FR2833807A1 - Force feeding apparatus for ducks and geese has buccal tube that goes in beak as far as throat to allow for passage of feed cannula - Google Patents

Abstract

The force feeding apparatus, incorporating a cannula (30) that can be inserted into the bird's oesophagus for introducing a portion of feed into its crop, has a buccal tube in two halves (28, 29) that can be introduced through the beak and into as the throat so that the cannula can be inserted axially through it. The buccal tube is designed to pass through the throat as far as the end of the trachea and partly into the oesophagus, while its upper end remains outside the bird's beak to receive the cannula. Its two halves are shaped so that they can be applied against the inner surfaces of the beak without injury, and they are joined together so they can be inserted close to one another and then moved apart fpor insertion of the cannula.

Description

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DEVICE AND INSTALLATION FOR PAVING POULTRY
The invention relates to a device and an installation for force-feeding poultry, in particular palmipeds such as ducks or geese.

 For the force-feeding of a poultry, it is necessary to introduce into the esophagus of the latter a force-feeding cannula adapted to deliver a portion of force-feeding food in the crop of the poultry. However, the operation of introducing the feeding cannula through the beak, the throat and into the esophagus of the poultry remains a relatively delicate operation which requires a certain amount of skill. In addition, for reasons of productivity, the force-feeders are led to accelerate the rates and therefore to perform this operation more and more quickly to the detriment of the quality of production, which in practice results in a non-negligible mortality of animals during force-feeding. Thus, it is not uncommon for a beginner force-feeder to suffer more than 10% mortality during force-feeding.

 Various force-feeding assistance devices or mechanical or semi-mechanical installations have been proposed. Nevertheless, the operation of intubation of the cannula in the esophagus of poultry remains, even with these different mechanical installations, a manual operation subject to the twist and to the agility of the force-feeder. It in fact constitutes an important limit to the possibilities of automation and mechanization of the installations since the booster must devote a significant part of its time to carry out this crucial operation.

 The invention therefore aims to overcome these drawbacks by proposing a feeding device making it possible to facilitate and accelerate the operation of intubating the feeding cannula in the esophagus of poultry, while avoiding any risk of injury to this last.

 The invention also aims to provide such a device which can be used by anyone, including unskilled workers who do not necessarily have the knack of professional force-feeders.

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 The invention aims more particularly to propose such a device which is simple to use, inexpensive, robust and easy to maintain.

 To do this, the invention relates to a device for force-feeding a poultry-in particular of the family of palmipeds (ducks or geese) comprising a force-feeding cannula of a shape adapted to be able to be introduced into the esophagus of a poultry to deliver a portion of food in the crop of the latter, characterized in that it comprises a mouthpiece mouthpiece adapted to be able to be introduced into the beak of a poultry to the throat and to be able to be crossed axially by a feeding cannula extending axially beyond the mouthpiece tip into the poultry's esophagus for force-feeding. Such a mouthpiece tip inserted into the throat of the poultry can be used without special precautions without risk of injury to the animal. Indeed, the introduction of such a mouthpiece mouthpiece into the beak of poultry is easy and does not require any special precaution.

 Advantageously and according to the invention, the mouthpiece of the mouthpiece is adapted to extend into the throat at least substantially at the end of the windpipe (slightly below or exactly at or slightly beyond from the end of the windpipe), so as to partially penetrate the poultry's esophagus. It should be noted in this respect that the injuries caused by the introduction of the force-feeding cannulas in the prior art are essentially due in fact to the passage from the end of the cannula to the bottom of the throat, at the entry of the esophagus. Thanks to this mouthpiece nozzle, the subsequent introduction of the gavage cannula is greatly facilitated since when this gavage cannula is inserted inside the mouthpiece nozzle, its free end necessarily presents itself correctly and automatically at the entry of the esophagus, that of the windpipe being folded down and exceeded by the mouthpiece of buccal tubing, which allows the subsequent introduction of the feeding cannula directly with great ease, without risk of injury. It suffices to ensure that the animal's neck is extended, a relatively simple operation to perform manually or even mechanically.

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 Advantageously and according to the invention, the device comprises means for immobilizing at least one mandible - in particular of the upper mandible - of a poultry relative to at least part of this mouthpiece mouthpiece - in particular a suitable part to be fixed on a frame of a booster installation. Such immobilization means precisely facilitate the extension of the animal's neck.

 Advantageously and according to the invention, the mouthpiece end piece has, at an axial end, an opening, called external opening, adapted to remain outside the beak of a poultry receiving this end piece, and to allow passage, through it, a feeding cannula. This external opening thus forms a predefined passage for the introduction of the feeding cannula, greatly facilitating this operation.

 Advantageously and according to the invention, the mouthpiece tip comprises two oblong intraoral half-shells of shapes adapted to be able to be applied against the internal parts of the beak of a poultry without injury, one, called the fixed half-shell, against the inner part of the upper mandible and the other, known as the movable half-shell against the tongue and the inner part of the lower mandible, these two half-shells being assembled together so that they can either be in the introduction position close to each other, or in the feeding position, separated from one another and applied against the internal parts of the beak of the poultry.

 Advantageously and according to the invention, the two half-shells are articulated to one another along a transverse axis disposed at least in the vicinity of the external opening of the mouthpiece nozzle.

 Advantageously and according to the invention, the device comprises means for fixing the fixed half-shell to a frame of a booster installation.

 Thus, the two half-shells hinged to one another outside the animal's beak produce a retractor forcing the opening of the beak when the feeding cannula is introduced. The two half-shells act as intraoral jaws. The mouthpiece tip can be assimilated

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ainsi à un écarteur de mandibules introduit dans le bec de l'animal. La demi-coquille fixe étant fixée au bâti d'une installation et l'embout de tubage buccal comportant des moyens d'immobilisation d'au moins une mandibule de la volaille par rapport à cet embout, le dispositif selon l'invention permet en fait d'immobiliser la tête d'une volaille par rapport à un bâti d'installation et par rapport à l'embout de tubage buccal dans une position prédéterminée facilitant ensuite encore l'introduction de la canule de gavage. Cette position prédéterminée est adaptée pour réaliser une extension du cou de l'animal, vers le haut, selon une direction au moins sensiblement verticale ou plus ou moins inclinée.

thus to a mandibular retractor introduced into the animal's beak. The fixed half-shell being fixed to the frame of an installation and the mouthpiece end piece comprising means for immobilizing at least one mandible of the poultry relative to this end piece, the device according to the invention in fact allows to immobilize the head of a poultry with respect to an installation frame and with respect to the mouthpiece end piece in a predetermined position then further facilitating the introduction of the feeding cannula. This predetermined position is suitable for carrying out an extension of the animal's neck, upwards, in a direction at least substantially vertical or more or less inclined.

Thus, thanks to a device according to the invention, the introduction of the booster cannula can be carried out easily manually or even entirely mechanically without intervention of the booster. The latter is thus content to introduce the mouthpiece tip into the animal's beak and to immobilize the animal's beak relative to the mouthpiece mouthpiece, which constitutes simple, rapid operations, not requiring any particular knack.

Advantageously and according to the invention, the immobilization means are adapted to immobilize one of the mandibles - in particular the upper mandible - with respect to the corresponding half-shell - in particular with respect to the fixed half-shell.

In addition, advantageously and according to the invention, the immobilization means are suitable for pinching the mandible between the half-shell - in particular a pad carried by this half-shell - and an external pinching lining. Preferably, the shoe and the pinching lining are made of flexible elastic material.

Advantageously and according to the invention, the device comprises elastic return means urging the external pinching lining in the position away from the opposite half-shell to allow insertion of the mandible between them, and maneuvering and locking means allowing bring the nipping trim closer to the half-shell in order to pinch the mandible and hold them in the nipping position. Locking in position can be

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 obtained for example by a simple self-locking toggle mechanism (having a dead center of locking in the clamping position).

 The invention extends to a system for force-feeding poultry, in particular palmipeds such as ducks or geese-comprising at least one cage receiving the poultry to force-feed, characterized in that it comprises at least one force-feeding device according to the invention.

 Advantageously and according to the invention, the mouthpiece (s) of buccal tubing is (are) fixed (s) on a frame of the cage (s) and the feeding cannula (s) is (are) carried by a motorized distribution trolley capable of moving along the cage (s) - in particular above the cage (s) -.

 In addition, advantageously and according to the invention, the installation comprises, formed through a side wall of a cage under each mouthpiece end piece, at least one scalloped compression opening adapted to allow the passage of the head and neck poultry through it and to receive and hold the base of the poultry neck while the latter is extended upward from this notched opening to the mouthpiece end piece.

 The invention also relates to a booster device and an installation characterized in combination for all or part of the characteristics mentioned above or below.

 Other characteristics, aims and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following description which refers to the appended figures illustrating, by way of nonlimiting examples, various alternative embodiments of the invention, and in which: - FIG. 1 is a schematic view in partial transverse section and from an axial end, of a line of cages of an installation according to a first embodiment of the invention suitable for force-feeding palmipeds with grain corn, - the FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a motorized distribution trolley for the installation of FIG. 1,

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illustrant une cage et un chariot motorisé de distribution de l'installation de la figure 3, - la figure 5 est une vue schématique en coupe axiale illustrant des moyens de dosage automatique de pâtée pour l'installation de la figure 3, - la figure 6 est une vue de dessus partielle illustrant un mode de réalisation des moyens permettant le pilotage automatique du chariot et la commande du dosage automatique de nourriture, - la figure 7 est une vue schématique en perspective d'une cage d'une installation selon l'invention, - la figure 8 est une vue schématique de détail en élévation d'un premier mode de réalisation des moyens d'immobilisation d'une installation selon l'invention, - les figures 9a, 9b et 9c illustrent schématiquement les différentes étapes mises en oeuvre pour le gavage d'une volaille avec les moyens d'immobilisation de la figure 8, - la figure 10 est une vue schématique de détail en élévation illustrant un deuxième mode de réalisation des moyens d'immobilisation d'une installation selon l'invention. - Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 1 illustrating a second embodiment of the invention, more particularly suitable for force-feeding from mash, - Figure 4 is a partial schematic view in elevation

illustrating a cage and a motorized carriage for distributing the installation of FIG. 3, - FIG. 5 is a schematic view in axial section illustrating means for automatic dosing of food for the installation of FIG. 3, - FIG. 6 is a partial top view illustrating an embodiment of the means allowing the automatic control of the carriage and the control of the automatic dosing of food, - Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view of a cage of an installation according to the invention , - Figure 8 is a schematic detail view in elevation of a first embodiment of the immobilization means of an installation according to the invention, - Figures 9a, 9b and 9c schematically illustrate the different steps implemented for force-feeding poultry with the immobilization means of FIG. 8, FIG. 10 is a schematic detail view in elevation illustrating a second embodiment of the immobilisation means obilisation of an installation according to the invention.

 FIG. 1 represents a line of cages of an installation according to the invention, seen from its axial end. The same installation can obviously include several lines of parallel cages, or even series of cages arranged not in line, but in a completely different way, for example in a circle, or otherwise.

 The installation therefore comprises a plurality of cages such as the cage 1 shown in FIG. 7. In the example shown, this cage is adapted to be able to receive several birds simultaneously in semi-freedom, that is to say able to move at within cage 1. The invention is nonetheless as good

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 applicable with individual cages or, conversely, with a single very large cage. Advantageously and according to the invention, the cages are of the type providing complete enclosure of the poultry which therefore cannot pass from one cage to the other. The invention nevertheless would be applicable with cages of another nature, for example of the park or "minipark" type allowing the passage of poultry from one cage to another, these cages being devoid of upper walls.

 In any event, the cages 1 comprise a frame 2 resting on the ground by means of a base 3 which, in the example shown, is formed by four vertical feet, the lower ends of which comprise means 4 for height adjustment (eg screw / nut type).

Each cage 1 further comprises a horizontal and raised skeleton floor 5 (wire mesh) suitable for receiving poultry in semi-balance, while dropping the droppings by gravity through the meshes of this floor 5. The cage 1 comprises further two opposite end walls 6 formed of vertical bars, and two opposite side walls 7. The end walls 6 and the side walls 7 are adapted to define a peripheral enclosure around the floor 5. Each cage 1 also includes an upper ceiling 8 closing in the upper part, the side walls 7 and the end walls 6 so to prevent the exit of poultry. An access door 9 allows each poultry to enter the cage 1. Each side wall 7 comprises a vertical lower portion 10, preferably formed by a solid plate or a mesh, extending from the floor 5 upwards to an appropriate height to prevent the passage of the body of a poultry, and, above and at a distance from this lower portion 10, a wavy edge 11 oriented downwards, to define, with the free upper edge of the lower portion 10, a plurality of indented openings
12 of compression of the base of the neck of a poultry. This corrugated edge 11 is preferably formed by a simple corrugated bar 13 which is therefore twisted so as to form the notched openings 12. This bar 13 is articulated by its two longitudinal ends to the frame 2 so as to be able to pivot about an axis horizontal between a raised position where it allows the engagement of a poultry between the lower portion 10 and itself, and a lowered position where it does not allow entry or

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 the exit of poultry. Thus, this corrugated bar 13 acts as an access door 9 for poultry.

 Each indented opening 12 is preferably provided with pads 14 for holding and supporting the base of the neck of a poultry, preferably two lateral pads 14 adapted to press on each side of the upper part of the base of the neck of a poultry. The inventor has in fact found that the presence of such lateral pads 14 had the effect of considerably calming the animal. In a variant not shown, the height of the corrugated bar 13, and therefore of the corrugated edge 11, can be adjustable relative to the frame 2 so as to allow its adjustment according to the length of the necks of poultry.

 From the free upper edge of the lower portion 10, the side wall 7 is preferably inclined inward and upward at an angle to present an inclined upper portion 16 as shown in FIGS. 7 and 9a.

Thus, the notched openings 12 and in particular the corrugated bar 13 are fixed on an inclined portion 16 of the side wall 7.

 Above the corrugated bar 13, the side wall 7 comprises a longitudinal lumen 15 extending between the two end walls 6 and adapted to allow the passage of an arm of the booster through it, so that a booster located outside the cage 1 can grab each poultry to force-feed, pass its head and neck through a notched opening 12 until the base of the poultry's neck comes to rest under the pads 14 d 'a scalloped opening 12 where it is then held in position while the neck is extended outside the side wall 7, upwards (substantially vertically or more or less inclined) from this scalloped opening 12.

 In the example shown, the two side walls of each cage 1 each include a longitudinal slot 15 in the upper part and notched openings 12, the cage 1 being of the "bilateral" type. In a variant not shown, only one of the side walls could comprise such a longitudinal lumen 15 in the upper part and notched openings 12, the other lateral wall being free of such longitudinal lumens 15 and notched openings 12, the cage being "monolateral" type.

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 The inclined upper portion 16 of the side wall 7 makes it easier to access the booster inside the cage by passing its arm through the longitudinal lumen 15, towards the opposite side wall and therefore facilitates the entry of poultry even if the latter are far from the booster. The height of the floor 5 relative to the ground is adapted to avoid the force-feeder having to bend down to grasp the poultry through the longitudinal lumen 15.

 Each longitudinal lumen 15 is formed between two bars 17, 18, horizontal straight and rigid longitudinal, namely an upper bar 17, and a lower bar 18 extending parallel to each other between the two end walls 6 At least one of these bars 17,18 is surrounded by a tube 19,20 capable of rolling around the corresponding bar 17,18, so as to cooperate by rolling with the arm of the booster avoiding its friction on this bar 17.18. In the example shown, the two bars 17,18 are provided with a tube 19,20, the tube of the upper bar 17 being of larger diameter. In addition, the upper bar 17 is mounted, at its ends, in oblong bearings 21 so as to allow a lifting of this upper bar 17 over a certain height under the thrust of the booster arm, then ensuring its subsequent descent by gravity in low position. Such a displacement limited in height of the upper bar 17 facilitates the movements of the force-feeder with a view to entering a poultry in the cage 1.

 The upper ceiling 8 is formed, in the example shown, of rigid longitudinal horizontal bars. Alternatively, it could be a mesh or even a solid or perforated wall. A longitudinal gutter for supplying water 22 is provided, preferably along the longitudinal median of the rectangular floor 5 in the case of a bilateral cage. This gutter 22 is located above the floor 5 and the end walls 6 are provided with lights for the passage of the gutter 22 from one cage to another. The height of the gutter 22 relative to the floor 5 is sufficient to prevent poultry from depositing droppings in this gutter 22. A longitudinal central wall 62, for example formed of longitudinal horizontal bars, extends above the gutter 22 to separate the bilateral cage into two separate spaces. In the case

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 of a monolateral cage, the gutter extends along the side wall free of longitudinal light 15. The poultry extends, in all cases, between the gutter 22 and the side wall 7 provided with longitudinal light 15.

 Preferably, the meshes of the floor 5 are larger in the vicinity of the lower portion 10 of the side walls 7 so as to promote the evacuation of the droppings down through the floor 5. The side walls 7 are preferably extended downwards and inwards under the floor 5 by inclined solid plates 23 directing the droppings towards a gutter 24 where a circulation of water allows their evacuation. In the variant shown in Figure 3, a conveyor belt 25 driven continuously scrolling longitudinally under the floor 5 allows the recovery of droppings and their continuous evacuation.

 Above the corrugated bar 13, the frame 2 defines a gantry 26 supporting mouthpieces of buccal tubing 27 provided with means for immobilizing the head of a poultry relative to this frame 2.

 Each mouthpiece tip 27 comprises two oblong intraoral half-shells 28,29 adapted to be able to be applied against the internal parts of the beak of a poultry without injury, and to be able to be introduced into the beak of the poultry up to the throat of this poultry , at least substantially at the end of the windpipe and to be able to be crossed by a feeding cannula 30 formed of a straight tube extending axially beyond the mouthpiece tip 27 in the esophagus of poultry for its force-feeding, this force-feeding cannula 30 being connected to means for distributing food (corn kernels, mash, etc.) under pressure. One of the half-shells 28, 29, known as the fixed half-shell 28, is adapted to be applied against an internal part of the upper mandible 31 of poultry. The other half-shell, known as a mobile half-shell 29, is adapted to come to bear against the tongue and the internal part of the lower mandible 32 of poultry. The two half-shells 28, 29 are assembled to each other so that they can be either in the position of introduction into the beak of the poultry, close to one another, or in the feeding position, spaced from each other by the feeding cannula 30 introduced through the nozzle of

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 buccal casing 27, that is to say between the two half-shells 28, 29, the latter then being applied against the internal parts of the beak of the poultry.

 Each half-shell 28, 29 is at least substantially in the form of a portion of cylinder with convexity oriented towards the outside, that is to say towards the parts of the spout on which it is intended to be applied. The concavities of the two half-shells are therefore opposite one another. The fixed half-shell 28 is rigidly fixed under a horizontal plate 33, for example by welding, itself secured to the gantry 26 of the frame 2. It extends downward, at least substantially vertically under this plate 33 and from a lumen 34 formed through the plate 33 to allow the passage of a feeding cannula 30. The fixed half-shell 28 is tapered towards its free end, that is to say downwards. Its free end is nevertheless rounded to avoid any injury. The fixed half-shell 28 is in practice formed of a cylindrical tubular portion cut along a cutting plane inclined with respect to its main axis, this cutting plane moving away radially outward when it is moved downwards. The movable half-shell 29 has a similar shape and is articulated to the fixed half-shell 28 around a transverse horizontal axis 35, in the vicinity of their respective upper ends 36, 37. The length of each of the half-shells 28, 29 is adapted so that they can be engaged inside the beak of a poultry, to the bottom of the throat, extending at least substantially at the level of the end of the windpipe, inside the esophagus. Given the tapered but rounded shape at the free end of the half-shells 28, 29, these are easy to introduce into the beak up to the end of the windpipe, without risk of injury. The relative positions of each scalloped opening 12 relative to the corresponding mouthpiece 27 mouthpiece imposing an extended neck position, help to avoid any risk of injury during the introduction of the mouthpiece 27 mouthpiece up the orifice of the windpipe. The length of the half-shells 28.29, (and therefore that of the mouthpiece 27 of mouth casing), is adapted so that the free end of the half-shells 28.29 does not substantially exceed the neck of the poultry, in particular so as not to hinder maneuvers and the installation of poultry. In this way, the placement of the animal's beak around

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l'embout de tubage buccal 27 est simple, immédiate, et ne nécessite pas de précautions particulières. Il n'y a en particulier aucun risque de blessure compte tenu notamment de la forme effilée des deux demi-coquilles 28, 29.

the mouthpiece tip 27 is simple, immediate, and does not require any special precautions. There is in particular no risk of injury, in particular given the tapered shape of the two half-shells 28, 29.

The lumen 34 and the extreme edges of the two upper ends 36, 37 of the half-shells 28, 29 form an opening, called the upper external opening 38, adapted to always remain outside the beak of a poultry receiving this end piece 27, and to allow the passage, through it, of a feeding cannula 30. This upper external opening 38 constitutes a predefined passage for the introduction of a feeding cannula 30 during its movement downward for the feeding of 'a poultry. By entering the mouthpiece tip 27, the feeding cannula 30 moves the movable half-shell 29 away from the fixed half-shell 28 by applying these two half-shells against the mandibles of poultry, as shown for example Figure 9b. If necessary, provision may be made for elastic return of the movable half-shell 29 to the fixed half-shell 28 so as to ensure that these two half-shells are in the permanently close position before the fitting of the spout 'a poultry and during this establishment. When it is introduced into the beak of a poultry, the mouthpiece 27 is thus applied against the internal walls of the mandibles of the poultry pushing them outwards as well as the tongue and the glottis, which has the effect of automatically opening the entrance to the esophagus.

Furthermore, the fixed half-shell 28 comprises a pinching pad 39 adapted to be able to be applied against the internal end part of the upper mandible. An external pinching lining 40 is articulated around a horizontal axis 41 with respect to the frame 2 so that this lining 40 can either be moved away from the pad 39, or brought closer to this pad 39 so as to pinch the upper mandible of a poultry and thus immobilize the beak of the poultry and therefore its head relative to the frame 2. The pad 39 and the lining 40 making a pinch of the mandible can be formed of flexible and elastic synthetic material (foam, rubber, ... ). This elasticity makes it possible to pinch the mandible without damaging it and to adapt to different thicknesses of mandibles. The movements of the lining 40 can be controlled by a lever 42

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actionnant une biellette 43 qui prend appui sur la face arrière de la garniture 40 de façon à appliquer cette garniture 40 contre le patin 39 lorsque le levier 42 est relevé et, au contraire, libérer cette garniture 40 lorsque le levier 42 est abaissé. La cinématique du mécanisme ainsi formé présente avantageusement un point mort de blocage en position relevée du levier 42 de façon à maintenir la mandibule pincée lorsque le levier 42 est relâché dans cette position. L'élasticité du patin 39 et de la garniture 40 facilitent le passage du point mort et le blocage. La biellette 43 peut aussi être élastique en traction dans le même but.

actuating a link 43 which bears on the rear face of the lining 40 so as to apply this lining 40 against the shoe 39 when the lever 42 is raised and, on the contrary, release this lining 40 when the lever 42 is lowered. The kinematics of the mechanism thus formed advantageously has a dead center for locking in the raised position of the lever 42 so as to keep the mandible pinched when the lever 42 is released in this position. The elasticity of the pad 39 and the lining 40 facilitate the passage of neutral and blocking. The rod 43 can also be elastic in traction for the same purpose.

Figure 10 shows an alternative embodiment of a mouthpiece nozzle 27 which differs from that of Figure 8 on the one hand by the fact that it is removably mounted relative to the plate 33, by means of a simple hook 44 , the mouthpiece nozzle 27 being fixed to the plate 33 by simple suspension. This hook 44 can be engaged in a slot 45 formed in the plate 33 in the vicinity of the light 34 to receive the hook 44. In addition, the control lever 42 and the link 43 are replaced by a toggle mechanism 46 whose kinematics also has a blocking dead center allowing, here again, to produce a blocking in the close position of pinching of the lining 40 on the shoe 39 of the fixed half-shell 28. This alternative embodiment makes it possible to introduce the end piece 27 of buccal tubing in the beak before suspending it from the plate 33, that is to say before immobilizing the head of the animal relative to the frame 2.

In the embodiment of Figure 7, the cage 1 comprises on each side, four mouthpieces 27 mouth buccal above four corresponding notched openings 12.

In addition, the frame 2 comprises two upper angles 47 extending longitudinally and on each side against the gantries 26, so as to define a raceway for a motorized carriage 48 for distributing food.

Figure 2 shows an example of such a motorized cart in the case where the food is corn kernels. This carriage comprises rollers rolling on the angles 47 at least part of which is coupled to a drive motor carried by the carriage 48, and a tank 49 forming a food tank.

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This tank 49 is provided with a horizontal rotary mixer 50 longitudinal motorized by a motor 51 and two longitudinal endless screws 52, one on each side, delivering the food by lights 53 formed in the lower part of a wall d end of tank 49.

 The distribution carriage 48 also carries two motorized endless belt conveyors 54 adapted to receive the food leaving the lights 53 of the tank 49 and to drive it upwards to pour it into a hopper 55 supplying four feeding cannulas 30 distributed along the feed hopper 55.

 This hopper 55 extends longitudinally on the side of the tank 49 and carries four individual tanks 57 each having a lower end in the form of a funnel opening into a cannula 30 for feeding.

The hopper 55 is fed by the conveyor 54 at one of its axial ends, and an endless screw 56 extends longitudinally in the hopper 55 to distribute the food inside the different individual tanks 57. Each feeding cannula 30 is provided with an axial endless screw 58 driven in rotation by an electric motor 59 also carried by the hopper 55, and adapted to force the passage of food under pressure through the cannula 30.

 The hopper 55 is itself mounted on a mobile chassis 60 guided in vertical translation by vertical slides on the main chassis of the motorized carriage 48. The position of the mobile chassis 60, of the feed hopper 55 and therefore of the various force-feeding 30 along the vertical, is controlled by a vertical cylinder 61 whose body is fixed to the chassis of the carriage 48 and whose actuating rod is fixed to the movable chassis 60 of the hopper 55. When the cylinder 61 is deployed (left part Figure 1) the feeding cannulas 30 are in the high transfer position, fully cleared above the mouthpieces of mouthpiece 27. The motorized carriage 48 can therefore roll longitudinally, in particular to pass from a group of mouthpieces 27 of mouthpiece to another.

 The groups of mouthpieces 27 of buccal tubing supplied simultaneously by each group of cannulas 30 of the carriage 48 do not necessarily correspond to a single cage 1. In fact, since the longitudinal distance

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 separating two successive ends 27 in the longitudinal direction of advancement of the carriage 48 is constant, including from one cage to another, the carriage 48 can be immobilized astride two cages 1. It is thus possible to independently adjust the number of feeding cannulas 30 of the carriage 48 independently of the number of mouthpieces 27 of buccal tubing which corresponds to the number of poultry in each cage 1. The number of poultry mouthpieces 27 of each cage 1 depends on the rate which can be adapted by the force-feeder to grasp poultry and attach it to the end pieces 27.

The number of cannulas 30 of the carriage 48 is then adapted according to the durations of force-feeding so that the carriage 48 follows at least substantially the force-feeder in synchronism.

 Each conveyor 54 is mounted on the chassis of the carriage 48 pivoting about a longitudinal horizontal axis 63, and its position relative to this axis 63, is defined by a jack 64. When the actuating rod of the jack 64 is retracted, the conveyor 54 is in the active position where it receives the food falling by gravity from the light 53 in its lower inlet chute 65 whose opening is oriented upwards, transports the food upwards to make it open into its outlet chute 66, the opening of which is oriented downwards, in the feed hopper 55. When the jack 64 is deployed, the conveyor 54 is tilted in a more vertical position above the axis 63 (left part FIGS. 1 and 2), the outlet chute 66 being released from the feed hopper 55 so that the latter can be moved up vertically. Conversely, in the low position for feeding the cannulas 30 and the hopper 55, each feeding cannula 30 is engaged in a mouthpiece of mouth tubing, inside the neck of an animal, and the conveyor 54 is tilted. (right part Figures 1 and 2) so that its outlet chute 66 delivers the food into the hopper 55 of supply.

 FIG. 3 represents an alternative embodiment more particularly intended for the supply of liquid, pasty or semi-pasty pâté.

In this variant, each feeding cannula 30 is supplied with food from an alternative linear supply pump 68, carried by the motorized carriage 48, the details of which are shown in FIG. 5. This pump 68 comprises a double pneumatic cylinder effect 69 controlling a three-way valve 70 for

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 supplying or discharging an electromagnetic main pumping cylinder 71. The three-way valve 70 comprises an inlet 72 for food, an outlet 73 for food, and communicates with one end of the cylinder 74 of the jack 71, on one side of the piston 75. When the pneumatic cylinder 69 is in the position shown in FIG. 5, the food can be discharged by the piston 75 from the cylinder 74 through the outlet 73. If the position of the double-acting cylinder 69 is modified by supplying in compressed air the corresponding air inlet 76, the piston 77 of this jack is pushed back, which displaces a shutter 78 carried at the end of the rod of this jack 69 which, initially, blocked the food inlet 72 . The shutter 78 then releases the food inlet 72 and obstructs the passage to the outlet 73. In this way, the food enters through the inlet 72 and fills the cylinder 74, the piston 75 moving to the bottom. of the cylinder 74. To switch to discharge mode, the air inlet 79 opposite the double-acting cylinder 69 is supplied, which replaces the shutter 78 in the position for closing the inlet 72 of food and frees up again food outlet 73. Simultaneously, the electromagnetic cylinder 71 is actuated, which pushes the piston 75 in the direction of delivery of food towards the outlet 73. The electromagnetic cylinder 71 is provided with a linear sensor 81 which makes it possible to precisely adjust the total admissible stroke for the piston 75, corresponding to the volume of the dose of food to be delivered into each feeding cannula 30. The piston 75 is provided with a permanent magnet 80 cooperating with the magnetic linear sensor 81 of this jack 71.

simplement fixées sur le châssis 60 mobile en translation verticale sous l'effet du vérin 61. Each of the 68 alternative pumps thus formed at its outlet 73 which is connected to one of the booster cannulas 30, and its inlet 72 which is connected to a feed tank which travels along the cages 1 on a carriage (not shown) in synchronism with the motorized carriage 48. The mash being delivered under pressure, thanks to the jacks 71 in particular, in the feeding cannulas 30, the latter are

simply fixed to the chassis 60 movable in vertical translation under the effect of the jack 61.

 The piloting of the motorized carriage 48 can be controlled for example using photoelectric cells carried by this motorized carriage 48 and each comprising a light beam directed downwards towards the plate 33

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 carrying the mouthpieces 27, partially shown in FIG. 6. The plate 33 includes a first lumen 85 making it possible to control the stopping of the motorized carriage 48 in the position where the feeding cannulas 30 are opposite the lumens 34 and the mouthpieces 27. In other words, when the light beam directed towards the bottom of the carriage 48 encounters this light 85, the corresponding photoelectric cell detects that the carriage 48 has arrived in position and interrupts the rolling of this carriage 48 on the angles 47. Furthermore, the plate 33 comprises, for each mouthpiece 27 of buccal tubing, two lumens 86.87, similar which adjoin each other and a plate 88 slidably mounted transversely relative to the plate 33 so as to be able to close either the two lumens 86.87, or only the 'one 86 of these two lights 86,87, that is none of them. The motorized carriage 48 comprises two photoelectric cells and two light beams corresponding to these two lights 86,87. When the carriage 48 is stationary in position, if the two photoelectric cells are activated and recognize that the two lights 86, 87 are left free, a supply of the corresponding feeding cannula 30 by a first dose, for example a dose full, is ordered. If it is detected that only the lumen 87 is left free, a second dose, for example a half-dose, of food supply is supplied to the feeding cannula 30. If the two lumens 86, 87 are closed by the wafer 88, the feeding cannula 30 is not supplied. It is thus possible, in an extremely simple manner, to allow the booster to regulate the feeding of each poultry of a cage, individually. Other alternative embodiments are possible to individualize the feed dose for each poultry.

 In the embodiment corresponding to a grain food, the metering can be carried out by a simple operating delay of the electric motors 58, it being specified that the individual reservoirs 57 disposed above the feeding cannulas 30 form food reserves of '' a volume greater than an individual dose. In the embodiment where the food is formed of mash, the metering is of the volumetric type and corresponds to the stroke of the electromagnetic jack 71.

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In all cases, the motorized distribution carriage 48 includes an automatic system controlling its operation and control.

The installation according to the invention operates as follows.

The booster moves along the cages 1 slightly in advance with respect to the motorized distribution trolley 48. When it arrives at a cage 1 before the trolley 48, it passes one of its arms in the longitudinal lumen 15 to catch a poultry, the head and neck of which he passes through a notched opening 12. He grasps the head of the animal with his other hand and puts the animal's beak in place around the mouthpiece 27 located immediately above this notched opening 12. It immobilizes the spout on this mouthpiece nozzle 27 by actuating the lever 42 as shown for example in FIG. 9a. He then proceeds successively in the same way to set up a poultry to force-feed on each mouthpiece end piece 27. In the meantime, the motorized carriage 48 arrives in position above the corresponding cage 1, then the jack 61 is activated. to lower the feeding cannulas 30 through the slots 34 of the plate 33 and through the tubing tips 27 as shown in Figure 9b. As can be seen, the animal's neck is perfectly straight, in extension, so that no risk of injury by the feeding cannula 30 exists. Going down through the mouthpiece nozzle 27, the feeding cannula 30 pushes the two half-shells. Depending on the position of the plate 88, a predetermined amount of food is delivered into the crop of the animal.

After the force-feeding, the actuator 61 is activated in the direction of the ascent of the cannulas 30. Beforehand, the conveyors 54 are placed in the inactive position by actuation of the actuator 64 to allow the ascent of the hoppers 55. The lever 42 is then lowered, as shown in Figure 9c, to release the head of the animal which returns to the cage spontaneously. The lowering of the lever 42 for the release of the animal's beak can be carried out manually by the booster, or, preferably, automatically, for example by a cam 89 integral with the chassis of the carriage 48 which cooperates with the various levers 42 successively when the motorized carriage 48 moves longitudinally. As a variant, provision could be made for a specific device (actuated by a specific jack or, via a

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 appropriate mechanism, by the jack 61) lowers the lever 42 when raising the feeding cannula 30.

 It should be noted that the notches of the notched openings 12, formed by the corrugated edge 11, are preferably asymmetrical, these notches being substantially more hollowed upstream relative to the direction of movement of the motorized carriage 48 and of the booster so as to facilitate the blocking of the animal's neck when the latter is brought vertically and upstream for the placement of the spout on the corresponding mouthpiece tip 27.

 The invention can be the subject of numerous variant embodiments with respect to the examples shown and described above.

 In particular, the means for immobilizing the beak of the poultry on the mouthpieces of the mouth casing 27 can be of the automatically triggered type, that is to say resiliently recalled in the pinching position and controlled by a feeler coming to detect the arrival from the end of the mandible of the animal's beak. In the embodiments shown, preferably, the pinching lining 40 is returned to the release position by a spiral return spring mounted around its axis 41 or by any other appropriate equivalent means.

 The pinching organs 39.40 of the upper mandible can be supplemented or replaced by other means for immobilizing the head of the poultry relative to the mouthpiece nozzle 27, and even more generally relative to the frame 2 It is possible, for example, as a variant or in combination, to pinch means for the lower mandible and / or for guiding or holding members in position of the head of the poultry and / or of the upper part of its neck. These different immobilization means can be adapted in particular according to the nature of the poultry to be force-fed. In the case of ducks or geese, it is generally sufficient to pinch the upper mandible to immobilize the head of the poultry relative to the frame 2. The height of the pinching organs 39.40 (means of immobilizing the head) can be adjustable relative to the frame 2, to allow adjustment according to the length of the animals' necks. The same applies to the vertical position of the end pieces 27 relative to the notched openings 12.

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 The mouthpieces 27 and the feeding tubes 30 can be made of metallic material which is easy to clean and sterilize, or of more or less flexible synthetic material.

 The motorized distribution carriage 48 is preferably motorized by an electric motor or by any other equivalent motor (hydraulic, pneumatic, etc.). Similarly, the cylinders 61, 64 allowing the displacement of each feeding cannula 30 and the tilting of the conveyors 54 can be pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders or be replaced by electric motors. The control means may be different from those described solely by way of example, formed essentially of photoelectric cells. On the same line of cages 1, two adjacent cages share the same end wall 6.

However, this online provision is not mandatory. The raceways 47 of the motorized carriage 48 can be produced not by the frame 2 of the cages itself, but by an independent frame making it possible, for example, to move the cages independently of the motorized carriage 48, for example with a view to cleaning them. The motorized carriage 48 can itself carry cleaning ramps, or be replaced by a cleaning carriage at the end of the force-feeding carrying water spraying ramps on the cages 1. A tank can be carried by the carriage 48 including in the variant suitable for mash distribution. Conversely, the tank can be carried by an independent trolley rolling on the ground in the variant adapted to the distribution of whole corn.

Claims (13)

1 / -Device for feeding on poultry - in particular of the palmiped family (ducks or geese) - comprising a feeding cannula (30) of a shape adapted to be able to be introduced into the esophagus of a poultry to deliver a portion of food in the crop of the latter, characterized in that it comprises a mouthpiece (27) of buccal tubing adapted to be able to be introduced into the beak of a poultry to the throat and to be able to be crossed axially by a cannula gavage (30) extending axially beyond the mouthpiece (27) of buccal tubing in the esophagus of poultry for its gavage.  2 / -A device according to claim 1, characterized in that the mouthpiece (27) of buccal tubing is adapted to extend into the throat at least substantially at the end of the windpipe, so as to penetrate partly in the esophagus of poultry.  3 / -Device according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the mouthpiece (27) of buccal tubing has, at an axial end, an opening, called external opening (38), adapted to stay at exterior of the beak of a poultry receiving this nozzle (27), and to allow the passage, through it, of a feeding cannula (30).  4 / -Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the mouthpiece (27) of buccal tubing comprises two half-shells (28,29) oblong intraoral of shapes adapted to be able to be applied against the internal parts the beak of a wounded poultry, one, called the fixed half-shell (28), against the internal part of the upper mandible (31) and the other, called the mobile half-shell (29) against the tongue and the part internal of the lower mandible (32), these two half-shells (28, 29) being assembled to each other so that they can be either in the insertion position close to each other, or in feeding position, separated from each other and applied against the internal parts of the beak of the poultry.  5 / -A device according to claims 3 and 4, characterized in that the two half-shells (28,29) are articulated to each other along an axis (35) <Desc / Clms Page number 22>  transverse arranged at least in the vicinity of the external opening (38) of the mouthpiece (27) of buccal tubing.  6 / -A device according to one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that it comprises means for fixing the fixed half-shell (28) to a frame (2) of a booster installation.  7 / -Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises means (39,40, 42) for immobilizing at least one mandible-especially the upper mandible (31) -d 'a poultry with respect to at least part of this mouthpiece (27) of mouth tubing - in particular a part (28) adapted to be fixed on a frame of a feeding system.  8 / -Device according to claims 4 and 7, characterized in that the means (39,40, 42) for immobilization are adapted to immobilize one of the mandibles - in particular the upper mandible (31) - compared to the half-shell (28) corresponding.  9 / -A device according to claim 8, characterized in that the immobilization means (39,40,42) are adapted to pinch the mandible (31) between the half-shell (28) and a lining (40 ) external pinching.  10 / -A device according to claim 9, characterized in that it comprises elastic return means urging the lining (40) of external pinching in the position away from the half-shell (28) opposite to allow insertion between them of the mandible (31), and means (42, 43, 46) for maneuvering and locking making it possible to bring the lining (40) of pinching towards the half-shell (28) with a view to pinching the mandible (31) and hold in the pinch position.  11 / - Installation for force-feeding poultry-in particular palmipeds such as ducks or geese-comprising at least one cage (1) receiving poultry to force-feed, characterized in that it comprises at least one force-feeding device according to the one of claims 1 to 10.  12 / -Installation according to claim 11, characterized in that the mouthpiece (s) (27) of buccal tubing is (are) fixed (s) on a frame (2) of the (of) <Desc / Clms Page number 23>  cage (s) (1), and the feeding cannula (s) (30) is (are) carried by a motorized distribution trolley (48) capable of moving along the (of) cage (s) (1) - in particular above the cage (s) (1) -.  13 / -Installation according to claim 12, characterized in that it comprises, formed through a side wall (7) of a cage (1) under each mouthpiece (27) of buccal tubing, at least one notched opening (12 ) of compression adapted to allow the passage of the head and neck of a poultry through it and to receive and maintain the base of the neck of the poultry while the latter is extended upwards from this notched opening (12 ) up to the mouthpiece tip (27).