GB2591493A

GB2591493A - Birthing sensor

Info

Publication number: GB2591493A
Application number: GB2001298.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Heneghan Raymond
Original assignee: Ovis Agtech Ltd
Current assignee: Ovis Agtech Ltd
Priority date: 2020-01-30
Filing date: 2020-01-30
Publication date: 2021-08-04
Also published as: GB202001298D0

Abstract

The birthing sensor comprises a housing 22 configured to be inserted within the vagina of the animal and a retention element 24 configured to be gripped by the vagina and retain the housing within the vagina prior to birth. The retention element comprises a resiliently deformable body configured to conform to the inner surface of the vagina when inserted. The retention element may comprise a central aperture 50 for receiving a portion of the housing. The birthing sensor has an aerial (16, fig 3) extending from the vagina, in use, to transmit data to a remote server in a system which sends a notification to a mobile communication device. The birthing sensor has a pH sensor, a temperature sensor or an accelerometer which are configured to transmit data to the server. In use, the birthing sensor is expelled from the animal, is suspended from the animal’s tail and transmits a signal indicative of this.

Description

BIRTHING SENSOR

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a birthing sensor. In particular, but not exclusively, the birthing sensor is an insertable birthing sensor for determining when a farm animal is going to give birth. Aspects of the invention relate to a birthing sensor for determining when an animal is going to give birth, to a system, and to a method of determining when an animal is going to give birth.

BACKGROUND

It is known to place birthing sensors on animals, such as cows and sheep, in the days leading up to labour to monitor the animal and to notify the farmer when the animal is starting labour. This is beneficial as the birthing sensors may notify the farmer when labour is starting such that the farmer may be present during the birth of the animal thereby increasing the likelihood of a successful birth.

Birthing sensors generally come in two main varieties, namely: movement sensors that are secured to the tail or leg of an animal to monitor the animals movements and internal temperature sensors that are placed within the vagina of the animal to detect when the animal is starting labour.

Movement sensors are often placed on the tail of a pregnant animal and used to monitor the movement and activity of an animal in the days prior to labour. These sensors monitor the movement of the animal and provide a notification to the farmer when movements indicative of labour are detected by the sensor. However, these sensors are unreliable and are known to cause irritation or soreness to the tail of the animal when placed on the animal's tail for a prolonged period.

An alternative approach is to place a temperature sensor within an animal's vagina. The farmer may insert the temperature sensor prior to the animal starting labour. Once inserted within the animal the temperature sensor monitors the temperature of the animal and provides notifications to the farmer as labour progresses. However, birthing sensors that are placed inside an animal are often difficult to locate within the animal and furthermore often cause discomfort to the animal.

It is an aim of the present invention to address one or more of the disadvantages

associated with the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a birthing sensor for determining when an animal is going to give birth, the birthing sensor comprising: a housing configured to be inserted within the vagina of the animal; and a retention element configured to be gripped by the vagina to retain the housing within the vagina prior to birth; wherein the retention element comprises a resiliently deformable body configured to conform to the inner surface of the vagina when the birthing sensor is inserted within the vagina.

The retention element beneficially deforms and conforms to the inner wall of the animal's vagina such that the birthing sensor is retained within the vagina without causing irritation or damage to the animal. The resiliently deformable body conforms to the wall of the vagina thereby providing a large surface area in contact with the vagina which beneficially avoids pressure points that may cause sores or pain to the animal.

The skilled reader will understand that the birthing sensor may be used in any pregnant animal commonly found on a farm where a farmer may wish to detect or predict a birth.

For example, the birthing sensor may be used on cattle, sheep, horses, donkeys, goats, pigs or the like with minimal modifications to the birthing sensor. The skilled reader will understand that the overall size of the sensor may be varied depending on the animal that the sensor is to be fitted to.

In an embodiment the retention element may comprise a central aperture for receiving a portion of the housing. The retention element may be easily removed or replaced on the housing such that the central housing may be re-used with multiple animals. The housing may be received within the central aperture such that the retention element surrounds the housing.

In one embodiment the cross-sectional profile of the outer surface may be substantially elliptical in shape. For example, the cross-sectional profile may be circular in shape. The smooth outer surface provided by an elliptical shape beneficially allows the body of the retention element to deform and maintain contact between the retention element and the inner lining of the vagina over the entire circumference of the retention element.

In another embodiment the birthing sensor may comprise a cord extending from the housing and being configured to protrude externally from the animal when the housing is inserted within the vagina. The cord may comprise an aerial and thus having a portion of the cord protruding from the animal reduces interference of the animal's body when transmitting data from the birthing sensor. Furthermore, the cord beneficially allows the sensor to be easily retrieved from the animal.

Furthermore, the cord may be configured to be secured to the animal's tail such that the cord is configured to suspend the birthing sensor from the animal's tail. This is beneficial as the birthing sensor may be suspended from the animal's tail after birth such that the birthing sensor does not fall on the ground. This minimise the chance of the birthing sensor being trampled on or damaged by the animal after birth.

In an embodiment the birthing sensor may comprise an accelerometer configured to generate accelerometer data indicative of the orientation of the birthing sensor. The accelerometer may beneficially determine when the birthing sensor changes orientation as a result of the sensor being expelled from the animal during birth. For example, from a generally horizontal orientation relative to the ground when the sensor is within the animal to a generally orthogonal orientation to the ground when the sensor is suspended from the animal's tail after birth.

In another embodiment the birthing sensor may comprise a pH sensor configured to generate pH data of the vagina and wherein the birthing sensor is configured to transmit the generated pH data to a remote server. The pH sensor beneficially may detect a change in pH as a result of the amniotic sac leaving the womb and contacting the birthing sensor. This allows the birthing sensor to detect birth around two to three hours prior to the birth of the animal.

In one embodiment the housing may comprise a retention formation configured to secure the retention element to the housing. The retention formation may be a protrusion or a groove. In an embodiment the retention formation is a groove partially defined by a tapering portion of the housing wherein the tapering portion tapers in a proximal direction relative to the groove. The tapering portion may act as a barb to secure the retention element within the groove.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a birthing sensor for detecting when an animal is about to give birth, the birthing sensor being configured to generate birthing data indicative of imminent birthing to a remote server, the birthing sensor comprising: a housing configured to be inserted within the vagina of the animal and to be retained within the vagina prior to birth; and an aerial extending from the housing and being configured to transmit the birthing data to the remote server wherein a portion of the aerial is configured to protrude externally from the animal when the housing is inserted within the vagina.

According to a yet further aspect of the present invention there is provided a birthing sensor for detecting when an animal is about to give birth, the birthing sensor being configured to generate birthing data indicative of imminent birthing to a remote server, the birthing sensor comprising: a housing configured to be inserted within the vagina of the animal and to be retained within the vagina prior to birth; and a cord extending from the housing and being configured to protrude externally from the animal when the housing is inserted within the vagina.

The cord beneficially allows the birthing sensor to be secured to the animal such that after birth, when the sensor has been expelled from the animal the sensor is retained on the animal such that it does not get lost or damaged by falling on the ground after birth.

Furthermore, the cord may comprise an aerial and having a portion of the aerial protruding from the animal reduces interference between the animal's body and the signal.

In an embodiment the housing may comprise an accelerometer configured to generate birthing data indicative of the birthing sensor being expelled from the animal during birthing. The birthing data may be indicative of a change of orientation of the birthing sensor. For example, as a result of the sensor being expelled from the animal. The cord may be configured to be secured to the animal's tail such that the birthing sensor is suspended from the animal's tail after being expelled from the animal during birthing.

The cord may comprise a loop configured to secure the sensor to the animal's tail. The loop may comprise a clip feature operable by a user to open and close the loop to secure the cord to the tail. The clip feature may be a Velcro strap or the like.

According to a yet further aspect of the present invention there is provided a birthing sensor for detecting when an animal is going to give birth, the birthing sensor being configured to transmit pH data indicative of the pH of the animal's vagina to a remote server, the birthing sensor comprising: a housing configured to be inserted within the vagina of the animal; a retention element configured to be gripped by the vagina to retain the housing within the vagina prior to birth; and a pH sensor configured to generate pH data of the vagina and wherein the birthing sensor is configured to transmit the generated pH data to the remote server.

The pH sensor advantageously allows the pH of the vagina to be monitored by the sensor. This allows the sensor to detect when the amniotic sac first enters the vagina which causes an increase in pH thereby providing a notification or alert of an expected birthing time approximately two to three hours prior to birth.

The pH sensor may be positioned on a distal tip of the housing. This beneficially allows the pH sensor to come into direct contact with the amniotic sac thereby improving the reliability of the pH measured within the vagina.

In an embodiment the birthing sensor may comprise a retention element. The retention element may comprise a resiliently deformable body, for example a sponge like body, configured to conform to the inner surface of the vagina when the birthing sensor is inserted within the vagina.

In another embodiment the housing may comprise a temperature sensor configured to generate temperature data indicative of the surroundings of the birthing sensor. The surroundings of the birthing sensor may be the vagina, for example prior to birth, or the ambient air, for example after birth. Prior to birth the temperature sensor may beneficially detect temperature fluctuations within the vagina indicative of birth. The temperature fluctuations may occur approximately 48 hours prior to birth thereby providing an early indication of an expected birthing time. When the birthing sensor has been expelled from the vagina the temperature sensor may measure a temperature change as a result of coming into contact with the ambient air. When the temperature sensor measures a change in temperature indicative of contacting the ambient air a notification may be sent to indicate that birthing is imminent In one embodiment the housing may comprise an electrode configured to detect or monitor the electrical activity of the uterine muscles of the animal. The electrode may be a conductive pad. The housing may comprise one or more conductive pads. The housing may be made from a conductive material such that the housing is the electrode. The conductive pads may be configured to contact the inner wall of the vagina. This is beneficial as the electrode may detect electrical signals indicative of contractions of the animal. The birthing sensor may detect the rate and severity of the contractions of the animal The skilled reader will understand that the birthing sensor may comprise one or more of the accelerometer, the pH sensor and the temperature sensor being configured to generate birthing data. The birthing sensor beneficially may be operated effectively with one or all of the aforementioned sensors depending on the application. The birthing sensor may comprise a processor configured to determine when the animal is going to give birth based on the birthing data generated by the sensors. Alternatively, the birthing sensor may transmit the birthing data to a remote server being configured to determine when the animal is going to give birth in dependence on the received birthing data.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a system for determining when an animal is going to give birth, the system comprising: at least one birthing sensor as claimed in any preceding claim; and a server configured to receive birthing data from the at least one birthing sensor wherein the server is configured to determine when the animal is going to give birth in dependence on the received birthing data.

In an embodiment the system may comprise a mobile communication device and the server may be configured to send a notification to the mobile communication device indicative of an expected birth time.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of determining when a pregnant animal is going to give birth, the method comprising: expelling a birthing sensor from the vagina by virtue of the amniotic sac advancing along the vagina during birth; suspending the birthing sensor from the tail of the animal after the birthing sensor has been expelled from the vagina during birth; and transmitting a signal indicative of the birthing sensor being expelled from the animal.

In an embodiment the method may comprise measuring the pH of the vagina and determining when the amniotic sac has left the womb in dependence on a measured pH change.

In another embodiment the method may comprise measuring the orientation of the birthing sensor and determining when the birthing sensor has been expelled from the vagina in dependence on a measured change in orientation. The change in orientation may be from substantially horizontal relative to the ground to substantially vertical relative to the ground when the sensor is suspended from the animal's tail.

In an embodiment the method may comprise determining when the animal is going to give birth in dependence on the transmitted signal.

In a general sense the invention may be expressed as a method of determining when an animal is going to give birth. The method comprising detecting a change in temperature of the animal, detecting when the amniotic sac passes through the cervix based on a change in measured pH and detecting when the amniotic sac is in the vagina by expelling a birthing sensor from the animal. A first notification or alert may be transmitted to a mobile communication device when a temperature change indicative of birth is detected, a second notification or alert may be transmitted when the change in measured pH is detected and a third notification may be transmitted when the birthing sensor has been expelled from the animal's vagina. The first notification may be transmitted between 24 hours and 72 hours prior to an expected birth time, the second notification may be transmitted between two and four hours prior to the expected birth time and the third notification may be transmitted less than two hours prior to the expected birth time. The notification may comprise the expected birth time.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic figure of a pregnant sheep fitted with a birthing sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a schematic figure of the birthing sensor of Figure 1 transmitting data to a base unit; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the birthing sensor of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the birthing sensor of Figure 3 with the retention element removed; Figure 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of the birthing sensor of Figure 1; Figure 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of the birthing sensor of Figure 1 and a delivery tube; Figure 7 is an exploded view of the housing of the birthing sensor of Figure 1; and Figure 8 is a flow chart outlining the method steps of determining when an animal is going to give birth.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In general terms embodiments of the invention relate to a birthing sensor for predicting when an animal, for example a sheep or a cow, is going to give birth. The birthing sensor comprises a housing having a generally cylindrical or ovoidal shape that is suitable for insertion within the animal's vagina. The housing further comprises a retention element secured to the housing. The retention element is configured to conform to the walls of the animal's vagina such that the birthing sensor is retained within the animal. The birthing sensor further comprises a temperature sensor for monitoring the temperature of the animal and for determining when the birthing sensor is expelled from the animal as a result of the amniotic sac advancing along the vagina during birth.

The birthing sensor is beneficially placed within the animal by a farmer such that the birthing sensor may monitor the internal temperature of the animal to predict when the animal is going to start labour. Furthermore, the temperature sensor may detect when the birthing sensor has been expelled from the vagina as a result of an imminent birth. The deformable retention element beneficially conforms to the walls of the vagina such that the birthing sensor may be retained within the vagina without hurting or irritating the animal. Furthermore, the retention element is generally circular which is beneficial as the outer surface of the retention element may conform to the inner wall of the vagina thereby distributing the load uniformly and avoiding any pressure points or sores on the vagina.

To place embodiments of the invention in a suitable context reference will firstly be made to Figure 1 which illustrates schematically a pregnant sheep 10 fitted with the birthing sensor 12. The amniotic sac 20 containing the unborn lamb is located within the sheep's womb 11. The birthing sensor 12 is positioned within the sheep's vagina 14 such that the birthing sensor 12 is fully received within the sheep 10. The distal end of the birthing sensor 12 may contact the cervix 18 of the sheep 10 such that the housing of the birthing sensor 12 is fully received within the vagina 14. The antenna 16 may extend proximally out of the animal's vagina 14 to improve transmission of birthing data gathered by the sensor 12 to a base station or remote server. Furthermore, the antenna 16 may be secured to the animal's tail such that the birthing sensor 12 is secured to the animal 10 after it has been expelled during birthing.

The skilled reader will appreciate that whilst the birthing sensor 12 has been described in the context of a pregnant sheep, the birthing sensor 12 may be used in any animal 10 commonly found on a farm where the farmer may want to monitor the animal 10 for signs of labour. For example, the birthing sensor 12 may be suitable for use in sheep, cattle, goats, horses, pigs or the like.

Mien the animal 10 starts labour the amniotic sac 20 passes through the cervix 18 into the birthing canal within the vagina 14. As the amniotic sac 20 leaves the womb 11 it contacts the distal end of the birthing sensor 12 and the birthing sensor 12 is expelled from the vagina 14 as the amniotic sac 20 advances along the vagina 14. In a broad sense, when the birthing sensor 12 is expelled from the vagina 14 it is an indication that the animal 10 is about to give birth, for example within the next hour, and a notification is sent to the farmer to notify the farmer that the animal 10 is about to give birth.

Turning to Figure 2 an animal 10, such as a sheep, fitted with the birthing sensor 12 is shown schematically. The birthing sensor 12 is configured to transmit birthing data generated by the birthing sensor 12 to the base unit 5 or cloud computing service. The base unit 5 may determine, based on the received birthing data, when the animal 10 is likely to give birth and send a notification or alert to a mobile communication device 7.

The birthing sensor 12 may be connected to the base unit 5 via, for example, Bluetooth (RTM), LoRa technologies or the like. The skilled reader will understand that the base unit 5 may be in communication with a cloud computing service or the like.

Figures 3 and 4 show perspective views of the birthing sensor 12 in more detail. The birthing sensor 12 comprises an ovoidal body or housing 22 with an antenna 16 extending proximally from the housing 22. A retention element 24 (not shown in Figure 4) is attached to the housing 22 and is configured to be compressed and gripped by the wall of the vagina 14 when the sensor 12 is located within the animal 10 such that the housing is retained within the vagina 14 prior to birth.

The retention element 24 has a generally circular cross-sectional profile with a central aperture 50 for receiving the housing 22. The retention element 24 is made from a deformable material, for example a sponge material, such that the vagina 14 walls may grip the outer surface 29 of the retention element 24 and retain the birthing sensor 12 within the vagina 14. The generally circular outer surface 29 of the retention element 24 conforms to the shape of the vagina 14 such that the gripping forces applied to the retention element 24 by the vagina 14 are distributed over the entire outer surface 29 area of the retention element 24. Distributing the gripping force over a relatively large surface area made from a deformable material beneficially minimises discomfort or irritation to the animal 10 as a result of the birthing sensor 12 being inserted into the animal's vagina 14. Furthermore, the soft deformable material prevents any grazing or irritation to the lining of the vagina 14 which could result in infection.

The antenna 16 extends proximally from the proximal end of the housing 22 such that when the birthing sensor 12 is placed within the vagina 14 at least a portion of the antenna 16 is located outside the animal 10. The antenna 16 is configured to act as an aerial to allow data transmission and communication between the birthing sensor 12 and the base unit 5. Positioning at least a portion of the antenna 16 outside the animal 10 ensures that the body of the animal 10 does not interfere with data transmission from the birthing sensor 12 to the base unit 5 thereby improving the range and quality of data transmission.

Furthermore, the proximal end of the antenna 16 comprises a loop 28 that is secured by a clip 30. The loop 28 is configured to be fastened around the tail 15 of the animal 10 using the clip 30 such that when the birthing sensor 12 is expelled from the vagina 14, as a result of the amniotic sac 20 entering the vagina 14, the birthing sensor 12 is suspended from the tail 15. This is beneficial as it prevents the birthing sensor 12 from dropping on the ground and potentially being lost or trampled on by the animal 10.

Furthermore, when the sensor 12 is suspended from the tail 15 the housing is orientated substantially vertically which represents a change from the generally horizontal orientation of the sensor 12 when the sensor 12 is positioned within the vagina 14.

The birthing sensor 12 comprises a temperature sensor located within the housing 22.

The temperature sensor is configured to monitor the temperature of the housing 22 and thus the internal temperature of the animal 10. The temperature data captured by the temperature sensor may be transmitted to the base unit 5 such that the internal temperature of the animal 10 is monitored. The temperature of the animal 10 in the week prior to birthing gradually falls by about 1°C to 1.5°C from roughly 39°C to about 38°C depending on the animal 10. Furthermore, around 48-hours prior to labour the internal temperature of the animal 10 reduces by between around 0.1°C and 0.7°C. The drop in temperature 48-hours prior to birth may occur at an increased rate compared to the week prior to birth. When the base units determines that the temperature change of the animal 10 has reduced by the estimated amount a notification may be sent to the mobile communications device 7 to notify the farmer that the animal 10 is likely to give birth within the subsequent 48-hours.

Furthermore, the temperature sensor may be used to detect when the temperature sensor 12 has been expelled from the animal 10 as a result of the amniotic sac 20 advancing along the vagina 14. When the birthing sensor 12 is expelled from the vagina 14 such that the birthing sensor 12 comes into contact with the ambient air the temperature sensor will detect a relatively large step change in temperature indicative of the birthing sensor 12 coming into contact with the ambient air.

When the base unit 5 detects a step change in temperature in the received temperature data indicative of the sensor 12 being expelled from the animal 10, the base unit 5 may transmit a notification to the mobile communication device 7 to notify the farmer that the animal 10 is about to give birth. Once the birthing sensor 12 is expelled from the vagina 14 the animal 10 generally gives birth within the subsequent thirty to sixty minutes.

The housing 22 of the birthing sensor 12 may further comprise an accelerometer. The accelerometer is configured to monitor the orientation of the birthing sensor 12 relative to the ground. This is beneficial as once the birthing sensor 12 is expelled from the vagina 14 of the animal 10 it hangs from the tail 15 of the animal 10 which represents a change in orientation from the generally horizontal orientation of the birthing sensor 12 when it is positioned within the animal 10. As such, the accelerometer data gathered by the accelerometer may be used in conjunction with the temperature data gathered by the temperature sensor to determine when the birthing sensor 12 has been expelled from the animal 10.

Furthermore, the accelerometer within the sensor 12 may monitor the movement of the animal 10. This is beneficial as the accelerometer may track the animals 10 movements to determine if the animal 10 is lying on one side or if the animal is moving or pacing.

The accelerometer data may be used to indicate if the animal is experiencing difficulty during labour. For example, when an animal is experiencing difficulty during labour it is generally restless and continuously standing up and lying down or pacing. In cattle, pigs and sheep she may lie on her side when trying to get the unborn animal out. Horses often roll on their back when trying to get the foal in the correct position for birthing.

If the accelerometer data gathered by the accelerometer is determined to be indicative of movements indicating a troubled birth a notification may be sent to the farmer to notify the farmer that the animal 10 is experiencing difficulty. This is beneficial as it allows the farmer to get to the animal 10 as soon as the sensor 12 detects that the animal is experiencing difficulty such that the farmer can assist the animal 10 during birth.

As shown in Figures 3 and 4 the birthing sensor 12 further comprises a pH sensor 26. The pH sensor 26 may be positioned on the distal end of the housing 22 such that when the amniotic sac 20 leaves the womb 11 and passes through the cervix 18 the amniotic sac 20 contacts the pH sensor 26. The pH of the vagina 14 of an animal 10, such as a cow or a sheep, is around 4.8 -6 under normal conditions. However, the pH of the amniotic sac 20 is higher and more alkali than the pH of the vagina 14. For example, the pH of the amniotic sac 20 may be between about 7 -9. However, the skilled reader will appreciate that the pH of the amniotic sac may vary depending on the type of animal.

As such, when the amniotic sac 20 passes through the cervix 18 it contacts the pH sensor 26. \Mien the amniotic sac 20 contacts the housing 22, the pH sensor 26 detects an increase in pH indicative of the amniotic sac 20 passing through the cervix 18 and into the vagina 14. The pH sensor 26 will detect the increase in pH around two to three hours ahead of birth. Thus, when the base unit 5 determines a change in pH in the received pH data, indicative of the housing 22 contacting the amniotic sac 20, the base unit 5 may transmit a notification to the mobile communication device 7. This is beneficial as the sensor 12 may provide the farmer with a notification when labour has commenced and the amniotic sac 20 has started to exit the womb 11.

The birthing sensor 12 may further comprise a sensor, for example a conductive pad or electrode on the surface of the housing 22 configured to detect the electrical signals produced by the uterine muscles of the animal 10 such that contractions may be detected and monitored. The conductive pad or electrode may be positioned on the side of the housing 22 so as to contact the inner lining of the vagina 14. For example, an electromyograph (EMG) sensor may be configured to monitor the contractions of the uterine muscles of the animal 10. The EMG may detect the electrical activity of the uterine muscles of the animal 10 and determine the frequency and severity of the contractions of the animal 10. This is beneficial as the rate and severity of contractions may be used to predict when the animal 10 is going to give birth. The EMG may be used to monitor and track the dilation of the cervix 18 of the animal 10. This is beneficial as tracking the dilation of the cervix 18 may beneficially allow an early prediction of when the animal is going to give birth.

As best viewed in Figure 4 and Figure 5, the housing 22 comprises a groove 40 or slot running circumferentially around a proximal end of the housing 22. The retention element 24 is generally toroidal in shape and comprises a central aperture 50. When the retention element 24 is secured to the housing 22 the groove 40 engages the retention element 24 such that the housing 22 is connected to the retention element 24. The retention element 24 may be removed from the housing 22 after use and either washed or discarded. A new retention element 24 may then be affixed to the housing 22 for use on the next animal 10 to prevent the transmission of infections or disease.

Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional side view of the birthing sensor 12. The housing 22 comprises an ovoidal body portion 52 at the distal end of the housing 22 and a frusta-conical portion at the proximal end of the housing 22. The frusta-conical portion 54 and the ovoidal body portion 52 are joined by a tubular section 56. The side walls of the groove 40 are defined between the proximal end of the ovoidal body portion 52 and a distal end of the frusta-conical portion 54. The base of the groove 40 is defined by the tubular section 56.

The frusta-conical portion 54 tapers in a proximal direction along the central longitudinal axis 58. The taper beneficially assists in securing the retention element 24 to the housing 22. The retention element 24 is secured to the housing 22 by advancing the retention element 24 in a distal direction relative to the longitudinal axis 58 such that the frusta-conical portion 54 of the housing 22 is received within the central aperture 50 of the retention element 24. As the retention element 24 is moved over the frusta-conical taper the central aperture 50 is stretched. When the retention element 24 is aligned with the groove 40 the central aperture 50 contracts and fills the groove 40 such that the retention element 24 is fastened to the housing 22. The contraction of the central aperture 50 serves to pinch or grip a portion of the retention element 24 within the groove 40 thereby retaining the retention element 24 on the housing 22. Furthermore, the distal wall of the frusta-conical portion 54 acts as a barb to prevent the retention element 24 from being dislodged from the groove 40.

Wien the retention element 24 is in the expanded position, as shown in Figure 5, the retention element 24 has a tapering surface on the distal side between the central aperture 50 and the external surface of the retention element 24. The tapering surface or notch 55 beneficially allows the retention element 24 to be compressed to the delivery position in which the notch 55 collapses such that the tapering surface on the distal side of the retention element 24 contacts and conforms to the outer surface of the housing 22.

Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional image of the birthing sensor 12 within a delivery tube 60. The delivery tube 60 is a hollow tube that may hold the birthing sensor 12 therein. A plunger 62 or ejection member is operable by the farmer to eject the birthing sensor 12 from a distal end of the delivery tube 60 within the animal's vagina 14. When the birthing sensor 12 is positioned within the delivery tube 60 the retention element 24 is compressed to a contracted or delivery position in which the outer diameter of the retention element 24 is reduced, and the notch 55 is compressed such that it conforms to the shape of the housing 22. As mentioned above, the retention element 24 is a sponge-like material that may be squashed to reduce the outer diameter of the retention element 24. This is beneficial when inserting the birthing sensor 12 within the vagina 14 of the animal 10 as the outer diameter of the retention element 24 is reduced.

To position the birthing sensor 12 within the correct position within the animal 10 the birthing sensor 12 is firstly loaded within the delivery tube 60. When the birthing sensor 12 is located within the delivery tube 60 the retention element 24 is in the delivery position such that the retention element 24 exerts an outward retaining force on the delivery tube 60. The retaining force exerted by the retention element 24 retains the birthing sensor 12 within the tube 60. The farmer may then insert the delivery tube 60 into the vagina 14 by the desired length, depending on the type of animal 10, and the ejection element 62 is operated to eject the birthing sensor 12 from the distal end of the delivery tube 60.

When the birthing sensor 12 is ejected from the delivery tube 60 the retention element 24 expands from the delivery position, as shown in Figure 6, to the deployed position, as shown in Figure 5. The retention element 24 expands to conform to the inner wall of the animal's vagina 14 such that the walls of the vagina 14 grip the retention element 24 thereby retaining the retention element 24 within the animal's vagina 14. The soft retention element 24 expands and conforms to the shape of the vagina 14 such that the walls of the vagina 14 grip the retention element 24. However, the retention element 24 does not scratch, damage or cause unwanted discomfort to the animal 10.

Turning to Figure 7, an exploded view of the housing 22 is shown. The housing 22 comprises a PCB 70 coupled to a battery (not shown). The skilled person will understand that the PCB 70 is configured to gather birthing data generated by the temperature sensor, the pH sensor and the accelerometer and to transmit the birthing data to the base unit 5. The aerial 16 is secured to the PCB 70 and extends proximally from the housing 22. A seal is provided between the aerial 16 and the housing 22 such that the housing 22 is watertight. Cable supports 74 grip the aerial 16 within the housing 22 and prevent the connection between the PCB 70 and the aerial 16 being damaged.

As shown in Figure 7, the housing 22 may be made from two parts joined by a thread 72. The housing 22 is sealed by the thread 72 such that when the housing 22 is closed the seal formed by the thread 72 prevents the ingress of moisture or dirt that may damage the PCB and associated electronics contained within the housing 22.

The battery, although not shown in Figure 7, is packaged within the housing 22 along with the PCB 70. The battery may be wirelessly charged to avoid the requirement to open the housing 22 or to provide a port to allow charging. This beneficially prevents the ingress of dirt or moisture to the housing 22.

Figure 8 shows a flowchart outlining the method steps associated with determining when an animal 10 is going to give birth using the birthing sensor 12. In Step 801 the farmer inserts the birthing sensor 12 into the vagina 14 of the animal 10. The birthing sensor 12 is positioned within the vagina 14 such that the housing 22 and retention element 24 are fully received within the vagina 14. The distal end of the housing 22 may contact the cervix 18. When the birthing sensor 12 is positioned within the animal's vagina the aerial 16 extends proximally such that a portion of the aerial 16 is positioned outside the animal 10.

In step 802 the birthing sensor 12 is secured to the animal's tail 15. The birthing sensor 12 may be secured to the animal's tail 15 by the aerial 16. For example, the aerial 16 may comprise a loop or strap configured to grip the animal's tail 15. The loop or strap may comprise padding or a soft material so as to avoid hurting the animal's tail 15.

In step 803 the birthing sensor 12 is expelled from the vagina 14 by the amniotic sac 20 exiting the womb 11 and travelling along the vagina 14. As the amniotic sac 20 advances along the vagina 14 the birthing sensor 12 is pushed out of the animal's vagina 14. In step 804 when the birthing sensor 12 is expelled from the animal's vagina 14 the sensor 12 is suspended from the animal's tail 15. The birthing sensor 12 may hang generally vertically relative to the ground when it is suspended from the animal's tail 15. The sensor 12 may comprise an accelerometer configured to monitor the orientation of the sensor 12 and to determine when the sensor 12 has been expelled from the animal's vagina 14. Similarly, a temperature sensor may be used to measure the temperature of the vagina 14. When the sensor 12 is expelled from the animal 10 the sensor 12 will contact the ambient air and the temperature sensor will measure a change in temperature indicative of the sensor 12 being in contact with the ambient air and thus expelled from the animal 10.

In step 805 the birthing sensor 12 may transmit a signal indicative of the birthing sensor being expelled from the animal to notify the farmer that the animal is about to give birth.

The signal may include temperature and/or accelerometer data. The signal may be sent to a remote server or base unit and the remote server may determine, in dependence on the received data, when the animal is going to give birth. A signal may then be sent to a mobile communications device to notify the farmer of the expected birthing time of the animal 10.

Whilst the birthing sensor 12 has been described above with reference to detecting birth of an animal. The birthing sensor 12 may also be inserted within an animal 10 after birth and used to measure the temperature of the vagina 14. This is beneficial as the sensor 12 may be used to detect infections or disease that the animal 10 may catch after birth.

For example, the sensor 12 may be used to detect vaginitis in the days following birthing which would cause an increase in temperature of the animal. This is particularly useful in dairy cattle where vaginifis may cause a reduction in milk yield from the animal 10.

It will be appreciated that various changes and modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of the present application.

Claims

CLAIMSA birthing sensor for determining when an animal is going to give birth, the birthing sensor comprising: a housing configured to be inserted within the vagina of the animal; and a retention element configured to be gripped by the vagina to retain the housing within the vagina prior to birth; wherein the retention element comprises a resiliently deformable body configured to conform to the inner surface of the vagina when the birthing sensor is inserted within the vagina.
2. A birthing sensor as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the retention element comprises a central aperture for receiving a portion of the housing.
A birthing sensor as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the cross-sectional profile of the outer surface is substantially elliptical in shape.
4. A birthing sensor as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the birthing sensor comprises a cord extending from the housing and being configured to protrude externally from the animal when the housing is inserted within the vagina.
A birthing sensor as claimed in Claim 4, wherein the cord comprises an aerial.
6. A birthing sensor as claimed in Claim 4 or Claim 5, wherein the cord is configured to be secured to the animal's tail such that the cord is configured to suspend the birthing sensor from the animal's tail.
7. A birthing sensor as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the birthing sensor comprises an accelerometer configured to generate accelerometer data indicative of the orientation of the birthing sensor.
8. A birthing sensor as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the birthing sensor comprises a pH sensor configured to generate pH data of the vagina and wherein the birthing sensor is configured to transmit the generated pH data to a remote server.
9. A birthing sensor as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the housing comprises a retention formation configured to secure the retention element to the housing.
10. A birthing sensor as claimed in Claim 9, wherein the retention formation is a groove partially defined by a tapering portion of the housing wherein the tapering portion tapers in a proximal direction relative to the groove.
11. A birthing sensor for detecting when an animal is about to give birth, the birthing sensor being configured to generate birthing data indicative of imminent birthing to a remote server, the birthing sensor comprising: a housing configured to be inserted within the vagina of the animal and to be retained within the vagina prior to birth; and an aerial extending from the housing and being configured to transmit the birthing data to the remote server wherein a portion of the aerial is configured to protrude externally from the animal when the housing is inserted within the vagina.
12. A birthing sensor for detecting when an animal is about to give birth, the birthing sensor being configured to generate birthing data indicative of imminent birthing to a remote server, the birthing sensor comprising: a housing configured to be inserted within the vagina of the animal and to be retained within the vagina prior to birth; and a cord extending from the housing and being configured to protrude externally from the animal when the housing is inserted within the vagina
13. A birthing sensor as claimed in Claim 11 or Claim 12, wherein the housing comprises an accelerometer configured to generate birthing data indicative of the birthing sensor being expelled from the animal during birthing.
14. A birthing sensor as claimed in Claim 13, wherein the birthing data is indicative of a change of orientation of the birthing sensor.
15. A birthing sensor as claimed in any of Claims 12 to 14, wherein the cord is configured to be secured to the animal's tail such that the birthing sensor is suspended from the animal's tail after being expelled from the animal during birthing.
16. A birthing sensor as claimed in Claim 15, wherein the cord comprises a loop configured to secure the sensor to the animal's tail.
17. A birthing sensor as claimed in Claim 16, wherein the loop comprises a clip feature operable by a user to open and close the loop to secure the cord to the tail.
18. A birthing sensor as claimed in any one of Claims 12 to 17, wherein the cord comprises an aerial.
19. A birthing sensor for detecting when an animal is going to give birth, the birthing sensor being configured to transmit pH data indicative of the pH of the animal's vagina to a remote server, the birthing sensor comprising: a housing configured to be inserted within the vagina of the animal; a retention element configured to be gripped by the vagina to retain the housing within the vagina prior to birth; and a pH sensor configured to generate pH data of the vagina and wherein the birthing sensor is configured to transmit the generated pH data to the remote server.
20. A birthing sensor as claimed in Claim 19, wherein the pH sensor is positioned on a distal tip of the housing.
21. A birthing sensor as claimed in any one of Claims 11 to 20, wherein the birthing sensor comprises a retention element and wherein the retention element comprises a resiliently deformable body configured to conform to the inner surface of the vagina when the birthing sensor is inserted within the vagina.
22. A birthing sensor as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the housing comprises a temperature sensor configured to generate temperature data indicative of the surroundings of the birthing sensor.
23. A birthing sensor as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the housing comprises an electrode configured to detect the electrical activity of the uterine muscles of the animal.
24. A system for determining when an animal is going to give birth, the system comprising: at least one birthing sensor as claimed in any preceding claim; and a server configured to receive birthing data from the at least one birthing sensor wherein the server is configured to determine when the animal is going to give birth in dependence on the received birthing data.
25. A system as claimed in Claim 24, wherein the system comprises a mobile communication device and wherein the server is configured to send a notification to the mobile communication device indicative of an expected birth time.
26. A method of determining when a pregnant animal is going to give birth, the method comprising: 35 expelling a birthing sensor from the vagina by virtue of the amniotic sac advancing along the vagina during birth; suspending the birthing sensor from the tail of the animal after the birthing sensor has been expelled from the vagina during birth; and transmitting a signal indicative of the birthing sensor being expelled from the animal.
27. A method as claimed in Claim 26, wherein the method comprises measuring the pH of the vagina and determining when the amniotic sac has left the womb in dependence on a measured pH change.
28. A method as claimed in Claim 26 or 27, wherein the method comprises measuring the orientation of the birthing sensor and determining when the birthing sensor has been expelled from the vagina in dependence on a measured change in orientation.
29. A method as claimed in Claim 28, wherein the change in orientation is from substantially horizontal relative to the ground to substantially vertical relative to the ground when the sensor is suspended from the animal's tail.
30. A method as claimed in any one of Claims 26 to 29, wherein the method comprises determining when the animal is going to give birth in dependence on the transmitted signal.