AU2020480981A1 - Arrangement, bolus, tag and method for monitoring the physiological state of an animal - Google Patents

Arrangement, bolus, tag and method for monitoring the physiological state of an animal Download PDF

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AU2020480981A1
AU2020480981A1 AU2020480981A AU2020480981A AU2020480981A1 AU 2020480981 A1 AU2020480981 A1 AU 2020480981A1 AU 2020480981 A AU2020480981 A AU 2020480981A AU 2020480981 A AU2020480981 A AU 2020480981A AU 2020480981 A1 AU2020480981 A1 AU 2020480981A1
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Prior art keywords
bolus
animal
tag
temperature
conductivity
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AU2020480981A
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Santiago DEBAISIEUX
Fabian Alfredo MOLINENGO
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Caravan Tech LLC
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Caravan Tech LLC
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    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/07Endoradiosondes
    • A61B5/073Intestinal transmitters
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01KANIMAL HUSBANDRY; CARE OF BIRDS, FISHES, INSECTS; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
    • A01K11/00Marking of animals
    • A01K11/001Ear-tags
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01KANIMAL HUSBANDRY; CARE OF BIRDS, FISHES, INSECTS; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
    • A01K11/00Marking of animals
    • A01K11/006Automatic identification systems for animals, e.g. electronic devices, transponders for animals
    • A01K11/007Boluses
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01KANIMAL HUSBANDRY; CARE OF BIRDS, FISHES, INSECTS; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
    • A01K29/00Other apparatus for animal husbandry
    • A01K29/005Monitoring or measuring activity, e.g. detecting heat or mating
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/01Measuring temperature of body parts ; Diagnostic temperature sensing, e.g. for malignant or inflamed tissue
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/03Detecting, measuring or recording fluid pressure within the body other than blood pressure, e.g. cerebral pressure; Measuring pressure in body tissues or organs
    • A61B5/031Intracranial pressure
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/05Detecting, measuring or recording for diagnosis by means of electric currents or magnetic fields; Measuring using microwaves or radio waves 
    • A61B5/053Measuring electrical impedance or conductance of a portion of the body
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61BDIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/103Detecting, measuring or recording devices for testing the shape, pattern, colour, size or movement of the body or parts thereof, for diagnostic purposes
    • A61B5/11Measuring movement of the entire body or parts thereof, e.g. head or hand tremor, mobility of a limb
    • A61B5/1118Determining activity level

Abstract

An arrangement, an ingestible bolus, a communications interface tag, and a process to monitor the physiological parameters of an animal to determine its health status and provide information for the optimization of livestock management. The ingestible bolus is housed in the stomach of the ruminant and typically comprises multiple sensors such as a temperature sensor, motion sensors, and in particular a conductivity sensor that allows highly accurate measurements of the animal's physiological parameters (such as food intake, water, the absence of diseases, etc.). The tag communicates with the bolus and relays the signals to the wireless communications network to a gateway-type communications interface, which in turn transmits and receives data communications to and from "the cloud." Users communicate with the cloud from one or more remote terminals. The invention includes the above mentioned elements and a monitoring software resident in the remote terminals and in the cloud. The process of the invention comprises the testing and monitoring stages carried out by the arrangement.

Description

ARRANGEMENT, BOLUS, TAG AND METHOD FOR MONITORING THE PHYSIOLOGICAL STATE OF AN ANIMAL
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to an arrangement, a bolus, a tag, and a method for monitoring the physiological state of an animal for determining the state of health and providing information for optimizing livestock management.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Several documents related to the technical subject matter of the present invention are known.
[0003] Document CA2820857 (Al) refers to an apparatus for controlling a milking animal during milking of the animal. The apparatus includes a series of productivity sensors, each of which measures at least one indicator of animal productivity. Various temperature sensors, which include at least two thermographic cameras, measure the heat output from different processing areas of the milking animal. A processor receives the heat outputs and productivity indicators, and uses a combination of these to determine the condition of the milking animal. The condition is indicated in real time on the monitoring device. Another sensor described in this document is an electrical conductivity sensor to measure the milk conductivity in the udder. Figure 3 illustrates a possible data view that includes three trend lines for electrical conductivity, udder temperature, and performance over time for data obtained for an individual animal. When comparing trend lines, it can be seen that the udder temperature increases, along with an eventual increase in electrical conductivity and a decrease in milk yield. However, the cited document does not anticipate the technique of the present invention because in the document the measured media is milk instead of intraruminal saliva, the place of measurement is the udder instead of the stomach, the variation in conductivity is due to the contribution of salts due to cellular breakdown in the milk instead of the generation of saliva in the stomach and the result is to detect a possible infection of the udder instead of an ingestion of the animal. Also, the drawback of the method of the cited document is that only the animal's milk productivity can be monitored, not other parameters of interest or diseases that are not associated with the cow's udder can de detected because it doesnot describe using a conductivity sensor inside de rumen and also fails to disclose that the conductivity measurement is carried out using alternate current.
[0004] Document NL1008840 (C2) describes a dairy animal management system using sensors to allow the identification of individual cows and certain features such as milk temperature and conductivity to measure the animal's health. In addition, it uses an olfactory sensor to detect the level of acetone in the animal's breathing, so that the central computer can record the presence of a metabolic disorder that can occur in the stomach of a ruminant. The acetone sensor could alternatively be located in a feeding or irrigation station or in the separation unit. However, the document does not describe the sensing of conductivity in the stomach of cattle to determine physiological parameters.
[0005] Document US2018310885A1 discloses a method of managing bovine diseases that includes receiving the bioinformation of a cow from a biosensor capsule provided in the cow's stomach, determining the state of health of the cow by analyzing the bioinformation and transmitting information associated with the state cow health to a user who manages the cow. The determination may include determining a heat state or a supply state of the cow based on the angular velocity information, acceleration information and stomach temperature information and the stomach PH information. Temperature and methane gas formation can also be measured. In addition, a biosensor capsule is provided that includes a configured weight to allow the biosensor capsule to be provided at a predetermined location in the body of a cow, a plurality of sensors configured to obtain bioinformation from the cow, and a configured communication to transmit bioinformation. The communication module may be a long-range communication module (LORA). Sensors may include an acceleration sensor configured to detect an acceleration value of the cow's stomach, a gyro sensor configured to detect a value of angular velocity of the stomach of the cow, a temperature sensor configured to detect a cow's stomach temperature value, a methane sensor configured to detect the amount of methane gas generated in the cow's stomach, and a pH sensor configured to detect the pH level of the cow's stomach. The biosensor capsule includes a plurality of sensors, for example, an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, a temperature sensor, a methane sensor, and a potential hydrogen (PH) sensor, a battery, a weight, a communication module, and an antenna. The communication module and antenna can be used to communicate between the biosensor capsule and the disease management server. The biosensor capsule can transmit the bioinformation to the disease management server by accessing a communication network within a distance of 20 km through the communication module. The sensors can be integrated into a printed circuit board (PCB). Furthermore, the communication module and I or the antenna can also be integrated into the PCB. However, the arrangement of the cited document does not describe the sensing of the conductivity in the stomach of cattle to determine physiological parameters.
[0006] Document US2017215763A1 describes an ingestible bolus, which includes specialized detection components for monitoring animals. The bolus includes a unique identification number, a magnetic field sensor to detect an estimated magnetic field at any point on Earth at any given time, and at least one data transmission device to send the collected data to a data center. The bolus detects, receives and transmits the unique identification number, the parameters of the magnetic field at any given point and the physiological parameters that include, among others, the animal's central temperature to a data center or a centralized location for further analysis. . The bolus further comprises a radio frequency transponder and a radio frequency antenna to send data including unique ID, location, and physiological parameters to the data center. In addition to the magnetic field sensor, the animal's location is identified using the global positioning system (GPS) and I or differential GPS. The ingestible bolus comprises one or more GPS sensors capable of transmitting GPS coordinates to a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver. Therefore, the ingestible bolus of the cited document uses the advantage of both the GPS system and the magnetic field location system to obtain an even more accurate location of the animal. The data center at a centralized location comprises a computing environment with at least one processing unit that is equipped with a control unit and an Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), a memory unit, a storage unit, a plurality of network devices and a plurality of inputs Output devices (I / O). Software that has an algorithm for manipulating the plurality of information received from the plurality of sensors within the bolus is stored within the storage unit and made available to the memory unit during the execution of the software. The processing unit is responsible for processing the algorithm instructions by receiving commands from the control unit. Also, any logical and arithmetic operations involved in executing the instructions are computed with the help of the ALU. However, the cited document does not describe the sensing of the conductivity in the stomach of cattle to determine physiological parameters.
[0007] Document WO2017184096 (Al) describes a telemetric data logger, which enables power generation changes to be connected to the pH level in the rumen through the electrolysis method and thus avoiding the calibration requirement of the pH meter, and includes the electrolysis that turns the system to be autochargeable, thanks to the electrolysis procedure. This telemetric data logger includes a thermometer, electrolysis tips, three-dimensional accelerometer, and RFID in the transmitter, and allows ruminants to swallow transmitters to be placed on the stomach less frequently due to their long duration and their own charge allowing the collection of long-term data. Through the electrolysis tips the conduction capacity caused by changes in acidity within the rumen is measured, and the course of change of the rumen pH levels is monitored according to the current changes during the electrolysis. The circuit in the device continuously measures the electrical generation by electrolysis and records the trend. In addition, the energy generated will also be used to charge the internal battery of the device to run the process and the sensors as well as transmit the collected data to the external reader (s) with the desired frequencies (data transmission every 15 minutes or 30 minutes or 1 hour , etc.). Possible rumen displacements and disorders are detected by means of a three-dimensional accelerometer by measuring the frequency of the rumen spasm. However, the device of the cited document is based on an electrolysis process using direct current that takes advantage of dissolved hydrogen ions as a change factor. The problem that appears is that it affects the medium and the measurement in itself (as clarified in the same document indicating that they can regulate the PH). In short, it can be stated that this method uses the rumen as a battery, and according to its capacity to generate energy, it can calculate the PH. From what is described, it seems to be a more theoretical than practical development because it is very likely that salts form tartar around the electrodes, interfering with electrical conduction. Instead, the present invention uses alternating current and measures the concentration of salts (as electrolytes) in which the impedance or conductance of the medium is measured without affecting the media. Although the PH is an important parameter, the conductivity measurement allows to quickly read food and water intakes without risks for the animal and also the usage of alternating current ensures that there is no directed migration of electrons, ions or salts, thus avoiding its deposition on the electrodes. [0008] Document US2009182207 (Al) describes an arrangement in which the bolus wireless communication means may comprise a wireless transmitter and I or receiver operating at 900 MHZ or some other suitable radio frequency (RF). One or more wireless transponders can be implemented to increase the range of communications from the bolus to the base station. The bolus may comprise one or more sensors to detect one or more features of the animal. In this embodiment, the bolus can wirelessly transmit the data of the features of the monitored animals to the base station. Monitored animal features can include physiological features, such as animal temperature, stomach pH, blood pH, heart rate, respiration, stomach contractions, and the like. Monitored animal features may also include non-physiological features, such as movement and I or movement activity, animal location, and the like. The temperature sensor may comprise a thermistor, thermocouples, or a platinum resistance thermometer, or the like. The bolus may comprise a wireless communication module. The communication module may comprise a transceiver. The bolus may comprise one or more accelerometers can detect the movement of the animal and I or the activity features of the movement, including, among others: the distance traveled by the animal; frequency of movement of animals; speed of movement of animals; and the like. The accelerometer can be a three-axis accelerometer capable of detecting animal movements and I or movement activities in each of the Cartesian "x", "y" and "z" axes. A GPS receiver can also be used to detect the animal's position, and the animal's movement, and I or the animal's movement characteristic. Furthermore, the bolus can comprise the power source coupled to each of the sensors, the communication module that includes the data transmitter and data receiver, processor, memory unit, and any other bolus components that consume power. The power source may comprise a battery energy storage device, such as a lithium ion battery, a lead-acid battery, a nickel-cadmium or similar battery. In another embodiment, the power source may comprise a generator which may comprise a piezoelectric generator or a mass generator I alternator to generate energy from the movement and I or movement or vibration activity of the bolus within a host animal. However, the arrangement of the cited document does not describe the sensing of the conductivity in the stomach of cattle to determine physiological parameters.
[0009] Document ES2197399 (T3) refers to an ingestible bolus that, when swallowed by the ruminant, serves to detect and transmit information, including the internal temperature of the ruminant. Estrus (BRES) can collect bovine data in real time and, using a low power RF radio, can transmit the collected data to a receiver that acts as a data portal to a server. The ingestible bolus includes a sensor that detects the physiological parameters of an animal. According to one embodiment, a temperature sensor, such as a high precision monolithic temperature sensor, is used to obtain the internal temperature of the animal. Other physiological parameters can be captured with the incorporation of sensors such as electrical pH sensors, sensors to control other chemical components susceptible to reduction-oxidation reactions, pressure sensors and similar sensors. However, the arrangement of the cited document does not describe the sensing of the conductivity in the stomach of cattle to determine physiological parameters.
[00010] Document US2003205208 (Al) describes a method for monitoring the physiological status and I or suitability of ruminant animal feeding, by: detecting the actions of the animal that indicate ruminant activity; and accumulating the time of detected actions indicating rumination activity over a predetermined period of time to provide an indication of the animal's physiological condition. Mastication and regurgitation actions are detected by a sound sensor in the animal's neck. Regurgitations can also be detected by a bolus sensor carried in the animal's throat, near the mouth and a second sensor near the animal's stomach. Sensors for detecting chewing actions are preferably sound sensors, and those for detecting regurgitations are preferably microswitches. Regurgitations can also be detected by sound sensors. However, the arrangement of the cited document does not describe the sensing of the conductivity in the stomach of cattle to determine physiological parameters.
[00011] Document US2017231198 (Al) describes a bovine monitoring system can include a rumination sensor, a movement sensor, a posture sensor, a bovine prediction and rumination data, movement data or posture data prediction system. The server may have an algorithm that stores the data, analyzes the data, and displays the data in a histogram. The device may include a rumination sensor, a motion sensor, and a posture sensor. In one embodiment, the rumination sensor may be an accelerometer, which can detect chewing by detecting movement of the jaw, where a bovine asset normally roars for 450 to 500 minutes per day. The motion sensor can be an accelerometer, which can detect motion. The posture sensor can be a gyroscope, an accelerometer, or a gyroscope and combination accelerometer. The posture sensor can detect the orientation of the bovine asset by detecting gravity acceleration, detecting gyroscopic rotation, or a combination of gravity acceleration and gyroscopic rotation. Using recorded rumination, motion and posture sensors, the bovine asset monitoring system can identify aberrations in the estrous cycle or the physical or mental health of bovine assets. It may also include a data storage module to record data from various sensors, and may include a wireless communication module to communicate stored data to a network (eg, the internal, "cloud"). In some embodiments, the wireless connectivity might be WiFi 802.11, Zigbee 802.154, or BTLE4.0. In some embodiments, the bovine monitoring system may include a thermal imaging camera and an RFID patch. However, the arrangement of the cited document does not describe the sensing of the conductivity in the stomach of cattle to determine physiological parameters.
[00012] Document US2016227742 (Al) discloses an animal monitor comprising: a microcontroller, at least a three-axis accelerometer, a source of energy, a charger and communications system, including a wireless transmitter and receiver. The animal monitor additionally includes at least one sound sensor. The animal's body locomotion in general is a state of a three-degree-of-freedom system without tilt, shuffle and roll, and can be determined by a 3 -axis accelerometer. An animal monitor implemented as an ear tag has six degrees of freedom and the acceleration, rotation, spin and spin tags are mixed, and cannot be resolved with just a 3-axis accelerometer output. To obtain acceleration data of six degrees of freedom with respect to translational and rotational motion, multiple acceleration signals need to be resolved and a minimum of two 3-axis accelerometers are needed to distinguish mark attitudes from body movements. However, the arrangement of the cited document does not describe the sensing of the conductivity in the stomach of cattle to determine physiological parameters.
[00013] Document WO2015177741 Al refers to a method and a device for monitoring and quantifying the feeding actions of ruminant animals in order to provide indicators of quantification of feeding activity, evaluation of animal feeding and I or condition of the animal. The device is particularly useful for daily monitoring of the farm's food activities, to optimize its diet and maintain its health. The procedure consists of the following steps: - Acquisition of chewing signals by means of two microphones that form a sensing unit where a first microphone captures the chewing sounds made by the animal and a second microphone captures the environmental sounds;
- Conditioning of the signal recorded in step "a" decreases ambient noise;
- Division of the signal from step "b" into sections of at least 30 seconds;
- Calculation of the autocorrelation for each signal section, making the product of all the samples and adding, for each time delay between 0.2 and 1.2 seconds; marking the section as silence I noise in case the auto-correlation does not have a maximum between 0.5 and 0.9 seconds; the remaining sections are marked as candidates to contain rumination or grazing;
- Processing of each of the blocks of step "c" that contain more than 2 consecutive sections of rumination or grazing;
- Labeling as rumination of all silence blocks/noise less than 300, which are in the middle of two rumination blocks.
[00014] The device comprises a sensing unit comprising at least two microphones to detect feeding actions of grazing and rumination produced by the animal during its feeding; where a first microphone captures the sounds of chewing made by the animal and a second microphone captures the sounds of the environment. The microphone that picks up chewing sounds is located on the inside of an adjustable headband that is located on the top of the animal's head; where said microphone is oriented towards the head of the animal; and said second microphone that captures environmental sounds is located in said clamping band, oriented in the opposite direction to the animal's head. In another aspect of the present invention, said sensing unit comprises an inclination sensor selected from the set comprised of inclinometers, accelerometers. However, the arrangement of the cited document does not describe the sensing of the conductivity in the stomach of cattle to determine physiological parameters.
[00015] Document ES2353076 (T3) refers to minimally invasive physiological monitoring systems. In particular, it refers to an implantable probe to monitor one or more parameters in the esophagus, such as pH, in relation to the detection of gastroesophageal reflux disease. The monitoring device comprises an envelope, which has a surface for coupling to the tissue. A bolt is displaceable from a retracted position to allow the tissue engagement surface to be brought into contact with, or adjacent to, the tissue at a preselected engagement site, and an extended position where it extends through the tissue in contact with or adjacent to the mating surface. The envelope carries at least one detector of physiological parameters. In one embodiment, the physiological parameter detector comprises a pH detector. Preferably, the monitoring device further comprises an RF transmitter to transmit the data generated by the physiological parameter detector. However, the arrangement of the cited document does not describe the sensing of the conductivity in the stomach of cattle to determine physiological parameters.
[00016] Document W02006077589 A2 describes a method and device for detecting animals in heat by collecting information related to the movement of the animal and information related to the periods of feeding of the animal and combining them together to reduce the impact of the animal's feeding habits on the results. The device further comprises sensors to detect the movement of an animal and the feeding periods of said animal. A microprocessor can receive data on the detected movement and the detected power periods. The data can then be combined to neutralize the effect of movement associated with feeding (during feeding periods) on detected movement to obtain a NUT- ACT. In addition, a typical behavior database can be established, and by comparing new collected data to the typical behavior database, relevant changes in activity level can be detected. Changes in activity level may be indicative that the animal is in heat. For example, if there is a change in activity level of more than a specified value, for example a specified percentage of a calculated standard deviation of average activity level, the animal can be identified as in heat. The analysis can rely heavily on the statistical basis so that the demand for sensor accuracy can be relaxed. Good results can be received simply on the basis of a good correlation between the detected activity level identified as related to the feeding period and the actual feeding period. The database can be continuously updated with new detected data. Feeding periods can also be detected by monitoring and analyzing the sounds and vibrations that typically occur when animals eat. When the animal leaves its gag, it generates sounds and vibrations that can be monitored by a sensor in or within the animal and then analyzed to determine feeding activity. The animal's neck is an example of a suitable area to monitor such sounds or vibrations. The feeding status of the animal can also be assessed by monitoring its distance from the head to the ground. Small distance and high movement can indicate that the animal is eating. Distance measurement can be performed using prior art outlined methods such as ultra-sound and light. However, the arrangement of the cited document does not describe the sensing of the conductivity in the stomach of cattle to determine physiological parameters.
[00017] Document US2011301437 refers to a bolus that requires only one sensor, typically an acoustic transducer, to measure physiological parameters such as temperature, pH level of the subject's body fluid, heart rate, respiratory rate, activity level of the subject, and the like. The bolus includes a chamber that admits body fluid into it to determine the temperature and pH level of the liquid, and therefore of the animal. In various embodiments, the bolus includes its own energy storage and charging circuit and a data transmission subsystem that includes a means of uniquely identifying the subject. A data processing subsystem within the bolus is capable of on-board diagnosis of the subject and may include the ability to receive commands and data from an external source. The used sensor is a hydrophone that can work as an accelerometer and uses a mathematical equation to measure temperature and concentration (i.e. pH) using vibration modes side to determine temperature only, and using absorption to determine pH. However, the arrangement of the cited document does not describe the sensing of the conductivity in the stomach of cattle to determine physiological parameters.
[00018] Document US2008312511A1 discloses a real-time method and a computer-implemented system for monitoring animal health. The invention comprises a physical sensor (io) that is used by an animal to be monitored to detect at least one physical characteristic of the animal. The physical sensor (10) is operatively connected to a transceiver module (12), also used by the animal. The transceiver module (12) also communicates with an activity signal generator (14) that is located in the environment and associated with an activity, and that communicates with the transceiver module (12). The transceiver module (12) comprises a wireless transceiver (38), which transmits data to a network receiver I converter (16). The receiver I converter (16) receives the physical attribute data from the wireless transceiver (38) using wireless technology that includes a physical transmitter and receiver, as well as a wireless protocol. After processing or converting the data, if necessary, the network receiver I converter (16) transmits the data via a computer network (18) to one or more users (20). The characteristic sensor (24) is able to measure a physiological parameter, for example, body temperature, blood oxygen levels, or heart rate; or an environmental parameter, for example, ambient temperature, atmospheric pressure, relative humidity, wind speed, or system status ; or both a physiological and an environmental parameter. The physical sensor (10) can comprise a plurality of characteristic sensors (24) for different physiological and environmental parameters. The sensor used is an accelerometer (34) that detects the movement of the animal in at least two, and preferably three axes of movement. Any standard accelerometer can be used that can measure a suitable range of acceleration in two other dimensions. In an exemplary embodiment, an accelerometer (34) detects up to 2g in the X and Y directions and up to 1g in the Z direction. The activity sensor (36) detects and distinguishes the duration and frequency of one or more activities, by example, at least food and irrigation. In one embodiment, the activity sensor (36) comprises an electromagnetic field (EM) sensor (36a) and a coil (36b) to detect feeding and irrigation activities. The activity signal generator (14) generates electromagnetic fields representative of the supply or irrigation that are collected by the coil (36b) and communicated to the EM field sensor (36a). The EM field sensor (36a) distinguishes between the two different fields and reports them separately. However, the arrangement of the cited document does not describe the conductivity sensing in the stomach of cattle to determine physiological parameters.
[00019] W02005112615 discloses a bolus configured and operable to process a general acoustic signal emanating from two or more different signal sources within the animal, and output two or more values indicative of the animal's respective physiological parameters indicative of its health condition, such as speed heart rate, breathing speed, ruminating activity, etc. The bolus includes three modular compartments: a lower compartment 16A that includes a bearing assembly 18 (for example, in the form of balance weights), an intermediate compartment 16B that includes a processing unit 20, and an upper compartment configured as an acoustic chamber that It includes one or more acoustic sensors. However, the arrangement of the cited document does not describe the sensing of conductivity in the stomach of cattle to determine physiological parameters. [00020] US20120310054 Al describes a highly sensitive recording of pressure signals in the reticulum of a ruminant animal. The bolus contains a sensor module, a mechanical amplifier element and a guide means. The sensor module is configured to convert pressure signals into electrical signals, which form a basis for paradises representing body movements, heart rate, respiratory rate, respiratory depth, and I or animal stomach activity. The sensor module includes a piezoelectric sensor, a capacitive sensor, an inductive sensor or a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) accelerometer. Furthermore, the sensor module includes a pair of optical transmitter- receivers interconnected through an optical transmission path, where the transmission properties are variable in response to any displacement of the guide means. However, the arrangement of the cited document does not describe the sensing of conductivity in the stomach of cattle to determine physiological parameters.
[00021] According to the located documents of the state of the art, the boluses that use temperature and pH sensors are known, as well as the use of accelerometers and/or gyroscopes for the determination of physiological states of the animal. In addition, some documents such as CA 2820857 (detailed above) have been found that measure conductivity to determine different factors related to milk production and therefore the conductivity sensor is grafted on the animal's mammary gland. However, no documents were found that describe the conductivity sensing in the animal's stomach by applying an alternating current signal to determine physiological states (such as food, water intake, absence of disease, etc.).
BRIEF SUMMARY
[00022] The present invention comprises an arrangement, an ingestible bolus, a communications interface tag, and a process to monitor the physiological parameters of an animal to determine its health status and provide information for the optimization of livestock management. The ingestible bolus is housed in the stomach of the ruminant and typically comprises multiple sensors such as a temperature sensor, motion sensors, and in particular a conductivity sensor that allows highly accurate measurements of the animal's physiological parameters (such as food intake, water, the absence of diseases, etc.). The tag communicates with the bolus and relays the signals to the wireless communications network to a gateway-type communications interface, which in turn transmits and receives data communications to and from "the cloud." Users communicate with the cloud from one or more remote terminals. The invention includes the above mentioned elements and a monitoring software resident in the remote terminals and in the cloud. The process of the invention comprises the testing and monitoring stages carried out by the arrangement.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[00023] Figure 1 shows a functional diagram of the communications of the arrangement and the relationship between its components.
[00024] Figure 2 presents a view of the mechanical exploded view of the tag.
[00025] Figure 3 presents the functional parts of the electronic board of the tag.
[00026] Figure 4 shows the functional blocks of the tag.
[00027] Figure 5 shows an exploded view of the intraruminal bolus.
[00028] Figure 6 presents an exploded view of the conductivity measurement electrode at the tip of the intraruminal bolus.
[00029] Figure 7 shows the functional parts of the electronic plate of the intraruminal bolus.
[00030] Figure 8 presents the functional blocks of the intraruminal bolus.
[00031] Figure 9 presents a curve showing bolus temperature as a function of time and a corresponding curve showing conductivity as a function of time.
[00032] Figure 10 shows the change of PH, change of saliva production and ruminating time as a function of the type of food.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00033] In Figure 1 it can be seen that the present invention consists of an arrangement comprising a bolus 1 ingestible by an animal and a tag 3 that are used in a method for monitoring the physiological state of an animal, especially a ruminant. Bolus 1 communicates with tag 3 by means of RF-Subghz communication protocol 2 and it communicates by means of a wireless data network of the type LPWAn 4 with a communication interface or Gateway 5 which in turn communicates via a WAN 6 network with remote processors 7 commonly referred to as "the cloud," consisting of shared remote computing resources accessed over the Internet. Users communicate with remote processors 7 through one or more remote terminals 32 (cell phone, Laptop, Notebook, PC, etc.) via a high-speed link (point-to-point, 3G, 4G, 5G, Satellite, etc.). ).
[00034] In the present invention the animal to which the invention will refer in a preferred embodiment is the cow I bull I calf I calf. However, the present invention can be applied to any ruminant industrial breeding animal such as cattle (cow, bull, ox, buffalo), wool breed (sheep), goat breed (ram, goat) and camelid (llama, vicuna, alpaca). The invention could be applied to guanacos as they are also a camelid; however, it is not a domestic or industrial animal, and therefore the present invention is not concerned with it.
[00035] The ruminant digestive tract of the mouth, tongue, teeth, esophagus, pre-stomachs (booklet, hairnet, tummy), true stomach (fruit set), small intestine, large intestine and anus. As glands attached to it are the liver, the pancreas. Throughout these organs, the different digestive processes are developed, destined for the assimilation of nutrients by the body and the excretion of the waste generated during it.
[00036] Of the 4 gastric compartments, the first 3 (pre-stomachs), form the anterior stomach (AS). They are cavities without glandular structures (that is, they do not emit secretions). They are prepared for the bacterial fermentative function and the absorption of nutrients. The rumen and reticulum form the anterior gastric sector, functionally coupled and coordinated with the 3rd cavity, the omasum, by means of the reticulo-omasal sphincter.
[00037] The detailed description of the elements used in the arrangement of the present invention is as follows: a. Intraruminal Bolus: Figures 7 and 8 show that bolus 1 is made up of an antenna 15A, a transceiver 16A, a microcontroller 19A, an inertial measurement unit IMU 20A, a battery 23, a temperature sensor 24A and a conductivity electrode 26. The bolus is a combined device, with the ability to measure movements (through accelerometers), conductivity, and intra-ruminal temperature. This device can calculate food and water intake based on the difference in conductivity and temperature and is intended to be housed in the rumen. The intake of drink modifies the dissolution of salts at the same time that it decreases the intraruminal temperature. The same goes for food. Movement also senses rumen motility. To maintain rumen activity, great mobility of the walls is required in order to produce a mixture of the content, facilitate the removal of fermentation products such as volatile fatty acids and gases, and allow the transit of the content to the mouth to the rumination or to other parts of the stomach to continue digestion. In this way, the rumen acts in sequential movements that are classified into 2 types: primary or mixed and secondary or belching.
[00038] Figure 5 shows an exploded view of the block mechanically composed of the electronics circuit board 22, the battery 23, the temperature sensor 24A, the cabinet 25 and the conductivity electrode 26.
[00039] In a preferred implementation, the bolus comprises an antenna 15A that is formed by an element of the "Splash" type to emit signals at a frequency preferably SUBGIGA with an LPWAN protocol. The 16A transceiver is implemented by an RN2903A integrated circuit. The selected 19A microcontroller is the PIC16LF1825 integrated circuit. The selected IMU 20A inertial measurement unit is the BMI160 integrated circuit. The selected battery 23 is of the LiPo type and the selected temperature sensor 24A is preferably the integrated circuit DS18B20.
[00040] Figure 6 shows an exploded view of the conductivity electrode 26 which is made up of a screw 27, a washer 28, a contact ring 29, an insulator 30 and a contact center 31.
[00041] Intraruminal bolus sensors:
[00042] The functions of the bolus sensors are: a) to measure the activity of the stomach ; b) measure the movements of the animal and c) measure the temperature of the stomach.
[00043] Stomach activity sensor 26: It is implemented by the intraruminal conductivity sensor 26. [00044] Temperature sensor 24A: Measures the temperature of the animal's stomach.
[00045] IMU Motion sensor 20A: It is a 3 -axis accelerometer that comprises gyroscopes and/ or inertial units.
[00046] Intraruminal conductivity sensor 26: sensor that allows to evaluate the concentration of saline solutions. A fundamental parameter in rumination is the PH. The rumen environment (1st stomach of the ruminant) is excellent for microbial growth and for fermentation to occur. During the process the pH undergoes a great change (from 5.5 to 7.0). Most of the regulation of this process occurs by saliva. Cows have many glands that secrete saliva. The production is approximately 120 ml / min during feeding and 150 ml I min during rumination. When the cow stops chewing, saliva production continues at a rate of 60 ml / min. This implies that on a diet high in forage content, a cow can chew more than 10 hours a day and saliva production can exceed 140 liters. The amount of saliva secreted each day is highly dependent on the physical form of the food consumed. In the absence of salivation, the acidity of the rumen increases (acidosis) and microbial activity decreases. During acidosis, the cow loses its appetite and in severe cases (pH low 4.5) all microbial activity is disrupted, which can result in the death of the cow.
[00047] In a preferred embodiment, the measured relative conductivity value has a range of 1 to 2048. These relative values correspond to absolute (physical) values between IS/m to 10 pS/m of conductivity (IS to 10 pS of conductance, that is, 1 Q to 100 KQ of impedance).
[00048] The inventor decided to make an indirect measurement of rumination processes by measuring conductivity, that is to say that the parameter to be measured is related to the presence of salts in solution, whose dissociation generates positive and negative ions capable of transporting electrical energy if the liquid is subjected to a difference in electrical potential. It has already been indicated that the animal generates large amounts of saliva that contain sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) and phosphate (H2PO4), which is why it is indirectly considered that there will be a good reference for the process. To achieve this parameter, it was decided that, in addition to the ceramic cylinder, it was necessary to develop metallic tips to seal this piece and to serve as conductivity sensors in the form of electrodes without affecting the performance of the antenna. After preliminary analysis, stainless steel tips were designed and sent to be machined in AISI 316 material (Fe I Crl8 I NilO I Mo3). These alloys are ioncompatible and are used, and recommended, in temporary implants (plates, screws and nails) in animals and humans. In a preferred implementation, the conductivity sensors have a length in the range of 1mm to 5 mm and a diameter in a range of 3 mm to 40mm.
[00049] As a measurement method, conductivity is more complex than it seems. Moving the ions always in the same direction using direct current can cause corrosion on at least one of the electrodes for which it is totally ruled out, and on the other hand working with alternating current requires an adequate choice of frequency since the result is highly dependent on the dynamic impedance of the medium in which the electrode is immersed. The frequency chosen first is between 80 and 450 Hz and in a preferred implementation a frequency of 250 Hz was chosen by applying a test voltage in a range of 1.8 to 5VAC with a preferred value of 2.5 VAC. To obtain the alternating voltage in the bolus, an inverter-type DC to AC converter (not shown in the figures) has been included in it. This choice is due to a previous work with a rectal catheter of bovines and horses with very good results. Once its efficiency had been evaluated in the field, electroanalytical tests of cyclic chronoamperometry were carried out, which is a technique that consists in applying a rectangular and repetitive potential disturbance to the working electrode. The response curve to disturbance, that is, the current or the current density as a function of time, is called a chronoamperogram and its object, among other things, is to evaluate the density of current lines between the two electrodes in order to cover the largest space possible and, therefore, the sample volume involved in each measurement. In the tests carried out, it was concluded that the ruminal activity values depend on several physiological parameters, as well as the activity that the animal is developing. Such is so that, at rest and standing or lying on the floor, awake but without eating, each cow presents a relative base value of conductivity, this value is self-calibrating according to the type of food, the age and race. What is important for this development is the relative variation with respect to this value and the rate of change as well as its comparison with other values such as temperature.
[00050] The resulting curves for bolus temperature and conductivity values are shown in Figure 9. [00051] b. Tag: The interaction between the recording of the movements of the head with respect to those of the animal's stomach makes it possible to detect whether the animal is in a resting state, is eating or is walking. This information is important to characterize the habits of the individual animal and also its behavior with respect to the herd. An example of the use of this information is to achieve greater precision in the detection of heat and calving. Other information obtained from the interaction of the two devices refers to safety and detects the removal of the tag by separation: when the tag (which gives the position of the animal) stops having communication with the bolus, it generates a separation alert state. In turn, the bolus increases its transmission power so that it can be easily located.
[00052] Functioning and characteristics of the tag:
[00053] The tag is placed on the animal's ear and its fundamental mission is to communicate and generate information that leads to the positioning of the animal. It is also responsible for managing the communications between the bolus and the wireless communication gateways that send the information to the remote terminals. Also, in the absence of communication, it gives notice for follow-up by other means. The same temperature and motion sensors described in the bolus were used in the circuit of the tag.
[00054] Figures 2 and 4 show that the tag has a solar cell 8 which is preferably of the monocrystalline type and has an area of 3.5 cm x 2.2 cm with an efficiency of up to 22% to keep the battery 10 recharged. The front cover 9 that retains the solar cell and protects the electronic circuit board 14, the battery 10 and the RFID device (RF identifier) 11. Preferably the battery 10 is 3.6 VDC and 250 mAh and the device comprises an antenna 15B which is preferably of the Splash type. Both are retained from behind by the inner cover 12, which in turn is enclosed by the rear cover 13. The tag also contains the temperature sensor 24B that measures the temperature of the outside ambient air.
[00055] Figures 3 and 4 on the electronic circuit board 14 are mounted the antenna 15B, the transceiver IC (integrated circuit) 16B, the voltage regulator IC 17, the IC that drives the battery charger 18, the microcontroller IC 19B and the IC of IMU 20B. The antenna has been selected to capture and send variable rate RF signals and has dimensions of 38mm x 84mm.
[00056] The transceiver is preferably Microchip® brand model RN2903A, the voltage regulator is preferably Texas Instruments® brand and model TPS78330DDCR, the battery charger is preferably Microchip® brand, model MCP73831T-2ACI I OT, the microcontroller is preferably Microchip® brand, model PIC16LF1825 and the IMU is preferably Bosh® brand, model BMI160
[00057] Features of the means of communication between the bolus and the tag:
[00058] Communication between the bolus and the tag is very important. Since it is an ultra-low consumption development, communications are carried out in synchronized time. In other words, both devices agree to communicate again in a certain time and use their internal clocks to achieve it. In case of synchronization loss, the tag will listen until it receives bolus information packets and synchronizes again. As communication technology RF transceivers of the subGiga type with a proprietary protocol are used to work with a communication of between 9600bits/s tol9200bit/s with a proprietary protocol.
[00059] c. Gateway: Gateway 5 preferably consists of a standard LPWAN equipment (LORAWan, NBIoT, Sixfox, etc.) that relates the caravans with the Network Server to manage the network of devices and send the information to the cloud.
[00060] Communications technique between the tag and the Gateway: Gateway 5 is in charge of managing the power and the transmission rate of the Caravans in order to ensure that hundreds of thousands can be communicated without losing information; on the other hand, they are in charge of uploading the collected information to the central servers.
[00061] Communication technique between the Gateway and the cloud: The Gateway 5 uses a high-speed link (point-to-point, 3G, 4G, 5G, Satellite, etc.) to send the collected data and receive from the Network Server the information necessary to manage [00062] Remote terminal
[00063] One of the most notable aspects of the present invention is based on one or more remote terminals 32 with an application software (APP) that offers a functionality hitherto unknown in the art. The remote terminals 32 can be desktop PCs, portable PCs (Notebook or laptop type), Tablets or cell phones, which will communicate with the cloud software. This communication can even occur using LPWAN through a device that serves as an interface. The functions allowed by the use of the APP will be described in more detail below.
[00064] The APP for tablet or mobile cell phone is used as an interface for the control and configuration of the caravans, showing the status of connection with them and the associated bowling pins, and if they are connected, it allows the user to choose the mode of use of the same ( continuous use or for periods).
[00065] The APP application software is also used as a means of collecting usage data for further processing by the monitoring company in order to improve service and programs. The APP allows the configuration of livestock profiles that can be loaded and I or saved for use at another time and facilitate their identification.
[00066] The APP application is downloaded to a cell phone or tablet and controls 100% of the caravans once they are turned on. The different measurement formats can be controlled I programmed from the APP: continuous use or by periods.
[00067] Another function of the APP is that each animal can have its profile to be able to repeat measurements already made and to keep a record of the information of its possible health problems.
[00068] Another function of the APP is to communicate to the different people on the team using the LPWAN network, the cellular network or WiFi.
[00069] In an alternative embodiment, the APP keeps a record of the percentage of departure from some biological parameter.
[00070] In another preferred embodiment, the APP software includes a crossstatistics function between animals to be able to share statistics and profiles. [00071] Method of the invention
[00072] The present invention also comprises a method for monitoring the physiological status of an animal. The procedure consists of the following stages:
[00073] Measurement of intraruminal temperature;
[00074] Measurement of the activity of the stomach;
[00075] Measurement of individual behavior;
[00076] Measurement of behavior compared to the herd;
[00077] Measurement of food and water intake.
[00078] Temperature measurement of the animal's ear.
[00079] Intraruminal temperature measurement:
[00080] It is performed using the 24A temperature sensor mounted on the intraruminal bolus. The temperature will be considered normal according to the stabilization time, the outdoor ambient temperature, the conductivity in value and time, the interior and external activity of the cow. That is, first the intake of water and food will be discarded, which is not in a fermentation process, or in a specific activity (such as being in heat).More specific steps and parameters are explained in later paragraphs.
[00081] Measurement of the activity of the stomach:
[00082] It is performed by measuring the conductivity of the stomach fluid with the sensor mounted on the intraruminal bolus. The range is considered normal if it replicates the established patterns for each type of diet. In the digestive process of ruminants there is a constant exchange of water between the rumen and the reticulum. Part of this water is absorbed in the ruminal walls, but there is also evidence of a certain degree of water secretion from the ruminal walls, which, together with drinking water and 60-100 liters of saliva produced per day, give it the approximate volume of 200 liters in the adult cow. In this process there are many behaviors that can be characterized, for example in the intake of water there is a decrease in salts and therefore in conductivity, there is also a rapid decrease in the temperature of the ruminal mass. The ingestion of dry food requires a greater secretion of saliva that progressively increases the conductivity but does not produce large variations in temperature as in the case of a soft and hydrated food. On the other hand, if the eating patterns are modified, that information is sent to the central servers to search for new eating patterns or to detect a disease. More specific steps and parameters are explained in later paragraphs.
[00083] Measurement of individual behavior:
[00084] It is carried out by sensing the movement of the animal through the movement sensors mounted on the animal's ear and another on the animal's stomach. Depending on the differences in said individual behavior patterns, if there are more vertical jerks (such as steps) in the ear than in the stomach, it implies that the animal is eating. When these amounts become similar the animal is walking, and if a sudden movement is detected in the stomach, it is being mounted.
[00085] If a lack of movement of the animal is detected for 5 minutes, an alarm is sent and, if an acceleration close to gravity is detected in any of the three axes, a free fall alarm is sent.
[00086] Behavior measurement compared to the herd:
[00087] At this stage, a comparison is made in the patterns to detect heat (greater activity of the animal with respect to the herd), disease (less amount of activity with respect to the herd, or parturition (fluctuating activity). These measurements are enriched with information from the rest of the parameters.
[00088] Food and water intake measurement:
[00089] It is performed by the intraruminal sensor measuring the bolus' conductivity and temperature patterns. The outside ambient air temperature measured by the sensor located on the ear is also used as a reference.
[00090] Measurement of ambient temperature around the ear of animal 24B:
[00091] It obtains the temperature of the outdoor ambient air at the height of the animal's ear that is used as a reference for pattern detection, stress detection, etc.
[00092] Monitoring body temperature is a common practice in herd health management and as stated in the Adams et al. document J. Dairy Sci. 96 : 1549— 1555: Temperature is an indicator of the condition of common cattle that includes diseases such as metritis, mastitis, lameness and pneumonia.
[00093] See Table 1.
[00094] But when measured in the rumen, these temperature variations can be influenced by food and drink intake. For this reason, when adding a conductivity sensor, these data are complemented with the information obtained from the temperature sensor, obtaining:
[00095] • Drink intake
[00096] The intake of water significantly changes the ruminal temperature. This change in absolute value and speed with which the temperature drops can be related to two factors:
1. The water temperature (generally outside temperature)
2. The volume of water consumed.
[00097] Water also produces a change in the dissolution of salts, in general this interaction decreases the conductivity in the first instance but can later increases it as it interacts with rumination and saliva.
[00098] A simplified algorithm that the inventor has obtained is that, a decrease in temperature below 36 degrees Celsius in less than 4 minutes, added to a decrease in the same period of 15% of the conductivity, indicates an intake of liquid. Depending on the time of the recovery of the "normal" temperature and the outside temperature, the user may have information proportional to the volume of water consumed (this process can take between 20 minutes and an hour).
[00099] • Food intake
[000100] During rumination, a large quantity of saliva is secreted and reaches the rumen when the bolus or rumination is swallowed. Saliva contains bicarbonate (HCO3 -) and phosphate (HPO4 -) that give an alkaline pH to saliva (8.2 to 8.4) and that in the rumen act as a buffer against the production of acids. When the ruminant eats the acid concentrates, rumination decreases and therefore saliva production also decreases. This lowers the ruminal pH (See figure 10).
[000101] This addition of salts that compensates for the elevation of PH after food intake, its duration is proportional to the type of food eaten.
[000102] This behavior can be analyzed through simple methods such as; if there is a slow rise in ruminal temperature consistent with an increase in conductivity, we are in the presence of digestive activity.
[000103] • Detection of reproductive diseases and events: Once the variations produced by the intake of beverages and food have been ruled out, the following pathologies are analyzed:
1. Mastitis and pneumonia the average temperature increases during at least 4 days
2. Delivery: The temperature rises but there are events related to the intermittent activity of the animal
3. On heat: Increase in temperature (about one degree) and an increase in the activity of the animal above 45% with respect to the herd. [000104] ANNEX
Item Reference
1 Bolus
2 RF-Subghz communication
3 Tag
4 LPWan
5 Gateway
6 Wan
7 Cloud
8 Solar cell of the tag
9 Front cover of the tag
10 Tag battery
11 RFID tag
12 Inner cover of the tag
13 Rear cover of the tag
14 Electronic circuit of the tag
15A Bolus Antenna
15B Tag Antenna
16A Bolus Transceiver
16B Tag Transceiver
17 Tag voltage regulator
18 Tag battery charger
19A Bolus Microcontroller
19B Tag Microcontroller
20A Bolus IMU
20B Tag IMU
21 Bolus cap
22 Electronic Bolus Circuit
23 Bolus Battery
24A Bolus Temperature Sensor
24B Tag temperature sensor
25 Bolus Cabinet
26 Bolus Conductivity Sensor Electrode Bolus Screw Bolus Washer Bolus Contact Ring Bolus Isolator Bolus Contact Center Remote terminal

Claims (49)

27 CLAIMS
1. A bolus (1) to be housed in the rumen of an industrial rearing ruminant, for the measurement of physiological parameters of the animal and the exchange of data with a communications interface tag (3), where the bolus (1) comprises an antenna, a transceiver (16A), a microcontroller (19A), an IMU inertial measurement unit ( 20A), a battery (23) and a temperature sensor (24A), wherein the bolus comprises an activity meter of the rumen (26) that comprises a conductivity sensor (26) that measures using alternate current.
2. The bolus (1) according to claim 1, wherein said alternating current (AC) of said conductivity sensor (26) works with a frequency in a range between 80 and 450 Hz.
3. The bolus (1) according to claim 2, wherein the frequency of the alternating current (AC) is 250 Hz.
4. The bolus (1) according to claim 1, wherein said alternating current works with a test voltage in a range from 1.8 to 5 VAC.
5. The bolus (1) according to claim 4, wherein said alternating current works with a test voltage of 2.5 VAC.
6. The bolus (1) according to claim 4, wherein said alternating voltage is generated within said bolus by means of an inverter-type DC to AC converter.
7. The bolus (1) according to claim 1, wherein said conductivity sensor (26) comprises a ceramic cylinder, and a stainless steel tip made of AISI 316 material (Fe I Crl8 / NilO / Mo3).
8. The bolus (1) according to claim 1, wherein said conductivity sensor (26) has a length in a range of 1 mm to 5 mm and a diameter in a range of 3 mm to 40 mm .
9. The bolus (1) according to claim 1, wherein the measured relative conductivity value has a range of 1 to 2048, which corresponds to a range of measured absolute conductivity values of IS/m to 10 pS/m.
10. The bolus (1) according to claim 1, wherein said antenna (15A) is formed by an element of the "Splash" type to emit signals at a SUBGIGA frequency with an LPWAN protocol.
11. The bolus (1) according to claim 1, wherein said transceiver (16A) comprises a RN2903A integrated circuit.
12. The bolus (1) according to claim 1, wherein said transceiver (16A) receives and transmits data between 9600bits/s to 19200bit/s.
13. The bolus (1) according to claim 1, wherein said microcontroller (19A) comprises a PIC16LF1825 integrated circuit.
14. The bolus (1) according to claim 1, wherein said battery (23) is of the LiPo type-
15. The bolus (1) according to claim 1, wherein the temperature sensor (24A) comprises a DS18B20 integrated circuit.
16. The bolus (1) according to claim 1, wherein said IMU inertial measurement unit (20A) is a 3-axis accelerometer that is formed by gyroscopes and I or inertial units.
17. The bolus (1) according to claim 16, wherein said IMU (20A) inertial measurement unit comprises a BMI160 integrated circuit.
18. A tag (3), working as a communication interface for monitoring a ruminant animal, to communicate with a bolus (1) and capable of communicating with a Gateway type interface (5), comprising a battery (10), a solar cell (8) to keep the battery recharged, an electronic circuit board (14), an RF identification device (RFID) (11), an antenna (15B), a temperature sensor (24B) and an IMU inertial measurement unit (20B).
19. The tag (3) according to claim 18, mounted on the ear of said animal to be monitored, whereby the temperature sensor (24B) measures the ambient air temperature near the animal's ear and the inertial measurement unit IMU (20B) detects the movement of the animal.
20. The tag (3) according to claim 18, wherein the solar cell (8) is of the monocrystalline type and has an area of 3.5 cm x 2.2 cm with an efficiency of up to 22%.
21. The tag (3) according to claim 18, wherein the battery (10) is 3.6 VDC and 250 mAh.
22. The tag (3) according to claim 18, wherein the antenna (15B) is of the Splash type-
23. The tag (3) according to claim 18, wherein said electronic circuit board (14) comprises a transceiver IC (16B), a voltage regulator IC (17), a battery charger IC (18), a microcontroller IC (19B) and the IMU IC (20B).
24. The tag (3) according to claim 18, wherein said antenna (15B) measures 38 mm x 84 mm.
25. The tag (3) according to claim 18, wherein said transceiver (16B) is a Microchip® model RN2903A brand, the voltage regulator (17) is a Texas Instruments® model TPS78330DDCR brand, the battery charger ( 18) is a Microchip ® brand model MCP73831T-2ACI I OT, the microcontroller (19B) is a Microchip ® model PIC16LF1825 brand and the IC IMU (20B) is a Bosh® model BMI160 brand.
26. The tag (3) according to claim 18, wherein said transceiver (16B) exchanges data with said bolus (1) between 9600bits/s tol9200bit/s.
27. An arrangement for monitoring the physiological state of an animal to determine its health status, and provide information for the optimization of the management of cattle for industrial use, bovine, wool breed, goat breed, camelid or similar, comprising one or more stomach boluses (1), one or more communication interface tags (3), one or more Gateway-type interfaces (5), one or more databases on one or more remote computer servers (7) ("the cloud"), and one or more remote communications terminals (32).
28. The arrangement according to claim 27, wherein the communication of said one or more boluses (1) with their corresponding tags (3) is carried out by means of an RF-Subghz communication protocol (2); wherein the communication between said one or more tags (3) with said one or more Gateways (5) is carried out by means of a wireless data network of the LPWAn type (4); wherein the communication between said one or more Gateways and said remote computer servers (7) is carried out through a WAN network (6) with a high-speed link (point-to-point, 3G, 4G, 5G, Satellite); and wherein the communication between the remote computer servers (7) with the one or more remote terminals (32) is also carried out with a high-speed link (point-to-point, 3G, 4G, 5G, Satellite).
29. A remote terminal (32) to communicate with a bolus and a communications tag (3), comprising an application software (APP) capable of communicating with remote computer servers (7) in the cloud using LPWAN, where the APP allows the configuration of the tags (3), showing the connection status with them and the associated boluses (1).
30. The remote terminal (32) according to claim 29, wherein it comprises a desktop PC, portable PC (Notebook or laptop type), a Tablet or a cell phone.
31. The remote terminal (32) according to claim 29, wherein the APP application software is used as a means of collecting usage data for subsequent processing by the monitoring company to be able to improve service and programs, 31
31. The remote terminal (32) according to claim 29, wherein the APP application software allows the configuration of livestock profiles that can be loaded and I or saved for use in another moment and facilitate their identification.
32. The remote terminal (32) according to claim 29, wherein the APP application software controls 100% of the tags (1) once they are turned on, controlling or programming the different measurement formats: (i) continuous or (ii) periodic use.
33. The remote terminal (32) according to claim 29, wherein the APP application software allows each animal to have its profile to be able to repeat measurements already made and keep a record of the information on their possible health problems, keeping a record of the percentage of departure from some biological parameter.
34. The remote terminal (32) according to claim 29, wherein the APP application software allows the different people on the team to communicate using the LPWAN network, the cellular network or WiFi.
35. The remote terminal (32) according to claim 29, wherein the APP application software allows including a cross-statistics function between animals to be able to share statistics and profiles.
36. A method for monitoring the physiological state of an animal to determine its health status, and provide information for the optimization of the management of cattle for industrial use, bovine, wool, goat, camelid or similar, carrying out the following steps: a. Measuring intraruminal temperature; b. Measuring the activity of the stomach; c. Measuring individual behavior; d. Measuring behavior compared to the herd; e. Measuring food and water intake; and f. Measuring outside ambient air temperature at the level of the animal's ear; 32 wherein said activity of the stomach is obtained by measuring the conductivity of stomach fluids, using alternate current.
37. The method according to claim 36, wherein said measurement of the conductivity of the stomach fluid is carried out with the sensor (26) mounted on the intraruminal bolus (1).
38. The method according to claim 37, wherein said intraruminal temperature measurement is performed by means of a temperature sensor (24A) mounted on the intraruminal bolus (1).
39. The method according to claim 38, wherein if a decrease in temperature below 36° C is measured in less than 4 minutes, and a decrease in the same period of 15% of the conductivity is also measured, it indicates the animal is consuming liquid.
40. The method according to claim 39, wherein depending on the time of the recovery of the normal temperature and the outside temperature, the user has information proportional to the volume of water consumed.
41. The method according to claim 38, wherein, if there is a slow rise in intraruminal temperature consistent with an increase in conductivity, it indicates digestive activity.
42. The method according to claim 38, wherein, once the variations of temperature and conductivity produced by the intake of beverages and food have been ruled out, an average increase of temperature during at least 4 days indicate mastitis and /or pneumonia.
43. The method according to claim 38, wherein an increase in temperature about one degree Celsius and an increase in the individual activity of the animal above 45% with respect to the individual behavior patterns of the herd indicates the animal is on heat. 33
44. The method according to claim 41, wherein if said digestive activity modifies normal eating patterns, that information is sent to the remote servers (7) to search for new eating patterns or detect a disease.
45. The method according to claim 43, wherein the measurement of said individual activity and said behavior patterns is carried out sensing the movement of the animal by means of movement sensors (20B) mounted on the animal's ear and another sensor of movement (20A) in the stomach of the animal.
46. The method according to claim 45, wherein, depending on the differences in said individual behavior patterns, if there are more vertical jerks in the ear than in the stomach, it implies that the animal is eating; when these jerk amounts become similar the animal is walking, and if a sudden movement is detected in the stomach, it is being mounted.
47. The method according to claim 45, wherein if a lack of movement of the animal is detected for 5 minutes, an alarm is sent and, if an acceleration close to gravity is detected in one of the three axes, a free fall alarm is sent.
48. The method according to claim 45, wherein the measurement of said individual behavior compared to the herd is performed by means of a comparison in the patterns to detect heat when there is greater activity of the animal with respect to the herd, disease when there is less amount of activity with respect to the herd, or parturition when a fluctuating activity is detected).
49. The method according to claim 36, wherein a temperature measurement of the outside ambient air is carried out near the animal's ear by means of the temperature sensor (24B) of the tag (3 ) and is used as a reference for pattern detection and stress detection.
AU2020480981A 2020-12-10 2020-12-10 Arrangement, bolus, tag and method for monitoring the physiological state of an animal Pending AU2020480981A1 (en)

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