Animal identification system and related methods

A method for manufacturing a tag, the method comprising:

• forming a set of perforations along a perimeter of a rectilinear panel, the set of perforations extending through the rectilinear panel between an inner face and an outer face of the rectilinear panel;
• overmolding a tag housing around the perimeter of the rectilinear panel and through the set of perforations in the rectilinear panel:
• defining a body supporting the inner face of the rectilinear panel;
• defining a rim traversing an edge of the rectilinear panel and extending through the set of perforations in the rectilinear panel;
• and
• defining a barb extending from the body of the tag housing;
• engraving an optical digital identifier on the outer face of the rectilinear panel at a distance away from the rim;
• and
• loading the tag into a tag receptacle of a tray, via an applicator, by locating the barb coaxial with a tag receiver of a corresponding backing plate.