EP0977478A1 - Systeme d'elevage de betail - Google Patents

Systeme d'elevage de betail

Info

Publication number
EP0977478A1
EP0977478A1 EP98919802A EP98919802A EP0977478A1 EP 0977478 A1 EP0977478 A1 EP 0977478A1 EP 98919802 A EP98919802 A EP 98919802A EP 98919802 A EP98919802 A EP 98919802A EP 0977478 A1 EP0977478 A1 EP 0977478A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
animal
signal
stall
identification
identification device
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
EP98919802A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP0977478A4 (fr
Inventor
Norman J. Hayes
Peter Troesch
Gerry S. Linseth
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Hayes Norman J
Original Assignee
Hayes Norman J
Avid Identification Systems Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US08/843,541 external-priority patent/US6012415A/en
Application filed by Hayes Norman J, Avid Identification Systems Inc filed Critical Hayes Norman J
Publication of EP0977478A1 publication Critical patent/EP0977478A1/fr
Publication of EP0977478A4 publication Critical patent/EP0977478A4/fr
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
    • A01K13/00—Devices for grooming or caring of animals, e.g. curry-combs; Fetlock rings; Tail-holders; Devices for preventing crib-biting; Washing devices; Protection against weather conditions or insects
    • A01K13/003—Devices for applying insecticides or medication
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
    • A01K11/00—Marking of animals
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
    • A01K11/00—Marking of animals
    • A01K11/006—Automatic identification systems for animals, e.g. electronic devices, transponders for animals
    • A01K11/007—Boluses
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
    • A01K29/00—Other apparatus for animal husbandry

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to animal husbandry and, more particularly, to a system for identifying animals, for obtaining, recording and monitoring information about animals, and
  • the invention comprises an internal electronic identification device with the capacity to deliver a substance to an animal. In another embodiment, the invention
  • the electronic identification device comprises the electronic identification device and a reader for receiving a signal from the device.
  • the invention comprises the electronic identification device with magnetic properties and a reader for receiving a signal from the device, wherein the electronic identification device may be adapted to dispense or provide a substance to the animal carrying
  • the device over time or on command.
  • the present invention provides a system for identification and control of animal.', which is
  • animal data such as identification and characteristics (such as weight,
  • the present system comprises the use of a stall with an exit and an entrance whereby an animal, carrying an electronic identification device, enters the stall and is positioned adjacent to an electric signal generating and receiving device (a "receiver” or “reader”) a reader.
  • An entrance gate is automatically operable from a normally open position to a closed position to confine the animal in the stall upon generation of a gate closing signal.
  • exit gate is automatically operable from a normally closed position to an open position upon
  • group of animals may be identified and selectively directed for any of a variety of reasons.
  • the identification device facilitates selection or handling of particular animals, e.g., for further routing or for retention in a retaining pen.
  • the identification device facilitates selection or handling of particular animals, e.g., for further routing or for retention in a retaining pen.
  • the identification device which might be used with cattle or other ruminants in a feedlot or on a ranch or farm, the identification
  • ear tag which is attached to one ear of each animal.
  • the identification device comprises a bolus carried in one of the stomachs of the
  • the identification device comprises an implant. In any of these
  • the electronic identification device is an electronic signaling device which is
  • a computer or microprocessor may employed to determine and select which of the
  • the signal generating and receiving device is suitably connected to the computer to communicate the animal identification signal to the computer which signal identifies a particular animal.
  • the computer may be suitably programmed to receive and store specific information relating to each animal in association with
  • the computer may be programmed to receive and store
  • the computer may
  • the computer may be programmed to send animal selection signals to a gate operating associated with the entrance gate and the exit gate of each stall. Thus, when a selection signal is generated in the computer and transmitted to the gate operating when a particular selected animal is in a stall, the entrance
  • the animal husbandry system of the present invention may be used in conjunction with a
  • the computer may be programmed
  • a period of time can be recorded in the computer.
  • the computer can be programmed to generate
  • Another.feature of the present invention may be the capability of measurement of a selected physical characteristic of a particular animal. For example, the weight of the animal
  • a weight signal may be generated and transmitted to the computer.
  • the electronic identification device may be adapted
  • Medicinal treatment may be effected when an animal is in a stall by direct injection or introduction of a medication or other substance into a feed and/or water container.
  • medication or other substances may be provided to the animal by using the bolus of the present invention, or an attachment thereto, whether or not the
  • animal is in a stall or other locations such as pastures or pens.
  • thermometer the temperature information provided by the associated thermometer
  • the system of the present invention makes it possible to identify dairy or other cattle and take their temperature as they walk by a panel reader when they enter a milking parlor or any stall or chute.
  • Feeder calves carrying the ID device of the present invention may be monitored for fever as they go through sales barns or enter a feedlot. Readers can be placed near
  • the system of the present invention is particularly useful for monitoring the condition of
  • the present invention may be advantageously utilized by providing each animal with a bolus transponder.
  • One or more of the signal generating and receiving devices may be adjacent to the animals, the food and/or water
  • the computer may include a central large-size computer located in a building structure at the feedlot and one or more small-size microprocessor-type computers located on site at the feedlot pen areas or hospital facilities.
  • the invention comprises one or more relatively large animal
  • confinement structures for generally confining a large group of animals and one or more relatively smaller animal confinement structures within or associated with the large structure for selectively confining one or a smaller group of the animals selected from the larger group of the animals.
  • Individual stalls may be provided for receiving one animal at a time and include an
  • a feeding and/or watering bowl or trough may be provided in such stalls for supplying feed and/or water to an animal located in the stall.
  • a conventional electronic platform-type scale may be located in
  • one or more of the stalls in a position and arrangement to weigh an animal while it is in the stall.
  • An electronic identification device is carried by each animal for generating a unique coded
  • a signal receiver is placed permanently or semi-permanently adjacent to the stall(s) for receiving
  • the identification signal transmitted from the animal may also transmit a corresponding process identifying signal unique to the particular one of the animals.
  • a computer or microprocessor may be used for correlating the identification signal and the weight signal for each animal with predetermined weight criteria. If the weight of the animal meets predetermined weight criteria, an electronic control signal is generated for selective separation of that animal from the other animals. Suitable chutes and gates may be associated with the animal confining
  • gates may be operated electronically and automatically in response to signals generated by the microprocessor, electro mechanically by an operator or mechanically.
  • the electronic identification bolus include permanent international individual identification for ruminant animals, lifetime temperature monitoring for such animals and, in one embodiment, a lifetime hardware control magnet incorporated in the device.
  • the permanent individual identification number is provided for each animal. This can prevent theft, and provide
  • the present invention facilitates management of animals in a feedlot setting. It allows cattle feeders to track growth curves and identify optimum end point feeding for each animal, in any size group of animals, as well as to
  • the present invention facilitates identification and sorting of sick
  • cattle and it can be used to facilitate and identify individual weight gain on each animal and growth weight gained per pound on a daily basis. It permits the identification of feed conversion
  • An advantage of the present invention for breeders is that it provides permanent recorded
  • the present invention may be utilized to provide
  • An advantage of the magnetic feature of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is that it eliminates hardware disease and permits the introduction of satellite delivery systems for delivering substances to an animal. Another advantage is that it enhances signal transmission.
  • the bolus of the invention may be adapted to include sensors to measure acids
  • the bolus may include a timer device to identify the time of use in an animal, and a delivery
  • Figure 1 is a schematic plan view of one illustrative arrangement of apparatus for practicing the method of the invention.
  • Figure 2 is an enlarged schematic side elevational view of a portion of the apparatus of Figure 1.
  • Figure 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of the electronic
  • Figure 4 depicts another embodiment of the electronic identification device of the present invention.
  • Figure 5 depicts the device of Figure 4 partially cutaway with the bolus of the invention enclosed in a resilient housing.
  • Figure 6 depicts a block diagram of one embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 7 is a schematic block diagram of one embodiment of the apparatus and associated
  • Figure 8 is a schematic plan view of another animal husbandry system for practicing the
  • Figure 9 is an enlarged schematic side view of a portion of the system of Figure 8.
  • Figure 10 is an enlarged schematic plan view of a portion of the apparatus of Figure 9.
  • Figure 11 is a schematic plan view of the stall apparatus of Figure 10 and associated identification and control apparatus.
  • Figure 12 is a schematic plan view of another illustrative arrangement of apparatus for practicing
  • Figure 13 is a schematic view of another illustrative arrangement of apparatus for practicing the
  • Figure 14 is a schematic plan view of another illustrative arrangement of apparatus for practicing
  • Figure 15 is a schematic plan view of another illustrative arrangement of apparatus for practicing the invention.
  • Figure 16 depicts another embodiment of the present invention, namely, an artificial
  • insemination apron for use with the bolus.
  • Figure 17 depicts the embodiment of Figure 16 in use.
  • Figure 18 depicts another embodiment of the bolus of the present invention, wherein the bolus is
  • Figure 19 is a cross-sectional side view of a transponder according to the present invention.
  • Figure 20 is an end view of the transponder of Figure 19.
  • the electrical components of the present invention are conventional, commercially
  • the materials for making the various components of the present invention are selected from appropriate materials such as
  • the present invention comprises an animal husbandry system comprising an electronic
  • EID device carried by an animal and
  • a signal receiver (which also my be referred to as a "reader") generally adjacent to the animal
  • the signal receiving device receives the signal thereby
  • the present invention 10 comprises a read/write scanner 12 of the type DAS -5004 manufactured by BioMedic Data Systems, Inc. of Seaford, Delaware or an equivalent thereto such as the
  • the read/write scanner 12 transmits a signal to a transponder 14 located remote from the read/write scanner as for example a transponder placed in a ruminants animal.
  • the transponder 14 may be of the type IPTT, also manufactured by BioMedic or Avid or an
  • Attached to the transponder for reading by the read/write scanner 12 are a plurality of both read only (16-16N, 18-18N) and programmable/read memories (20-20N). Any number or capacity of read only or progammable/read memories may be provided.
  • the read/write scanner 12 using read only preprogrammed memories, as for example, animal
  • Programmable/readable memories 20-20N such as one containing
  • redundant information can be stored in like chips 18 and 20 or the additional chips 18A-18N and 20A-20N can be used as spares for later determined vital information on the animal.
  • the transponder chip is attached by any suitable means, such as by way of example, an
  • a magnet such as a rectilinear block magnet or the like obtainable from Power Magnets, USA.
  • the mmember 22 should have sufficient weight to remain in the animal throughout its life and be
  • the weight of the magnetic bolus is in the range of 2 to 6 ounces.
  • a wire antenna 26 of a suitable conductor is connected to the input/output of the transponder 14 by wrapping several turns around the member 22 over the transponder and chips all being fixedly in place on the member 22.
  • the antenna is likewise affixed to the member 22
  • a magnetic member 22 will be normal
  • the permanent magnet can be used as the magnetically permeable core of the antenna winding 26 acting as an inductor. It has been found that random wrapping of the antenna about the member 22 successfully operates but under
  • tubing or the like should be of sufficient thickness to withstand an animal bite when being
  • FIGS 1, 2 and 3 depict an ear tag electronic identification device 100.
  • Tag member 120 is made of one piece of molded flexible plastic material and a retaining button member 122 made of one piece of relatively rigid molded plastic material.
  • Tag member 120 has a relatively
  • Retaining button member 122 has a central slot 132 and resilient
  • a slit 138 is cut in the top of the animal ear and head
  • portion 130 is forced through the slit and then through the central slot 132 in button member 122.
  • Signal transmitter 102 is suitably fixedly mounted on tag portion 126 by integral molding there within or placement in a pouch 136, Figure 3.
  • the identification tag assembly may be removed from the ear and kept on or with the carcass to enable automatic monitoring of a
  • tag assemblies may be utilized such as those described in U.S. Patents 3,896,577, 3,958,353 and
  • the identification signal generator 102 on the ear tag 100 is a conventional electronic
  • Such may be of the general design as apparatus currently manufactured
  • identification device is battery operated and does not depend on receipt of
  • the animal electronic identification signal is activating energy from the signal receiver.
  • the animal electronic identification signal is selected from the animal electronic identification signal.
  • transmitting device of the present invention is a passive (no battery) electronic device, which
  • a suitable material resistant to gastric liquid e.g., suitable plastics
  • gastric liquid e.g., suitable plastics
  • the transmitter 102 is of relatively small size, e.g., approximately 15 to 25
  • mmxl5 to 25 mmx 3 to 5 mm, or less, and of relatively low weight, e.g., 5 to 10 grams.
  • range of transmission of both the transmitter and the receiver is approximately between six
  • the storage capacity is approximately at least twenty to thirty binary digits
  • bits bits of data plus other digits for preamble and parity (error detection) so that the system allows
  • Both the transmitter and the receivers are adapted to operate under severe environmental conditions, e.g., temperatures from -30° C to + 55° C, 10% to 100% relative humidity or sprayed or condensed water.
  • the operating frequency may be between 100 KHz and 500 Khz, however, operating frequencies up to 100 MHz may be utilized by equivalent systems.
  • antenna wrap of a different configuration and/or length may be used to adjust the reading
  • the wrap may be on a bolus of ferrous or either magnetic, non-ferrous material.
  • the shape of the bolus may be changed, for example to an octagonal shape, with an index
  • the octagonal shape may facilitate better retention in any animal including straight-gutted animals, such as hogs, etc.
  • the antenna wrap around an octagonal shape would be symmetrical and the directional orientation for reading would be optimized, possibly increasing the reading distance further.
  • Figure 18 depicts another embodiment of the magnetic bolus of the present invention
  • the body of the bolus 400 includes one or more satellite anchoring or receiving places
  • satellite carriers 404 may be formed of a material to be dispensed 405 wherein the material is
  • the metal cores 406 can be any metal core 406 placed around an embedded magnetically susceptible metal core 406.
  • the metal cores 406 can be any metal core 406 placed around an embedded magnetically susceptible metal core 406.
  • the satellites 404 may be the carriers for substances such as growth hormones (BGH or the like) for release into the animal's system over time. Timed release may be provided by a satellite carrier with a permeable or semi-permeable exterior membrane around a material to be released (which may be in solid or gel form) or a dissolvable membrane for BGH or the like.
  • the satellite carriers 404 may be formed of magnetically susceptible metal or include portions which are more or less susceptible to stomach acids and dissolve to provide timed release as well.
  • the satellite carriers 404, or the bolus body, may be provided with a magnetically or electronically controlled valve (not shown) that may be
  • cows through a manual working chute for vaccine injection cows through a manual working chute for vaccine injection.
  • One form of time in animal indicator may be to provide the bolus with a hole or a strip
  • Fig. 19 depicts a cross-sectional side view of a transponder 500 according to the present invention
  • Fig. 20 depicts an end view of the transponder 500 of Fig. 19.
  • the transponder 500 includes the integrated circuit 502 mounted on a circuit board 504 together with a capacitor
  • the integrated circuit 502 may include in its design the capacitor 506.
  • the integrated circuit 502 and capacitor 506 are affixed to posts 508 and to the end of a core 510, preferably formed from a ferrite material. At the time of assembly and
  • the core 510 may not be magnetized
  • a coil 512 is helically wrapped about a plastic bobbin 514 having an
  • the length of the wire forming the coil 512 is fixed as being an integer number of turns around the circumference of the bobbin 514 plus (or minus) the distance between the posts 508.
  • the length of te wire of the coil, the wire diameter and electrical properties and the number of turns around the circumference of the bobbin 514 are all determinant of the inductance of the coil 512.
  • the positional location of the coil 512 and bobbin 514 about the core 510 is critical to operation of the transponder 500.
  • the transponder 500 requires a tuned coil 512 and capacitor
  • the positioning of te coil 512 on the cord 510 will effect the inductance of the coil 512.
  • the position of the coil 512 must be controlled so as to allow matching of the inductance of the coil 512 to the capacitance of the capacitor 506 in order
  • responder 500 can be tuned at the time of assembly, even without optimizing the inductance of the coil 512, as the inductance of the coil 512 changes by varying the placement of the core 510.
  • the core 510 For a given set of design parameters for a core 510, including its circumference and length, the
  • a turned transponder 500 can be assembled.
  • transponders 500 can be repetitively manufactured using identical components by the uniform
  • the identification signal generator and receiver (the "reader") 103 is an electronic device mounted on or adjacent to the stall. It transmits electromagnetic energy which powers the selected EID device and receives the radio frequency digital encoded signal therefrom. The reader may condition the identification signal for
  • a process control microprocessor may include an interface for connection to
  • a scale or circuitry to condition scale output signal for transmission to the microprocessor.
  • reader 103 may be further constructed and arranged to receive a command from the
  • microprocessor to sort the animal and to send a signal to a control interface which may be
  • the reader 103 may be provided with the capability of detecting when an animal is drinking and being weighed, but not transmitting an identification code, a condition that indicates a malfunction in the electronic identification device 100 or a lost device, so that the animal may be sorted and/or an alarm message may be sent to the microprocessor.
  • the reader is packaged in a waterproof,
  • FIG. 1 One illustrative embodiment of the system is depicted in Figure 1.
  • the depicted system comprises an internal electronic identification device 100, such as the bolus of the present
  • the system further comprises a plurality of platform type electronic weighing scales 20,
  • a feed and/or water bowl 70, 72, 74, 75, 76, 78 may be mounted at the exit end of each stall on automatic electronically operable openable and closeable exit gate 80, 82, 84, 85, 86, 88.
  • the entry gates 40-48 are normally open, as indicated by gate 42, and the exit gates 80-88 are normally closed. In stalls without a feed and/or water bowl, the
  • the associated one of the entry gates may be closed, and the reader 105 actuated, either
  • readers 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108 may be mounted in or adjacent to each stall or feed/water bowl so that when an animal is in proximity thereto, such as when feeding or drinking therefrom, a unique coded identification signal is generated by the bolus 100 which identifies the animal in the associated stall.
  • Each of the readers 103 are connected by suitable cables to a power supply and associated electronic data processing apparatus as hereinafter described.
  • the associated one of the exit gates 80-88 is opened as shown by gate 85 to enable the animal to exit the stall.
  • An exitway or pen area 89 is located opposite the stall exits.
  • Selectively openable and closeable control gates 92, 94, 96 may be used to direct a selected
  • the construction and arrangement of the stall may be such that the animal must stand on an associated scale 20 while the animal is in the stall. Furthermore, the size
  • an entry gate control signal may
  • the animal may enter and exit the stall through the same entryway until a select signal has been generated. After the animal is in position in the stall and
  • the identification signal has been generated by the associated one of the signal receiver 103-108, a weight signal is generated by the associated scale 20-28 and electronically processed in conjunction with the unique coded identification signal of the particular animal.
  • predetermined time sufficient to enable the animal to finish drinking from the bowl or upon
  • return gates 92, 94 are
  • retaining gate 96 is closed. If the animal is to be separated from the general herd population, the return gates 92, 94 are closed and the retaining gate 96 are opened to provide an
  • the bowl may be kept full of water automatically by suitable float valve (not shown)
  • FIG. 7 An exemplary data processing and control system is shown in Figure 7, and includes a
  • central computer 140 which is capable of receiving electronic animal identification signals and
  • the computer 140 may be located in a building or other environmentally controlled structure and may be connected to one or more multiple-stall feed-watering-weighing stations as well as to other data processing and storage devices 142. Each multiple-stall feed-watering-weighing station,
  • Such as the one shown in Figure 1, may include a process control microprocessor unit 144 for
  • the microprocessor unit may be used to store and/or record the
  • each of the gates is operable by a gate actuator 150, 152, 154, 156, 158 in response to control signals received through control
  • any auxiliary mechanisms such as feed or medicine dispensers are operable by an actuator 168, 170 in response to control signals received from process control microprocessor 144. It is to be
  • analog signals representative of animal weight are transmitted from conventional electronic scale 20 to interface 148 for conversion into a digital weight signal representing the weight of the animal.
  • the process control microprocessor may
  • the system may be arranged so that an animal is not separated from the general herd population until after a sufficient period of time to enable processing of the last recorded weight data.
  • the weight data obtained during the confinement of an animal in a stall may be stored by the process control microprocessor or the central control for a period of time, e.g., 6
  • the system may include micro switches and/or photoelectric eyes associated with the various entrance and exit gates to indicate the passage of animals and closing or opening of the
  • the microprocessor 144 is a microprocessor-based electronic device that contains the circuitry and memory to communicate with the identification device and scale and store one weight for each animal for each stall confinement for one period of time. The weight recorded
  • microprocessor may be the beginning, ending or average weight recorded.
  • recorded information may include medical history, and/or management and performance history.
  • the computer 140 also communicates with the computer via the central control as programmed or as requested, and is able to download all data records to the computer.
  • the computer 140 is able to
  • the microprocessor 144 may have the added functions of being a local monitor of each
  • Such data could include the weight of each
  • microprocessor may also provide a report of exception animals, indicating animals that should be
  • the microprocessor 144 may also perform fault detection of the system in the stall area by receiving information on non-operating scales, an animal being weighed but not identified indicating a lost or malfunctioning tag transmitter and malfunctioning of the identification
  • the microprocessor will transfer all such information to the central control or the computer to provide for central monitoring of malfunctions.
  • the microprocessor may be packaged in a stainless steel or other non-corroding weather tight sealed enclosure and/or placed in a building structure.
  • the electronic components are conformal coated and all electrical connections to power or communication cables are through sealed conduit connections.
  • the microprocessor 144 may have an externally accessible sealed membrane-type keyboard and be operable at 110 volts
  • Such a microprocessor will poll the status of all weigh/identification stations in
  • the microprocessor should be designed to operate during very short period of time
  • Heaters internal to the enclosure, may be provided to
  • the central control 149 serves as an interface between the control microprocessor 144 and the central computer 140.
  • the central control 149 accepts communication signals from the
  • central computer converts the data format into one suitable for transmission over the
  • the central control also buffers signals from the microprocessor units by
  • the central control will communicate to the microprocessor units in such a way that
  • the central control provides filtering so that noise or power spikes coming in on the communication lines are not transmitted to the central computer.
  • the central control may also serve as a local system monitor. If communication is lost with any microprocessor unit, it will light an alarm light and the display will indicate the nature of the malfunction.
  • the status of each microprocessor and all data available at the microprocessor can also be requested and viewed at the central computer.
  • the central control unit may be packaged in a shielded plastic computer terminal box, have a sealed membrane keyboard, and be operable by 110 volts A.C. with a dedicated 15 amp circuit with a capacity for controlling from one to five hundred microprocessor control units to provide a relatively large total system capacity, e.g.,
  • control interface which may be integrated into the identification unit, is an electronic
  • control interface switches power to an actuator, whether electrical, air or
  • the control interface also monitors switches or other feedback mechanisms on the mechanical hardware to detect and signal the microprocessor when
  • the central computer 140 is preferably a hard disc, real time, multi-tasking computer with suitable software for two-way communication with the central control and proper data transfer there between.
  • an animal may be recorded and entered into the central computer in association with a particular
  • Such information may include age, breed, initial weight, general health, source,
  • central computer may be provided with
  • the computer can be programmed to select a particular animal for slaughter or for resale at the most appropriate and profitable time.
  • the information may be continuously stored in the computer and used to generate data showing such matters as total
  • the selection of animals may be any combination with standard models included in the computer data base.
  • the selection of animals may be any combination with standard models included in the computer data base.
  • the selection of animals may be any combination with standard models included in the computer data base.
  • FIGS 8-11 show an embodiment of the invention wherein separate groups 200, 202,
  • stalls 210, 211, 212, 213, 214, 215, 216, 217 are separately located in large-size fenced feedlot-type pens 220, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225 which may be arranged in
  • Each group of stalls is spaced from a section of fence 227 of the associated pen to provide a retaining pen 228 defined by fence
  • Each retaining pen 228 is connected to central passageway 226
  • each group 200 of stalls is constructed and arranged in adjacent stall pairs 210 & 211, 212 & 213, 214 & 215, 216 & 217.
  • Each stall of a pair of stalls has an entryway 240, 241 with an associated entrance gate 242, 243, an exitway 244, 245 with an
  • Entrance gates 242, 243 are normally open so
  • cattle may freely enter any one of the stalls to obtain water from the associated watering
  • gates 244 & 245 are normally closed so that each animal must back out of the stall after drinking
  • a presently preferred construction for the stall comprises a relatively long length fixed
  • Each entry gate 243 comprises a length of pipe or the like bent into a curved U-shape configuration with end portions 267 pivotally mounted on side rail pipe 261, 262 by suitable bracket 268 for movement from a vertical position to a generally horizontal position as shown in Figure 10.
  • An exit gate actuator 269 and control 270 are suitably mounted on rail 262.
  • Each gate may comprise a U-shape pipe
  • enclosure 280 having a side wall 282 preventing access to the water bowl from the retaining pen
  • Figure 11 is a schematic representation of a pair of the afore described stalls 216, 217
  • the identification signal receiver is packaged with a microprocessor and
  • Each interface unit is connected to an output cable 310, 312 from the associated scale;
  • control interface devices 314, 316 which operate the gates; 110 volt A.C. power supply cables 318, 320; and microprocessor control units 330, 332 operated by 110 volt A.C. power through cables 334, 336.
  • the microprocessor control units are connected in series or in parallel to central
  • control 338 which is connected to central computer 340.
  • the electronic and control devices of the system operate as previously described with reference to Figure 1.
  • Figure 12 discloses or depicts another embodiment of the present invention wherein a
  • partition 600 is placed in a feedlot between the water 602 and the feed trough 604. The partition
  • 600 has multiple ports 606 spaced to make it easy for animals to gain access to the feed bunk
  • the ports 606 are walk-through type ports and have closure bars so that after the animals
  • the ports without scales can be closed off one at a time to direct the animals to use only a particular port, such as a port 606, provided with a scale 608 and one or more readers 610 to read the internal magnetic electronic identification bolus device showing the ID. number of the animal, its temperature, and the weight. Additional readers 610 may be provided between other ports 606.
  • the partition 600 which may be permanent or portable and may be comprised of separate partition elements or
  • Pieces may be thought of as a barrier with a plurality of openings 606 for an animal to
  • the partition panels 600 are fairly close to the feed bunk 609, whereby the animal goes through to eat and will leave once its had its fill. Because the animal is weighed both on the way in and out, the individual feed intake can be used to calculate feed conversion efficiency on each animal. Thus, cost calculations include the cost of each pound of gain in terms of feed. It also has the advantage of identifying the growth curve of each animal and identifying the optimum
  • Figure 13 depicts a modification for a stall for use in the present invention wherein a short stall 612 is provided extending out only about 18" from the water or feed trough 614 for
  • a scale 616 may be provided. When the animals need to be sorted based on the data collected using the short stalls 612, the animals may be put in a pen and sorted in
  • Figure 14 discloses another alternative embodiment of a pen and gate system for use in
  • inventions of the system of the present invention depicted in Figures 12-14 comprise animal confinement and sorting structures which are formed from similar basic components, e.g.,. fencing, stalls, bars, pens, gates and the like, as the previously described embodiments.
  • Figure 16 depicts an artificial insemination (Al) estrus cycle apron 630 for vasectomized bulls.
  • the apron includes a neck attachment strap 632 and belly band 634 with a main apron portion
  • the main apron portion 636 fits on
  • the breast of an animal generally between its legs, but, in one embodiment, as depicted, the
  • apron includes two leg holes 638 for accommodating the front legs of a bull, and a generally centrally mounted transmitter and receiver pocket recorder 640 with an associated pressure switch 642.
  • the Al apron 630 is depicted in use in Figure 18 wherein a bull is depicted riding a cow. The cow carries the electronic bolus 100 of the present invention and the bull is wearing the Al apron 630.
  • This embodiment of the present invention can provide the exact time of estrus recorded on each cow, and each time a bull jumps the cow the pressure switch turns the recorder on to record the number of the bolus of the cow that is being ridden along with the time of day.
  • This information can be then transmitted to a computer for printing out for the herd owner to identify which animals need to be bred and when.
  • the animal-carried electronic identification device 100 (whether in the form of
  • a bolus, tag or implant (not shown) comprises a small size electronic chip-type device, an electrical circuit and an energy receiving antenna for operation only in response to energy
  • the external energy source emanates from the identification signal receiver 103 and comprises electromagnetic energy.
  • the condition of the animal is determined during a first occasion of in a stall and the condition signal is stored until the same animal is again identified during a second subsequent occasion in the stall. Then the selection control signal may
  • selection control signal can be generated and utilized at any time by any means including manual entry at the microprocessor unit or the central computer by a computer operator.
  • the method of the present invention may include automatically correlating an animal identification signal and condition signal, comparing the condition of an animal with pre-
  • the method of the present invention may include recording and storing data

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  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Environmental Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Husbandry (AREA)
  • Biodiversity & Conservation Biology (AREA)
  • Zoology (AREA)
  • Birds (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • Pest Control & Pesticides (AREA)
  • Radar Systems Or Details Thereof (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention a pour objet un système d'élevage de bétail constitué d'un dispositif d'identification électronique (100) porté par un animal et d'un dispositif de réception de signaux (105) généralement placé à proximité de l'animal; le dispositif d'identification électronique (100) produit un signal contenant des informations sur l'animal, le dispositif de réception de signaux (105) recevant ledit signal, ce qui facilite le soin et la gestion de l'animal. Le dispositif d'identification électronique (100) possède des propriétés magnétiques et peut être modifié pour fournir une substance à l'animal et pour aider à déterminer l'efficacité de transformation des aliments.
EP98919802A 1997-04-18 1998-04-17 Systeme d'elevage de betail Ceased EP0977478A4 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US843541 1997-04-18
US08/843,541 US6012415A (en) 1997-04-18 1997-04-18 Bolus with animal ID and temperature transponder
US5146597P 1997-07-01 1997-07-01
US51465P 1997-07-01
PCT/US1998/007916 WO1998047351A1 (fr) 1997-04-18 1998-04-17 Systeme d'elevage de betail

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0977478A1 true EP0977478A1 (fr) 2000-02-09
EP0977478A4 EP0977478A4 (fr) 2002-01-30

Family

ID=26729446

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP98919802A Ceased EP0977478A4 (fr) 1997-04-18 1998-04-17 Systeme d'elevage de betail

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0977478A4 (fr)
AU (1) AU7250998A (fr)
CA (1) CA2329906A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO1998047351A1 (fr)

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US6441741B1 (en) * 1999-05-17 2002-08-27 Avid Identification Systems, Inc. Overmolded transponder
NL1012137C2 (nl) * 1999-05-25 2000-11-28 Lely Res Holding Onbemand voertuig dat inzetbaar is in een stal of een weide.
NL1012864C2 (nl) * 1999-08-19 2001-02-20 Nedap Nv Meting van de zuurgraad in een maagstelsel van dieren, zoals koeien.
EP1535510A3 (fr) 1999-09-02 2008-07-16 Kristoffer Larsen Innovation A/S Procédé de surveillance de l'élevage d'animaux de grande taille
DE19944128A1 (de) * 1999-09-15 2001-04-12 November Ag Molekulare Medizin Verfahren zum Markieren eines Tiers sowie davon stammenden Produkten
FR2807618A1 (fr) * 2000-04-17 2001-10-19 Hans Joachim Laue Dispositif et procede pour l'alimentation et le soin commandes du betail
EP1385374B1 (fr) 2001-03-22 2013-07-17 Nokia Siemens Networks Oy Procédé et dispositif de collecte de données relatives à des animaux
AU2002344680B2 (en) * 2001-07-04 2004-03-04 Allflex Australia Pty Limited Tracking and marking system
WO2003003820A1 (fr) * 2001-07-04 2003-01-16 Aleis Trakit Pty Ltd Systeme de tracage et de marquage
EP1332667A1 (fr) * 2002-02-05 2003-08-06 Lely Enterprises AG Dispositif et procédé servant à exercer une action relative à un animal
DE10221484B4 (de) * 2002-05-15 2012-10-11 Hans-Joachim Laue Vorrichtung zur Energieversorgung einer Datenerfassungs- und Datenübertragungseinheit sowie Datenerfassungs- und Übertragungseinheit
US7132611B2 (en) 2002-06-26 2006-11-07 Capamo Aps Apparatus for the registration of weight
GB0217393D0 (en) 2002-07-26 2002-09-04 Gardner Sarah M Wireless identity tracing system (WITS) for tracing animals and food products
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AU2003904134A0 (en) 2003-08-07 2003-08-21 Allflex Australia (Pty) Limited Improvements in animal identification
EP2314154A1 (fr) * 2009-10-26 2011-04-27 Nederlandse Organisatie voor toegepast -natuurwetenschappelijk onderzoek TNO Système de bol
RU2616843C1 (ru) * 2015-12-31 2017-04-18 федеральное государственное бюджетное образовательное учреждение высшего образования "Самарская государственная сельскохозяйственная академия" Пункт искусственного осеменения
UY37539A (es) * 2017-12-21 2019-07-31 Marichal Jose Sistema y método para identificar, alimentar y manejar animales, en especial ganado lechero
US11529310B2 (en) 2020-12-08 2022-12-20 Ruminant Biotech Corp Limited Devices and methods for delivery of substances to animals
IT202100006905A1 (it) * 2021-03-23 2022-09-23 Cartesio 2001 S R L Metodo per controllare la macellazione di suini, in particolare finalizzata alla produzione di prosciutto crudo, specialmente a denominazione di origine protetta/controllata/territoriale
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See also references of WO9847351A1 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU7250998A (en) 1998-11-13
WO1998047351A1 (fr) 1998-10-29
EP0977478A4 (fr) 2002-01-30
CA2329906A1 (fr) 1998-10-29

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