Abstract: An animal tag includes a flag (11) of substantially flexible material about which is secured a substantially rigid assembly (14) including a flanged member (15), a cap (17), and an insert (18) which assists the retention of the head of a male tag (not shown) within the cap (17). In another embodiment the tag is formed as a strip of indeterminate length of the flexible material. The aperture (19) may also be omitted and formed during use of the tag, by the head of the male tag. The substantially rigid assembly (14) may provide part of a male tag or part of a female tag as shown.

Abstract: Sampling Means A sampling means for obtaining an organic sample (85) from an animal. The sampling means includes a punch means (18) adapted to be securable in use with a first part (70) of an applicator (100). A housing means (8) is adapted in use to be accommodated, or provided, by a second part (2) of the applicator (100). Operation of the applicator (100) in use being adapted to move said punch means (18) through a required part (80) of an animal to extract a sample (85) thereof. The punch means (18) being receivable within said housing means (8) to enable said housing means (8), with said punch means (18) and said sample (85), to be removable from said second part (2) of said applicator (100), and wherein the sampling means is not associated with an animal tag.