Sampling device for storing at least one sample of animal tissue, corresponding method for collecting and system for identifying an animal

A method for comprising:

• collecting a sample of animal tissue, with a sampling device adapted to cooperate with a sampling member subsequent to collection of the sample of animal tissue, said sampling device comprising:
• a receiving tube designed for receiving said sample of animal tissue, containing at least one specific agent and comprising an inlet;
• a tube head removably attached to said inlet of said receiving tube and provided with a through channel ending in the receiving tube;
• and
• a closing element configured to take at least two positions:
• a first position, in which said closing element is held into said tube head so as to plug said through channel of said tube head, and
• a second position, in which said closing element is released into said receiving tube,
• wherein said tube head comprises
• a first part forming a flange capable of being supported on a rim of the receiving tube;
• a second part linked to said first part and adapted to be inserted into said receiving tube, said second part having a thickness less than a thickness of said first part;
• and
• a third part extending from said second part and forming an end of said tube head, said third part having a flared shape presenting a thickness less than said thickness of said second part,
• wherein the collecting comprises:
• applying the sampling member to an animal to obtain the sample of animal tissue of said animal;
• and
• inserting said sampling member into said sampling device.

A system for identifying an animal comprising:

• a tag for identifying an animal comprising:
• a male part comprising at least one sampling member to cut out a sample of animal tissue, said sampling member being detachably mounted within said male part;
• and
• a female part (40), and
• a sampling device for collecting the sample of animal tissue, said sampling device comprising:
• a receiving tube designed for receiving said sample of animal tissue, containing at least one specific agent and comprising an inlet;
• a tube head removably attached to said inlet of said receiving tube and provided with a through channel ending in the receiving tube;
• and
• a closing element configured to take at least two positions:
• a first position, in which said closing element is held into said tube head so as to plug said through channel of said tube head, and
• a second position, in which said closing element is released into said receiving tube;
• wherein said tube head comprises
• a first part forming a flange capable of being supported on a rim of the receiving tube;
• a second part linked to said first part and adapted to be inserted into said receiving tube, said second part having a thickness less than a thickness of said first part;
• and
• a third part extending from said second part and forming an end of said tube head, said third part having a flared shape presenting a thickness less than said thickness of said second part.