WO2020226492A1

WO2020226492A1 - Device and container for keeping poultry

Info

Publication number: WO2020226492A1
Application number: PCT/NL2020/050285
Authority: WO
Inventors: Marco Theodorus KEURSTEN
Original assignee: Make-It Agri Solutions B.V.
Priority date: 2019-05-06
Filing date: 2020-05-04
Publication date: 2020-11-12
Also published as: NL2023078B1

Abstract

A device for keeping poultry comprises an accommodation with a perch (5) which is accessible to a poultry animal and provides the animal with a perching space above a floor level (1) during darkness. From a hiding place (15), particularly for red bird mite (Dermanyssus gallinae), the perching space can be reached by ectoparasites via a migration path running at least partially over the perch (5). Between the perching space (5) for the poultry animal and the hiding place (15) a barrier (20) is provided in the migration path, which barrier provides for at least one repellent effective against said ectoparasites. The repellent is here particularly situated in a practical container.

Description

Device and container for keeping poultry

The present invention relates to a device for keeping poultry, comprising an

accommodation with a perch which is accessible to a poultry animal and provides the animal with at least one perching space above a floor level during darkness, and comprising a hiding place for ectoparasites, particularly for red bird mite ( Dermanyssus gallina^, wherein the at least one perching space can be reached from the hiding place for ectoparasites via a migration path, this migration path running at least partially over the perch.

Although not exclusively, this involves in particular the keeping of chickens, both as a hobby and mainly also for intensive poultry farming. The animals are usually kept in a coop or poultry house, wherein one or more perches on which the animals spend the night are provided at a height. This fits with the natural behaviour of chickens, who will often find a safe place to sleep on a branch in a tree during darkness.

Ectoparasites infestation is a common complaint in the keeping of poultry. This mainly involves the red bird mite (Dermanyssus gallina^, also referred to colloquially as blood mite. Blood mite is the most common parasite in chickens. A blood mite measures between 0.1 and 1 mm and can be recognized by its red colour, which also gives it its nickname. A blood mite progresses through five life stages: The blood mite starts off as an egg. After three days, the larva hatches from the egg. Two days later, the first nymph stage is reached (Protonymph), and after two more days the nymph develops and reaches the Deutonymph stage. Two days later, the blood mite reaches adulthood and after two days can start laying eggs itself, closing the circle. The total life cycle is thus eleven days, wherein this number of days otherwise greatly depends on the ambient temperature. All stages, except for the eggs, die at temperatures above 40 degrees and below 3 degrees. They thrive best at temperatures above 25 degrees Celsius and at an air humidity from 40%; in short, in summer conditions. An adult blood mite lives for about thirty days and lays about eight eggs per day. The eggs can still hatch up to two years later. It is particularly this latter fact that makes controlling blood mites so difficult and unrelenting.

Blood mites can have serious consequences for the condition of the animals. An adult blood mite fills itself up with the blood of its prey about once every eight days. Because a blood mite never feeds off just one and the same animal, a blood mite causes cross contamination and, over time, serious anaemia in the animals. In addition to the blood deficiency the bites furthermore cause serious irritation, and blood mites can spread diseases such as Virulent Newcastle disease. If nothing is done about a blood mite infestation, the animals' health will seriously deteriorate, which will become manifest in, among other things, decreased egg production. Eventually, the animal can even die as a result of a blood mite infestation. Blood mite is however not only harmful to chickens and other poultry; the small mites can also cause skin irritation in people and, in rare cases, have also transmitted disease.

Researchers have shown that blood mites can transmit diseases such as pasteurellosis, Lyme disease and Q fever when they come into contact with the blood of humans. They can also spread avian influenza. It is possible to envisage Dermanyssus gallinae adapting to humans or other mammals as host on an increasing scale. It has been determined that the blood mites can survive for some time in the direct vicinity of people, rodents, rabbits, horses and pets. The spread of blood mites worldwide is a serious problem. In Europe, the great majority of poultry farms is battling blood mites. In the Dutch laying hen sector 94% of farms is "infected". The mites can survive for some time in manure and cadavers.

Numerous precautions are proposed for preventing an ectoparasite infestation. A common method with animals kept as a hobby is to spread hygroscopic earth or tobacco leaf in the coop. The hygroscopic action of the earth sucks the parasites dry, whereby they will die, and tobacco leaf gives off a scent which keeps the mites away. These methods are however less suitable, and generally too labour-intensive, for intensive poultry farming. In addition, the spread hygroscopic earth causes irritation of the airways, and this method is therefore on the so-called RUB list of substances which require a safety assessment before being allowed to be put on the market.

Chemical pest control with insecticides has been found particularly effective. For this, the animal accommodation is emptied and swept clean thoroughly. The floors, walls and the rest of the interior are then sprayed with the substance. In this respect, the substance Exzolt received a positive recommendation from the European commission for veterinary products. It may be used with chickens for controlling blood mites. The substance, having as its main ingredient fluralaner, can be dissolved in water and kills 99% of the mites without any waiting time. If it is used correctly, the eggs of treated chickens are allegedly safe for consumption.

The latter was found not to be the case with another commercially available substance on the basis of fipronil. After causing the so-called fipronil eggs contamination crisis, the use of this substance was banned after it was found that the substance had also been detected in eggs, intended for human consumption, from chickens from poultry houses treated therewith. Fluralaner, the active substance in Exzolt, is an isoxazoline ectoparasiticide. Just as fipronil, this is known mainly as a precaution against fleas for dogs and cats. It remains to be seen how much longer it will take for this agent also to be detected in eggs and, just as fipronil, cause a contamination crisis.

The present invention therefore has for its object, among others, to provide a device for keeping poultry in which the incidence, spread and proliferation of ectoparasites, particularly Dermanyssus gaHina ), can be prevented in effective manner without it posing a risk to the human food chain.

A device of the type stated in the preamble has for this purpose the feature according to the invention that between the at least one perching space for the poultry animal and the hiding place a barrier is provided in the migration path, which barrier provides for at least one repellent effective against said ectoparasites. The invention is here based on the insight that a blood mite is a light-avoiding animal and is largely nocturnal. After feeding, blood mites crawl into gaps or seams, these serving as hiding places. During darkness, when the chickens are perched, the blood mites appear in search of their prey. In the device according to the invention they will then encounter along the way a barrier which crosses the migration path to the animals. This barrier comprises at least one repellent against the mites, and thus cannot be crossed by the mites. The mites can thereby no longer reach their host/prey, and will eventually die from lack of nourishment. The invention thus provides a particularly animal-friendly and environmentally friendly measure to control or at least contain an ectoparasite infestation in a poultry environment.

In order to prevent the animals from coming into contact with the repellent a preferred embodiment of the device has the feature according to the invention that the barrier comprises a container which is impenetrable to the poultry and in which the at least one repellent is received. The repellent is thus safely out of reach of the animals, so that it poses no danger whatsoever to public health. The device is here particularly characterized in that the container comprises a chamber which can be refilled with the repellent. In that case, as an alternative to a new container which would otherwise be arranged in such a case, the container can simply be reloaded as soon as the effect of the repellent is at risk of diminishing. The container is preferably employed at a strategic position in the device in order to limit the overall number of containers in the device. In that respect a particular embodiment of the device has the feature according to the invention that the perch extends from an upright, wherein the container is arranged inside a coupling between the upright and the perch. The container is here situated at an intersection between the perch and the upright, which usually also leads to a perch lying above and/or below, and an adjacent perch. Hereby, all these paths will be crossed by the container and parasites furthermore driven away from this intersection, which would otherwise serve as a welcome hiding place.

In a particularly practical embodiment the device according to the invention is

characterized in that the container comprises a passage with a wall which is closed all around and which lies close-fittingly along a periphery of the perch. The perches for the animals are generally directly accessible, so that the container can be arranged in relatively simple manner. The container here fits closely, i.e. without gaps, onto an (outer) periphery of the perch, so that the parasites are unable to find an unrestricted route around or through the barrier. This also provides the animals sitting on the perch with a relatively direct protection in that the parasites are thus repelled from the perch in effective manner. In order to facilitate the placing or replacing of the container on a perch a further preferred embodiment of the device has the feature according to the invention that the container comprises at least two container parts which are connected releasably to each other and which each provide a part of the wall of the passage. The two container parts here fit in simple manner round or over the perch which is enclosed therebetween. A certain clamping is preferably applied here in order to ensure a gapless connection. The two parts are otherwise connected releasably to each other, for instance by a snap connection or clamping fit active therebetween, so that the container can also be removed again in simple manner after use or for the purpose of being refilled, without having to remove the perch itself.

A particular embodiment of the device according to the invention has the feature that the perch comprises a U-profile with a profile cavity which extends between a bottom and opposite legs of the U-profile, and that the container protrudes with close fit in the profile cavity. The container protrudes here mainly in the profile cavity so that a migration path via the profile cavity is crossed by the barrier. Light-avoiding parasites, such as particularly bird mite, usually prefer a path via this cavity, since it guards against ambient light. Placing the container precisely (also) in this cavity is thereby a particularly effective measure against a bird mite migration.

The repellent applied within the scope of the invention can be of diverse nature, the same being true for the effect thereof on the parasites. In a first particular embodiment the device according to the invention is characterized in this respect in that the repellent comprises a repelling scent, particularly a scent in tobacco leaf. It has been found that a number of scents, such as for instance those in tobacco leaf, have a particularly strong and effective repulsive effect on bird mites. Bird mites avoid this scent, and thus stay away instead of continuing on the migration path they may have set out on. The scent is otherwise completely animal-friendly and, if packaged in the above described container, inaccessible to the animals. There is therefore no risk to the animals or to public health.

In a further particular embodiment the device according to the invention is characterized in that the repellent comprises a hygroscopic substance, particularly calcium oxide, diatomaceous earth or silicate, as granules or as optionally compressed powder. The barrier function is here based on the hygroscopic action of the applied granules or powder. As soon as the parasites come into contact therewith or enter the vicinity thereof they dry out, and will die. The parasites will avoid this effect, and thus stay away instead of continuing on the migration path they may have set out on. It does not however harm the poultry itself. There is therefore no risk to the animals or to public health. Instead of or in addition to such a chemical or olfactory action it is also possible to put up a physical deterrent against parasites. A particular embodiment of the device according to the invention in this respect has the feature that the deterrent comprises a light source which is configured to emit a lighting effect directed at the hiding place. This variant can be applied particularly against bird mites and other light-avoiding ectoparasites. They avoid the light that the light source emits and thus stay away instead of continuing on the migration path they may have set out on. With a view to a continuous electrical power supply of the light source, a further preferred embodiment has the feature here that the light source comprises a light-emitting diode (LED) and that the container also comprises an electrical power source for the light source in the form of a rechargeable battery which is coupled to a photovoltaic charging device. The container thus provides its own power supply. The photovoltaic device can moreover be utilized to thereby switch the light source. In this respect a further particular embodiment of the device according to the invention has the feature that the light source can be switched by a switch unit, which switch unit switches at a predetermined threshold value of a charging current generated by the charging device. When there is sufficient ambient light, and so charging current, the switch unit switches the light source off here in order to thus save energy when the light-avoiding parasites are hiding and are not moving. Below a determined light level, corresponding to the threshold value in the charging current which is then lower, a danger arises of the parasites migrating, and the switch unit switches on the light source. The threshold value can here be adjustable if desired.

The invention also relates to a container for use with a perch in an accommodation for poultry, comprising a passage which is open on either side and has a wall which is closed all around and fits closely along a periphery of the perch, and is particularly configured to lie clampingly thereagainst, and comprising at least one repellent active against ectoparasites. In a preferred embodiment the container according to the invention is here characterized in that the container comprises at least two mutually releasable container parts which enclose the perch therebetween in fitting manner, and particularly lie clampingly thereagainst.

The invention will be further elucidated hereinbelow with reference to an exemplary embodiment and an accompanying drawing. In the drawing:

Figure 1 shows a relevant part of an exemplary embodiment of a device according to the invention;

Figure 2 shows a front view of a first embodiment of a container according to the invention, applicable in the device of figure 1;

Figure 3 shows a front view of a second embodiment of a container according to the invention, applicable in the device of figure 1;

Figure 4 shows a cross-section along the line IV-IV in figure 2 of the container shown therein; and

Figure 5 shows a front view of a third embodiment of a container according to the invention, applicable in the device of figure 1.

It is otherwise noted here that the figures are purely schematic and not always drawn to (the same) scale. Some dimensions in particular may be exaggerated to greater or lesser extent for the sake of clarity. Corresponding parts are designated in the figures with the same reference numeral.

The structure shown in figure 1 forms part of an accommodation, such as a poultry house, in which poultry is kept. In this example this involves a poultry farm for laying hens. The figure shows here the part on which the animals sit at night. Chickens naturally tend to choose a position at a height above floor level during darkness, in nature for instance a branch of a tree or a forest stand. In order to make provision for this the accommodation comprises a number of perches 5 extending horizontally between successive uprights 10 at a height above a free-range floor 1. Although the designation perch might suggest that they are manufactured from wood, use is therefor in practice predominantly made of stainless steel or preserved steel. The same is true for uprights 10. Uprights 10 and perches 5 engage in each other along a system of slots and wings applied therein, so that a structure with a desired size and construction can thereby be erected. Couplings 15, with the laterally extending perches 5, are here situated on the uprights 10 at different heights.

The gaps and grooves in these couplings are ideal hiding places for ectoparasites, such as particularly the bird mite Dermanyssus gaHina ), i.e. blood mite. They avoid light and, at dawn, will look for a safe, dark refuge in a hidden location, such as inside couplings 15. The animals will thereby not be affected, or hardly so, by bird mites during the day and will only begin to be beset and bothered thereby again once they take up position on perch 5 in the evening.

In order to prevent this, a barrier 20 is according to the invention put up in a migration path between the hiding place 15 of the blood mites and the location of the animals on perch 5 at night. The barrier provides for at least one deterrent against the ectoparasites, such that the parasites can and will no longer reach the animals from their hiding place. Eventually, the parasite will thereby be deprived of the nutrients necessary for its survival, and the parasites will die. At the same time, the chickens will remain free from these same parasites, which will significantly enhance the condition, the well-being and the willingness to lay eggs of the animals.

The barrier can take different forms and can be of diverse nature. Opted for in this example is a box-like container, see figures 2 and 3, from two parts 21, 22 which can be arranged round perch 5. The two parts 21, 22 provide for this purpose a passage in which perch 5 is received fittingly, and clampingly to some extent. The embodiment of figure 2 is fundamentally intended for perches 5 which are formed from a U-profile, wherein the passage has a corresponding U-shape with substantially the same or slightly smaller dimensions with a view to a narrow, gapless enclosure of perch 5 along the whole periphery thereof. Figure 3 shows a similar container which is suitable for both hollow and solid cylindrical perches 5 and therefore provides a round recess. It will be apparent that by adapting the passage in the container to fit a specific profile being applied as perch, this for instance having an optionally solid polygonal cross-section, a sufficiently close fit therebetween can always be realized in practice. The two parts 21, 22 of the container are or can be connected releasably to each other in that suitable connecting means (not shown) such as a snap connection, a close fitting or an adhesion are provided

therebetween.

One of the parts 21, 22 of the box-like container of figure 2 is shown in cross-section in figure 4. The container of figure 3 is shown in similar cross-section. The container can for instance be formed from a suitable plastic, such as polyethylene or polypropylene, by injection moulding. This involves essentially two parts, i.e. a dish-like bottom 23 and a cover 25 connecting thereto. Inside these is situated a chamber which is filled with an adequate repellent 30, such as for instance a repellent scent or a hygroscopic material. In this example use is made for the filling 30 of tobacco leaf, the odour of which has been shown to keep away ectoparasites, such as particularly bird mite. Cover 25 comprises a large number of perforations, and thereby has breathing properties. The scent can thus exit, but the filling 30 cannot be reached by the animals. Irrespective of the nature and composition of the filling the animals can thus be prevented from coming into contact therewith, and the substance from being able to end up in the food chain, for instance via eggs. The cover 25 fits clampingly inside bottom 23, whereby the container is optionally refil lable by removing cover 25, replenishing the filling 30 and replacing cover 25. If desired, a breathable film can also be applied between the filling as a filter in order to also enable fine powders and granules to be used as filling. An application is here for instance diatomaceous earth, quicklime or silica gel in the form of powder or granules. The strong hygroscopic action thereof sucks the parasites dry as soon as they move over the surface of container 20, which has a lethal or at least deterrent effect on the parasites. Together with cover 25, the filter in this case also ensures that the content 30 remains out of reach of the animals and does not come into contact with them. In addition to or instead of such an olfactory or chemical effect on the parasites, it is also possible to make use of an optical deterrent by means of light. Figure 5 gives an example of this. Use is here made of the fact that bird mites avoid light. In this case container 20 comprises a light source 35 which emits a lighting effect in the direction of the hiding place of the parasites. For this purpose such containers 20 can be pushed into the profile cavity of a U-profile. Not only the perches 5 but the uprights too are in many cases formed from a U-profile, and are thus suitable for this application. In this respect the container shown here is advantageously applied in or at the coupling so that parasites will not linger there.

Light source 35 comprises a light-emitting diode and shines into the profile cavity in which the migration path of the parasites runs. Light source 35 is fed by a rechargeable battery, which is likewise accommodated in container 20. The container further comprises a photovoltaic cell which provides the battery with a charging current during daylight. A switch unit in the container registers this charging current and switches the light source 35 on as soon as the charging current drops below a predetermined threshold value.

Although the invention has been further elucidated above with reference to only a single exemplary embodiment, it will be apparent that the invention is by no means limited thereto. On the contrary, many variations and embodiments are still possible within the scope of the invention for a person with ordinary skill in the art. Instead of being embodied as a refil lable cartridge, the container can thus also be configured for single use. In such a case the cover will not be releasable, but will be connected practically non-releasably to the bottom by means of for instance clamping, glueing or melting into a whole. Said materials are also given solely by way of example, and other plastics and non-plastics are also suitable within the scope of the invention. In addition to light, odour and a hygroscopic action, other mechanisms can also be employed as a deterrent against parasites and as such be put up as according to the invention as a barrier in a migration path of the parasites to the location of the animals on the perch.

Claims

Claims:

1. Device for keeping poultry, comprising an accommodation with a perch which is accessible to a poultry animal and provides the animal with at least one perching space above a floor level during darkness, and comprising a hiding place for ectoparasites, particularly for red bird mite Dermanyssus gaHina ), wherein the at least one perching space can be reached from the hiding place for ectoparasites via a migration path, this migration path running at least partially over the perch, characterized in that between the at least one perching space for the poultry animal and the hiding place a barrier is provided in the migration path, which barrier provides for at least one repellent effective against said ectoparasites.

2. Device according to claim 1 , characterized in that the barrier comprises a container which is impenetrable to the poultry and in which the at least one repellent is received.

3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the container comprises a chamber which can be refilled with the repellent.

4. Device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the perch extends from an upright, wherein the container is arranged inside a coupling between the upright and the perch.

5. Device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the container comprises a passage with a wall which is closed all around and which lies close-fittingly along a periphery of the perch.

6. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that the container comprises at least two container parts which are connected releasably to each other and which each provide a part of the wall of the passage.

7. Device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the perch comprises a LI- profile with a profile cavity which extends between a bottom and opposite legs of the U- profile, and that the container protrudes with close fit in the profile cavity.

8. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the repellent comprises a repelling scent, particularly a scent in tobacco leaf.

9. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the repellent comprises a hygroscopic substance, particularly calcium oxide, diatomaceous earth or silicate, as granules or as optionally compressed powder.

10. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the deterrent comprises a light source which is configured to emit a lighting effect directed at the hiding place.

1 1. Device according to claim 10, characterized in that the light source comprises a light-emitting diode (LED) and that the container also comprises an electrical power source for the light source in the form of a rechargeable battery which is coupled to a

photovoltaic charging device.

12. Device according to claim 1 1, characterized in that the light source can be switched by a switch unit, which switch unit switches at a predetermined threshold value of a charging current generated by the charging device.

13. Container for use with a perch in an accommodation for poultry, comprising a passage which is open on either side and has a wall which is closed all around and fits closely along a periphery of the perch, and is particularly configured to lie clampingly thereagainst, and comprising at least one repellent active against ectoparasites.

14. Container according to claim 13, characterized in that the container comprises at least two mutually releasable container parts which enclose the perch therebetween in fitting manner, and particularly lie clampingly thereagainst.