Example Applications - RFID: Fundamentals and Applications in Contactless Smart Cards and Identification - page 357

Figure 13.26 Injection of a transponder under the scutulum of a cow (reproduced by permis-
sion of Dr Georg Wendl, Landtechnischer Verein in Bayern e.V., Freising)
branch of the Technical University in Munich, has been investigating various injection
sites since 1989 (Kern, 1994). As a result of these studies, injection under the scutulum
is currently favoured over the use of the right ear, with the injection being directed
towards the occipital bone (Figure 13.26). According to findings of the Landanstalt,
this position is also suitable for measuring the animal's body temperature.
The so-called bolus is a very useful method of fitting the transponder. The bolus is
a transponder mounted in an acid resistant, cylindrical housing, which may be made
of a ceramic material. The bolus is deposited in the rumen, the omasum that is present
in all ruminants, via the gullet using a sensor. Under normal circumstances the bolus
remains in the stomach for the animal's entire lifetime. A particular advantage of this
method is the simple introduction of the transponder into the animal's body, and in
particular the fact that it does not cause any injury to the animal. The removal of
the bolus in the slaughter house is also simpler than the location and removal of an
injected transponder (Kern and Wendl, 1997). See Figures 13.27-13.30.
It is clear that the injected transponder and the bolus are the only foolproof iden-
tification systems available to stock keepers. A more detailed comparison of the two
systems (Kern and Wendl, 1997) shows that the bolus is particularly suited for use in
the extensive type of stock keeping that is prevalent in Australia or South America.
In intensive stock keeping methods, commonly used in central Europe, both systems
appear to be suitable. The degree to which bolus, injection or even RFID ear tags
will become the industry standard means of identification remains to be seen. See
Geers et al. (1997), Kern (1997) and Klindtworth (1998) for further information on
the material in this section.
13.6.2 Carrier pigeon races
Participating in races is a significant part of carrier pigeon breeding. In these races,
hundreds of pigeons are released at the same place and time, at a location a long