CA2326984A1 - Feeding fence for cattle - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a feeding fence (1) intended for animals of a specific category of livestock. The fence comprises at least one beam (4) and a number of standing bars (5, 6) arranged theron, a pair of which bounds in each case a feeding location (7) for an animal. The pair of bars has a curved form adapted to the brisket of animals of this category, whereby this feeding fence (1) results in an increase in the comfort of the animals and moreover prevents physical damage.

Description

WO 99/510$5 PCT/NL99/00195 FEEDING FENCE FOR CATIi.E
The invention relates to a feeding fence intended for animals of a specific category of livestock. This category can for instance be dairy cattle, fatting calves, pigs, beef cattle and the like. Feeding fences are made and supplied which are specially intended for each of these specific categories, since the dimensions of the animals in each category can vary considerably.
Such a feeding fence is normally formed by at least one beam on which a number of standing bars is arranged.
A feeding location for an animal is bounded in each case between a pair of these bars. The animal can place its head between the pair of bars and thus reach fodder lying on the other side of the fence. Usually arranged at the position of each pair of bars is a catching bar which, as soon as the animal pushes its head through the opening, is pressed by the animal itself into a closed position.
The fence is further provided with locking means with which this catching bar can be locked in the closed position so that the animal secures itself in the feeding fence.
In the last decades developments of these feeding fences have been focussed mainly on improving the locking means and options for enabling individual release of an animal from the feeding fence. The comfort of the animals has hereby been increased.
The feeding fence according to the invention as characterized in claim 1 results in a further increase in the comfort of the animals and moreover prevents physical damage. Because the bars have a curved form adapted to the brisket of the animals, these bars lie against the brisket of the animal along a greater length so that a lower surface pressure results. Due to the absence of collarbones in quadrupeds straight bars can be pressed quite deeply into the muscle tissue of the animal when it reaches a long way to get hold of fodder, with the possible consequence of tissue damage. Such damage is prevented in effective manner with the invention.
The measure of claim 2 is preferably applied. The pressure force exerted by the animals is directed transversely of the fence so that the outward curving of the bars provides an optimal pressure distribution, while the animals are nevertheless restrained in reliable manner.
The feeding fence according to the invention can be embodied with fixed bars but in accordance with a very favourable further development the measure of claim 3 is applied. The formed bars can thus function themselves as catching bars, so that the animals can secure themselves in the fence. Not only is the above described advantage of good positioning of the bar against the brisket of the animal thus achieved but a practically noise-free operation is also obtained. In principle the rotation of the bars takes place silently, in contrast to the disturbing loud banging noises occurring during operation of the prior art swivel bars.
The fence preferably comprises locking means for releasable locking of the bars in the closed position. In this way the animals can be secured in a desired position. These locking means can be operated individually and/or collectively, so that animals can be secured or, conversely, released at one or more feeding locations as required.
According to another preferred embodiment the feeding fence is provided with means for detecting the presence of an animal at the feeding location. Such detecting means can be connected to a central livestock control computer and in this manner simplify the control of the different processes in a stall, such as timely feeding, milking and the like of the livestock.
The invention also relates to locking means for use in a feeding fence as described above.

Further advantages of the invention and of the specific measures stated in the sub-claims will become apparent from the following description with reference to the annexed figures.

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a feeding fence according to a first embodiment of the invention during use, Fig. 2 shows a view corresponding with fig. 1 of a feeding fence according to a further developed embodiment, Fig. 3 is a partial front view of the feeding fence of fig. 2, Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the part of the feeding fence shown in fig. 3 during use, Fig. shows a view corresponding with fig. 3 of the feeding fence with means for detecting the presence of an animal, and Fig. 6,7 and 8 show partly cut-away perspective views of different embodiments of locking means for the feeding fence of fig. 2.

Feeding fence 1 shown in fig. 1 is intended fox a specific category of livestock, in this case dairy cattle A. The dimensions of dairy cattle lie within relatively narrow limits, so that feeding fence 1 can be readily adapted to animals of this category.
Feeding fence 1 comprises a frame 3 on which is arranged a lower beam 4 of the feeding fence. On this lower beam are arranged a number of pairs of bars 5,6 which define a feeding location 7 therebetween. The mutually adjacent bars of contiguous feeding locations are connected to each other and connected with an additional intermediate bar to lower beam 4 to form a sturdy whole.
At each feeding location is arranged a swivel bar 8 which in the manner further known from so-called Swedish feeding fences can secure the animal 2 with its head in feeding location 7. This swivel bar 8, which can swivel on lying shaft 9, is provided with an operating part 1 which protrudes into the space between bars 5,6 and can be pressed aside by animal A, whereby bar 8 is swivelled to its closing position.
As shown clearly in fig. 1, the pairs of bars 5,6 have a curved shape adapted to the brisket B of animals A, i.e. when animal A reaches with its head H through feeding fence 1, particularly to get hold of fodder lying on the other side, the bars 5,6 lie close-fittingly against its brisket B. Because the mutual variations in animals of a specific category of livestock are relatively small, practically any animal A of this category will be able to support comfortably against each pair of bars 5,6.
As the figure shows, the pair of bars 5,6 is curved forward out of the vertical plane through the vertical plane through lower beam 4. In the direction of this plane the mutual distance between bars 5,6 of each feeding location 7 is practically constant. The outward curved form of bars 5,6 is particularly chosen here such that the forward protruding bend 10 corresponds with the so-called chest of cow A. The chest is in fact the shoulder joint which is recognizable as forward protruding parts in the brisket B of animal A.
Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of the feeding fence 11 according to the invention wherein the curved bars 15,16 are rotatable on a substantially vertical axis. Feeding fence 11 here comprises a frame 13 on which are arranged respectively a lower beam 14 and an upper beam 18. Bars 15,16 extend between this upper beam 18 and lower beam 14 .
Formed once again between each pair of bars 15,16 is a feeding location 17 where an animal A can place its head H through feeding fence 11 in order to consume fodder lying on the other side of fence 11.
Bars 15,16 are rotatable as according to arrow P
between an open position and a closed position which substantially corresponds with the position of curved bars 5,6 in feeding fence 1 of fig. 1.
Fig. 3 shows two mutually contiguous feeding locations 17,17', each bounded by two bars. The right-s hand feeding location 17 is bounded by bars 15,16 and left-hand feeding location 17' is bounded by bars 25', 16'.
In fig. 3 bars 15 and 16 are in an open position in which the outward curved parts 20 are directed toward each other and bars 15',16' are in a closed position in which these outward curved parts 20 are moved away from each other and lie roughly parallel adjacently of each other. In the closed position of bars 15',16' the outward curved. parts 20 are situated in front of the vertical axis V round which the bars are rotatable. This vertical axis V extends through the ends of the relevant bar received in respectively lower beam 14 and upper beam 18.
As fig. 3 shows, the bars have in the upper portion a bend 19 which is in opposing direction to the outward curved part 20. In the open position these bars 15,16 of a pair hereby form a large head opening 12 into which animal A can place its head H without problem. It will be apparent that with a suitably curved shape these bars 15,16 can define a large head opening 12 such that cows provided with ear tags can also insert their head H
through this opening without problem.
When animal A has place its head H through opening 12, it will move its head H downward to reach the fodder lying behind fence 11. It herein pushes apart the outward curved parts 20 with its neck and bars 15,16 thus swivel from the shown open position into the closed position shown with pair 15',16'. This is shown in fig. 4. At the left-hand feeding location 17 animal A is just placing its head H through opening 12 and at the right-hand feeding location 17' animal A' is already moving its head H' downward, wherein bars 15',16' are swivelled into the closed position.

In addition to the rotation of bars 15,16 by downward movement of the neck of animal A, bars 15,16 are also held in the closed position when animal A presses with its brisket B against the outward curved parts 20.
In this embodiment of the invention the closed position is thus a stable position which is only further enhanced by animal A when it pushes against the bars. When the head H of animal A is withdrawn it will also exert a force on bars 15,16 at the position of the parts 19 of these bars 15,16 curved to the other side and thus also enhance the closed position.
The upper part 19 of bars 15,16 can optionally be curved in two planes i.e. such that in the closed position the upper parts of the bars lie slightly closer together than the other part, as shown in dashed lines on the left in fig. 3. The passage at the position of the neck of animal A is hereby narrowed, whereby smaller animals will also be properly restrained. The animals will withdraw with straightened necks so that bars 15,16 come to lie properly against the rear of the head H of animal A.
At the position of outward curved parts 20 the bars 15,16 can suitably be flattened slightly such that these come to lie flat against the corresponding parts of brisket B of animal A. These outward curved parts 20 can also be provided with a soft, for instance rubber-like, covering.
As stated, each feeding location 17 can be provided With means 21,21',21" for detecting the presence of an animal at the feeding location. In the illustrated example are shown three possible embodiments of these detecting means 21, application of which is subject to the identification system for the animals which is used.
When each animal is provided with a collar with a transmitter/receiver which approaches close to lower beam 14 of feeding fence 11, a horizontal antenna 25 can be placed thereon which is connected to a central line 22 which couples the antenna to a livestock control system.

It is thus possible to determine at a central location where, when and for how long an animal A stands at feeding fence 11. It is then possible for instance to automatically confine animal A or, conversely, release it by remote operation of the locking means to be discussed below at the relevant feeding location 17.
If animal A is identified by means of a plastic ear tag or ear number, a chip can be moulded therein, in which case it would be more logical to position antenna 23 close to the top side of bars 15,16 and on the outside thereof, as shown on the right in figure 5. If on the other hand a chip is arranged internally in or close to the ear of animal A, a positioning of antennas 24 further to the inside, as shown on the left in figure 5, can provide better results.
Fig. 6 shows a first embodiment of locking means 30 with which bars 15,16 can be-locked in the closed position. It is generally the case for these locking means that they must be adapted to perform a number of diverse functions.
The locking means should therefore preferably have a neutral position in which the rotating bars 15,16 are freely movable and animals A can place their head H
therebetween and withdraw it again. In addition, the locking means must preferably be centrally lockable as well as centrally releasable. The central locking function must be embodied herein such that, when an animal A places its head H between bars 15,16 at a random feeding location 17, the bars are automatically locked after rotation thereof.
It must preferably also be possible to lock and release the locking means per feeding location as well as centrally. In this manner an animal A standing along feeding fence 11 can also be individually secured or released, for instance because this is the only animal which has to be treated or, on the contrary, not treated.
The locking means must further be adapted to enable central closing without animals A placing their head H

through bar 15,16. This is important for instance when fodder is distributed in the fodder passageway and it is undesirable for the head H of animals A to be in the proximity of the tractor and fodder mixing wagon.
Finally, the locking means and/or the feeding fence must have a provision whereby an animal A can free itself, for instance when it has fallen or when it lies down. For this purpose the swivel bars 15,16 can for instance be adapted such that from the open position they can rotate at the top further in the direction of the fodder passageway, whereby more space is formed in head opening 12 at the bottom in the direction of animal A.
Locking means 30 are accommodated in an upper beam 18. As described above, bars 15,16 are likewise received in upper beam 18 in bearing bushes 31 arranged therein.
These bearing bushes 31 can suitably be of a plastic such as nylon. At its upper end each bar 15,16 bears a cross piece fixedly connected thereto over which a recess 38 in a pivoting lock 33 can fall so as to lock the bars.
Pivoting locks 33 are mounted in upper beam 18 by means of pins which are curved upward outside beam 18 into the form of handles 34. By rotating these handles 34 in the direction of arrows R the locks 33 can be raised individually to release the associated bar 15,16.
Central locking takes place using a slide rod 35 which is provided with a cam 36 which can engage on engaging parts 37 of Locks 33. By shifting slide rod 35 to the left relative to the position of fig. 5 the cam 36 will press down the ends 37 of locks 33 lying in the middle and thus move upward the recesses 38 in engagement with cross pieces 32 on the upper ends of bars 15,16 so as to release cross pieces 32 and therefore bars 15,16.
Individual unlocking of one or more bars 15,1& of a pair may be necessary to release an individual animal from fence 11. In the case a cow A lies down or has fallen while its head H is placed through a feeding location 17 in fence 11, it may be difficult to get cow A
to stand up again to allow withdrawal of its head H

through fence 11. In order to obviate this problem the feeding fence 11 can be embodied such that bars 15,16 can be individually released, in particular by lifting thereof upward out of the lower bearing. Lock 30 will have to be embodied for this purpose such that a vertical displacement of the relevant bars 15,16 is prevented during normal operation but that when desired bar 15,16 is released on the top side, whereby it can move upward and be lifted out of its bearing at the bottom.
The shown locking means can further be varied in many ways and used in combination with different variants and bars. The scope of the invention is therefore defined solely by the appended claims.
The locking means can be embodied in many different ways. In many cases it will be desirable to arrange spring means 49 which urge bars 15,16 to the open position (fig. 7). As soon as the locking is released, bars 15,16 then swivel to the open position as soon as the captive animal A moves backwards a little. It can then withdraw its head H through the opening between bars 15,16. In this embodiment of locking means 40, which otherwise function in substantially the same manner as in the embodiment of fig. 6, detachable locking pins 51 are further present which co-act with apertures 52 in the upper end parts 42 connected to bars 15,16.
According to another embodiment of the invention swivel bars 15,16 can also be mutually coupled so that they swivel synchronously but in opposing directions (fig. 8). This can be achieved for instance with an appropriate system of rods or by arranging toothed wheels 62 on the ends of swivel bars 15,16. Each toothed wheel 62 in this case co-acts with a gear rack 68 on an opposite side of beam 18. These gear racks 68 are fixedly connected to each other so that swivel bars 15,16 are forced to rotate in opposing direction relative to each other. Onto the coupled gear racks 68 can further engage a spring (not shown here) which urges the racks in the direction in which swivel bars 15,16 move into the open WO 99151085 PC1'/NL99/00195 IO
position. The central locking and release can engage on this coupled rack. For individual locking this variant of locking means 60 further has a pivotable and slidable peg 61 loaded by a spring 69 and having a flattened portion 70 which falls into a slot 67 after rotation of peg 61, whereafter the outer end of peg 61 can enter an aperture 71 in the part 72 connecting gear racks 68.
Locking means 30,40 and 60 can otherwise also be adapted for automatic operation in pneumatic, hydraulic or other manner under the control of a livestock control system.
It will be apparent that the invention can be embodied in many different ways. It is the specific category of livestock for which the feeding fence according to the invention is intended which alone determines the outward curved form of the bars.

Claims (15)

11

1. Feeding fence intended for animals of a specific category of livestock, comprising at least one beam and a number of standing bars arranged thereon, a pair of which bounds in each case a feeding location for an animal, characterized in that the pair of bars has a curved form adapted to the brisket of animals of this category.

2. Feeding fence as claimed in claim 1, characterized is that the pair of bars is connected fixedly to at least a lower beam and in the position of use of the fence the pair of bars is curved out of a vertical plane through the lower beam.

3. Feeding fence as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that each bar of the pair of bars is rotatable on a substantially vertical axis between an open position in which there is a relatively large space between the bars and a closed position in which the space between the bars is smaller.

4. Feeding fence as claimed in claim 3, characterized is that outward curved parts of the bars are directed toward each other in the open position and these outward curved parts are directed substantially parallel in the closed position.

5. Feeding fence as claimed in claim 3 or 4, characterized is that in the closed position the pair of bars have curved parts directed toward each other.

6. Feeding fence as claimed in any of the claims 3-5, characterized by means co-acting with the bars for biasing to the open position thereof.

7. Feeding fence as claimed in claim 6, characterized is that the biasing means comprise at least one spring.

8. Feeding fence as claimed in any of the claims 3-7, characterized by locking means for releasable securing of the bars in the closed position.

9. Feeding fence as claimed in claim 8, characterized is that the locking means of the different feeding locations can be operated collectively.

10. Feeding fence as claimed in claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the locking means of the different feeding locations can be operated individually.

11. Feeding fence as claimed in any of the claims 8-10, characterized in that the locking means can be operated by the animal.

12. Feeding fence as claimed in claim 11, characterized is that at least one swivel bar of a pair is slidable in its longitudinal direction to a position in which an end is moved out of the relevant beam and the individual releasing means are embodied such that in an inactive position they lock the swivel bar in vertical direction against this sliding.

13. Feeding fence as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized by means for detecting the presence of an animal at the feeding location.

14. Feeding fence as claimed in claim 13, characterized is that the detecting means are connected to a central livestock control computer.

15. Locking means evidently intended for use in a feeding fence as claimed in any of the claims 8-12.