FR2782444A1 - Sow teat positioner has central bar and four rounded rods and is strapped to sow to make all teats available to sucking piglets - Google Patents

Abstract

The positioner consists of a rigid metal frame with a central lengthwise bar (1) having a pair of semi-circular curved rods (4) welded across it at each end. The curved rods' outer ends are connected by parallel lengthwise rods (5) with end loops (6) to which an adjustable strap is fastened by elastic ties (8). The two ends (2) of the central bar are curved outwards and covered with a supple material (3). The strap, which is connected to the elastic ties by rivets (9), flat-headed screws or seams, is fastened round the sow's middle so that the central bar (1) lies between the two rows of teats, holding them off the ground when she is lying down.

Description

DESCRIPTION

  The present invention relates to the field of pig breeding. Advances in genetics have allowed sows to make more piglets and produce more milk without changing the number of teats. So the pig farmer has to face this problem. Indeed, during parturition, it is common these days for the sow to make fourteen piglets and more. The big problem is to provide all these newborns with this milk

  precious natural that is colostrum.

  Usually, when the sow is lying on its side, it often happens that part of the lower teats is hidden under the weight of the udder and are found

  inaccessible for piglets. The present invention solves this problem.

  The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention.

  Figure 1 shows, the device of the invention seen from the side.

  Figure 2 shows, the device of the invention seen from the end.

  FIG. 3 represents the device of the invention seen from above.

  FIG. 4 schematically represents a sow in the nursing position without the device.

  FIG. 5 schematically represents a sow in the nursing position equipped with the device FIG. 6 shows an overall view of a sow in the nursing position equipped with the device The device according to the invention allows the improvement of the suckling of piglets. It has in effect with reference to these figures according to a first characteristic, a rigid metallic structure consisting of a central rod (1) which comes to press on the middle of the udder in the longitudinal direction. This pressure has the effect of bringing the two rows of teats together. Consequently, the teats in the top row are less tall and therefore more accessible to piglets and above all, the teats in the bottom row are located

therefore all accessible.

  This right central part is curved at each of the ends (2) and can be covered with a flexible protection (3), this in order to ensure maximum comfort for the sow. On each side of the device are welded metal rods (4) perpendicular and symmetrical one by one with respect to the central axis (I) so that the width of the

  device corresponds to the width of the udder of a sow.

  These rods (4) are rounded in a half-moon in the lower part. The half-moon part corresponds to the shape of the udder and the right part to the shape of the side of the sow. These rods are either two in number and in this case fixed in the middle of the right central part, or four in number and in this case fixed at the ends of the part

  central right just before the start of the curves (4).

  Two rods parallel (5) to the central part are welded to the end of each of the rounded rods (4) either at their center when the rounded rods are two in number, or at their ends when the rounded rods are one of four and in

  this case fixed at the ends of the right central part just before the start of the curves.

  These longitudinal rods are rounded in a loop at their ends (6) to

  allow the fixing of the device to pass around the sow's body.

  The device adheres to the sow's body by a strap which is fixed to each of the two elastic bands by means of rivets, flat head screws or seam (9). This is adjustable in length (7) according to the size of each animal and locked on the back. Two elastic bands (8) connect the strap to the device to allow the sow to be completely free of everything

movement.

Claims (6)

  1) Improvement device for suckling piglets characterized in that it comprises a rigid metallic structure consisting of a central rod (I) on which are welded metal rods (4) perpendicular and symmetrical one by one with respect to the central axis, said rods being rounded in their lower part, and two rods (5) parallel to the central part on which are fixed the end of each of the rounded rods (4). These rods being retained by   a strap (7) which surrounds the body of the sow.   2) The device according to claim I characterized in that the central rod is straight and then curved at each of its two ends (2) and can be covered with a protection flexible (3).   3) The device according to claim 1 characterized in that the two rods parallel to the central axis (5) are rounded in a loop at their ends (6) to allow the passage of a fixing means.   4) The device according to claim 3 characterized in that an adjustable strap in   length and lockable (7) ensures its fixing.   ) The device according to claim 4 characterized in that two elastic bands (8) are   fixed at each end of the two rods parallel to the central axis.   6) The device according to claims 4 and 5 characterized in that the strap (7) is fixed   to each of the two elastic bands by means of rivet, flat head screw or seam (9).   7) The device according to claim I characterized in that the metal rods (4) rounded in half-moon are two in number and fixed in the middle of the rigid metal structure. 8) The device according to claim 1 characterized in that the metal rods (4) rounded in half-moon are four in number and fixed to the ends of the structure rigid metal.