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Description  |
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FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention relates to an implant system for animal
identification and, more particularly, to an identification system which
employs an implant consisting of food grade material and imprinted with
information to identify the source of an animal and its carcass after
slaughter. Specifically, this invention concerns an identification system
for swine or other livestock in which an identification implant consisting
of food grade material and imprinted with identifying information is
implanted under the hide or skin of the animal for purposes of
identification. In the case of swine, the identification implant is
located in the fat layer of the shoulder area underneath its hide or skin.
The implant and the imprinted information consist of food grade material
which is capable of being dissolved with the fat layer in a rendering
process or, when required, disintegrated into cracklings by the rendering
process. The implant remains in the carcass after the animal is
slaughtered until its removal to permit identification of the source of
the animal. If the implant is not removed, it is either dissolved with the
fat of the animal or disintegrated into cracklings in the rendering
process.
BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART
In the past, various techniques have been proposed and used for purposes of
animal identification. The techniques of branding and tattooing of animals
are well known. Animal markers such as ear tags and back tags have been
used for identification. In addition, it has been proposed to use coded
markers or tags embedded under the hide or skin of the animal. See, for
example, Todd U.S. Pat. No. 487,304, Dobyns U.S. Pat. No. 881,062, Bagby
U.S. Pat. No. 1,257,065, Johnston U.S. Pat. No. 1,318,283 and Jefferts
U.S. Pat. No. 3,545,405. In addition, the marking of meats and other food
products by insertion of an edible substance is disclosed in Rath U.S.
Pat. No. 1,859,467.
For purposes of swine identification, the United States Department of
Agriculture has published a proposed rule in the Federal Register, Vol.
53, No. 22, page 3154, dated Feb. 3, 1988, 9 C.F.R. .sctn.71.19, requiring
all swine to be identified in interstate commerce. The approved means of
swine identification include ear tags, back tags, tattoos, ear notching
and ear tattoos. These approved means suffer from the following
disadvantages.
Back tags have limited life and can be rubbed off easily. Additional labor
is required at the slaughtering plant to transfer the identifying
information before dehairing of the swine. Also, a secondary
identification device is required after dehairing and singeing of the
swine. The integrity of identity is subject to errors and omissions due to
the potential loss of the back tag from a live animal and the required
transfer of information during slaughter. Expensive labor is required at
the slaughter plant to transfer information.
Ear tags are costly to apply, labor intensive, and difficult to read at a
distance. A secondary identification device is required when the ear tag
is removed during slaughter. It is subject to loss during transit and
slaughtering of the swine. The integrity of identity is subject to errors
and omissions during the transfer of information to a secondary
identification device during slaughter. Expensive labor is required at the
slaughter plant to transfer the information.
Tattoos exhibit problems with legibility when improperly applied to the
swine. The identifying information can be lost during trimming/or skinning
operations. A tattoo is subject to duplication, does not lend itself to
sequential numbering, and is messy to apply.
Ear notching and ear tattooing require registration in a national breed
register which is not possible for crossbred animals. This requirement
only applies to breeding stock, not market hogs. Some purebred breeds are
difficult to recognize as a carcass. Ear notching is subject to
duplication and subject to error because of notches improperly positioned
in the ear. Ear notching and ear tattooing are costly because of the
registration fees required. Also, older animals tend to develop torn ears,
reducing the legibility of ear notches and ear tattoos.
In view of the difficulties discussed above, an identification system for
swine or other livestock which is easily applied and capable of accurate
identification of both live animals and carcasses is desirable. In
addition, it is desirable that the identification system be biologically
compatible with the swine or other livestock and easily disposable after
the slaughter of the animal.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
The present invention achieves an identification system for animals such as
swine or other livestock which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior
art by utilizing a biologically compatible implant or pellet suitable for
implantation under the hide or skin to identify the source of the live
animal and its carcass after slaughter. The pellet is imprinted with
information to identify the source of the animal. The pellet and its
imprinted information consist of food grade material which is biologically
compatible with the live animal and capable of being dissolved with the
fat of the animal in a rendering process after slaughter or, when
required, disintegrated into cracklings by the rendering process. The
identifying information can be printed on the pellet in ink which also
consists of food grade material. A preferred embodiment of the pellet is
an elongated, flat-faced cylinder with the identifying information printed
on the cylindrical surface of the pellet.
This invention also contemplates a device for implanting the identification
pellet in the fat layer beneath the hide or skin of the animal. The
implanting device may be designed to insert the identification pellet in a
horizontal or vertical orientation under the hide or skin of the animal.
In addition, the implanting device can be furnished in a kit together with
a plurality of identification pellets bearing the same identifying
information.
In accordance with the invention, a method of identifying an animal
consists of implanting an identification pellet comprised of food grade
material beneath the hide or skin of the animal, with the pellet being
imprinted with information for purposes of identification of the animal.
The identifying information can be printed on the pellet in ink consisting
of food grade material. The food grade material of the pellet is capable
of being dissolved with the fat layer of the animal in a rendering process
or, when required, disintegrated into cracklings by the rendering process.
The pellet remains implanted in the carcass of the animal after it is
slaughtered until removal of the pellet to identify the source of the
animal. Preferably, the pellet is a small, elongated cylinder with coded
information printed on its cylindrical surface which is implanted
vertically or horizontally under the hide or skin of the animal.
The present invention provides an animal identification system,
particularly suitable for swine, in which the biologically compatible,
implanted pellet serves to accurately identify the source of the live
animal and its carcass after slaughter. Since the pellet consists of food
grade material, it is readily disposable in a rendering process after the
slaughter of the animal.
The identification system of the present invention has the advantages that
the identification pellet is easily and quickly applied, economical,
permanent and tamperproof. The information on the pellet is easily
readable. The identification pellet is easily detected in an animal
carcass and easily removed from the carcass when required for
identification. The pellet constitutes a food grade device which is
compatible with further processing and presents no danger in the food
chain. Thus, removal of the pellet is not required on passed or approved
carcasses. No additional labor is required to transfer the identifying
information from the pellet at the time of slaughter. Thus, possible
errors or omissions are avoided. The pellet is acceptable for dehairing
and skinning operations. Duplications of the identifying information for
carcass origins can be avoided. The original purchaser of the pellet can
be easily traced through the manufacturer of the pellet.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a biologically compatible animal
identification implant or pellet;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a manual tool for installation of the
identification pellet;
FIG. 3 is a section view showing the installation tool with its tip
inserted into the fat layer beneath the hide or skin of an animal;
FIG. 4 is a section view illustrating the actuation of the installation
tool to implant the identification pellet in the fat layer of the animal;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternative tool for installation of the
identification pellet;
FIG. 6 is a vertical section view illustrating the insertion of the
installation tool of FIG. 5; and
FIG. 7 is an enlarged section view illustrating the actuation of the
installation tool of FIG. 5.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring to FIG. 1, a preferred embodiment of the animal identification
implant of this invention comprises a cylindrically shaped, flat-faced
cylindrical pellet 20 which is suitable for implantation under the hide or
skin of an animal, e.g., a swine or other livestock. Pellet 20 is
imprinted with identifying information, e.g., the alphanumeric legend
"XYZ-12", for purposes of identification of the animal. In actual use, the
identifying information can be the owner's name, tax identification
number, farm name, Social Security number, or a sequence of alphanumeric
characters assigned by the U.S.D.A. or requested by an individual for his
exclusive use. The pellet can be implanted in domestic food animals such
as swine, cattle, sheep and goats.
In accordance with the invention, the identification pellet 20 is
fabricated from material intended to be biologically compatible with the
animal in which it is implanted. A biologically compatible material within
the meaning of this invention is a material which does not interfere with
the ability of the animal to function normally and which does not cause
infections or other veterinary problems in the animal. For example, the
pellet 20 is fabricated entirely of food grade material approved by the
United States Food and Drug Administration. Preferably, the food grade
material is selected to be capable of being dissolved with the fat of the
animal in a rendering process or, when required, disintegrated into
cracklings by the rendering process. Cracklings are the crisp bits which
remain of pork fat after the rendering process is completed.
In a preferred embodiment, the identifying information is printed on pellet
20 in ink consisting of food grade material. Pellet 20 is made cylindrical
in shape and the information is printed on the cylindrical surface of the
pellet. For example, the pellet may consist of an elongated, flat-faced
cylinder which is approximately 5/32 inch in diameter and 7/16 inch in
length.
The identifying information can be applied to the pellets by an ink jet
printer using ink with color additives approved by the FDA and supplied by
Imaje Ink Jet Printing, Suite 100, 5500 Highlands Parkway, Smyrna, Ga.,
30082. The types of ink approved by the FDA are the following:
ED 1112 B2 Blue Ink
ED 1112 B1 Red Ink
ED 1112 B1 Black Ink
ED 1122 I1 White Ink
ED 1122 B1 White Ink
Sample pellets were made as follows. The pellets were compressed in 4 mm
(5/32 inch) diameter dies using flat-faced punches. The target length was
0.210 to 0.245 inch. The target hardness was at least 20 Strong Cobb. The
desired result was a pellet which could be implanted under the hide or
skin of an animal and not break down in the live animal, but which would
break up or disintegrate in the rendering process. A formula containing
white wax was found to be suitable for these purposes.
In the following example, the ingredients are listed by weight percent.
EXAMPLE I (Formula BC20)
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Calcium sulfate 77.69%
White Wax (white beeswax)
19.84%
Magnesium stearate 0.80%
Polyvinylpyrollidone 1.66%
FD & C Yellow #6 (sunset yellow)
0.01%
Total 100.00%
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In Example I, the calcium sulfate was used as a diluent or filler for the
pellets. White wax was used as the ingredient which enabled the pellet to
break up or dissolve in the rendering process. Magnesium stearate served
as a lubricant, and polyvinylpyrollidone provided a binder. The ingredient
identified as FD&C Yellow #6 was a coloring agent.
As mentioned above, it is desired that the identification pellet consist of
food grade material which is capable of being dissolved with the fat of
the animal or disintegrated into cracklings in a rendering process after
the animal is slaughtered. Typically, an animal rendering process is
conducted at temperatures in the range of 60.degree. C. to 80.degree. C.
In Example I, the melting temperature of the white wax was 65.degree. C.
Thus, in a rendering process conducted at temperatures at or above the
melting point of the white wax, the pellet is capable of being dissolved
with the fat of the animal or being disintegrated into cracklings in the
rendering process.
To achieve the desired characteristics, it is contemplated that a preferred
embodiment of the pellet should include between 17% and 23% white wax by
weight. Alternatively, stearic acid or carnauba wax may be used in place
of the white wax in the formulation of the pellet. In addition, it is
contemplated that various combinations of white wax, stearic acid and
carnauba wax may be employed in the pellet formula.
Referring to FIG. 2, a manually operated installation tool, generally 30,
designed for pellet implantation in a horizontal orientation, comprises an
elongated, curved needle-like tube 32 secured at its upper end to a finger
grip 34 having a pair of finger openings 36 at opposite sides. The lower
end of tube 32 extends through a flat support plate 38 and terminates at a
tapered, sharpened point 40 which facilitates insertion of the tool into
the animal. As shown in FIG. 3, tip 40 of needle-like tube 32 is oriented
horizontally, i.e., parallel to support plate 38. An elongated, flexible
plunger 42 is slidably received within needle-like tube 32. An actuator
knob 44 is attached to the upper end of plunger 42. The lower end of
plunger 42 terminates at a flat face 46 (FIG. 3) which engages pellet 20
when plunger 42 is actuated. Needle-like tube 32 includes a recessed
offset 48 (FIG. 4) adjacent to its pointed tip 40 to receive the pellet
20.
Preferably, in the construction of installation tool 30, the actuator knob
44 is made of plastic and the needle-like tube 32 is made of stainless
steel. The finger grip 34 and support plate 38 are made of polished steel,
and the plunger 42 is made of flexible steel.
To accomplish the implantation, an identification pellet 20 is loaded into
the tip 40 of needle-like tube 32 and positioned against its recessed
offset 48. Then, as shown in FIG. 3, the pointed tip 40 is inserted
through the hide or skin 50 of the animal into the layer of fat 52 beneath
the hide or skin 50. Tip 40 is pushed into the layer of fat 52 until plate
38 rests on the hide or skin 50 of the animal. Then, referring to FIGS. 2
and 4, plunger 42 is actuated by pushing actuator knob 44 downward to
drive identification pellet 20 from tip 40 of the installation tool 30
into the layer of fat 52 of the animal. Subsequently, by pulling on finger
grip 34, the needle-like tube 32 is withdrawn from the animal. As a
result, pellet 20 is implanted horizontally in the layer of fat 52 beneath
the hide or skin 50 of the animal.
Referring to FIG. 5, an alternative manually operated installation tool,
generally 60, designed for pellet implantation in a vertical orientation,
comprises an elongated, needle-like tube 62 secured at its upper end to a
finger grip 64 having a pair of finger openings 66 at opposite sides.
Needle-like tube 62 is secured by soldering or welding in a vertical bore
65 (FIG. 6) in finger grip 64 with its upper end extending about halfway
into the vertical bore 65. The lower end of needle-like tube 62 extends
through a depth adjustment block 68 and terminates at a tapered, sharpened
point 70 which facilitates insertion of the tool into the animal. As shown
in FIG. 6, tip 70 of needle-like tube 62 is oriented vertically, i.e.,
perpendicular to adjustment block 68. An elongated plunger 72 is slidably
received within needle-like tube 62. An actuator knob 74 is attached to
the upper end of plunger 72. The lower end of plunger 72 terminates at a
flat face 76 (FIG. 6) which engages pellet 20 when plunger 72 is actuated.
The upper end of plunger 72 is enlarged to provide an offset 78 which
engages the upper end of needle-like tube 62 when the actuator knob 74 is
depressed to limit the downward movement of plunger 72.
To adjust the depth of implantation of pellet 20 by tool 60, depth
adjustment block 68 is slidably mounted on needle-like tube 62. A set
screw 80 is mounted on the adjustment block 68 to secure the block 68 to
needle-like tube 62 at various heights relative to its sharpened tip 70. A
sleeve 82 is slidably mounted on needle-like tube 62 between finger grip
64 and adjustment block 68. The upper end of sleeve 82 is threadably
connected to an adjustment collar 84. To adjust the depth of penetration
of needle-like tube 62 into the animal, set screw 80 is loosened and
adjustment collar 84 is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise to adjust
sleeve 82 and adjustment block 68 to a desired length. Next, the
adjustment block 68 is moved upward into contact with the lower end of
sleeve 82 until collar 84 engages finger grip 64. Then, set screw 80 is
tightened to secure the adjustment block 68 to the needle-like tube 62 to
set its sharpened tip 70 to the desired depth of penetration.
Preferably, in the construction of installation tool 60, the depth
adjustment block 68 and actuator knob 74 are made of plastic and the
needle-like tube 62 is made of stainless steel. The finger grip 64 and
plunger 72 are made of polished steel. Also, the sleeve 82 and adjustment
collar 84 are made of polished steel.
To accomplish the implantation, an identification pellet 20 is loaded into
the tip 70 of needle-like tube 62. Then, as shown in FIG. 6, the pointed
tip 70 is inserted through the hide or skin 50 of the animal into the
layer of fat 52 beneath the hide or skin 50. Tip 70 is pushed into the
layer of fat 52 until block 68 rests on the hide or skin 50 of the animal.
Next, referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, plunger 72 is actuated by pushing
actuator knob 74 downward until offset 78 engages the upper end of
needle-like tube 62 to drive identification pellet 20 from tip 70 of the
installation tool 60 into the layer of fat 52 of the animal. Subsequently,
by pulling on finger grip 64, the needle-like tube 62 is withdrawn from
the animal. As a result, pellet 20 is implanted vertically in the layer of
fat 52 beneath the hide or skin 50 of the animal.
Alternatively, to accomplish the implantation with installation tool 60,
the plunger 72 is completely withdrawn from needle-like tube 62 before the
tool is inserted into the animal. Then, the pointed tip 70 is inserted
through the hide or skin 50 of the animal into the layer of fat 52 beneath
the hide or skin 50. Tip 70 is pushed into the layer of fat 52 until block
68 rests on the hide or skin 50 of the animal. Next, an identification
pellet 20 is dropped into the upper end of needle-like tube 62 through
vertical bore 65. Then, plunger 72 is inserted into the upper end of
needle-like tube 62 and actuated by pushing actuator knob 74 downward
until offset 78 engages the upper end of needle-like tube 62 to drive
identification pellet 20 from tip 70 of the installation tool 60 into the
layer of fat 52 of the animal. Subsequently, by pulling on finger grip 64,
the needle-like tube 62 is withdrawn from the animal leaving pellet 20
implanted vertically in the layer of fat 52 beneath the hide or skin 50 of
the animal.
Preferably, for swine, the identification pellet 20 is implanted in the
layer of fat beneath its hide or skin in the shoulder area of the swine.
For example, a single identification pellet is implanted subcutaneously at
a depth of about 3/8 inch in the outer fat layer of the swine and
approximately 3 to 4 inches on either side of the backbone and posterior
of the shoulder blade of the swine.
To minimize the requirements for aseptic techniques and reduce the
potential for site infection, the implanting of the identification pellet
in the swine should be performed within 72 hours prior to slaughter.
However, it is also contemplated that the identification can be implanted
in the swine at an early age, e.g., 9 to 10 weeks, and that the pellet can
remain implanted until the slaughter of the swine, typically at an age of
6 to 7 months.
The alphanumeric codes imprinted on the pellet are recorded at the time of
implanting and are included in the bill of sale when the animal is sold
for slaughter. The implant remains in the host but is readily detectable
by slaughter plant and regulatory personnel at the subcutaneous injection
site. The identification pellet is easily removed from the carcass by
making a single cut along the implant site and manually expressing the
pellet. The code is compared with the daily invoices to determine the
origin of the carcass. For carcasses not requiring identification, the
implant is removed with the trimmed fat and the pellet dissolves with the
fat during the normal rendering process or, when required, disintegrates
into cracklings.
It is contemplated that the pellets bearing the identifying information for
a particular source of swine or other livestock will be furnished together
with one of the installation devices shown in FIGS. 2 and 5 or with some
other suitable tool. For example, the installation tool may include a
cartridge for receiving a plurality of pellets and for feeding the pellets
sequentially to the installation tool.
It is also contemplated that the identification system of the present
invention may be employed for the purpose of owner identification of
domestic pets and for tracking the migration and habitat of wildlife. For
domestic pets and wildlife, the identification pellet can be implanted
under the skin of the animal at its front leg flanks or in its wing
cavities. In addition, the identification system can be employed in humans
for such purposes as identification of infants, military personnel and
hospital patients, and for identification of persons with major health
concerns requiring special treatment in case of emergency. For humans, the
identification pellet can be implanted under the skin in the arm pit area.
The invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details
shown and described, and modifications may be made in the animal
identification system disclosed above without departing from the
principles of the present invention.
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