GB2553262A

GB2553262A - An apparatus for monitoring livestock water consumption

Info

Publication number: GB2553262A
Application number: GB1609854.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Christopher Cannon Scott
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-06-06
Filing date: 2016-06-06
Publication date: 2018-03-07
Also published as: GB201609854D0

Abstract

The apparatus 1 comprising: a channel 2 arranged to allow flow of water; a water container 3 coupled to the channel 2 and configured to move while water flows through the channel 2, to enable the water container 3 to move a pre-determined volume of water; and a sensor 12 configured to measure the movement of the water container 3 to indicate water consumption. There may be a plurality of water containers 3. There may be electronic circuitry 13 with an interface, 17 display 16, camera 18, processor 14 and memory 15. There may be a metal exterior cover 11 to prevent chewing. There may be an isolation valve to connect the apparatus to a water supply such as vial inlet 4. Outlet 6 may be directed towards a water drinker or trough.

Description

(54) Title of the Invention: An apparatus for monitoring livestock water consumption

Abstract Title: Apparatus for monitoring livestock water consumption from a livestock water drinker (57) The apparatus 1 comprising: a channel 2 arranged to allow flow of water; a water container 3 coupled to the channel 2 and configured to move while water flows through the channel 2, to enable the water container 3 to move a pre-determined volume of water; and a sensor 12 configured to measure the movement of the water container 3 to indicate water consumption. There may be a plurality of water containers 3. There may be electronic circuitry 13 with an interface, 17 display 16, camera 18, processor 14 and memory 15. There may be a metal exterior cover 11 to prevent chewing. There may be an isolation valve to connect the apparatus to a water supply such as vial inlet 4. Outlet 6 may be directed towards a water drinker or trough.

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AN APPARATUS FOR MONITORING LIVESTOCK WATER CONSUMPTION

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the present invention relate to an apparatus and a livestock water drinker system. In particular, they relate to an apparatus for monitoring livestock water consumption from a livestock water drinker.

BACKGROUND

A bucket of water, a trough, or an automated livestock water drinker can be provided within a stable to provide a supply of water for livestock such as a horse. An automated livestock water drinker system can be arranged to refill the livestock water drinker automatically, so that the livestock has a continuous supply of water.

It is an object of the present invention to address disadvantages associated with the prior art.

BRIEF SUMMARY

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there is provided an apparatus for monitoring livestock water consumption from a livestock water drinker, the apparatus comprising: a channel arranged to allow flow of water; a water container coupled to the channel and configured to move while water flows through the channel, to enable the water container to move a pre-determined volume of water; and a sensor configured to measure the movement of the water container to indicate water consumption.

In some examples the apparatus may comprise a plurality of water containers arranged in the channel.

In some examples the sensor may be arranged to detect movement of any of the plurality of water containers to measure increments of water consumption.

In some examples the apparatus may comprise memory circuitry for storing data received from the sensor.

In some examples the apparatus may comprise memory circuitry for storing an identifier of at least one of: the apparatus; livestock; a stable.

In some examples the apparatus may comprise an electronic interface for coupling with a remote apparatus.

In some examples the electronic interface may be configured to transmit data from the sensor at pre-determined time intervals.

In some examples the electronic interface may comprise a wireless interface.

In some examples the apparatus may comprise an exterior cover shaped to prevent chewing.

In some examples the apparatus may comprise a metal exterior cover.

In some examples the apparatus may comprise a camera.

In some examples the apparatus may comprise a display for displaying information indicated by data from the sensor.

In some examples the apparatus may comprise an isolation valve arranged to enable the apparatus to be connected to a water supply.

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there is provided a livestock water drinker system comprising: a livestock water drinker sized to enable a horse to drink water from the livestock water drinker; and the apparatus as described herein for monitoring water consumption from the livestock water drinker.

In some examples the livestock water drinker system may comprise means for refilling the livestock water drinker in dependence on a water level within the livestock water drinker.

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there is provided an apparatus or livestock water drinker system as described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

For a better understanding of various examples that are useful for understanding the detailed description, reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an apparatus 1;

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a livestock water drinker system 20;

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of communication between an electronic interface 17 and a remote apparatus 32; and

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a first user interface 40, an example of a second user interface 41, and an example of a third user interface 42.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The Figures illustrate an apparatus 1 for monitoring livestock water consumption from a livestock water drinker 25, the apparatus 1 comprising: a channel 2 arranged to allow flow of water; a water container 3 coupled to the channel 2 and configured to move while water flows through the channel 2, to enable the water container 3 to move a pre-determined volume of water; and a sensor 12 configured to measure the movement of the water container 3 to indicate water consumption.

With reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the apparatus 1 is configured to be installed between a water supply 23 and a livestock water drinker 25, where the livestock water drinker 25 is arranged to be refilled by the water supply 23. The apparatus 1 is configured to monitor livestock water consumption from the livestock water drinker 25 by monitoring how much water refills the livestock water drinker 25 as water is consumed from the livestock water drinker 25.

The apparatus 1 provides the advantage that the drinking patterns of livestock can be monitored. The apparatus 1 can be used to monitor large livestock such as horses, which are predominantly housed individually within separate stables. In some examples, an apparatus 1 in a stable with a single occupant horse can monitor the drinking by the individual horse. This enables a user to determine whether the horse is drinking too much or too little water.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of the apparatus 1, in cross-section view. The example apparatus 1 comprises a channel 2 and a plurality of water containers 3. The apparatus 1 may also comprise at least one sensor 12.

In the example of FIG. 1, the channel 2 is a volume arranged to allow flow of water. The channel 2 could be a pipe, a tube or any other suitable type of channel 2.

In the example of FIG. 1 the channel 2 is an internal channel. The channel 2 is internal with respect to a channel housing 11 of the apparatus 1 that encloses the channel 2. The channel 2 is arranged between a channel inlet 5 and a channel outlet 6 and allows flow of water between the channel inlet 5 and the channel outlet 6. The channel housing 11 comprises apertures for the channel inlet 5 and the channel outlet 6. In FIG. 1 the channel inlet 5 and the channel outlet 6 comprise pipes open to the channel 2.

The example apparatus 1 of FIG. 1 comprises a plurality of water containers 3 such as ten water containers 3, however in other examples the apparatus 1 can comprise any number of water containers 3 including one water container 3.

In the example of FIG. 1, the water containers 3 are coupled to the channel 2 and configured to move while water flows through the channel 2, to enable the water container 3 to move a pre-determined volume of water. In some examples the coupling between each water container 3 and the channel 2 is provided by arranging the water container 3 at least partially in the channel 2 so that at least some of the water flowing through the channel 2 is collected by the water container 3. In some examples such as shown in FIG. 1, each water container 3 obstructs the channel 2 such that all or nearly all of the water flowing through the channel 2 is contained within a water container 3 without any water bypassing the water container 3.

Each water container 3 is configured to move while water flows through the channel 2, so that a displacement of the water in the channel 2 causes equal or substantially equal displacement of the water container 3.

Each water container 3 is arranged to contain a pre-determined volume of water. The value of the pre-determined volume depends on the flow rates required and the species of livestock involved. Smaller volumes can increase the sensitivity of the apparatus 1 because the water container 3 can be easier to move. Smaller volumes can therefore be suitable for apparatus 1 in stables housing small numbers of livestock. In some examples the pre-determined volume is 10 ml. In other examples the pre-determined volume is any other volume within the range 1 ml to 100 ml, or within the range 1 ml to 20 ml.

In some examples each of the water containers 3 is arranged to contain the same pre-determined volume of water. In other examples at least some of the water containers 3 are arranged to contain different volumes of water.

Each water container 3 of FIG. 1 collects a pre-determined volume of water from the channel inlet 5, moves from the channel inlet 5 to the channel outlet 6, and empties the pre-determined volume of water into the channel outlet 6 when the water container 3 reaches the channel outlet 6. Further, each empty water container 3 of FIG. 1 then moves back to the channel inlet 5 to collect more water. Therefore the water containers 3 are arranged to move in a rotational manner.

In the example of FIG. 1, the apparatus 1 comprises a centre wheel 10 internal to the channel housing 11. The centre wheel 10 supports the plurality of water containers 3 and is arranged to rotate about an axis of rotation 7, the axis of rotation 7 extending orthogonally to the cross-section plane of FIG. 1. The centre wheel 10 enables the water containers 3 to move in the cyclic manner described above. Other means of moving the water containers 3 can be used in other embodiments of the invention.

In the example of FIG. 1, the centre wheel 10 supports a plurality of walls 4 which define the water containers 3. The walls 4 extend away from the centre wheel 10. Each water container 3 is defined by a pair of adjacent walls 4 and the threedimensional space enclosed therebetween. The three-dimensional space corresponds to the pre-determined volume of the water container 3. Each wall 4 also separates the pre-determined volume of a water container 3 from the pre-determined volume of a neighbouring water container 3.

Each wall 4, extending away from the centre wheel 10, extends from a circumferential outer surface 2a of the centre wheel 10 towards a circumferential interior surface 2b of the channel housing 11

In the example of FIG. 1, the circumferential outer surface 2a of the centre wheel 10 and the circumferential interior surface 2b of the channel housing 11 define an annulus therebetween. The annulus comprises the channel 2. In some examples the annulus is circular or substantially circular.

In the example of FIG. 1, the walls 4 touch or nearly touch the circumferential interior surface 2b of the channel housing 11 in a close-fit manner. The walls 4 are not fixed to or adhered to the outer channel boundary 2b. The close fit ensures that most or all of the water in the channel 2 is contained within the water containers 3 without bypassing the water containers 3. The close fit means that the channel 2 is segmented or substantially segmented into the plurality of pre-determined volumes of the water containers 3.

Regarding the construction of the water containers 3, the pre-determined volumes of the water containers 3 can be formed by machining out the pre-determined volumes from the centre wheel 10, leaving the walls 4 behind. In other examples the walls 4 are fixed to the centre wheel 10, spaced apart to leave the pre-determined volumes between neighbouring walls 4.

The centre wheel 10 and walls 4 of FIG. 1 are configured to cause minimal resistance to the flow of water through the channel 2, making the water containers 3 easy to move. In some examples the centre wheel 10 supporting the water containers 3 can comprise a low-friction rotatable bearing, and the centre wheel 10 and walls 4 can be formed from lightweight polymeric material such as nylon to reduce inertia.

The channel inlet 5 of FIG. 1 comprises a pipe meeting the channel 2 at a particular location and having a particular orientation relative to the centre wheel 10. In FIG. 1 the channel inlet 5 pipe is oriented so that the water enters the channel 2 at least partially in a tangential direction with respect to the centre wheel 10. This means that as the water collects in a water container 3 the water imparts a tangential rotational force on the centre wheel 10.

The channel outlet 6 of FIG. 1 comprises a pipe meeting the channel 2 at a different location from the channel inlet 5 pipe and having a particular orientation relative to the centre wheel 10. In FIG. 1 the channel outlet 6 pipe of FIG. 1 is oriented so that water leaves the channel 2 into the channel outlet 6 at least partially in a tangential direction with respect to the centre wheel 10.

In the example of FIG. 1, the walls 4 are spiroid shaped, meaning the walls 4 extend along an increasingly tangential path with increasing distance from the axis of rotation 7. This can provide improved alignment with the channel inlet 5 pipe and channel outlet 6 pipe of FIG. 1.

When the apparatus 1 of FIG. 1 is in use, the centre wheel 10 rotates about the axis of rotation 7 in the direction shown by the direction arrow 8 in FIG. 1 while water flows through the channel 2 towards the channel outlet 6. Each complete rotation of the centre wheel 10 causes each water container 3 to move past the channel inlet 5, the channel outlet 6, and the sensor 12 once.

The sensor 12 measures the movement of the water containers 3 to indicate water consumption. In the example of FIG. 1, the sensor 12 is a counter which increments when a water container 3 moves past the sensor 12. Therefore continuous movement of water through the channel 2 is measured in a quantized manner by the sensor 12.

In some examples, the sensor 12 is arranged to detect the movement of any of the plurality of water containers. In the example of FIG. 1 an aperture in the channel housing 11 houses the sensor 12. The sensor 12 does not necessarily have to protrude into the channel 2 or be flush with any surface of the channel housing 11. In other examples the sensor 12 can be provided at any suitable location that brings the sensor 12 into sufficiently close proximity to the water containers 3 to detect movement of the water containers 3.

In the example of FIG. 1, at least one wall 4 comprises a peg 9 detectable by the sensor 12. The peg 9 has a property that is detectable by the sensor 12. For example the peg 9 could be magnetic and the sensor 12 could be a Hall effect sensor. The sensor 12 detects the presence of the peg 9 when the peg 9 passes the sensor 12, causing the sensor 12 to detect an increment of water consumption. In examples where the sensor 12 is arranged to detect the movement of any of the plurality of water containers, every wall 4 comprises a peg 9.

A peg 9 is not necessary in all embodiments of the invention. Any other suitable sensor 12 and detectable material associated with the water containers 3 can be used which enables the sensor 12 to measure the movement of the water containers 3. For example the wall 4 can itself be detectable without a separate peg 9.

In an illustrative example, each water container 3 is sized to contain 10 ml of water and comprises a peg 9 on a wall 4 of the water container 3. Each time the peg 9 passes the sensor 12, the sensor 12 detects the passage of the water container 3 to measure a 10 ml water consumption increment.

The sensor 12 measuring the movement of each water container 3 has the advantage of enabling the water consumption to be accurately calculated. The calculation is accurate because all or nearly all the water flowing through the channel 2 is contained with the water containers 3 of known volume. Therefore the water consumption over a time period is linearly proportional to the number of water container 3 passages past the sensor 12 location within the time period.

Measuring the movement of each water container 3 therefore provides advantages, such as improved accuracy at low flow rates, over other flow measuring devices which measure fluid dynamic parameters such as velocity and pressure. Such other flow measuring devices can be inaccurate at low flow rates. A single horse in a stable is unlikely to consume water sufficiently rapidly to generate high flow rates through the channel 2. Such other flow measuring devices may not even be triggered at these low flow rates.

In the example of FIG. 1, the sensor 12 is electronically coupled to controlling circuitry 13.

The controlling circuitry 13 comprises any electronic circuitry of the apparatus 1 that is configured to control at least some of the functions of the apparatus 1. The controlling circuitry 13 comprises at least one processor 14 operably coupled to memory circuitry 15.

The controlling circuitry 13 is configured to receive electronic data comprising the measurement made by the sensor 12 and to store the data in the memory circuitry 15, in the manner of a data logger. This provides the advantage that data can be stored and time-stamped to enable a time-history of sensor data to be recorded. This enables livestock drinking patterns to be monitored in greater detail.

The memory circuitry 15 comprises first memory circuitry 15a for storing data from the sensor 12, and second memory circuitry 15b for storing an identifier of at least one of: the apparatus 1; livestock; a stable. The first memory circuitry 15a and the second memory circuitry 15b can refer to memory addresses within the memory circuitry 15. The memory circuitry 15 can maintain an association between the data from the sensor 12 and the identifier data, and with any other suitable data such as timing information recording a time-history of sensor data.

In the example of FIG. 1, the apparatus 1 comprises a display 16 for displaying information indicated by data from the sensor 12. The display 16 can be a visual display. The controlling circuitry 13 is configured to cause the display 16 to display information indicative of water consumption, which may be in units of water consumption such as litres. The display 16 can comprise light emitting diodes or liquid crystals for low energy consumption. The display 16 provides the advantage that water consumption can be monitored in-situ.

In the example of FIG. 1, the apparatus 1 comprises an electronic interface 17 for coupling with a remote apparatus (not shown in FIG. 1). The controlling circuitry 13 is configured to cause the electronic interface 17 to transmit the data from the sensor 12 at pre-determined time intervals. The sensor data can be modified into units of water consumption before or after transmission.

The electronic interface 17 can comprise at least one of a wired interface or a wireless interface. Examples of wired interfaces include USB (Universal Serial Bus) interfaces or Ethernet interfaces. Examples of wireless interfaces include WLAN (wireless local area network) interfaces or WPAN (wireless personal area network) interfaces. The wireless interface has the advantage of providing connectivity even if a wired network does not extend to a stable in which the apparatus 1 is located. The wireless interface can comprise a wireless transmitter or transceiver.

In some examples the electronic interface 17 comprises a SIM-card (Subscriber Identity Module card) reader or similar means for enabling subscription to a communication system such as a telephony network. This has the advantage of providing connectivity even if a WLAN or WPAN network does not extend to the stable.

In the example of FIG. 1, the apparatus 1 comprises a camera 18. The controlling circuitry 13 is configured to cause the camera 18 to capture still or video image data and to store the image data in the memory circuitry 15. The camera 18 is located on the apparatus 1 such that the camera 18 captures images of the livestock.

In some examples, the electronic interface 17 can be configured to transmit the camera image data at pre-determined time intervals. The time interval can correspond to a pre-determined number of minutes, hours, days or weeks. This provides the advantage that a current context within the stable can be monitored. This context may be useful, for example, if sensor data indicates that water consumption is low but in reality the horse has been moved out of the stable, as can be seen from the image data.

In the example of FIG. 1, the apparatus 1 comprises a reset input 19. The reset input is configured to delete or zero stored data indicative of water consumption. The information on the display 16 can be updated upon resetting. The reset input 19 can comprise a manual reset input such as a reset button, and/or an automated reset input such as an algorithm implemented by the controlling circuitry 13 for causing a reset at predetermined time intervals.

The electronic components of the apparatus 1 can be powered by an internal power source (not shown) such as by a battery, and/or can be externally powered by an external power source such as via the electronic interface 17, or directly from a mains electricity supply. An internal power source can be advantageous if no external power sources are available in a stable in which the apparatus 1 is located.

If the apparatus 1 is located in a stable with more than one horse or other livestock occupant, the apparatus 1 could comprise identification means for identifying which horse or other livestock is drinking water, for example each horse can wear an RFID tag and the apparatus 1 can comprise an RFID tag reader.

In some examples waterproofing means such as a membrane or housing (not shown) can protect at least one of: the controlling circuitry 13; the display 16; the electronic interface 17; the camera 18; the reset input 19; or the power source, from the wet parts of the apparatus 1.

FIG. 2 shows an example of a livestock water drinker system 20. The livestock water drinker system 20 comprises a livestock water drinker 25 and the apparatus 1 for monitoring water consumption from the livestock water drinker 25. The apparatus 1 has some or all of the elements of the apparatus 1 of FIG. 1.

The size, shape and material of the livestock water drinker 25 depends on the species of livestock which the livestock water drinker 25 is adapted for. In the example of FIG. 2, the livestock water drinker 25 is sized to enable a horse to drink water from the livestock water drinker 25. A suitable water capacity for the livestock water drinker 25 is within the range 2 litres to 1000 litres.

The livestock water drinker 25 is shaped to enable a horse to drink water from the livestock water drinker 25. For example the livestock water drinker 25 can have a broad base to resist overturning. In some examples the livestock water drinker 25 can taper outwardly with increasing height from the base to facilitate horse access from above. In some examples the livestock water drinker 25 can have an opentopped section sized to facilitate horse access from above, for example the opentopped width can be at least 30 cm.

In the example of FIG. 2 the apparatus 1 comprises an exterior cover 21 which encloses some or all of the components of the apparatus 1 mentioned in relation to FIG. 1, including the channel housing 11. The channel housing 11 is illustrated by broken lines as it is obscured by the exterior cover 21.

In some examples the exterior cover 21 is shaped to prevent chewing damage. For example the surface of the exterior cover 21, which faces a horse while the apparatus 1 is in use, can be shaped not to have right-angled or acute-angled edges and/or corners. This is achieved by appropriate use of chamfered or rounded edges and corners. In some examples the exterior cover 21 has a domed exterior surface, having a hemispherical or semispherical shape. In some examples the surface is formed from a single piece of material, therefore avoiding joins or gaps.

In some examples the exterior cover 21 comprises chew-resistant material such as metal. In some examples the metal comprises steel. In some examples the exterior cover 21 comprises corrosion-resistant material such as stainless steel.

The apparatus 1 can be configured to be mountable on a wall of a stable or other building to reduce the risk of the apparatus 1 being kicked by a horse. The apparatus 1 can comprise mounting means, for example screw flanges 22 protruding outwardly from the exterior cover 21, to enable the apparatus 1 to be mounted to the wall of a stable.

The exterior cover 21 in FIG. 2 also comprises apertures or connectors to receive water input from a water supply 23, and to provide water output to the livestock water feeder 25. The apparatus 1 comprises pipes (not shown in FIG. 2) for enabling the channel inlet 5 to receive water from the water supply 23 and for enabling the livestock water feeder 25 to receive water from the channel outlet 6.

The water supply 23 can be received at an upper portion of the exterior cover 21 while the exterior cover 21 is wall-mounted, and the water output to the livestock water feeder 25 can be provided at a lower portion of the wall-mounted case 21. As a result, water passing through the apparatus 1 can be at least partially assisted by gravity.

In some examples, the water supply 23 provides water under pressure of at least 1 bar. In other examples, the water supply 23 provides water at low pressure such as water from a water tank (not shown).

The exterior cover 21 in FIG. 2 comprises apertures enabling the display 16, the camera 18 and the manual reset input 19 to be visible on the external front face of the exterior cover 21. A user can therefore view the display 16 and use the manual reset input 19 without having to remove the exterior cover 21. The camera 18 can capture images of the livestock.

The apparatus 1 and/or the livestock water drinker system 20 of FIG. 2 comprises an isolation valve 24 arranged between a water supply 23 and the channel inlet 5 to enable the apparatus 1 to be connected to and disconnected from the water supply 23.

If the livestock water drinker system 20 is configured to automatically refill the livestock water drinker 25, means such as a valve (not shown) can be provided to control automatic refilling of the livestock water drinker 25.

FIG. 3 shows an example of communication between an electronic interface 17 and a remote apparatus 32. The electronic interface 17 is as described above in relation to FIG. 1 and is part of the apparatus 1 such as described in relation to FIG. 1 or FIG. 2.

The example of FIG. 3 shows that the electronic interface 17 is able to transmit and receive messages via a communication system 30. The communication system 30 can comprise any one or more of: a data network; the Internet; a telephony network; a local area network; a wide area network; a personal area network. The communication system 30 can comprise any number of intervening elements enabling the electronic interface 17 to communicate with the remote apparatus 32.

The remote apparatus 32 comprises any device capable of communication with the electronic interface 17. In some examples the remote apparatus 32 comprises any user device capable of rendering a user interface. Such user devices can include personal computers, mobile devices such as a smartphones, or any other portable and/or personal devices. In other examples the remote apparatus 32 is a server such as an application server or a cloud server accessible by a user device. The remote apparatus 32 can encompass an entire device or just a chipset controlling the functionality ofthe device described herein.

In some implementations the remote apparatus 32 is identical to examples of the apparatus 1 described herein. This provides the advantage that a livery yard having several apparatus 1 installed in different stables can rely on a local ad-hoc network such as a star network, in which several inexpensive slave apparatus 1 transmit data to a single master apparatus 1. The slave apparatus 1 has an inexpensive electronic interface 17 for communication over a local area network, and sees the master apparatus 1 as the remote apparatus 32. The master apparatus 1 can have a more sophisticated electronic interface 17 for communication over a wide area network, so the master apparatus 1 sees a device outside the local network as the remote apparatus 32. This provides a simple and cost-effective implementation for enable remote monitoring of a large livery yard.

The data which can be transmitted between the electronic interface 17 and the remote apparatus 32 comprises at least one of: the data received from the sensor 12; timing information enabling a time-history of sensor data to be produced; the image data; or the identifier of the apparatus 1, horse or stable. The data can be transmitted at the pre-determined time intervals.

In some examples the remote apparatus 32 can transmit instructions back to the apparatus 1, such as reset input 19 instructions and/or instructions to alter the predetermined time interval at which data is transmitted.

FIG. 4 illustrates examples of three user interfaces 40, 41, 42 that can be rendered on a visual display, in dependence on sensor data from the apparatus 1.

In some examples the visual display is a display of the remote apparatus 32. In other examples the visual display is the display 16 of the apparatus 1. In some examples the user interfaces 40, 41, 42 can be rendered by the remote apparatus 32 to advantageously facilitate remote monitoring of horse water consumption.

The first user interface 40 comprises a list of eight horse names. Each name is associated with a particular identifier, and in some examples the names can also be associated with a particular horse RFID tag.

The horse name can be pre-set by the user to be displayed on the user interface 40 in place of the identifier. This personalization makes the user interface easier to understand, because the user can easily recognize which horse they are monitoring.

Each horse name in the first user interface 40 can correspond to a selectable user interface element, so that when the user actuates a user interface element for a named horse, another user interface specific to that horse is rendered.

The second user interface 41 and third user interface 42 comprise information specific to a horse. The horse can be a horse selected from the list on the first user interface 40. The second user interface 41 and third user interface 42 can include the identifier or the name of the selected horse.

The second user interface 41 comprises a time-history graph of water consumption over a certain time duration such as 12 hours. The graph can present the graph in any suitable format such as cumulative water consumption or the rate of water consumption. The duration of the time-history can be varied by rendering a user interface element, enabling the user to change a duration of the rendered timehistory, for example between a day, a month or a year, by actuating the user interface element. This provides the advantage of enabling a user to choose between observing long term and short term trends in water consumption. Long-term trends can indicate long-term changes in health such as pregnancy or chronic illness. Shortterm trends can indicate short-term changes in health such as acute illness.

The third user interface 42 is a simpler alternative to the second user interface 41.

The third user interface 42 comprises the total quantity of water consumed by a horse and the time at which the quantity was last reset to zero. The total quantity is represented by a single number (13.6 litres). In some examples the time corresponds to the time of day at which data was last received from the apparatus 1 (00.00 hours). Presenting totals rather than a time-history makes the third user interface 42 simpler and less time-consuming to understand than the second user interface 41. If the user is concerned by the total quantity of water consumed, the user could then navigate to the second user interface 41 to further investigate any trends.

The third user interface 42 comprises an image of the selected horse. In some examples the third user interface 42 comprises the still or video image data captured by the camera 18. In some examples the image data is real-time or substantially realtime. This provides the advantage that if the user is concerned by the quantity of water consumed, the user can easily view the current context in the stable. It is therefore easier to identify false-alerts, for example the image data could indicate the context that the stable is empty or that additional horses have been moved into the stable which would explain unusual water consumption.

In some examples a visual, audible and/or tactile alert could be generated by the apparatus 1 or by the remote apparatus 32 if water consumption is below or above a threshold, or fails to meet another pre-determined condition. The condition or threshold can vary for each apparatus 1, horse or stable and can be determined from time-history data associated with a particular apparatus 1, horse or stable, representative of a pattern of normal drinking behaviour.

The user interfaces 40, 41 and 42 provide the advantage of enabling health monitoring of potentially large numbers of livestock via their individual water consumption histories. Changes in health can be spotted and treated early based on patterns in water consumption, therefore the user interfaces 40, 41 and 42 help a user to improve the wellbeing of their livestock.

The term ‘comprise’ is used in this document with an inclusive not an exclusive meaning. That is any reference to X comprising Y indicates that X may comprise only one Y or may comprise more than one Y. If it is intended to use ‘comprise’ with an exclusive meaning then it will be made clear in the context by referring to “comprising only one..” or by using “consisting”.

In this brief description, reference has been made to various examples. The description of features or functions in relation to an example indicates that those features or functions are present in that example. The use of the term ‘example’ or ‘for example’ or ‘may’ in the text denotes, whether explicitly stated or not, that such features or functions are present in at least the described example, whether described as an example or not, and that they can be, but are not necessarily, present in some of or all other examples. Thus ‘example’, ‘for example’ or ‘may’ refers to a particular instance in a class of examples. A property of the instance can be a property of only that instance or a property of the class or a property of a subclass of the class that includes some but not all of the instances in the class. It is therefore implicitly disclosed that a features described with reference to one example but not with reference to another example, can where possible be used in that other example but does not necessarily have to be used in that other example.

Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed. For example the display 16, electronic interface 17, camera 18 or reset input 19 need not be housed within a single exterior cover 21, they could be distributed around a stable and functionally connected.

Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described.

Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not.

Although features have been described with reference to certain embodiments, those features may also be present in other embodiments whether described or not.

Whilst endeavoring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

06 17

Claims

1. An apparatus for monitoring livestock water consumption from a livestock water drinker, the apparatus comprising:

a channel arranged to allow flow of water;

5 a water container coupled to the channel and configured to move while water flows through the channel, to enable the water container to move a pre-determined volume of water; and a sensor configured to measure the movement of the water container to indicate water consumption.

2. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising a plurality of water containers arranged in the channel.

3. An apparatus as claimed claim 2, wherein the sensor is arranged to detect

15 movement of any of the plurality of water containers to measure increments of water consumption.

4. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising memory circuitry for storing data received from the sensor.

5. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising memory circuitry for storing an identifier of at least one of: the apparatus; livestock; a stable.

6. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising an electronic interface for coupling with a remote apparatus.

7. An apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the electronic interface is configured to transmit data from the sensor at pre-determined time intervals.

8. An apparatus as claimed in claim 6 or 7, wherein the electronic interface comprises a wireless interface.

9. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising an exterior cover shaped to prevent chewing.

10. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising a metal exterior cover.

06 06 17

11. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising a camera.

12. The apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising a display for

5 displaying information indicated by data from the sensor.

13. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising an isolation valve arranged to enable the apparatus to be connected to a water supply.

10

14. A livestock water drinker system comprising:

a livestock water drinker sized to enable a horse to drink water from the livestock water drinker; and the apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim for monitoring water consumption from the livestock water drinker.

15. A livestock water drinker system as claimed in claim 14, comprising means for refilling the livestock water drinker in dependence on a water level within the livestock water drinker.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1609854.3 Examiner: Ms Rachel Evans