FR3025065A1 - COMFORT MATTRESSES FOR AN ENCLOSURE - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a comfort mattress for a breeding enclosure, for example for dairy cattle or for beef cattle, comprising at least one elastic layer (5) and an upper surface (6), on which an animal is intended for take support. The comfort mattress (2) is equipped with stimulation means (3) for generating a stimulus at said upper surface (6), said stimulus being intended to be perceived by an animal resting on said upper surface (6); which stimulation means (3) are controllable between - an active configuration, wherein said stimulating means (3) generates said stimulus, and - an inactive configuration, wherein said stimulating means (3) does not generate said stimulus.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD TO WHICH THE INVENTION RELATES The present invention relates to a comfort mattress for animals, for example for dairy cattle and beef cattle, in particular for the development of cubicles in a breeding enclosure.

BACKGROUND TECHNOLOGY The comfort of animals is a determining parameter in the performance of a farm. This comfort influences in particular the health, the way of feeding, the food intake, the fertility and the longevity of the animals. Cows are usually kept in cubicles in stalls, often called free stalls, in which cattle are free to get up and go to bed. However, when doing these movements, animals are likely to get hurt. This is particularly the case when the litter is made of straw covering concrete, which does not protect the animal from slipping. To limit (or even eliminate) this type of incident and the resulting injuries, it is known to equip the floor with these cubicles with comfort mattresses. These comfort mattresses comprise, conventionally, at least one elastic layer which is able to undergo an elastic deformation, underlying an upper surface on which an animal bears. Moreover, the animals present in the boxes are often subject to stimulation, including interactions with the farmer so as to obtain a particular behavior of their parts. For example, for dairy cattle, even if the milking operation itself is assisted by milking machines, the farmer still has to drive the cows from the breeding enclosure to the milking parlor. For fast milking and optimal yield, it is important for cows to enter the milking parlor themselves, without waiting for the breeder. Therefore, there is a need for a technical solution for such stimulation of breeding animals, which would in particular make it possible to obtain a reaction or behavior of interest in these animals. OBJECT OF THE INVENTION In this context, the Applicant has developed a new comfort mattress structure for a breeding enclosure, for example for dairy cattle or beef cattle, which has the advantage of generating a stimulus intended to be perceived by the animal in support of this comfort mattress. In particular, the comfort mattress according to the invention comprises: at least one elastic layer capable of undergoing elastic deformation, and an upper surface (overlying said elastic layer) on which an animal is intended to bear . This comfort mattress is characterized in that it is equipped with stimulation means for generating a stimulus at said upper surface, said stimulus being intended to be perceived by an animal resting on said upper surface, which stimulation means are controllable between two configurations: - an active configuration, wherein said stimulation means 20 generate said stimulus, and - an inactive configuration, wherein said stimulation means do not generate said stimulus. Such a comfort mattress is particularly interesting for breeders who thus have a tool for stimulating an animal, especially in order to obtain a particular behavior on his part. In particular, such a mattress could be interesting to lead to a learning or a conditional reflex in the stimulated animal, for example a conditional reflex by which a dairy cow subjected to the stimulus would rise and go alone to the milking parlor.

Such a comfort mattress could also serve to subject the animal to a stimulation allowing a physiological modification to be obtained, for example an increase and / or an improvement in its blood circulation. According to other advantageous features of realization: the stimulation means consist of means for generating a tactile stimulus at the level of the upper surface, preferably means for generating a vibration of said upper surface, more preferably means electric and / or pneumatic vibration; The stimulation means are implanted: at a lower surface of said comfort mattress, or in the thickness of said comfort mattress; the elastic layer is constituted by: at least one elastic material (for example agglomerated or non-agglomerated rubber granules, or polyurethane foam), or at least one sealed bag intended to be filled with a fluid ( for example water, air or a gel); the comfort mattress comprises several juxtaposed reception modules which are each able to accommodate at least one animal, and in that each reception module comprises: a part of the at least one elastic layer, a part of the upper surface, and - stimulation means, whose stimulus is intended to be perceived by an animal bearing on said portion of the upper surface; the comfort mattress comprises means for detecting the presence of an animal resting on the upper surface of the mattress, where appropriate of each of its reception modules; in this case, the detection means advantageously comprise at least one pressure sensor which is intended to be connected to remote control means for collecting and / or processing the collected data.

The present invention also relates to a comfort system, for example for dairy cattle or for beef cattle, for a breeding enclosure, comprising: at least one comfort mattress according to the invention, and deported means of control which are connected to the stimulation means 30 equipping said comfort mattress, for their control between the active / inactive configurations, and where appropriate which are connected to the detection means. The invention also relates to the breeding enclosure equipped with a comfort system according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT The invention will be further illustrated without being in any way limited by the following description of two particular embodiments in relation to the appended figures in which: FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of above a portion of the interior of a breeding enclosure, namely a line of cubicles which is equipped with the comfort system comprising comfort mattresses whose elastic layer is constituted by rubber granules; FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic view, along a vertical section plane, of a comfort mattress according to FIG. 1; - Figure 3 is a schematic top view of a line of cubicles of a breeding chamber, here equipped with a comfort system comprising comfort mattress whose elastic layer is constituted by a sealed pouch filled with a fluid; FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic view, according to a vertical sectional plan, of a comfort mattress according to FIG. 3. The comfort system 1 according to the invention is intended to equip a breeding enclosure E in which are housed the sleeping stalls S.

The breeding enclosure E advantageously consists of a barn for rearing cattle, in particular dairy cattle or beef cattle. In the case of dairy cattle, the breeding enclosure E is advantageously equipped with a robotic milking parlor. The sleeping stalls S here consist of a plurality of stalls, arranged on at least one line. The S-cubicles are a compromise between a comfortable sleeping position for the bovine, respect for the up / down motion, comfortable standing and minimum staining in the stall. Each cubicle S, conventional in itself, is delimited by: two lateral partitions S1 (FIGS. 1 and 3), for example tubular structures, a rear threshold of cubicle S2, extending along a corridor of access, - a front limit S3, advantageously comprising a high bar at the withers and a lower stop (or speed limiter), forming the bottom 35 of the box S, and 3025065 5 - a soil S4, for example a concrete slab (Figures 2 and 4). The comfort system 1, fitted to this breeding enclosure E, consists of: at least one comfort mattress 2, covering the floor S4 of each of the boxes S and equipped with stimulation means 3 to generate a stimulus to destination of the animal resting on said comfort mattress 2, and - remote control means 4, in particular for the central control of the stimulation means 3. In this case, the comfort mattress 2 extends along several 10 cubicles S juxtaposed. Each comfort mattress 2 thus comprises several reception modules 21 juxtaposed, each corresponding to the floor area of a box S, to accommodate each animal. In this case, each receiving module 21 comprises: a portion of the elastic layer 5, a portion of the upper surface 6, and stimulation means 3, the stimulus of which is intended to be perceived by an animal resting on said portion of the upper surface 6. Alternatively, not shown, each housing S has its own comfort mattress 2 thus defining a single home module 21. Each of these home modules 21 of the mattress comfort 2, of generally rectangular shape, is thus defined by: - two lateral edges 211, each located in line with a lateral separation of housing S1 (possibly forming a side edge of the comfort mattress 2), - a rear edge 212, adjoining the rear threshold of stall S2 (forming a rear edge of the comfort mattress 2), and - a front edge 213, adjacent to the front limit S3 of the stall S 30 (forming a front edge of the mattress comfort 2). As represented in FIGS. 2 and 4, each comfort mattress 2 conventionally comprises: an elastic layer 5, capable of undergoing an elastic deformation, and an upper surface 6, overlying the elastic layer 5, on which an animal is intended to take support.

In accordance with the present invention, the comfort mattress 2 is equipped with stimulation means 3 which are intended to generate a stimulus at its upper surface 6. In this case, these stimulation means 3 equip each of the 5 modules. 21 of the comfort mattress 2 so as to generate a stimulus that can be perceived by the animal resting on the upper surface 6 of the respective reception modules 21. By "stimulus" is meant in particular an external agent, or an interaction, which is perceived by an animal and which is likely to generate a reaction or response of this animal. By "stimulus" is meant in particular a tactile stimulus or an artificial stimulus of the electrical kind. By "stimulus" is meant a "conditional stimulus" (for example a Pavlov reflex) which is capable of provoking a specific reflex response only after having been associated several times with the application of the normal stimulus. of this answer. By "reaction or response" is meant in particular: - a behavior of interest in the stimulated animal, or - a physiological adaptation / modification in the stimulated animal, such as an increase in the blood circulation. By "reaction or response" is also meant a reflex, such as a conditional reflex. In this case, within each reception module 21 of the comfort mattress 2, the stimulation means 3 are controllable between two configurations, by means of the remote control means 4, namely: an active configuration ( walk), wherein said stimulating means 3 generates said stimulus, and - an inactive configuration (off), wherein said stimulating means 3 no longer generates said stimulus.

In general, the stimulation means 3 of a reception module 21 are controllable between said two configurations, independently and / or simultaneously with the stimulation means 3 of the other reception modules 21.

The stimulation means 3 in question advantageously consist of means for generating a tactile stimulus at the upper surface 6 of the corresponding reception module 21. By "tactile stimulus" is meant in particular an excitation which is perceived by the organs of the touch (the skin for example). In this context, the means 3 for generating the tactile stimulus advantageously consist of means for generating a vibration of the upper surface 6 of the corresponding reception module 21. These stimulation means 3 are chosen for example from electric and / or pneumatic vibration means, known per se, in order to obtain the desired type of vibration. Such stimulation means 3 consist for example of a vibrating device (also commonly referred to as "vibrator"), chosen from among others a vibrating plate or a vibrating tube, which is conventional in itself.

Generally speaking, the term "vibrating device" or "vibrator" refers in particular to a mechanical, electrical or pneumatic oscillating (or animated vibratory movement) system capable of transmitting vibrations to the upper surface 6. The vibrating device 3 is chosen according to the characteristics of its elastic layer 5. In this case, the stimulation means 3 can be controlled between two configurations, by means of the remote control means 4, namely: an active configuration (walking), wherein said stimulation means 3 generates a vibration (the upper surface 6 vibrates on at least a part of its total area), and - an inactive configuration (stop), wherein said stimulation means 3 do not generate this vibration (the upper surface 6 is thus inert). A first embodiment of the comfort mattress 2, equipped with stimulation means 3, is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The general structure of this comfort mattress 2 is, for example, of the type of the LOUISIANE mattress marketed by the company BIORET. AGRILOGETTE CONFORT (Nort sur Erdre, France). According to this first embodiment, the elastic layer 5 (FIG. 2) is constituted by a plate of an elastic material, for example a plate of rubber granules (agglomerated or non-agglomerated), of polyurethane, of latex or any other elastomeric material. This elastic layer 5 is advantageously wrapped in a tight film 7, for example a PVC (polyvinyl chloride) film.

The upper surface 6 is here constituted by a coating attached to the elastic layer 5 wrapped in its sealing film 7, for example a rubber coating. This insert 6 is advantageously secured to the ground S4 by means of rod-type sections 8 fixed by points 10 or nails, in particular along the rear edges 212 and before 213 of the comfort mattress 2 (FIG. 2). Within each reception module 21 of the comfort mattress 2, the stimulation means 3 comprise at least one vibrating device 31 which is connected to the remote control means 4.

The vibrating device (s) 31 of a receiving module 21 are advantageously implanted between the elastic layer 5 and the added coating 6, in the thickness of the comfort mattress 2. Alternatively and / or complementary, not shown, the vibrating device or devices 31 could be implanted between the lower surface 20 of the elastic layer 5 and the ground S4. For this purpose, the vibrating device or devices 31 advantageously consist of a vibrating plate, movable for example by oscillation or by translation. Preferably, for each receiving module 21, the vibrating device or devices 31 are distributed in a central zone whose surface corresponds, for example, to 70% of the total area of said receiving module 21. Each vibrating device 31 thus generate a tactile stimulus, of the vibration type, perceptible at the upper surface 6 of the reception module 21 by an animal in the presence.

A second embodiment of the comfort mattress 2, equipped with detection means 3, is illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4. The general structure of this comfort mattress 2 is, for example, of the type of the PACIFIC mattress marketed by the BIORET Company. AGRILOGETTE CONFORT (Nort sur Erdre, France).

According to this embodiment, as represented in FIG. 4, the comfort mattress 2 comprises a casing 10 surrounding the elastic layer 5 which is constituted by a sealed pocket (or chamber) filled with a fluid (for example water, air or a gel).

The envelope 10 thus consists of a tight and elastic material, for example of rubber. This envelope 10 comprises two panels, opposite and at a distance from each other: a lower panel 101 directly constituting the lower surface of the mattress 2 resting on the ground S4 and an upper panel 102 directly constituting the upper surface. 6 of the mattress 2. Preferably, each home module 21 has a sealed pocket 5 which is specific to it.

In this case, the envelope 10 defines a series of juxtaposed sealed pockets 5 each corresponding to a reception module 21. Such a comfort mattress 2 is for example obtained by vulcanization in the mass, in a rotating rubber press .

Within each reception module 21 of the comfort mattress 2, the stimulation means 3 comprise a vibrating device 32 which is implanted within the corresponding waterproof bag 5 (in the thickness of the comfort mattress 2) and which is connected to the remote control means 4.

This vibrating device 32 is here introduced through an insertion duct 103 provided for this purpose, communicating with a sealed bag 5. For example, this vibrating device 32 consists of a submergible vibrating tube. This vibrating device 32 is thus able to generate vibrations directly within the fluid contained in the sealed bag 5, which will propagate to the upper surface 6 of the reception module 21. The assembly of this vibrating device 32 is effected in a sealed manner, for example by crimping within the insertion duct 103.

In the present case, each sealed bag 5 is further provided with filling access means 104, for example an orifice equipped with a valve (FIG. 3). The fixing of this comfort mattress 2, in the boxes S, 5 is also performed by means of profiles 8 conventional per se. Alternatively, not shown, the comfort mattress 2 sealed pocket could be equipped with a vibrating device 31 of the type described above in connection with Figures 1 and 2, namely preferably a device 31 of the type vibrating plate.

In this case, the vibrating device 31 is advantageously provided between the lower panel 101 of the comfort mattress 2 and the floor S4. In the various embodiments, the stimulation means 3 are connected to the remote control means 4 via wire means 34.

To limit the risk of damage, these connection wires 34 are advantageously arranged along the longitudinal front edge 213 of the comfort mattress 2. In particular, for the first embodiment, the connection wires 34 are formed under the film sealed 7 (Figure 2). For the second embodiment, the connecting wires 34 are covered by an attached profile 8 (FIG. 4). Alternatively, not shown, the detection means 3 are connected to the control means 4 by means of wireless communication means, for example of the Wi-Fi or Bluetooth type.

In practice, the type of vibration emitted (especially in terms of intensity, duration and frequency) is adapted in a way and mainly according to the desired effect. The vibrations emitted can be adapted so as to obtain a behavioral reaction of the animal, for example its passage in standing position, or even its exit from the reception module 21. Still advantageously, after a learning period, it can still a more complex behavior is obtained, for example the path of the stimulated animal to the milking parlor for dairy cattle.

The vibrations emitted may also be adapted so as to obtain a physiological type reaction, for example an improvement of the blood circulation (in particular of the peripheral blood circulation) of the animal.

The stimulation, in particular the vibrations, can be triggered: on the set of comfort mattresses 2 at the same time during the milking, to accelerate the approach of the animals, or by batch by selecting a stub section S , especially for targeted interventions, such as vaccination, anti-fly treatment, or even individually if the system is coupled with individualized recognition of the animal. Optionally, as shown in FIG. 1, the comfort system 1 may further comprise means 12 for detecting the presence of an animal at the different reception modules 21. Preferably, the detection means 12 equip each of the reception modules 21 of the comfort mattress 2 so as to detect the presence of an animal resting on the upper surface 6 of the respective reception modules 21.

For example, within each reception module 21 of the comfort mattress 2, the detection means 12 comprise at least one pressure sensor (not shown) which is connected to the remote control means 4 for the collection / treatment of the data. These pressure sensors are advantageously chosen from means suitable for measuring the weight of the animal or animals resting on the upper surface 6 of the comfort mattress 2. For example, these sensors are chosen from sensors capable of measuring a pressure differential . In the same way as the stimulation means 3, the detection means 12 may be formed, for example: between the elastic layer 5 and the attached covering 6, for the first embodiment, or between the lower surface of the mattress comfort 2 and soil S4, or - within the sealed pocket 5, for the second embodiment.

3025065 12 Still optional, the detection means 12 may further comprise means (not shown) for the individualized recognition of the animal resting on the comfort mattress or 2, and where appropriate on each of their modules. home 21.

Such a comfort system 1 coupled with a robotic milking system allows recognition of the animal, analysis of its sleeping cycle and allows to lift the animal to be milking. For this purpose, these recognition means comprise, for example, a fixed reader adapted to read the electronic identification loops carried by the animals (generally on one ear). This fixed reader is advantageously fixed by webbing within the housing S, or otherwise on the concrete at the front of the comfort mattress 2. This fixed reader is advantageously also connected with the remote means 4 so as to allow individualized treatment data from the detection means 12. The recognition means advantageously rely on remote identification technology and contactless. The electronic loop, equipping the animal, has a transponder cast in its constituent material.

The transponder contained in the loop consists of an electronic chip which contains the digital information (the national number of the animal) and an antenna which allows the exchange with the reader. Electronic chip standards coexist, for example HDX Half Duplex or FDX-B Full-Duplex.

A "Full-lso" reader will be able to read both types of electronic chips. The reader advantageously consists of a radiofrequency module associated with an antenna. Moreover, the remote control means 4 advantageously consist of electronic and / or computer means, in particular for centralized control of the stimulation means 3 between their active / inactive configurations. Where appropriate, these remote control means 4 are also useful for the collection and / or processing of data from the detection means 12.

The deported control means 4 will thus allow custom control of the stimulation means 3 in the presence, namely, for example: an individualized control of the stimulation means 3 of a reception module 21, a piloting stimulation means 3 of a batch of reception modules 21, or - global control of the stimulation means 3 of all the reception modules 21. This control can be carried out manually or in a controlled manner. automatically through a program or algorithm. In the presence of detection means 12, the remote control means 4 will also allow including a social analysis of livestock and / or the evolution of their weight, individually or collectively.

The computer means comprises in particular a computer comprising a computer program comprising: program code means for controlling the stimulation means 3; and, if appropriate, program code means for the collection and / or or processing data from the detection means 12, when said computer program is run on said computer. The remote means 4 are thus connected to each of the stimulation means 3, and where appropriate to each of the detection means 12 present in the enclosure E.

These remote means 4 receive, convert and compile signals from the detecting means 12 of each stall S, in particular when detecting means 12 of a stall S are subjected to a pressure normally coming from an animal present on the upper surface 6.

In particular, the detection means 12 of each housing S emit a signal (advantageously an electrical signal) which is a function of the presence and / or the intensity of a pressure exerted on the upper surface 6 of the home module 21 The signal received can then be used to allow: - a distinction between the absence and the presence of an animal within a stall S, - an evaluation of the intensity of the pressure exerted, to be advantageously converted into weight of the animal in the presence.

This signal may be associated with a given animal in the case of a comfort system comprising recognition means. In particular, the remote means 4 comprise at least one of the following means, advantageously in the form of program code means, taking into account the signal from the detection means 12: - means for measuring the weight of the animal or animals resting on the comfort mat or beds, or even means for monitoring weight gain of said one or more animals, means for analyzing the time spent per resting phase on the comfort mat or beds, means analyzing the frequency of use of the comfort mattress (s), if necessary reception modules, - means of overall analysis of the attendance of the breeding enclosure.

In practice, many objective information on the breeding can be obtained by the implementation of the comfort system 1 according to the invention: 1) For dairy cattle: - Identification of sleeping areas; 25 - Overall analysis of building attendance; - Analysis of the time spent by rest phase; - Batch averaged analysis of the time spent by rest phase; - Cross-tabulation of rest periods by building area and by lot. 2) For beef cattle: - Establishment of a weight gain index; - Average weight gain index per building; - Identification of sleeping areas; - Analysis of the time spent by rest phase.

These analyzes can be either individual per animal, if they are equipped with electronic chips, or batch or section or area, if the animals are not equipped with such electronic chips. In general, such a comfort system 1 has many advantages for the users. For dairy cattle, this comfort system 1 makes it possible to detect and analyze the ambience of the building with respect to the area of use. In case of problem of attendance, the zone is identified, and the solution to be implemented more adapted.

This comfort system 1 also notes the rest phases which are directly related to rumination and thus to the production of milk. In case of change, type of food or other, the impact on rest times will be known to the user. Finally, this system makes it possible to locate the privileged areas of the animal 15 and this individually in case of a complete equipment with electronic chip reader. Rest periods that are too long, too short or different from the habit can also be a symptom of illness, heat, etc., and may trigger increased vigilance on the animal.

For the beef cattle, this comfort system 1 makes it possible to detect and analyze the weight gain of the animals and to translate this weight gain in the form of a curve per animal or per batch (weight as a function of time, for example fattening time). The sensors also identify coating time and coating areas. The user can therefore know and control if the weight gain is in line with his expectations, especially in terms of quantity and speed. In addition this allows him to detect any anomaly on a lot, lots 30 or if the change is global on the entire building. The information is advantageously available in real time and remotely, on any computer support (computer, tablet, mobile phone). In general, the comfort mattress according to the invention makes it possible to stimulate the animal, thus simplifying the breeder's interactions with the animal.

Claims (11)

CLAIMS 1.- Comfort mattress for a breeding enclosure, for example for dairy cattle or for beef cattle, which comfort mattress (2) comprises: - at least one elastic layer (5) capable of undergoing elastic deformation , and - an upper surface (6), on which an animal is intended to bear, which comfort mattress (2) is characterized in that it is equipped with stimulation means (3) for generating a stimulus at the level of said upper surface (6), said stimulus being intended to be perceived by an animal resting on said upper surface (6), which stimulation means (3) are controllable between two configurations: - an active configuration, wherein said means for stimulation (3) generates said stimulus, and - an inactive configuration, wherein said stimulating means (3) does not generate said stimulus. 2. Comfort mattress according to claim 1, characterized in that the stimulation means (3) consist of means for generating a tactile stimulus at the upper surface (6). 3. Comfort mattress according to claim 2, characterized in that the means (3) for generating a tactile stimulus consist of means for generating a vibration of said upper surface (6). 4. Comfort mattress according to claim 3, characterized in that the means (3) for generating a vibration of the upper surface (6) are selected from electrical and / or pneumatic vibration means. 5. Comfort mattress according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the stimulation means (3) are implanted: - at a lower surface of said comfort mattress (2), or - in the thickness of said comfort mattress (2). 6. Comfort mattress according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the elastic layer (5) is constituted by: - at least one elastic material, or - at least one sealed bag to be filled with a fluid. 3025065 18 7.- comfort mattress according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises several docking modules (21) juxtaposed each of which are able to accommodate at least one animal, and in that each module host (21) comprises: - part of the at least one elastic layer (5), - part of the upper surface (6), and - stimulation means (3), whose stimulus is intended for being perceived by an animal resting on said part of the upper surface (6). 8.- comfort mattress according to any one of claims 1 to 10 7, characterized in that it comprises means (12) for detecting the presence of an animal resting on the upper surface (6) of the mattress ( 2), where appropriate of each of its home modules (21). 9.- comfort mattress according to claim 8, characterized in that the detection means (3) comprise at least one pressure sensor 15 which is intended to be connected to remote control means (4) for the collection and / or the processing of the collected data. 10.- Comfort system, for example for dairy cattle or beef cattle, for a breeding enclosure, characterized in that it comprises: - at least one comfort mattress (2) according to any one of Claims 1 to 9, and remote control means (4) which are connected to the stimulation means (3) equipping said comfort mattress (2), for their control between the active / inactive configurations, and where appropriate which are 25 connected to the detection means (12). 11. Breeding chamber (E) equipped with a comfort system (1) according to claim 10.