Female part and corresponding accessory of animal recognition device and animal recognition method

Abstract

The invention relates to a female part (12) of an animal identification device (1), the female part (12) comprising a head (121) having an internal receiving cavity which can receive a tip (111) of a male part (11) of the identification device (1). According to the invention, the female part (12) comprises at least one element (123) for fixing an accessory to the outside of the head (121), the at least one fixing element (123) being in the form of at least one groove.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the patent application with the application date of July 18, 2019, application number 201980047523.2, and invention title "Female Component and Corresponding Accessories of Animal Identification Device and Animal Identification Method". Technical Field

[0002] The field of the present invention relates to the identification and marking of animals, and more specifically, to identification devices or tags.

[0003] More precisely, the present invention relates to an identification device that can improve, for example, the welfare of animals or the monitoring of animals, and other devices called "accessories" can be fixed to the identification device. For example, such accessories can be reflectors, pesticide tags, surveillance monitors, electronic IDs, temperature sensors, etc. Background Art

[0004] Identification tags for animals have long been well-known to the public and are mandatory in many countries, especially for the purpose of tracing and identifying the origin of animals. This method can be applied to cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, poultry, and more generally to any animal species that requires or is desired to be tagged.

[0005] For example, European Regulation No. 1760 / 2000 requires all cattle to be identified by tags on each ear in their ears. The tags need to carry a unique identification number, which enables the identification of animals and, for example, indicates the farm where the animals were born.

[0006] Identification devices usually consist of two components (i.e., a male component and a female component), which are designed to be assembled on, for example, an animal's ear in an irreversible manner. For this purpose, the male component includes a tip that can pass through the animal's ear and be received in a corresponding receiving cavity, and the receiving cavity called the head or cap is arranged in the female component. Of course, this connection must be irreversible to prevent any attempted fraud, especially any modification of the animal's identification number.

[0007] In addition, the welfare of animals is a consideration that is becoming increasingly important and should not be ignored. Specifically, the comfort and health of animals are data that need to be monitored and optimized.

[0008] To achieve this, it is known to use accessories such as electronic surveillance monitors, which are integrated into the identification device fixed to the animal.

[0009] The disadvantage of this solution is that the accessories integrated into the identification device are difficult to access and in many cases are non-replaceable.

[0010] Another disadvantage of this solution is the fact that only one or two accessories can be integrated into the identification device. In fact, in order not to irritate the animal and not to affect its comfort, it is necessary to optimize the space occupied by the identification device, which makes it complicated to use several accessories or accessories of average size in the identification device. Summary of the Invention

[0011] According to at least one embodiment, the proposed technology relates to a female part of an identification device for animals, the female part including a head having an internal receiving cavity capable of receiving the tip of the male part of the identification device.

[0012] According to the proposed technology, the female part includes at least one element for fixing an accessory to the outer surface of the head, the at least one fixing element being in the form of at least one groove.

[0013] Therefore, the proposed solution consists in providing a groove on the head of the female part of the identification device for animals so as to enable additional accessories to be fixed to the identification device.

[0014] The proposed solution does not require any major modification to the identification device. In fact, only one groove is formed on the outer surface of the head of the female part. Thus, standard male parts can be used.

[0015] Therefore, the proposed solution is very easy to implement and manufacture, which also makes it a cheap solution.

[0016] According to a particular aspect, the head has a substantially cylindrical portion, and the groove extends over at least a part of the circular cross-section of the substantially cylindrical portion.

[0017] Therefore, according to one embodiment, this groove extending around the entire periphery of the head of the female part can give the accessory fixed to the head a degree of freedom. More specifically, in this case, the accessory can be allowed to rotate around the head of the female part in order to, for example, minimize the risk of discomfort and injury to the animal.

[0018] According to a particular embodiment, the proposed technology also relates to an accessory configured to cooperate with the female part of the animal identification device as described above.

[0019] According to the proposed technology, the accessory includes at least one opening and complementary fixing members, the head of the female part being designed to be inserted through the at least one opening, and the complementary fixing members being able to cooperate with the at least one groove for joining the accessory to the female part.

[0020] The complementary fixing member provided on the fitting is configured to cooperate with the groove disposed on the outer surface of the head of the female member so as to ensure an optimal connection between the fitting and the female member, but according to at least one particular embodiment, also allows the fitting to rotate relative to the female member.

[0021] According to a particular aspect, the complementary fixing member is in the form of a ring that extends around the edge of the opening, is made of a flexible material, and the ring is deformable to cooperate with the groove.

[0022] In one embodiment, the complementary fixing member formed on the fitting is made of a flexible material such that the fitting is joined to the female member by forcefully inserting the fitting into the female member. Thus, the fitting is firmly fixed to the female member of the identification device. The flexible material of the complementary fixing member can also enable, for example, decoupling of the fitting when it is necessary to replace the fitting.

[0023] Plastic materials such as TPE (thermoplastic elastomer), PU (polyurethane), or flexible spring steel, such as a retaining washer, can be used.

[0024] According to a particular aspect, the complementary fixing member is in the form of a cutter that can fit tightly around the head of the female member at the level of the groove.

[0025] This cutter, which includes, for example, a movable plate connected to a return spring, enables the user to fix the fitting to the female member of the identification device in a reversible manner. Such a complementary fixing member enables, for example, decoupling of the fitting when it is necessary to replace the fitting.

[0026] Using a cutter on the fitting is a solution that is easy to manufacture and easy to use. In addition, this cutter ensures reliable fixing of the fitting to the female member of the identification device.

[0027] According to a particular aspect, the complementary fixing member is in the form of an orifice that communicates with the opening, and the diameter of the orifice is greater than the diameter of the opening so as to form a clamping member for fixing the fitting to the female member.

[0028] This orifice enables the fitting to be connected to the female member by inserting the head of the female member through the orifice and then clamping the fitting around the groove by virtue of the diameter of the opening being smaller than the diameter of the orifice.

[0029] Thus, the fitting is fixed to the female member of the identification device in a simple and reversible manner.

[0030] In a particular embodiment, the proposed technology also relates to a system comprising a female part of an animal identification device and at least one accessory as described above. This accessory is configured to cooperate with the female part of the identification device.

[0031] The female part and the accessory have complementary fixing elements / components that ensure a reliable and durable fixing of the accessory to the female part. These fixing elements / components are easy to use and enable the manufacture of a simple and inexpensive system.

[0032] According to a particular aspect, the female part and / or the accessory include elements for locking the accessory to the female part.

[0033] Thus, in addition to the complementary fixing components, the accessory and / or the female part also include locking components that are designed to provide an optimal fixing of the accessory. These locking components are designed to prevent the accidental removal of the accessory and / or any attempted fraud or theft thereof.

[0034] According to a particular aspect, the accessory is fixed to the female part in a reversible manner.

[0035] Thus, the accessory can be replaced. This is an advantage when the accessory is inexpensive or a so-called "consumable" item (such as an insecticide label).

[0036] According to a particular aspect, the accessory is fixed to the female part in an irreversible manner.

[0037] This has an advantage when it is not intended to remove the accessory from the identification device or when the accessory is expensive (e.g., an electronic surveillance monitor). Thus, the accessory is fixed to the identification device in a secure manner.

[0038] According to another embodiment, the proposed technology relates to a method for identifying an animal, the method successively comprising: placing an identification device comprising a male part and a female part as described above on the animal; and fixing at least one accessory as described above to the female part.

[0039] Thus, such a method for identifying an animal includes placing the identification device on the animal and then fixing at least one accessory to the female part of the identification device.

[0040] Thus, the accessory can be fixed to the identification device at any time as long as the identification device is applied to the animal. Thus, it is possible to replace the accessory without any change / replacement of the entire identification device. Thus, the proposed solution greatly simplifies the use of additional accessories.

[0041] According to a particular aspect, fixing at least one fitting to the female part includes inserting the fitting into the recess of the female part by force.

[0042] Inserting the fitting into the female part by force enables the latter to be firmly connected to the female part of the identification device.

[0043] According to another particular aspect, the method further includes locking at least one fitting to the female part.

[0044] Thus, the fitting is fixed to the female part in a firm manner to prevent the latter from being accidentally removed or any attempted fraud or theft thereof. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] Other features and advantages of the present invention are given in the following description and drawings of several preferred embodiments given by way of example and not limitation, in which:

[0046] - Figure 1 shows an animal identification device in a longitudinal cross-section according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] - Figure 2 shows a side view and a detailed view of the head of the female part of the identification device according to the proposed technical solution;

[0048] - Figure 3 and 4 respectively show a perspective view and a view of the surface to which the fitting of the identification device according to the proposed solution is fixed; Figure 1

[0049] Figure 5 - Figure 3 shows a side view of the identification device, in which the fitting is represented in the form of a cross-section along the longitudinal axis;

[0050] - Figure 6a and 6b respectively show a detailed view of the fitting according to the first embodiment and a front view of the identification device equipped with this fitting;

[0051] - Figure 7a and 7b respectively show a view of the surface of the fitting according to the second embodiment and a view of the surface of the identification device equipped with this fitting;

[0052] - Figure 8a and 8b respectively show a detailed view of the fitting according to the third embodiment and a view of the surface of the identification device equipped with this fitting;

[0053] - Figure 9Shows a method for identifying animals according to the proposed technical solution. Detailed implementation

[0054] The general principle of the present invention is based on the modification of the female part of the animal identification device, and specifically, the modification enables one or more accessories to be fixed to the female part.

[0055] More specifically, the female part is modified so that on its outer surface, that is, on the surface opposite to the male part when the male part and the female part are assembled, at least one fixing element for the accessory is provided, and the at least one fixing element has the form of at least one groove.

[0056] Due to the presence of this groove on the outer surface of the female part, the accessory can be fixed to the female part especially after the identification device is placed on the animal.

[0057] Hereinafter, a specific embodiment is described. According to the specific embodiment, the female part belongs to a "two-piece" identification device, and according to the specific embodiment, the male part and the female part are separated before the identification device is placed on the animal. For example, the identification device is in the form of a ring specially designed for sheep.

[0058] It should be noted that according to the present invention, other female parts can be considered, such as the female part belonging to a "one-piece" identification device, and according to the identification device, the male part and the female part are connected by a flexible band before the identification device is placed on the animal.

[0059] As Figures 1 to 5 Shown, specifically, the animal identification device 1 includes a male part 11 and a female part 12 designed to engage with each other.

[0060] Generally, the male part 11 includes a tip 111 mounted on a shaft 112 extending from a male support 113.

[0061] The length of the shaft 112 is selected to allow good ventilation of the scar formed on the animal during the application of the ring, while limiting the possibility of it being caught by farming equipment (string, chain, fence, box, etc.) or other animals.

[0062] The female part 12 includes a head 121 that defines a cavity for receiving the tip 111 of the male part 11. This head 12 is made of a rigid material (such as nylon) for example to ensure the indestructibility of the identification device 1.

[0063] When the identification device is fixed to an animal, the female support 122 may extend from the other side of the ear to the base of the head 121 relative to the male support 113. This support 122 may be formed of a material more flexible than the head 121 (e.g., elastomer) and, for example, serves as a surface for marking the ID of the animal.

[0064] According to a particular embodiment, the female support 122 is overmolded onto a collar at the base of the head 121 in order to connect the head 121 and the female support 122 and form the female part 12.

[0065] This female part is specifically described in European patent EP1037525B1 in the name of the same applicant.

[0066] The tip 111 is specifically designed to pass through the skin of the animal (e.g., its ear) and penetrate into the head cavity 121. A suitable clamp enables the application of the necessary force to ensure penetration. Once this operation has been carried out, it is no longer possible to decouple the male part 11 from the female part 12.

[0067] According to the proposed technical solution, the head 121 of the female part 12 has at least one element 123 for fixing the fitting 2 to its outer surface, i.e., when the male part 11 and the female part 12 are assembled, to the surface opposite the male part 11.

[0068] More precisely, the fixing element 123 is in the form of a groove or a channel.

[0069] In Figures 1 to 5 the example shown, the head 121 has a substantially cylindrical form with a circular part and the groove 123 extends around the entire periphery of the head 121. According to other examples, one or more grooves may be provided which form part of a circle or concentric circles. Thus, one or more grooves may be curved.

[0070] In a variant, the head 121 has a cross-section different from circular, such as rectangular, triangular or any other shape. Thus, one or more grooves may be straight.

[0071] In another variant, the head 121 has a form different from a cylinder, having a constant or variable cross-section.

[0072] Grooves of different depths may be provided.

[0073] In Figure 2 the embodiment shown, the head 121 has three consecutive parts:

[0074] - A first substantially cylindrical portion 121a, which may be overmolded with a flexible material forming the female support 122, extends substantially on the same axis as the interlocking axis of the male / female components, and has a first diameter D1 at the level of engagement with the female support 122;

[0075] - A second substantially cylindrical portion 121b, which is positioned in the extension of the first portion 121a and forms a groove 123, has a second diameter D2 smaller than the first diameter D1; and

[0076] - A third substantially cylindrical portion 121c, which extends the second portion 121b and has a third diameter D3 greater than the second diameter D2 at the level of engagement with the second portion 121b.

[0077] In a particular embodiment, the third diameter D3 is the same as the first diameter D1.

[0078] At least one of said portions may be in the form of a frustum.

[0079] In a variant, an intermediate portion 121d in the form of a frustum is provided between the first portion 121a and the second portion 121b of the head 121 to facilitate the positioning of the fitting 2. Similarly, a final portion 121e may be provided at the end of the third portion 121c to facilitate the application of the fitting 2.

[0080] For example, when the female component is as described in European patent EP1037525B1, at least one groove is provided on the outside of the protrusion.

[0081] The fitting 2 is configured to cooperate with the female component 12 of the identification device 1.

[0082] For example, the fitting 2 is a fitting that helps to improve the welfare or surveillance of the animal to which the identification device 1 is attached. For example, the fitting 2 is a reflector, an insecticide label, additional identifiers (visual and / or electronic) (e.g., identifiers specific to the breeder), a flash lamp, a temperature sensor, an electronic surveillance or monitoring device - specifically enabling the monitoring of the health status of the animal by measuring the animal's activity or parameters, etc.

[0083] Depending on the type of fitting, a housing may be provided on the fitting, for example, for housing electronic components.

[0084] According to at least one embodiment, it is required that the possible discomfort caused by the female component and its fitting be minimized, and thus it is required that the female component and its fitting be lightweight and not take up too much space. If the identification device and / or the fitting gets stuck, for example, stuck on a branch or a fence, animal injury should be avoided as much as possible.

[0085] Figures 6a to 8b Shows different examples of components for fixing an accessory to the female component as described above.

[0086] As Figures 6a to 8b Shown, this accessory 2 has complementary fixing components which are designed to cooperate with one or more grooves 123 of the head 121 in order to connect the accessory 2 to the female component 12 of the identification device 1. Such components enable the accessory 2 to be fixed to the female component 12 in a reversible or irreversible manner.

[0087] Specifically, if the accessory is a so-called "consumable" accessory such as a pesticide label, it is desirable to be able to replace the accessory regularly when the pesticide is no longer effective or in the case where the pesticide label is lost. Therefore, the connection between the accessory and the female component must be reversible.

[0088] If the accessory is of the type of a monitoring monitor, it may be desirable to fix it to the female component in an irreversible manner since such accessories are expensive.

[0089] The complementary fixing component includes at least one opening 21 which is designed to receive the third part 121c of the head 121 and then cooperate with the second part 121b of the head 121.

[0090] In Figure 6a and 6b In the first embodiment shown, the complementary fixing component is in the form of a ring 22 which extends around the edge / periphery of the opening 21. The ring 22 is made of a relatively flexible material with rigidity, which on the one hand is suitable for enabling the opening 21 to deform so that the third part 121c (and possibly the final part 121e) of the head 121 can be inserted through the opening, and on the other hand ensures an optimal connection between the accessory 2 and the female component 12.

[0091] According to an embodiment, the opening 21 may also have a diameter suitable for enabling the accessory to pivot / rotate around the head 121 of the female component 12. Thus, a degree of freedom (rotation) is provided between the accessory 2 and the head 121 of the female component 12 to prevent injury to animals when, for example, the ring or the accessory is caught by a branch or a fence.

[0092] In a variant, the entire accessory is made of a relatively flexible material.

[0093] In Figure 7a and 7b In another embodiment shown, the complementary fixing component is in the form of a cutter 23. The cutter 23 includes a wall 231 which can be in a locked position ( Figure 7abetween a locked position (not shown) and an unlocked position (not shown). The movable wall 231 is mounted on an elastically restoring element 232 which, in this instance, is in the form of a spring.

[0094] The movable wall 231 also has a notch 233 which is configured to cooperate closely with the edge of the opening 21 around the groove 123 of the female member 12 in the locked position of the movable wall 231 and when the fitting cooperates with the female member 12.

[0095] To attach the fitting 2 to the head 121 of the female member 12, the user needs to manually shift the movable wall 231 towards the unlocked position (downwards according to the Figure 7a orientation shown) in order to release the opening 21 and then insert the head 121 of the female member 12 into the opening 21. Once the opening 21 cooperates with the groove 123, the user needs to release the movable wall 231. The return spring 232 then shifts the movable wall 231 to its locked position.

[0096] Thus, the cutter 23 implements a simple and reversible connection between the fitting 2 and the female member 12.

[0097] In Figure 8a and 8b a further embodiment shown, the complementary fixing member is in the form of an orifice 24. The orifice 24 has a substantially circular form and communicates with the opening 21. The diameter D5 of the orifice 24 is greater than the diameter D4 of the opening 21.

[0098] The intersection between the opening 21 and the orifice 24 forms two lugs 241 which are positioned face to face and which enable the fitting 2 to be clamped into the groove 123 when the groove 123 cooperates with the opening 21.

[0099] More precisely, the orifice 24 is configured such that the third part 121c of the head 121 can pass through the orifice 24. Then, shifting downwards (according to the Figure 8a orientation shown) enables the groove 123 to enter the orifice 21 in order to clamp onto the fitting 2.

[0100] Thus, the fitting is fixed to the female member 12 in a simple and reversible manner. It can thus be easily removed for replacement.

[0101] In one embodiment (not shown), optional / additional locking means are provided to prevent the fitting 2 from being accidentally or fraudulently removed from the female member 12.

[0102] For example, the locking device may consist of a covering member that at least partially covers the head 121 of the female member 12 to prevent the fitting 2 from leaving the recess 123. This covering member can be inserted into the female member 12 by force. Then the covering member can only be removed by breaking / smashing. In this case, the latter consists of an irreversible locking member.

[0103] In one variant, the locking member is in the form of a curable paste applied to the fitting 2 and the identification device 1. For example, the paste may include two components that cure quickly and achieve a reliable and firm bond (in other words, the paste is a two-component paste).

[0104] In another variant, the locking member is in the form of a locking plate configured to be fixed to the identification device 1 and the fitting 2 by a screw fixing system.

[0105] Of course, any other type of locking member that is reversible or irreversible and requires or does not require a tool for locking / unlocking can be used.

[0106] The proposed technical solution also relates to a method for identifying animals. Figure 9 This process is schematically shown.

[0107] In a first step (91), the identification device 1 including the male member 11 and the female member 12 as described above is applied to the animal. Conventionally, the male member 11 and the female member 12 of the identification device 1 are joined in an irreversible manner using a clamp.

[0108] In a second step (92), then at least one fitting 2 is fixed to the female member 12 as described above.

[0109] In one particular embodiment described above, the fitting 2 is fixed to the female member 12 by inserting the fitting 2 with force.

[0110] Furthermore, and optionally, then a locking member 93 is used on the female member 12 and / or the fitting 2 to prevent the fitting from being removed.

[0111] This application also relates to the following embodiments.

[0112] 1. A female member (12) of an identification device (1) for animals, the female member (12) including a head (121) having an internal receiving cavity capable of receiving the tip (111) of the male member (11) of the identification device (1), wherein the female member is characterized in that the female member (12) includes at least one element (123) for fixing a fitting to the outer surface of the head (121), and the at least one fixing element (123) is in the form of at least one recess.

[0113] 2. The female component (12) according to Embodiment 1, wherein the head (121) has a substantially cylindrical portion, and the groove (123) extends over at least a part of the circular cross-section of the substantially cylindrical portion.

[0114] 3. An accessory (2) configured to cooperate with the female component (12) of the animal identification device (1) according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 2, characterized in that the accessory comprises at least one opening (21) and complementary fixing members (22, 23, 24), the head (121) of the female component (12) being designed to be inserted through the at least one opening, and the complementary fixing members being able to cooperate with the at least one groove (123) for engaging the accessory (2) to the female component (12).

[0115] 4. The accessory (2) according to Embodiment 3, characterized in that the complementary fixing member is in the form of a ring (22) that extends around the periphery of the opening (21), is made of a flexible material, and the ring is deformable to cooperate with the groove (123).

[0116] 5. The accessory (2) according to Embodiment 3, characterized in that the complementary fixing member is in the form of a cutter (23) that can fit tightly around the head (121) of the female component (12) at the level of the groove (123).

[0117] 6. The accessory (2) according to Embodiment 3, characterized in that the complementary fixing member is in the form of an orifice (24) that communicates with the opening (21), and the diameter (D5) of the orifice (24) is greater than the diameter (D4) of the opening (21) so as to form a clamping member for fixing the accessory (2) to the female component (12).

[0118] 7. A system (4) comprising the female component (12) of the animal identification device (1) according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 2 and at least one accessory (2) configured to cooperate with the female component (12) according to any one of Embodiments 3 to 6.

[0119] 8. The system (4) according to Embodiment 7, characterized in that the female component (12) and / or the accessory (2) comprises a member for locking the accessory (2) to the female component (12).

[0120] 9. The system (4) according to Embodiment 7 or 8, characterized in that the accessory (2) is fixed to the female component (12) in a reversible manner.

[0121] 10. The system (4) according to embodiment 7 or 8, characterized in that the fitting (2) is irreversibly fixed to the female member (12).

[0122] 11. A method for identifying an animal, the method successively comprising: placing (91) an identification device (1) on the animal, the identification device comprising a male member (11) and a female member (12) according to any one of embodiments 1 and 2; and fixing (92) at least one fitting (2) according to any one of embodiments 4 to 6 to the female member (12).

[0123] 12. The method (9) according to embodiment 11, characterized in that fixing (92) at least one fitting (2) to the female member (12) comprises inserting the fitting (2) into the groove (123) of the female member (12) by force.

[0124] 13. The method according to embodiment 11 or 12, characterized in that the method further comprises locking (93) the at least one fitting (2) to the female member (12).

Claims

1. A system, comprising: - Female component of an identification device for animals, said female component comprising: A head having an internal receiving cavity capable of receiving the tip of the male component of the identification device; A support member connected to the head, wherein the support member comprises a surface for marking the animal ID; and At least one fixing element for fixing a fitting to the outer surface of the head, said at least one fixing element being in the form of at least one groove; and - At least one fitting comprising: a first fitting configured to cooperate with the female component, said first fitting comprising: a portion having at least one opening through which the head of the female component is designed to be inserted; and complementary fixing means capable of cooperating with said at least one groove for engaging the first fitting to the female component; Wherein said complementary fixing means is in the form of a ring extending around the edge of said at least one opening, made of a flexible material, said ring being deformable to cooperate with said at least one groove in the head of the female component.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The head has a substantially cylindrical portion and said at least one groove extends over at least a part of the circular cross-section of said substantially cylindrical portion.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The first fitting is fixed to the female component in a reversible manner.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein, At least one of the female component or the first fitting comprises a lock for locking the first fitting to the female component.

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein, The first fitting is fixed to the female component in an irreversible manner such that the first fitting can only be removed by breaking the lock.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The ring is made of a plastic material.

7. The system according to claim 6, wherein, The ring is made of a thermoplastic elastomer or polyurethane.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The first fitting is entirely made of a flexible material.

9. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The ring is made of flexible spring steel.

10. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one opening of the first fitting has a diameter adapted to enable the first fitting to pivot around the head of the female component.

11. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The female component comprises at least two grooves, said at least two grooves comprising a first groove for cooperating with the complementary fixing means of the first fitting and at least one second groove for cooperating with the complementary fixing means of at least one second fitting for engaging the first fitting and the second fitting to the female component.

12. The system according to claim 11, wherein, The first groove and said at least one second groove have different depths.

13. A method for identifying an animal, the method successively comprising: Placing an identification device on the animal, the identification device comprising a male component and a female component, the female component comprising: - A head having an internal receiving cavity capable of receiving the tip of the male component; - A support member connected to the head, wherein the support member comprises a surface for marking the animal ID; and - At least one fixing element for fixing at least one fitting to the outer surface of the head, said at least one fixing element being in the form of at least one groove; And Fix the first fitting to the female part, the first fitting being configured to cooperate with the female part, the first fitting comprising: a portion having at least one opening, the head of the female part being designed to be inserted through the at least one opening; and complementary fixing means which can cooperate with the at least one groove for joining the first fitting to the female part, wherein the complementary fixing means is in the form of a ring which extends around the edge of the at least one opening, is made of a flexible material, is deformable to cooperate with the at least one groove, and wherein fixing the first fitting to the female part comprises inserting the first fitting into the at least one groove of the female part by applying force.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein, At least one of the female part or the fitting comprises a lock for locking the fitting to the female part, and the method comprises locking the at least one fitting to the female part with the lock.

15. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The support is integrally connected to the head.

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