whose hardness is greater than that of the eyelet and has an annular open base which encircles the eyelet in the vicinity of and to the rear of a conical bearing surface of the eyelet which receives and locks a re-entrant conical shoulder of a head on the stem of the male part. The angle of taper of the conical shoulder and conical surface is approximately 45.degree.. The stem has a narrowed region which becomes thinner and elongated in case of an authorized attempt to remove the male part.