Abstract: A combination visual and electronic animal identification tag is provided. The tag includes at least two separate but matching identification means or identifiers which ensures that integrity of the identification is maintained. The electronic identifier is preferably in the form of an electronic transponder which emits a unique identifying signal corresponding to the particular animal. The visual identification means or identifiers may include a bar code, a visual management number, a feed lot number, an electronic identification number and others. Each of these additional forms of identification also match the electronic identifier. The multiple and redundant identifiers provides greater identification system reliability, and further provides users additional options in creating, storing, and manipulating information for a particular tagged animal.

Abstract: An animal tracing system having a parasitic premise information panel for attachment to the stud of an ear tag for use in determining the history and origins of an animal after the animal has been slaughtered, the premise information panel contains a bar code and a numeric code to reveal an animal's history and origin, the panel having sufficient strength to remain attached to the identification panel in day-to-day wear but of sufficient weakness so that a user can remove the premise information panel from the animal ear tag without removing the ear tag from the animal carcass and, along with a blood sample, store the panel therewith until a later date, at which time the premise identification information can be referred to a blood test reveals that the animal has a disease. The tainted carcass can be quickly identified by cross-referencing the premise information panel to the ear tag remaining on the carcass.

Abstract: An animal tag for attachment to the flesh of an animal with the tag characterized by having a portion of the tag containing a film coating containing an antiseptic for release into a wound made in attachment of the tag to the flesh of the animal to thereby inhibit bacterial infection in the wound.

Abstract: An animal identification tag having a stud for piercing the ear of an animal with the stud including a shaft of hard resilient material for extending through the ear of an animal and an ear-piercing tip of hard resilient material attached to one end of the shaft with the ear-piercing tip having sufficient hardness to permit an operator to force the ear-piercing tip through the ear of an animal and a retaining flange of hard resilient material extending out from the shaft to prevent withdrawal of the stud from an animal's ear with a retaining flange of flexible material attached to the retaining flange or hard resilient material so the flanges coact to thereby reduce snagging of the animal ear tag.

Abstract: An improved animal ear tag applicator in which the jaws include a pivotal holding member and a tapered pin with the handles having a spacing that lessens hand fatigue when applying tags to the ears of animals.

Abstract: A method and composition for the prevention of mastitis in animals. The composition comprises a water soluble film former such as hydroxypropyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose and methyl cellulose, and chlorhexidine (preferably as the gluconate), carried in a freeze-resistant, rapidly evaporating solvent comprising a volatile alcohol. When animal teats are dipped into the composition, a liquid film containing chlorhexidine remains on the teats, and the liquid vehicle quickly evaporates to form a protective film that coats the teats to prevent bacterial infection.