CA1263281A

CA1263281A - Automatic animal feeding apparatus

Info

Publication number: CA1263281A
Application number: CA000509095A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Irene Marais
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1986-05-14
Filing date: 1986-05-14
Publication date: 1989-11-28
Also published as: CA1263281C

Abstract

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
The infant mortality rate of newborn calves separated from cows is normally up to 25 percent, because, inter alia the calves are fed unheated milk from buckets or other unsterilized containers. Thus, if one calf contracts a disease, the disease is spread to the other calves. Moreover, the stomachs of young calves are not equippped to handle unheated milk direct from a milk storage tank. These problems are overcome by an automatic, timer operated feeding system, which periodically pumps milk into a heater, where the milk is heated to the proper temperature and then transferred to metering cylinders for dispensing into feed bowls. The bowls are heated by constantly circulating warm water so that the milk temperature is maintained at the preferred level throughout the feeding cycle. The bowls are automatically cleaned on a periodic basis using a separate timer. Cleaning needs to be effected after two or three feedings only.

Description

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This invention relates to an animal feeding apparatus, and in particular to an automatic calf feeding apparatus.
In general, calves are separated from cows shortly after birth and fed unheated milk from an unsterilized container.
This method of feeding calves leads to serious problems.
During the period when calves are very young, cows' milk is usually at a temperature of 112F. If the milk fed to calves is not heated, ~he calv~s often contract diarrhea and die. In t~e province of Quebec, it is believed that the mortality rate amongst calves during the first two months after birth is as high as 25%. This is believed to be due mainly to the use of unheated milk for feeding the calves. Moreover, using a single dispenser for all of the calves has the unfortunate result of rapidly spreading disease. Obviously, if one calf becomes diseased, it it likely that all calves being fed from the same source will ~ecome diseased.
The object of the present invention is to overcome the above problems by providing a relatively simple animal feeding apparatus which dispenses a predetermined quant~ty of heated feed at regular intervals, and which ensures that different animals do not eat from a single, possibly contaminated source.
Accordingly, the present invention relates to an animal feeding apparatus comprising tank means for receiving liquid feed, ~irst heater means for heating the liquid feed ,, ~

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in said tank means -to a predetermined temperature; metering means for receiving said feed from said tank means and dispensing a predetermined quantity o~ feed; container means for receiving the food from said metering means, said container means being accessible to the animal to be fed; and second heater means for maintaininy the liquid feed in said container means a-t approximately said prede-termined temperature.
The invention will now be described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention, and wherein:
Figure l is a schematic, block diagram of a calf feeding apparatu~ in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 2 is a perspective, partly sectioned view of a metering device used in the apparatus of Fig. l;
Figure 3 is a plan view of a bowl used in the apparatus of Figs. 1 and 2;
Figure 4 is a cross section taken generally along line IV-IV of Fig. 3;
Figure 5 is a schematic, rear elevation view of an animal feeding stall and portions of the apparatus of Figs. l to 4;
Figure 6 is a schematic, partly sectioned side elevation view of the feeding stall and portions of the apparatus of Fig; 5;
and Figure 7 is a schematic, block diagram of a cleaning system for use with the apparatus of Figs. l to 6.

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APPARATUS
Wi-th reference to the drawings, the feeding system of the present invention is intended for use with a bulk milk reservoir 1 of the type found on virtually all dairy farms.
Such bulk milk reservoirs maintain the milk at a temperature slightly above freezing. Of course, the liquid feed can come from another source. The bulk reservoir 1 is connected to a heating tank 2 by a pump 3 and a line 4.
The tank 2 is a double jacketed container. Water is provided in the space between the inner and outer shell of the tank 2 and a 3,000 watt heater (not shown) extends into the water, so that the heater does not directly contact either the inner container or the milk. This arrangement prevents lo~alized heating and curdling of the milk. The tank 2 contains a stirrer 6 and a float 7 for operating a switch 8, which is connected to the float 7 and to the pump 3. Thus, when the milk in the tank reaches a predetermined level, the switch 8 is closed by the float 7 to stop the pump 3.
An outlet duct 10 is provided in the bottom of the tank

2 for discharging milk through a valve 11 to a manifold 13.
The valve 11 is solenoid actuated for opening after the milk has reached the predetermined temperature of 110F. The signal for turning off the heater in the tank 2, for stopping the stirrer 6 and for opening the valve 11 is generated by a thermostat (not shown) in the tank 2. From the manifold 13, the milk passes %~;
through lines 1~ to metering devices 16.
Re~erring to Fig. 2, the metering device 16 is defined b~ a cylinder 18, which is closed at one end 19 and open at the other end 20. A disc-shaped plate 22 defining a movable wall is mounted in the cylinder 18 for determining the volume of the metering device, i.e. the spacing between the wal] 19 and the plate 22. An annular seal 23 is provided in the periphery of the plate 22. The position of the plate 22 in the cylinder 18 is adjusted by means of a bolt 24, which extends outwardly through the open end 20 of the cylinder 18 and a U-shaped yoke 26.
Nuts 27 are attached to each side of the centre of the yoke 26 for receiving the bolt 24, and retaining the bolt 24 and the plate 22 in a fixed position. The arms 29 of -the yolk 26 are welded to the open end of the cylinder 18.
From the metering devices 16 the milk passes through lines 31 and valves 32 to feed bowls 34. The valves 32 (Figs.
5 and 6) are actually spring loaded clamps 35 (Fig. 5) for squeezing the flexible tubing 31 extending from the metering devices 16 to the bowls 34. The clamps 35 are actuated by vacuum valves 37, which are connected to a source of vacuum by lines 38 and 39, and a valve 40 (Fig. 1). Each clamp 35 is biased to the open position by a spring 42. When a vacuum is applied to the valve 32, the clamp 35 is closed against the bias of the spring 42. The clamp 35 alternately squeezes the tube 31 to prevent the flow of fluid therethrough, or opens the tube 31 permitting the flow of fluid from the metering cylinder 18 to the bowl 34.
With reference to Figs. 3 and 4, each bowl 34 is defined by inner and outer hemisphericalshells 44 and 45, respectively. A 1ange 47 extends outwardly from the top of the inner shell 44, and is connected to the top of the outer shell 45. Milk from -the tube 31 is introduced into the bowl through an inlet duct 48. Water is introduced into and discharged from the chamber 50 between the shells 44 and 45 via an inlet duct 51 and an outlet duct 52, which are connected to a heater 54 and a pump 55 by a line 56 (Fig. 1). The water maintains the bowls at the predetermined temperature of 110F. Cleaning fluid is discharged from the bowls 34 via outlet ducts 58, line 59 and a valve 60. The milk is accurately metered using the devices 16.
As shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the basic elements of the invention, including the manifold 13, the metering devices 16, the valves 32 and the bowls 34 are mounted on the inner end or rear end 62 of a feeding stall 63. Actually, there is a row of stalls 63, with a metering device 16 and a feeding bowl 34 for each stall. An individual stall 63 is provided for each calf and the calf is kept in such stall. An opening is provided in the inner end of the stall 63. A skeletal, rectangular frame 65 extends outwardly from the end 62 for supporting the bowl 34.
A V-shaped arm 66 (Figs. 3, 4 and 6) extends forwardly from a bar 69 around each bowl 34 beneath the flange 47 for supporting the bowl. The bar 69, which is defined by a length of pipe, is rotatable in a sleeve 70 mounted on the frame 65. The pipe 69 is rotated by means of a cylinder 72, the bottom end of which is pivotally connected -to the end 62 of the stall by a clevis 73. A piston rod 75 extends out of the top of the cylinder, and is connected to a lever defined by a second clevis 77 mounted on the bar 69. Thus, extension of the cylinder 75 rotates the bowl 34 to the horizontal feeding position shown in solid lines in Fig. 5 and retraction of the piston rod 75 rotates the bowl 34 to the vertical, non-use position shown in phantom outline in Fig. 5.
Each bowl 34 is cleaned in the vertical position. For such purpose, a back plate 78 is provided on the frame 65. An annular rubber gasket 80 is mounted on the plate 78 for sealing with the flange 47 on the bowl 34. Water or another cleaning agent introduced into the bowl 34 through the line 31 is discharged through an opening 81 in the plate 78 and the duct 58 to the line 59.
For cleaning purposes, the apparatus is joined to the lines of a conventional milking system. The conventional system (Fig. 7) includes a vacuum line 84, which is usually mounted in a barn for circulating milk or cleaning agent. The line 84 is connected to a vacuum bottle 85 and a pump 86. Milking heads 88 are normally plugged into the line 84 at the locations of milking stalls and the pump 86 is started to pump milk from the ~3~

heads 88 in-to a storage tank or reservoir (not shown). In order to clean the system, the heads 88 are removed from the cows, placed in a sink 89, and connected to the line 84 using their tubes 90. The line 91 from the pump 86 to the reservoir is also diverted to the sink 89. Thus, with the taps (no-t shown) turned on and the sink ~9 filled with water, the pump 86 causes water to ~low through the tubes 90 to the line 9]. The water and detergent or other cleaning agent added at the sink 89 flows through the line 84 in the direction of arrows 93, returning to the sink 89 via the vacuum bottle 85 and the pump 86.
In the present case, metal tubing 94 is connected to the lines 90 so that water and liquid, i~e. or cleaning agents flow from the sink 89 through the tubing 94 to the manifold 13 of the feeding apparatus 95. The liquid circulates through the metering devices 16, the valve 32, which is open during cleaning, the containers 34, the discharge ducts 58 and line 59 for return to the basic milking system. The liquid enters the line 84 from the line 59 and flows in both directions as indicated by arrows 96 back to the vacuum bottle 85. Thus, both the conventional milking system, and the feeding apparatus are cleaned simultaneously.
OPERATION
During normal operation, a timer ~not shown) is used to close the normally open valve 11 and to actuate the pump 3.
Thus, milk is fed into the tank 2 ~rom the reservoir 1. At the 28~

.same time, -the heater and the stirrer 6 in the tank 2 are started to warm the milk to 110F. When the milk reaches the required level, i.e. sufficient to fill the metering cylinders 18, the float 7 actuates the switch 8 to stop the pump 3. When the temperature of the milk reaches 110F, a thermostat (not sho~m) stops the heater and the s-tirrer 6, and opens the valve 11 to permit the milk to flow to the metering devices 16.
During heating of the milk in the tank 2, a second timer (not ~hown) opens the valve 40 to connect the valves 37 to the source of vacuum to close the clamps 35 which squeeze the tubing 31. Following heating, the second timer closes the valve 40 to disconnect the line 39 from the source of vacuum, venting the valves 37 to the atmosphere which causes opening of the valves 32. The valves 32 must be opened shortly after the milk enters the metering cylinders 18 to avoid cooling. From the metering devices 16, the milk flows into the bowls 34, which, o course, are in the horizontal position. Because the bowls 34 are continuously heated by the heater 54, the milk is maintained at the desired temperature during feeding. This cycle is repeated every four hours.
Every twelve hours and between feeding periods, the system is cleaned. In order to clean the system, the milking heads 88 are placed in the sink 89, as is the line from the pump 86 to the r~servoir. The milk head tubes 90 are connected to a metal vacuum feed line 94, which feeds water to the manifold 13 (Fig. l); and ~ 3~

thus to the metering d~vices 16. The pump 3 is also connected to the sink 89, to pump water through the tank 2. With the stirrer 6 operatingl the tank 2, line 4 and duct 10 are cleaned.
The valve 11 ia open, so that water flows through the tank 2 into the manifold 13 to mix with the water from line 94. The water passes through the bowls 34, which are in the vertical position, the ducts 5~ and the line 59 to the line 84 of -the conventional milking system, and thus to the sink 89. A normally closed valve (not shown) is provided in each of the ducts 58. The valve is opened during cleaning only.
The cleaning cycle includes a first water rinse of 10 minutes duration, a 10 minute wash with soap and Javex (trade-mark) or a similar agent containing a hypochlorite and a second water rinse of 10 minutes duration. Twice a week the cleaning cycle includes the additional step of washing with a mild acid for 25 minutes duration.
It will be appreciated that individual calves are kept in individual stalls 63. Thus, each calf receives more milk from one container 34 only. Thus, the likelihood of disease being transmitted from one calf to the other calves is sub-stantially less than when the calves are all fed from a single source.

Claims

THE EMBODIMENTS OF AN INVENTION IN WHICH AN EXCLUSIVE
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:

1. An animal feeding apparatus comprising tank means for receiving liquid feed, first heater means for heating the liquid feed in said tank means to a predetermined temperature;
metering means for receiving said feed from said tank means and dispensing a predetermined quantity of feed; container means for receiving the feed from said metering means, said container means being accessible to the animal to be fed; and second heater means for maintaining the liquid feed in said container means at approximately said predetermined temperature.

2. A feeding apparatus according to claim 1, including level control means in said tank means for controlling the quantity of feed received by said tank means.

3. A feeding apparatus according to claim 2, including pump means for pumping milk from a reservoir to said tank means;
switch means for controlling operation of said pump means; and float means for closing said switch means to stop said pump means when the milk reaches a predetermined level in said tank means.

4. A feeding apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said metering means includes casing means; and movable wall means for adjusting the volume of said casing means.

5. A feeding apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said metering means includes a cylindrical casing, having one closed end and one open end; and plate means slidably mounted in said open end for adjusting the volume of said casing.

6. A feeding apparatus according to claim 2, including first valve means between said tank means and said metering means for preventing the flow of liquid from said tank means to said metering means until the liquid has been heated to said predetermined temperature.

7. A feeding apparatus according to claim 6, including second valve means between said metering means and said container means for preventing the flow of liquid from said metering means to said container means until said metering means has received the predetermined quantity of feed.

8. A feeding apparatus according to claim 1, including pivot means pivotally supporting said container means for rotation between a storage position, in which the container means is inaccessible to the animal to be fed, and a feed position in which said container means is accessible to the animal to be fed.

9. A feeding apparatus according to claim 8, including cleaner means for automatically, periodically washing said container means when in the storage position.

10. A feeding apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said container means includes a double walled bowl for receiving liquid feed, inlet duct means for introducing heated fluid into the space between the bowl walls for heating the liquid feed, and outlet duct means for discharging the heated fluid from said space.

11. A feeding apparatus according to claim 10, including a heater for receiving said heated fluid from the bowl and heating the fluid to said predetermined temperature, and pump means for circulating the fluid between said bowl and the heater.