ISOTOPIC MARKING AND IDENTIFICATION OF ANIMALS AND PLANTS

Abstract

An isotopic identification method that, where applicable, links a livestock animal or animal product to a specific livestock operation, or a plant or plant product to a farm, by analyzing the concentration or ratios of stable isotopes and comparing them to isotopic codes previously generated uniquely for a set of livestock operations or farms. This method allows for assigning a unique code to the animals of a livestock operation or the plants of a farm, and includes a computer that stores the generated unique codes in memory, generates unique codes for new livestock operations or farms, and performs comparisons.

Description

Isotopic Marking and Identification of Animals and Plants. The present invention relates to the marking of animals and plants. It specifically relates to a method for the isotopic identification of an animal or plant and its by-products, as well as a method for assigning a unique code to this animal or plant and its by-products. The invention also relates to an information recording medium and an electronic computer for implementing such a process. The ability to determine the origin of animal or plant matter in agri-food products has become a food safety issue and a factor in market penetration for livestock farmers, agricultural producers, and processors in the sector. Large retailers are also increasingly concerned due to their involvement or near-integration into the supply chain by purchasing entire batches of production or by intervening directly with farmers. The present invention aims to provide a method for safely and reproducibly imposing a unique code on an animal or plant and its by-products, allowing its origin to be known, preferably with a precision down to its place of breeding or cultivation. Its primary objective is to provide a unique assigned code enabling traceability at different levels of granularity, such as livestock or farm, or much finer levels, such as species or variety, type of production, and, optionally, batch. Another objective of the invention is to offer a reliable and reproducible method for identifying an animal or plant and its by-products, making it possible to determine its origin, preferably with a precision down to its place of rearing or cultivation. Another objective of the invention is to provide such methods adapted to the management of several or many farms or growing areas, and preferably without limitation in the number of farms and growing areas. Another objective is to provide such methods that are economically viable. These objectives, as well as others, are achieved in particular through the use of a predefined model (M) employed to impose on animals or plants a unique isotopic code specific to a livestock operation or subset of livestock operations, respectively farm or field, and possibly at even finer levels of granularity (e.g., species or varieties, type of production, possibly batch), this code being based on the nature, concentrations, or The ratios of stable isotopes of chemical elements. These objectives, as well as others, are also achieved by measuring and understanding the isotope concentrations of major elements provided by feed and found in predictable and analyzable quantities in animals and plants, thus providing signature elements concerning production cycles, for example. As the solution is deployed to multiple farms, unique codes can be generated for each one, taking into account the codes previously generated for other farms. All these codes can be stored in the model (M), preferably housed in an electronic computer or similar device. Each unique code corresponds to the isotopic signature of the animal or plant at the time of slaughter, or harvest, respectively.This code no longer varies significantly after slaughter or harvest, and therefore also marks products derived from the animals and plants thus marked. The effects of metabolization, adsorption, accumulation, or elimination of the markers are stopped at slaughter or harvest. The invention takes into account the important points of the marking cycle (i.e., the period of feeding under an isotope-labeled diet) and its duration. This code is the result of an isotope-labeled diet determined by model (M) and applied by the farmer or grower according to the guidelines provided by the model. To arrive at this unique code at slaughter or harvest, model (M) takes into account the accumulation rate (AR) of the elements and / or isotopes in the animal or plant as a function of the feeding regime with this isotope-labeled diet.Feeding regimen refers to the duration of animal feeding or plant watering with the isotope-labeled feed, and the feeding period(s) with this isotope-labeled feed. It can, for example, be administered over a single period or several periods, such as two or three. It can be carried out just before slaughter or harvest, or further in advance. For example, in chickens, to ensure the presence of markers at the time of slaughter or harvest, the isotope-labeled feed from the 11th and 33rd days before slaughter can be administered. This code can also incorporate so-called major markers that vary according to the cycles and, in particular, the composition of the feed. The parameters may have been determined beforehand through trials on a population from this farm or subset, or from this farm or field.Preferably and advantageously, the choice of elements and their isotopes, and their respective ratios that Model (M) determines for each livestock unit or subset, or for each farm or field, is based on prior knowledge of what is referred to here as the basic geochemical signature (GBS) of the livestock unit or subset, or of the farm or field. This GBS, as will be described later, is the knowledge of chemical elements, their stable isotopes, and their respective concentrations or ratios within the livestock unit or its subset. subset, or of the farm or field, prior to the imposition of the code by an isotope feed. The model (M) may advantageously incorporate the ability to define an isotope feed enabling the imposition of said unique code, by varying the stable isotopes of elements present in the SGB as well as their concentrations or ratios. Preferably, the model (M) will do this in the most minimalist way possible and taking into account the price and / or availability of the isotopes so that the price of the isotope feed is as low as possible. All these features apply to the objects of the invention defined in more detail below.This model (M) can also, where appropriate, link a farm animal or an animal product to a farm or a specific farm subset, or a plant or a plant product to a specific farm or field, by analyzing concentrations or ratios of stable isotopes, allowing a profile of concentrations or ratios of these stable isotopes to be determined, in particular by mass spectrometry, and compared to the unique codes recorded in the model (M). For the purposes of this invention, a by-product includes, in particular, anything derived from an animal or plant. This may include, in particular, a raw piece (for example, including meat and / or bones and / or skin, e.g., half a rooster, a turkey or chicken leg, etc.), cut and isolated parts (for example, meat, organs, skin, bones, nails, hair, feathers, eggshells, flowers, stems, etc.), and products derived from animals or plants (for example, eggs, fruits, seeds, etc.). The method according to the invention can be applied to an animal intended for slaughter, but not only that. Indeed, it can also be used to monitor animals not intended for slaughter, such as sport or working animals (horses, donkeys, mules, dromedaries, camels, etc.) or companion animals (dogs, cats). The method can also be used for monitoring valuable plants, for example old trees or plants from noble selections, such as roses, orchids, etc.Thus, the invention relates in particular to a method of isotopic identification and a method for imposing a unique code, as well as an electronic calculator. Isotopic identification method. The isotopic identification method allows, where appropriate, for linking a farm animal or animal product to a specific farm or subset of farms, or a plant or plant product to a specific farm or field, by analyzing concentrations or ratios of stable isotopes. This method may include, in particular: a- measuring the concentrations (C2) or ratios (R2) of stable isotopes in a sample taken from the animal / plant or animal / plant product to be identified, and then obtaining a concentration profiles or ratios of these stable isotopes, notably by mass spectrometry, b- the comparison of this profile with profiles recorded in a predefined model (M) containing in memory profiles in the form of unique codes each specific to a livestock or subset of livestock or to a farm or field, each unique code having been previously generated by the model (M) and applied uniquely to the animals of a livestock or subset of a livestock or to the plants of a farm or field by an isotope-based diet delivered to these animals / plants in such a way that, at the time of their slaughter / receipt, the concentrations or ratios of these stable isotopes in these animals / plants are substantially identical to the unique code, c- conclusion that the animal / plant or the product of an animal / plant to be identified has a profile substantially equal to a recorded code and furthermore an indication of the breeding farm or subset of breeding farm / farm or field of origin, if, after the comparison, the profile corresponds to a recorded profile and, if not, the conclusion that the animal / plant or product does not come from any breeding farm or subset of breeding farm / farm or field whose code is recorded in the model. In what follows, the term "breeding subset" will not always be used in conjunction with the term "breeding," but it is considered to be included within the term "breeding." In what follows, measurements of stable isotope concentrations (C2) or ratios (R2) of several elements allow us to obtain isotopic profiles as ratios of isotopes of the same element and, preferably, ratios between chemical elements.Preferably, in step a-, the concentration or ratios of one or more, preferably all, of the stable isotopes of the following chemical elements are measured: - at least 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, preferably all of the following elements: Li, Be, B, F, Na, Mg, Al, P, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, Ge, As, Se, Rb, Sr, Y, Zr, Nb, Mo, Rh, Pd, Ag, Cd, Sn, Sb, Te, I, Ba, Hf, Ta, W, Re, Ir, Hg, Ti, Pb, Bi, Pm, Th, - at least 5, 8, 12, preferably all of the following elements: La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, SM, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu and / or, preferably and, . -C,O,N,H, S. Preferably, the predefined model (M) includes unique livestock or farm or field codes, defined by the concentration or ratios of one or more, preferably the total stable isotopes of the following chemical elements as measured at the time of slaughter / harvest in the animals on these farms / plants on these farms or fields: - at least 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, preferably all of the following elements: Li, Be, B, F, Na, Mg, Al, P, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, Ge, As, Se, Rb, Sr, Y, Zr, Nb, Mo, Rh, Pd, Ag, Cd, Sn, Sb, Te, I, Ba, Hf, Ta, W, Re, Ir, Hg, Ti, Pb, Bi, Pm, Th, - at least 5, 8, 12, preferably all of the following elements: La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu and / or, preferably and, -C,O,N,H,S. Preferably, this unique code for a livestock operation, farm, or field was determined by the predefined model (M) and imposed on the livestock or plants through isotope-based feed distributed in such a way that the code is absorbed by the animal at the time of slaughter or the plant at the time of harvest. In this way, all livestock operations, farms, or fields produce animals / plants with this unique code, and model M stores all the unique codes generated at a given time. Preferably, step a- includes, for each chemical element, the determination of the variations of one or more minor stable isotopes relative to the most abundant one. Preferably, the isotope concentrations or ratios are measured by mass spectrometry (MS). In particular, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), multi-collection plasma mass spectrometry, isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS), or any other technique that allows the identification and measurement of elements and their stable isotopes, with their concentrations or ratios, for example expressed as ratios of the minor stable isotope(s) relative to the most abundant stable isotope in the sample, may be used.It is also possible to carry out concentration analyses by laser ablation-coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP / MS) or by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). The method may include the use of a programmable electronic computer, equipped with a programmable logic unit, an information storage medium and a data exchange interface connected together by a bus. Internal data. The electronic computer may also include a human-machine interface. The method can therefore include the acquisition, by the electronic computer, of concentration values ​​(C2) or ratios (R2), in particular as measured by MS, forming the isotopic signature of an animal, a plant or a product from that animal or plant, which we want to know if it comes from a farm, a subset of a farm, or a farm or field whose unique code is known or recorded in the electronic computer, and, where applicable, to know the exact origin. The calculator can therefore also compare the data it acquires with the unique codes it stores in its memory. Based on this comparison, the calculator can then determine whether the acquired profile corresponds to a unique code and, if so, identify the herd or subset of herd, or the farm or field, or conclude that there is no match. Regarding the acceptable degree of variability, each newly created unique code is defined within a range of values, or the calculator contains instructions to apply a certain level of variability for each isotope, taking into account factors such as the metabolism or accumulation of markers by a species or variety. Hence the presence of species-related data in the calculator.Generally, the metabolism or accumulation of markers can be considered to be approximately 15-20% via water (liquid) and approximately 30-40% via animal feed (solid food). The quantities of isotopes ingested daily will be 1-10 / 1000 of the values ​​ultimately measured. More precise data can be generated and stored in the calculator; this data can be derived from experimentation, particularly on-site experimentation at the farm or crop location. The term "approximately" used here takes this variability into account; however, the method of the invention allows for a degree of variability that does not compromise either the generation of a unique code (with isotope-by-isotope variations) or the ability to effectively compare a signature measured in a sample with a unique code. "Significantly" can notably mean a difference of at most 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0.5 or 0.1% for the concentration or ratio.The invention makes it possible to identify the origin of products derived from animals and plants, provided that these animals and plants are part of the livestock and crop management program of the present invention. With regard to animals, this traceability can be applied to whole animals as well as to parts of animals, for example meat, bones, skin, organs, etc., as explained above. Method for imposing a unique code The method for assigning a unique code specific to animals in a livestock farm or a subset of a livestock farm, or to plants in a farm or field, including products, particularly food products, derived from these animals or plants, this method being adapted to the implementation of the aforementioned isotopic identification method, may include in particular: - the analysis of the abundance of stable isotopes of several elements (a) in livestock water and / or in feed provided to livestock and / or in soil and in organic samples of livestock (black or white flesh, organ, skin and / or bones) from livestock of at least one breeding cycle, or (b) in crop irrigation water and / or in soil and / or in plants of at least one crop cycle, thus obtaining the basic geochemical signature (BSS) of the livestock or livestock subset, or of the farm or field, 2i- the selection of several elements having stable isotopes among those present in the GBS, we provide the animals or plants of this cycle or of subsequent breeding or cultivation cycles with an isotope-based diet comprising a determined abundance (e.g. ratios of isotopes of the same element) of the stable isotopes of the selected elements, this abundance being calculated taking into account the accumulation rate (AT) of these animals or plants, which means that at the time of slaughter of the animal or harvest of the plant and taking into account the GBS of the breeding or cultivation, a unique code is conferred to the animals or plants of this breeding, respectively cultivation. Preferably, in step i, the abundance of stable isotopes of several elements is analyzed in the flesh, skin and / or bones of farm animals, or in plant tissues (stem, leaf and / or seeds), thus obtaining the GBS or an element of the GBS of the farm or the crop. Preferably, in step i, the abundance of stable isotopes of several elements in the water and feed used for animal consumption is analyzed, thus obtaining the GBS or an element of the GBS for the livestock or livestock subset. Preferably, for the definition of the GBS, the feed and water are analyzed for isotope concentrations or ratios at each rearing and cultivation cycle. Preferably, for the definition of the GBS, control analyses are carried out on the animals or plants to verify the presence of the isotopes chosen to vary, as well as their concentrations or ratios. Preferably, all these measurements are carried out to define the SGB. The SGB can correspond substantially to the isotopic signature that an animal or plant from livestock or farm would have, fed in the traditional way on livestock or farm, therefore without the intervention of isotopic feeding. Animals may have access to uncontrolled or unisotopic feed, and plants may also receive uncontrolled or unisotopic water. Regular analyses (e.g., one per cycle, measuring concentration) of the soil or water may be performed. The model can account for observed variations, deeming them insignificant for obtaining the unique code, or it may decide to make a correction, such as modifying the code. Preferably, in step 2i, a period is defined during which the animals receive the isotope-labeled feed, so that at slaughter, the animals have acquired the unique code specific to the farm or farm subset. Preferably, the method includes, during a rearing or cultivation cycle, at least one analysis of the isotope-labeled feed, namely water and / or feed, to detect any variation in the abundance of stable isotopes of the selected elements. Preferably, the method includes the use of an electronic computer in which the unique codes specific to other farms or farm subsets, or to other farms or fields, previously determined and recorded, are stored.The programmable electronic computer is preferably equipped with a programmable logic unit, a data storage medium, and a data exchange interface connected by an internal data bus. The electronic computer may also include a human-machine interface. Preferably, the data measured to establish the GBS of the livestock or livestock subset, or of the farm or field concerned, are entered into the Calculator, which, through its programmable logic unit, is able to determine the GBS or geochemical passport, which establishes the baseline reference for a given site. Preferably, the calculator stores the TA data of the livestock or subset, or of the plants, particularly according to the rearing and / or cultivation conditions, and preferably has calculation means enabling the correlation between a variation in the abundance of isotopic elements and the feeding regime with isotope-enriched feed, in order to obtain the unique code at the time of slaughter, respectively harvesting. The TA is dependent on the amount of feed (solid and / or liquid) absorbed by animals or plants during their life or growth cycle and the rate of metabolization or absorption, and this, the calculator can take into account for normal feed and for isotope feed. Preferably, the calculator stores the GBS (Global System of Biological Resources) of the livestock unit or its subset, or of the farm or field. It also stores the unique codes specific to other livestock units or subsets of livestock units, or other farms or fields, which were established at a previous time. The calculator can calculate and propose to the user a variation in isotope abundance to define the isotope-based feed and the feeding regime with this isotope-based feed (i.e., duration and timing relative to the slaughter or harvest date) to assign to the animals of the livestock unit or subset of livestock the unique code specific to the time of slaughter, and to the plants the unique code specific to the time of harvest. Thanks to a key advantage, the calculator incorporates the geochemical passport assigned to each livestock operation or farm. This passport contains all the geochemical passports for the livestock operations or farms on which the model has been deployed. Each passport is stored in the database and can be modified for updates or the addition of supplementary information. This passport includes the SGB (Seed Base Guide) and may also include additional elements such as the species designation, subspecies, variety, and isotopic variations during different livestock or crop cycles. These variations may be related to the season, including isotopic variations in feed or irrigation water, rainfall patterns, organic certification, livestock or crop practices, and, in general, all elements pertaining to a given site.All this data can be consulted and some of it can be integrated as variables in the definition of an isotope-based diet and feed in order to provide the unique code at the time of slaughter or harvest, despite seasonal variations or other variable elements. We have seen that the calculator operates during the characterization phase. It determines the isotopic abundance variations required to generate the unique code for the targeted site / farm. If a significant change in concentration is observed in the water, animal feed, or soil analysis, the calculator can also be used to recalculate the required isotope abundance variations to obtain the unique code. These variations are minimal, however, and a difference of between 1 / 1000 and 3 / 1000 is acceptable. Preferably, the calculator knows (the user having entered this data) and takes into account one or more, preferably all of the following variables: - the animal species or plant variety - the rearing period before slaughter or the cultivation period before harvest - the duration and feeding schedule with an isotope-based diet - the TA accumulation rate of animals or plants under rearing and / or cultivation conditions, respectively, - the possible input of uncontrolled food (for example in outdoor farming, rain for plants), - data relating to soil (particularly in livestock farming or organic crops). Once the site characterization phase has been completed and recorded in the calculator, it is advantageous, before defining the isotope-based diet and its administration regimen, to perform a control analysis on animals or plants to verify that the stable isotopes and their concentrations / ratios contained in the geochemical passport are still valid. For animals, analyzing only the muscles (white and dark) is sufficient. Preferably, the unique code incorporates an isotopic signature of several rare elements, including at least 5, 8, and 12, and preferably all of the following: La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Dg, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, and Lu. It can be specified that these rare elements are primarily associated with the geographical location of the livestock, farm, or field, particularly at the continental, national, or regional level. Preferably, the unique code incorporates an isotopic signature of one or more elements, in particular at least 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, preferably all of the elements Li, Be, B, F, Na, Mg, Al, P, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, Ge, As, Se, Rb, Sr, Y, Zr, Nb, Mo, Rh, Pd, Ag, Cd, Sn, Sb, Te, I, Ba, Hf, Ta, W, Re, Ir, Hg, Ti, Pb, Bi, Pm, Th. This signature element is in particular related to the identity of the livestock or its subset, or of the farm or field, and possibly of the animal or plant species. Preferably, the unique code incorporates an isotopic signature of the elements C, O, N, H, S, which is specifically related to the diet (solid and / or liquid). In a preferred embodiment, the unique code includes stable isotope concentrations or ratios of major elements, namely C, O, H, N, and / or S, obtained after measuring the concentrations (C3) or ratios (R3) of these isotopes in the diet and correcting for the accumulation rate in the animal or plant in question. The elements (C, H, O, N, and S) are the so-called major elements. Their levels can vary from one cycle to another. within a year, this variation can be known (concentrations are measured in feed batches or water) and taken into account in the unique code, allowing traceability at different levels of granularity, for example, at the livestock or farm level, or much finer, such as species or varieties, type of production, and even batch. The calculator can also include data relating to the concentrations (C3) or ratios (R3) of major isotopes (C, H, O, N, and S) in feed, and their translation into concentrations or ratios that will be found in animals or plants at the time of slaughter or harvest, respectively, depending on metabolism or accumulation rate. The calculator is able to calculate the predicted corrected values ​​by adjusting for the accumulation rate in the animal or plant in question. The electronic calculator can also be configured with environmental data, species data, tagging cycle data (short, long, staggered), geographical data, or reference nutritional elements. All of this data allows for the generation of a unique code adapted to the targeted location. It should also be noted that the calculator can be advantageously configured with known reference nutritional values, toxicity values, and any other criteria, enabling it to define unique codes (and therefore recipes and isotopic regimens) while avoiding the generation of invalid codes that deviate from these criteria. The calculator determines and suggests variations in the abundance of stable isotopes and / or the isotope-enriched feeding regime to assign a unique code at the time of slaughter or harvest. Ideally, the calculator is programmed to determine these abundance variations in an optimized manner in terms of isotope price and / or availability. The user can record and update data on these variables—abundance variation, price, and availability—so that the calculator can best manage the definition of the elements and isotopes to be varied, and therefore added to the feed to produce the isotope-enriched feed. The calculator always adheres to the criterion of defining the elements and their isotopes, and their concentrations or ratios, to establish a new, unique code, different from those already established for other livestock, subsets, farms, or fields. Preferably, to adjust the isotope ratios of the isotope feed, the abundance of stable isotopes of the following chemical elements is varied (or the calculator suggests varying): - at least 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, preferably all of the following elements: Li, Be, B, F, Na, Mg, Al, P, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, Ge, As, Se, Rb, Sr, Y, Zr, Nb, Mo, Rh, Pd, Ag, Cd, Sn, Sb, Te, I, Ba, Hf, Ta, W, Re, Ir, Hg, Ti, Pb, Bi, Pm, Th, and / or, preferably and at least 5, 8, 12, preferably all of the following: La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Dg, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu. Preferably, the method includes (or the calculator recommends) (a) feeding the animals of the farm or subset with isotope-specific (solid and / or liquid) feed determined for that farm or subset, or (b) watering the plants of the farm or field with isotope-specific water determined for that farm or field, containing determined concentrations of stable isotopes of the following chemical elements: - at least 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, preferably all of the following elements: Li, Be, B, F, Na, Mg, Al, P, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, Ge, As, Se, Rb, Sr, Y, Zr, Nb, Mo, Rh, Pd, Ag, Cd, Sn, Sb, Te, I, Ba, Hf, Ta, W, Re, Ir, Hg, Ti, Pb, Bi, Pm, Th, - at least 5, 8, 12, preferably all of the following elements: La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, SM, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, and / or, preferably and, -C,O,N, H, S, said unique code being reached at the time of slaughter of the animal, or of harvesting the plants respectively. In this application, "watering" means that plants (vegetation) may be watered with the isotope solution by any standard means, and / or also misted with the isotope solution and / or immersed in an isotope solution. Isotopes may be applied in any known manner. Chlorides, sulfates, and oxides may be used. Chlorides and sulfates are generally water-soluble. They may be added to drinking water or irrigation water, or during the formulation of solid feed. Oxides are generally solid. They may be added to solid feed, as well as to irrigation or drinking water. Preferably, the quantities of isotopes applied to the animals in the herd or subset are within the limits permitted by the Nutrient Reference Values ​​(NRVs) and within the limits of toxicity values.The calculator can therefore be programmed with this information on the NRVs and the limits not to be exceeded in terms of toxicity; it will integrate this data into its recommendations and calculations. Preferably, the quantities of isotopes supplied to the animals in the herd or subset are provided taking into account the accumulation rate (AR) of that isotope or those isotopes in the animal as a function of the rearing period and the period of feeding with the isotope-enriched diet. As previously discussed, the calculator can incorporate this AR knowledge and take it into account as described. Preferably, the animals in the farm or subset are fed exclusively or essentially exclusively with isotope-based feed. Preferably, the animals in the breeding stock or subset are fed isotope-based feed for at least one sub-period of the rearing period. The calculator is capable of proposing an isotope-based feeding method suitable for the animal or plant species in question, according to specific criteria recorded in its program. For example, in poultry, such as chickens, which have a short rearing period, isotopic-labeled feed is administered at the end of growth, for example, between the 11th and 33rd day for slaughter around the 35th day. It is easy to determine the isotopic feeding regimens so that the code is present in the animal or plant at the time of slaughter, or harvest, respectively. This can be done experimentally, by testing one or more regimens and analyzing the isotopic signature at the time of slaughter, or harvest, respectively, and preferably by providing this information to the computer. The method of the invention thus makes it possible to impose a unique isotopic code on a plant. This plant, of known isotopic composition, can be used as all or part of an isotopic-labeled solid feed intended for a farm or subset of a farm managed by the model (M) according to the invention.Therefore, in one embodiment of the method for imposing a unique code on a farm or a subset of a farm, the animals of a cycle are fed, according to a predefined adapted diet, with such a plant, as isotope solid feed or part of isotope solid feed. According to the invention, the method for imposing a code specific to the animals of a farm or a subset of a farm, including products, particularly food products, derived from or prepared from these animals, this method being adapted to the implementation of the identification method, may include feeding the animals of the farm or subset with an isotope-specific (solid and liquid) feed determined for this farm or subset, comprising determined concentrations of stable isotopes of the following chemical elements: - at least 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, preferably all of the following elements: Li, Be, B, F, Na, Mg, Al, P, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, Ge, As, Se, Rb, Sr, Y, Zr, Nb, Mo, Rh, Pd, Ag, Cd, Sn, Sb, I, Te, Ba, Hf, Ta, W, Re, Ir, Hg, Ti, Pb, Bi, PM, Th, - at least 5, 8, 12, preferably all of the following elements: La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, and -C,O,N, H, S, said code being finalized at the time of the animal's slaughter. The invention also relates to an information storage medium. The storage medium may contain executable instructions programmed to implement a process according to one of the preceding claims when these instructions are executed by an electronic computer. The invention also relates to an electronic calculator for implementing the isotopic identification method according to the invention.This calculator may include a programmable logic unit and an information storage medium containing software instructions adapted to, when executed by the logic unit, implement steps for comparing a profile of stable isotope concentrations or ratios from a sample of an animal / plant or animal / plant product, in the form of stable isotope concentrations (C2) or ratios (R2), with profiles recorded as unique codes each specific to a livestock or subset of livestock or to a farm or field, and for determining whether the animal / plant or animal / plant product has a profile substantially equal to a recorded code and thus an indication of the livestock / farm or field of origin, or whether the animal / plant or product does not come from any livestock / farm or field whose code is recorded in the model. The computer can still include all the functionalities, devices and programming necessary to accomplish the tasks described here and assigned to it. The invention will now be described in more detail with the aid of embodiments taken as non-limiting examples and referring to the attached drawing. Figure 1 is a diagram of an assembly with an electronic calculator that can be used for the implementation of the invention. Figure 2 is a flowchart of a process for imposing a unique code on animals or plants. Figure 3 is a flowchart of an isotopic identification process for animals or plants, or products derived from them. Examples: Example 1: Description of a computer system for managing and defining isotopic codes Assembly 1 comprises a programmable electronic computer 2, equipped with a programmable logic unit 3, a data storage medium 4, and a data exchange interface 5, all connected by an internal data bus. The electronic computer 2 also includes a human-machine interface 6. Unit 3, for example, includes a microprocessor or a programmable microcontroller. Support 4 here includes a memory module, for example, using FLASH or EEPROM technology, or a magnetic hard drive. Support 4 contains software instructions adapted to implement steps in the process shown in Figures 2 and 3 when these instructions are executed by the computing unit 3. Human-machine interface 6 here includes a display screen, a data input tool such as a keyboard, and a speaker. Alternatively, human-machine interface 6 can be implemented differently. For example, the electronic computer 2 is a microcomputer or a mobile communication device, such as a tablet or a phone. It can also be a remote computer server, accessible via the internet or a dedicated computer network. In this case, interface 6 can be omitted and replaced by a dedicated communication interface, for example, a computer, a communication device such as a tablet, or a television, which performs the same functions as interface 6 but is physically separate from the electronic computer 2. Calculator 2 is specifically programmed to implement a predefined model M, for example through executable instructions stored in support 4. The M model makes it possible, in particular, to impose on animals or plants a unique isotopic code specific to a livestock operation or subset of livestock operations, respectively farm or field, and possibly at even finer levels of granularity (e.g. species or varieties, type of production, possibly batch), this code being based on the nature, concentrations or ratios of stable isotopes of chemical elements. The model (M) also allows, where appropriate, linking a farm animal or an animal product to a specific farm or subset of farms, or a plant or a plant product to a specific farm or field, by analyzing concentrations or ratios of stable isotopes, making it possible to determine a profile of concentrations or ratios of these stable isotopes, notably by mass spectrometry, and to compare it with the unique codes recorded in the model (M). The data used by the M model can be stored in storage 4 and / or in a dedicated database accessible by the computer 2. For example, interface 5 is suitable for acquiring input data, such as digital or analog signals or data structures, like TA accumulation rate values ​​and / or C2 concentration measurements and / or R2 ratios of stable isotopes. This data can also be transmitted to the computer 2 via interface 6. Figure 2, in conjunction with Figure 1, schematically describes one implementation of the unique code imposition method. The herd or farm's GMS is determined by SM in step 101, and the data is sent to the computer 2, for example via interface 6. The TA (Total Allocation) is known or can be calculated in step 102 by feeding animals or plants over a cycle with predetermined ratios of stable isotopes of selected elements, followed by slaughter or harvesting, meat sampling, and analysis by MS (Metallurology). The data is sent to the computer 2, for example, via interface 6. The computer stores unique codes that have been generated for other farms; this information is identified in step 103 in Figure 2. By cross-referencing the data obtained during steps 101, 102 and 103, the calculator generates during step 104 an isotope-based feed recipe and a feeding regime which will allow, in this livestock farm or farm, to obtain, at slaughter or harvest, animals or plants with the unique code. The feeding regime can be tested and the data stored in calculator 2, to correlate this regime with the achievement of a stable isotope ratio of an element at the time of slaughter or harvest. Adjustments (particularly in content) are feasible to obtain exploitable isotope ratios, i.e. with significant differences measurable by MS at slaughter or harvest. The computer generates the composition of the isotope feed and / or the feed regime, which the user can access, for example, from interface 6. Alternatively, the feed regime may have been determined in advance, and the computer indicates the composition of the isotope feed to the user. Example 2: Application to a chicken farm The chicken's life cycle on the farm: chick at 10 days, first and second growth phases at 21 days, maturity from day 32, and slaughter at 45 days, weighing between 1.8 and 2.3 kg. The feed is specific to each of the four phases. Chickens consume an average of 3.5 liters of water throughout their lives. These rearing cycles follow one another on the farm. We refer to figures 1 and 2. The GBS (Global Solids of the Farm) is determined in step 101. The data is sent to the computer 2, for example via interface 6. Samples of drinking water and solid feed are collected and then analyzed. The ratios of stable isotopes of the following elements (their presence on the farm has been determined by prior analyses, for example by mass spectrometry (MS) analysis of water, feed, soil, flesh, feathers, bones and / or feet) are calculated: - these 26 elements: Li, Be, B, F, Na, Mg, AI, Ca, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, As, Se, Rb, Sr, Mo, Rh, Pd, Ag, Cd, Te, Ba, TI, Pb, - these 15 rare earth elements: La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu. Measurements of SM in the invention in general, and in this example in particular, can be carried out using available methods, including: inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, or ICP-MS (in English: Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry), multi-collection plasma-source mass spectrometry, or MC-ICPMS (in English Multicollector-Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer) isotope-ratio mass spectrometry, or IRMS (Isotope-ratio mass spectrometry) spectrometry). LA-ICP / MS (Laser Ablation) LIBS (Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS). The TA is known or can be calculated in step 102 by feeding the animals on a cycle with determined ratios of stable isotopes of the indicated elements, followed by slaughter, meat sampling, and analysis by MS. The data is sent to the calculator 2, for example via interface 6. The calculator has in memory the unique codes that have been generated for other farms; this knowledge is identified during step 103 in Figure 2. By combining the data obtained in steps 101, 102, and 103, the calculator generates, in step 104, an isotope-based feed recipe and a feeding regimen that will allow this farm to produce hens with the unique code at slaughter. The feeding regimen can be tested, and the data stored in calculator 2, to correlate this regimen with the achievement of a stable isotope ratio of an element at slaughter at 45 days. Adjustments (particularly in content) can be made to obtain usable isotope ratios, i.e., with significant differences measurable by MS at slaughter at approximately 35 days. The computer generates the composition of the isotope feed and / or the feed regime, which the user can access, for example, from interface 6. Alternatively, the feed regime may have been determined in advance, and the computer indicates the composition of the isotope feed to the user. For chickens, a diet can be defined in which isotope-based feed constitutes the solid and liquid food for the week preceding slaughter, step 105. Example 3: As an example, for a chicken, we have: Added “Sr to the drinking water throughout the animal's life cycle” Zn was added during the 14 days preceding slaughter. The SM measurements yielded the following results: Example 4: Modeling labeling across multiple farms using different isotope ratios: We have 6 farms, farms A, B, C, and X with 90,000 hens per cycle, farm D with 300,000 hens per cycle, farm E with 120,000 hens per cycle. We chose to vary the isotope concentrations according to the following table. This equates to producing enough for 8 breeding cycles per year, in kg: Example 5: Isotopic identification of animals or plants This example illustrates the method for determining whether an animal or plant X originates from a breeding facility or farm that is part of the procedure for monitoring and identifying the invention, and for determining its precise origin, namely which breeding facility or farm in the world. We refer to figures 1 and 3. A sample of the animal or plant is taken in step 201 and subjected to mass spectrometry analysis of all elements and their stable isotopes in step 202. In step 203, the user enters the data from the obtained profile into the calculator 2 (or an interface with the mass spectrometer does so automatically, wired or wirelessly). The calculator then searches its data storage medium 4 to see if a recorded profile (unique code) is found in the profile obtained in step 204. If no correlation is found (205), the user is informed in step 206 that the tested animal or plant did not originate from a farm or breeding operation monitored and processed according to the invention. If a correlation is found (207), the calculator provides the user in step 208 with the precise identity of the farm or breeding operation from which the animal or plant originated. Example 6: Isotopic identification of chickens This example illustrates the method for determining whether a hen X originates from a farm that is part of the procedure for tracking and identifying the invention, and for determining its precise origin, namely which farm in the world. Reference is made to Figures 1 and 3. A meat sample is taken in step 201 and subjected to mass spectrometry analysis of all elements and their stable isotopes in step 202. In step 203, the user enters the data from the resulting profile into the computer 2 (or an interface with the mass spectrometer does so automatically, wired or wirelessly). The computer then searches its data storage medium 4 to see if a recorded profile (unique code) is found in the resulting profile in step 204. If no correlation is found (205), the user is informed in step 206 that the tested animal did not originate from a farm monitored and conditioned according to the invention. If a correlation is found (207), the computer provides the user in step 208 with the precise identity of the farm from which the animal came. This example concerns an entire animal from which a sample has been taken. This animal may, for example, have been taken from a stall, or a piece of meat that was packaged and sold as a piece may have been taken.The process can be applied in the same way to other animals or plants. Example 7: Internal marking with a unique code using stable isotopes of industrial broiler chickens. The unique internal code corresponds to the ingestion of isotopic markers by industrially raised broiler chickens. This unique code thus corresponds to a controlled variation of the markers throughout the chicken's body. These variations are determined by the quantity of markers ingested by the chicken. These quantities, for the same unique code, must be adjusted according to certain environmental criteria: The rearing conditions of industrial broiler chickens The route of ingestion of the markers The metabolism of these markers by the organism of industrial broiler chickens. In industrial conditions, broiler chickens are raised in an enclosed building, heated to between 20 and 30 °C, and under artificial light for 18 to 23 hours a day. Chicks arriving at the building are raised until they are 35 to 42 days old, reaching an average weight of between 1.8 and 2.2 kg. This information is compiled in Table 1: Table 1: Rearing conditions of ROSS 308 strain industrial broiler chickens (ROSS Broiler Chicken Management Manual, Aviagen, 2010) The markers can be ingested via drinking water or feed. In each case, the amount of markers to administer is calculated based on the initial concentration of the markers present in the water and feed. Another important factor in calculating the amount of markers to ingest is their metabolism / absorption by the chicken's body. Let's take zinc as an example under fixed conditions. Zinc will be added for 10 days, from day 24 to day 33, via drinking water or feed. The chicken will eat approximately 1.5 kg of feed with a zinc concentration of 85 mg / kg. It will drink approximately 2.6 L of water with a zinc concentration of 9 g / L. The total amount of zinc ingested during this period will be 127.73 mg / L. Zinc has five stable isotopes, the natural abundances of which are shown in Table 2. Let's choose zinc-68 as the marker to add, as its natural abundance is 18.75%. The total amount of zinc-68 provided through food and water is therefore 23.95 mg (18.75% * 127.7 mg). The amount to add depends on the target value chosen: in this example, it is 10 times the ®Zn / **Zn ratio. It is calculated using equation (1) based on the abundances of each isotope. In the case of complete homogenization of natural zinc and the marker, a modified average abundance of zinc 68 of 18.907% will be required for an addition of 0.25 mg over ten days. If the marker is metabolized more or less efficiently by the chicken than natural zinc, the amount of marker to be added will be recalculated, increasing or decreasing it accordingly.

Claims

Claims 1. Isotopic identification method enabling, where appropriate, a livestock animal or animal product to be linked to a specific livestock farm or subset of livestock, or a plant or plant product to a farm or field, by analysis of stable isotope concentration or ratios, including: a- in a sample from the animal / plant or product of an animal / plant to be identified, the measurement of concentrations (C2) or ratios (R2) of stable isotopes, then obtaining a profile of concentrations or ratios of these stable isotopes, b- the comparison of this profile with profiles recorded in a predefined model (M) containing in memory profiles in the form of unique codes each specific to a livestock or subset of livestock or to a farm or field, each unique code having been previously generated by the model (M) and applied uniquely to the animals of a livestock or to the plants of a farm or field by an isotopic feed delivered to these animals / plants so that, at the time of their slaughter / harvest, the concentrations or ratios of these stable isotopes in these animals / plants are substantially identical to the unique code, c- the conclusion that the animal / plant or product of an animal / plant to be identified has a profile substantially equal to a registered code and therefore an indication of the breeding / farm or field of origin, if, following the comparison, the profile corresponds to a registered profile and, otherwise, the conclusion that the animal / plant or product does not come from any breeding / farm or field whose code is registered in the model.

2. Method according to claim 1, in which, in step a-, the concentration or ratios of one or more, preferably all of the stable isotopes of the following chemical elements are measured: - at least 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, preferably all of the following elements: Li, Be, B, F, Na, Mg, Al, P, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, Ge, As, Se, Rb, Sr, Y, Zr, Nb, Mo, Rh, Pd, Ag, Cd, Sn, Sb, Te, I, Ba, Hf, Ta, W, Re, Ir, Hg, Tl, Pb, Bi, Pm, Th, - at least 5, 8, 12, preferably all of the following elements: La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu and / or, preferably and, -C, O, N, H, S.

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the predefined model (M) comprises the unique codes of livestock or farms or fields, defined by the concentration or ratios of one or more, preferably all of the stable isotopes of the following chemical elements as can be measured at the time of slaughter / harvest in the animals of these livestock / plants of these farms or fields: - at least 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, preferably all of the following elements: Li, Be, B, F, Na, Mg, Al, P, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, Ge, As, Se, Rb, Sr, Y, Zr, Nb, Mo, Rh, Pd, Ag, Cd, Sn, Sb, Te, I, Ba, Hf, Ta, W, Re, Ir, Hg, Tl, Pb, Bi, Pm, Th, - at least 5, 8, 12, preferably all of the following elements: La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu and / or, preferably and, -C, O, N, H, S.

4. Method according to claim 3, in which this unique code for a livestock or a farm or field has been determined by the predefined model (M), and imposed on the animals of the livestock or on the plants of the farm or field by the isotopic feed distributed so that this code is integrated by the animal at the time of its slaughter or the plant at the time of its harvest, in particular in accordance with the method according to any one of claims 5 to 13.

5. Method for imposing a unique code specific to the animals of a farm or a subset of a farm, or to the plants of a farm or field, including products, in particular food, derived from these animals or plants, this method being suitable for implementing the method according to one of claims 1 to 4, in which: i- the abundance of stable isotopes of several elements in the water of the farm and / or in the food provided to the farm and / or in the flesh, skin and / or bones of animals from the farm of at least one farming cycle, or in the water used to water the crop and / or in the plant of at least one farming cycle is analyzed, thus obtaining the basic geochemical signature (BGS) of the farm or subset of the farm, or of the farm or field, 2i- several elements having stable isotopes are selected from among those present in the SGB, animals or plants of this cycle or subsequent breeding or cultivation cycles are provided with an isotopic diet comprising a determined abundance (i.e. ratios of isotopes of the same element) of stable isotopes of the selected elements, this abundance being calculated taking into account the accumulation rate (AR) of these animals or plants, to confer at the time of slaughter of the animal or harvest of the plant and taking into account the SGB of the breeding or crop, a unique code to the animals or plants of this breeding, respectively crop.

6. Method according to claim 5, in which, in step i, the abundance of stable isotopes of several elements in the flesh, skin and / or bones of animals in the farm, or in the tissues of plants (stem, leaf and / or seeds) is analyzed, thus obtaining the SGB of the farm or crop, or the abundance of stable isotopes of several elements in the water and food used for the consumption of the animals is analyzed, thus obtaining the SGB of the farm or subset of farms.

7. Method according to claim 5 or 6, in which, in step 2i, a period is defined during which the animals receive the isotopic feed, so as to obtain, at the time of slaughter, animals having acquired the unique code specific to the farm or subset of farms.

8. Method according to one of claims 5 to 7, comprising, during a breeding or cultivation cycle, at least one analysis of the normal and / or isotopic diet, namely water and / or food, to detect a possible variation in the abundance of stable isotopes of the selected elements.

9. Method according to one of claims 5 to 8, comprising the use of an electronic calculator in which the unique codes specific to other farms or subsets of farms, or to other farms or fields, previously determined and recorded, are recorded, and / or in which the SGB of the farm or subset of farms, or of the farm or field concerned is recorded.

10. Method according to claim 9, in which the calculator stores the data of the TA of the animals of the breeding or of the subset, or of the plants, in particular according to the breeding conditions, respectively cultivation, and preferably is equipped with a computer program or an algorithm making it possible to establish a correlation between a variation in abundance of isotope elements and the feeding regime with the isotopic feed, for obtaining the unique code at the time of slaughter, respectively harvest.

11. Method according to claim 9 or 10, in which the calculator is equipped with a computer program or an algorithm allowing, from the SGB of the breeding or its subset or of the farm or field, and from the knowledge of the unique codes specific to other farms or subsets of farms, or other farms or fields, to calculate and propose to the user a variation in abundance of isotopes to define the isotopic feed and the feeding regime with this isotopic feed (i.e. duration and calendar in relation to the date of slaughter or harvest) to give the animals of the farm or subset of farms the unique code specific to the time of slaughter, respectively to the plants the unique code specific to the time of harvest.

12. Method according to one of claims 5 to 11, in which the unique code includes: - an isotopic signature of several rare elements, in particular at least 5, 8, 12, preferably all of the following elements: La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Dg, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu these rare elements being mainly associated with the geographical location of the livestock farm or field, in particular at the continental, country or regional level, an isotopic signature of one or more elements, in particular at least 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, preferably all of the elements Li, Be, B, F, Na, Mg, Al, P, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, Ge, As, Se, Rb, Sr, Y, Zr, Nb, Mo, Rh, Pd, Ag, Cd, Sn, Sb, Te, I, Ba, Hf, Ta, W, Re, Ir, Hg, Tl, Pb, Bi, Pm, Th, these being related to the identity of the livestock or its subset, or of the farm or field, and possibly of the animal or plant species, and an isotopic signature of the elements C, O, N, H, S.

13. Method according to one of claims 5 to 12, comprising the act of (a) feeding the animals of the farm or sub-group with an isotopic feed (solid and / or liquid) determined for this farm or sub-group, or (b) watering the plants of the farm or field with an isotopic water determined for this farm or field, comprising determined concentrations of stable isotopes of the following chemical elements: - at least 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, preferably all of the following elements: Li, Be, B, F, Na, Mg, Al, P, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, Ge, As, Se, Rb, Sr, Y, Zr, Nb, Mo, Rh, Pd, Ag, Cd, Sn, Sb, Te, I, Ba, Hf, Ta, W, Re, Ir, Hg, Tl, Pb, Bi, Pm, Th, - at least 5, 8, 12, preferably all of the following elements: La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, and / or, preferably and, -C, O, N, H, S, said unique code being reached at the time of slaughter of the animal, respectively of harvesting of the plants.

14. Method for imposing a code specific to the animals of a farm or a subset of a farm, including products, in particular food, derived from or prepared from these animals, this method being suitable for implementing the method according to one of claims 1 to 4, and comprising the act of feeding the animals of the farm or subset with a feed (solid and liquid) determined for this farm or subset, comprising determined concentrations of stable isotopes of the following chemical elements: - at least 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, preferably all of the following elements: Li, Be, B, F, Na, Mg, Al, P, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, Ge, As, Se, Rb, Sr, Y, Zr, Nb, Mo, Rh, Pd, Ag, Cd, Sn, Sb, I, Te, Ba, Hf, Ta, W, Re, Ir, Hg, Tl, Pb, Bi, Pm, Th, - at least 5, 8, 12, preferably all of the following elements: La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, and -C, O, N, H, S, said code being finalized at the time of slaughter of the animal. 15.-Information recording medium (4), containing executable instructions programmed to implement a method according to one of the preceding claims when these instructions are executed by an electronic computer. 16.-Electronic computer (2) for implementing the isotopic identification method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising a programmable logic unit (3) and an information recording medium (4) containing software instructions adapted to, when executed by the logic unit (3), implement steps of comparing a profile of concentrations or ratios of stable isotopes, of a sample from the animal / plant or the product of an animal / plant, in the form of concentrations (C2) or ratios (R2) of stable isotopes, with profiles recorded in the form of unique codes each specific to a livestock farm or subset of livestock or to a farm or field, and determining whether the animal / plant or the product of an animal / plant has a profile substantially equal to a recorded code and therefore indicating the livestock farm / farm or field of origin,or that the animal / plant or product does not come from any livestock / farm or field whose code is recorded in the model.,

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