JP2005098817A - Measurement method and measuring instrument for expiratory air constituent of domestic animal and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enhance reliability and reproducibility of expiratory air component measurement, by keeping a domestic animal in a natural state, as much as possible. <P>SOLUTION: According to this method for measuring the expiratory air constituents of the domestic animal, an expiratory air collection chamber 1 is prepared, having an internal space 50 allowing the animal to freely move its head; air is introduced from the exterior with the head of the animal inserted into the collection chamber 1; the flow rate of air, including the expiratory air of the animal flowing out of the collection chamber 1 and the concentration of each expiratory air constituent, are measured; and the amount of each expiratory air constituent of the animal is calculated from the concentration and the flow rate. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for measuring a breath component of livestock, and a storage medium used in the measurement device. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for measuring expiratory data effective for analyzing the relationship between feed and breath given to livestock. .

  When livestock such as cattle and sheep eat feed and digest it with its digestive tract (lumen), methane is produced by anaerobic bacteria that inhabit the digestive tract, and the methane, together with carbon dioxide, breathes and gep ( These are called exhalation) and are discharged into the atmosphere. Part of methane and carbon dioxide dissolves in manure and is discharged outside the body.

  Conventionally, techniques for fermenting manure and recovering methane to prevent air pollution have been developed, but techniques for efficiently recovering methane and the like discharged from the breath of livestock into the atmosphere have not been developed. Gases such as methane emitted from the exhaled breath of livestock have harmful effects on the environment such as global warming. However, it is known that the amount of methane emitted varies depending on the type of feed given to livestock. Yes. Therefore, it is desired to develop a technique for analyzing the relationship between feed and methane discharged by exhalation and selecting the optimum feed to suppress the discharge of harmful substances to the atmosphere.

  For this purpose, it is necessary to accurately measure the gas components (hereinafter referred to as exhalation components) in the exhaled breath discharged by livestock. In the conventional measurement of the breath component of livestock, (1) the whole livestock is placed in a large airtight room and the breath component discharged from the livestock in a certain time is measured. A method of measuring an exhaled breath component flowing out of the capsule by putting it on the head is known.

However, the former method of measuring exhalation components using an airtight room requires a large airtight room and is expensive in equipment cost. Furthermore, since gas generated from feces and urine is mixed in the gas measured as the exhalation component, it is difficult to grasp accurate exhalation data.
In addition, the method of measuring the exhalation component using the latter capsule, the livestock whose head is inserted in a narrow capsule space is placed in a closed state that is isolated from the natural state and pressed from the surroundings, and feels uncomfortable, In some cases, livestock may cause heart and respiratory problems. Furthermore, there is a problem that the data of the breath component collected in such a state is inferior in accuracy or reproducibility.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to solve the problems of the conventional exhalation component measuring method, and a new domestic animal exhalation component measuring method and measuring device for the purpose, and a memory storing a calculation program of a computer device constituting the measuring device. The purpose is to provide a medium.

  The livestock breath measurement method according to the present invention that solves the above-mentioned problems provides an exhalation collection chamber having an internal space in which the livestock can freely move its head, and inserts the livestock head into the exhalation collection chamber to externally Air is introduced, and the flow rate of the air including the exhalation of livestock flowing out of the exhalation collection chamber and the concentration of each exhalation component of the livestock are measured, and the amount of each exhalation component of the livestock is calculated from the concentration and the flow rate (Claim 1).

  In the exhalation measurement method, the exhalation collection chamber is box-shaped, and at least a part of the side wall thereof is formed of a transparent material, so that the livestock with the head inserted can be seen through from the exhalation collection chamber. 2).

  The livestock breath component measuring apparatus according to the present invention that solves the above-described problems includes a breath collection chamber having an internal space in which the farm animals can freely move their heads, and a livestock head insertion section provided in the breath collection chamber. Air introduction means for introducing air from the outside into the breath collection chamber, air discharge means for discharging the air in the breath collection chamber, an air flow rate measuring device for measuring the flow rate of air flowing through the air discharge means, and the air discharge means Measurement air supply means for supplying a part of the air flowing through the component measurement means for measuring the concentration of each exhalation component, the concentration of each exhalation component measured by the component measurement means and the air flow rate measured by the air flow measuring device A calculation means for calculating the amount of each breath component of livestock is provided (claim 3).

  In the exhalation component measuring apparatus, the exhalation collection chamber has a box shape, and at least a front side wall of the box shape is formed of a transparent material, and a livestock head insertion portion having a cylindrical sheet is provided on a rear side surface, The exhalation collection chamber may be provided with a slight negative pressure adjusting means for adjusting the inside thereof to a slightly negative pressure, and a feeding means and a moisture supplying means for feeding and replenishing water to a domestic animal having a head inserted therein (claim) 4).

  In the breath component measuring apparatus having the box-shaped breath collection chamber, the fine negative pressure adjusting means is provided on a valve box installed in an opening provided in a wall part of the breath collection chamber and on an outer wall of the valve box. An air introduction portion, an air discharge portion provided on the inner wall of the valve box, a valve seat plate having air permeability disposed between the air introduction portion and the air discharge portion, and 1 on the air discharge side of the valve seat plate It can be comprised by the flat valve which has a flexible valve plate which fixed the edge | side (Claim 5).

  In any one of the expiratory component measuring devices, the air discharge means includes an exhaust pipe and an extraction pipe, and the exhaust pipe is provided with an exhaust valve and an exhaust blower so that the air in the exhalation collection chamber can be discharged to the atmosphere as it is. The extraction pipe can be provided with an extraction valve and an extraction blower, and the extraction pipe can be provided with the air flow rate measuring device and the measurement air supply means.

  When any one of the breath component measuring devices is for large livestock, a restraint that can restrain the neck of the large livestock that inserts the head into the head insertion portion and can adjust the restraint position back and forth is provided. (Claim 7).

  When any one of the exhalation component measuring devices is for small livestock, an accommodating means for accommodating the small livestock is provided adjacent to the exhalation collection chamber, and the accommodating means is a gantry and the operation of the small livestock arranged on the gantry. A fence body for limiting the range, a lattice portion formed on the top of the gantry, and feces and urine collection means arranged below the lattice portion can be included (claim 8).

  Further, in any one of the exhalation component measuring devices, a plurality of exhalation collection chambers can be provided in parallel.

  Further, in any one of the exhalation component measuring devices described above, the calculation means includes a data logger that collects measurement signals from the air flow measuring device and the component measuring means, and an amount for each exhalation component of livestock from each measurement data collected by the data logger. The computer apparatus which calculates can be provided (Claim 10).

  In addition, the recording medium according to the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is characterized by storing a calculation program for calculating the amount of each exhalation component of livestock in the computer device (claim 11).

  According to the expiratory component measuring method according to the present invention, the livestock whose head is inserted into the expiratory collection chamber can feel a sense of security because the head can freely move in the collection chamber. Therefore, unlike the conventional capsule method, the breath of livestock in a state close to nature can be collected and its components can be measured, so that the measurement results are excellent in reliability and reproducibility. In addition, a large airtight room is not required as in the conventional method of measuring exhaled components using a room that accommodates the entire livestock, so the equipment cost is reduced, and the measurement accuracy is reduced due to gas contamination from manure. Absent. In addition, the flow rate of air flowing out of the breath collection chamber and the concentration of each exhalation component of livestock were measured, and the amount of each exhalation component of livestock was calculated from these concentration and flow rate, so each component contained in the exhalation of livestock Can accurately grasp the amount.

  In the exhalation component measuring method, if the exhalation collection chamber has a box shape, at least a part of its side wall is formed of a transparent material, and the domestic animal with the head inserted can see through the exhalation collection chamber, the exhalation Since the livestock being measured are given the same feeling as when placed outside the collection room, the breath components of livestock placed in a more natural state can be measured.

  Further, by using the breath component measuring apparatus according to the present invention, the breath measurement method can be suitably implemented.

  As described above, the breath collection chamber has a box shape, and at least the front side wall of the box shape is formed of a transparent material, and a livestock head insertion portion having a cylindrical sheet is provided on the rear side surface, and the breath collection chamber Is equipped with a slight negative pressure adjusting means for adjusting the inside thereof to a slightly negative pressure, and a feeding means and a hydration means for feeding and hydrating the livestock with the head inserted, thereby making the livestock during breath measurement more natural. Therefore, more accurate breath component measurement can be realized. Further, since the fine negative pressure adjusting means is provided in the exhalation recovery chamber, it is easy to maintain the airtightness of the recovery chamber. In addition, because it is equipped with feeding means and hydration means, the head of the livestock can be easily invited into the exhalation collection chamber, and feeding and exhalation changes with the livestock head inserted into the exhalation collection chamber for a long time Can be measured.

  When the fine negative pressure adjusting means is constituted by the flat valve as described above, the valve plate is automatically opened and closed according to the suction force by the discharge means for discharging the air containing the exhaled breath of the livestock in the exhalation collection chamber, and the exhalation collection chamber is opened. It can be automatically adjusted to the desired slight negative pressure.

  As described above, the air discharge means is provided with an exhaust pipe and an extraction pipe, and the exhaust pipe is provided with an exhaust valve and an exhaust blower so that the air in the exhalation recovery chamber can be discharged to the atmosphere as it is. When the valve and the bleed air blower are provided, and the air flow measuring device and the measurement air supply means are provided in the bleed pipe, the pipeline is switched by opening and closing the exhaust valve and the bleed valve, and the head of the livestock is placed in the breath collection chamber Before inserting into the collection chamber, exhaust the air from the expiration collection chamber to the atmosphere through the exhaust pipe to prepare for expiration collection. It can be supplied to the measuring means. Also, when feeding with the head of a livestock inserted into the breath collection chamber for long-term breath component measurement, the air discharged from the breath collection chamber can be switched to the discharge path.

  As described above, an exhalation component measuring device for large livestock, which restrains the neck of a large livestock that inserts the head into the head insertion portion and has a place where the restraint position can be adjusted back and forth, It can regulate well and can measure the expiration component stably for a long time.

  As described above, an accommodation means for accommodating a small livestock is provided adjacent to the breath collection chamber, and the accommodation means is provided on a gantry, a fence body that limits the operating range of the small livestock disposed on the gantry, and an upper portion of the gantry. The breathing component measurement device for small livestock, which has the formed lattice part and the feces and urine collection means arranged below the lattice part, can efficiently store and regulate small livestock with a simple structure and can measure the breath component stably for a long time. It can be carried out. In addition, manure excreted from livestock can be efficiently recovered.

  In the case where a plurality of exhalation collection chambers are provided in parallel as described above, the exhalation of a plurality of domestic animals is performed by sequentially switching the air from the exhalation collection chambers with the heads of the livestock inserted in the exhalation collection chambers. Component measurement can be performed efficiently.

  As described above, the calculation means includes a data logger that collects measurement signals from the air flow rate measuring device and the component measurement means, and a computer device that calculates the amount of each breath component of livestock from each measurement data collected by the data logger. As a result, data collection and calculation functions are separated, and the overall configuration of the apparatus is unitized, facilitating apparatus design and maintenance.

  In addition, since the recording medium according to the present invention stores a calculation program for calculating the amount of each exhalation component of livestock in the computer device, the recording medium is used for the expiration component measuring apparatus according to the present invention. The main part can be configured easily.

  Next, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a process flow diagram of a livestock breath component measuring apparatus according to the present invention. Although this embodiment is an example in which three breath collection chambers are provided in parallel, the number is not limited to three and may be more or less.

  The exhalation component measuring apparatus includes three exhalation collection chambers 1 having internal spaces in which livestock can freely move their heads, livestock head insertion portions 53 (not shown) provided in each exhalation collection chamber 1, and exhalation. An air introduction means 3 for introducing air from the outside into the collection chamber 1 and an air discharge means 4 for discharging the air from the exhalation collection chamber 1 are provided. The air discharge means 4 includes an exhaust pipe 5 and an extraction pipe 6. The exhaust pipe 5 is provided with an exhaust valve 7 and an exhaust blower 8. The extraction pipe 6 has an extraction valve 9, an extraction blower 10, a temperature measuring device 11, and humidity. A measuring instrument 12, a pressure measuring instrument 13 and an air flow measuring instrument 14 are provided. Further, the measurement air supply means 15 is branched from the extraction pipe 6.

  The measurement air supply means 15 includes a measurement air supply pipe 16, an air dryer 17 provided in the measurement air supply pipe 16, a three-way switching valve 18, and a sampling pump 19. In this embodiment, the tip of the measurement air supply pipe 16 is divided into three branch pipes 20, each branch pipe 20 is provided with a flow rate adjusting valve 21 and a flow meter 22 such as an area type, and methane is provided at the outlet side of the flow meter 22. An analyzer 23, an oxygen analyzer 24, and a carbon dioxide analyzer 25 are provided. The methane analyzer 23, oxygen analyzer 24 and carbon dioxide analyzer 25 constitute a component measuring means 26.

  The port a of the three-way switching valve 18 is connected to the outlet side of the air dryer 17, the port b is connected to the inlet side of the sampling pump 19, and a pipe from the calibration gas supply means 18a is connected to the port c. In the present embodiment, as shown in the figure, an exhalation component measuring device is installed in a measurement chamber or a laboratory chamber surrounded by a wall, and the air supplied to the exhalation collection chamber 1 is taken in from outside and discharged from the exhalation collection chamber 1 The air to be discharged is exhausted to the outside of the room, thereby preventing the indoor air from being contaminated or changed. The atmospheric pressure in the room is measured by an atmospheric pressure measuring device 27.

  The methane analyzer 23, oxygen analyzer 24, carbon dioxide analyzer 25, atmospheric pressure measuring device 27 and temperature measuring device 11, humidity measuring device 12, pressure measuring device 13, air flow measuring device 14, etc. are all measured. A transmission function for transmitting the result as an electrical signal (measurement signal) is provided, and these measurement signals are transmitted to the computing means 28 via a cable. The calculation means 28 includes a data logger 29 that collects each measurement signal as measurement data, and a computer device 30 that calculates the amount of each breath component of livestock from each measurement data collected by the data logger 29. In addition, 31 and 32 shown in FIG. 1 are indicators, and the indicator 31 includes a temperature measuring device 11, a humidity measuring device 12, a pressure measuring device 13, an air flow measuring device 14, a methane analyzer 23, an oxygen analyzer 24, and Measurement signals from the carbon dioxide analyzer 25 are input and their measured values are displayed. Further, the indicator 32 receives measurement signals from each of the air flow rate measuring devices 40, which will be described later, and displays those measured values.

  A recording medium 33 such as a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, or a semiconductor memory device is detachably attached to the computer device 30. The recording medium 33 has a calculation program for calculating the amount of each breath component of livestock from each measurement data. Stored. And the computer apparatus 30 performs the said calculation by this calculation program. A control device 34 is connected to the computer device 30, and the blower and valves are controlled by the control device 34. The control device 34 can be configured by a computer device or a sequencer, and the control program is stored in a built-in storage unit. However, if desired, a control program of the control device 34 can be stored in the recording medium 33, and the computer device 30 can control the calculation of the exhalation component amount and the control to the control device 34.

  The air introducing means 3 includes an air supply main pipe 35 and three air supply branch pipes 36 branched therefrom. An air supply blower 37 and a buffer tank 38 are provided in the air supply main pipe 35, and each of the air supply branch pipes 36 is provided. The air supply valve 39 and the air supply flow rate measuring device 40 are provided. And the front-end | tip of each insufflation branch pipe 36 is connected to the expiration | expired_air collection | recovery chamber 1 via the fine negative pressure adjustment means 41 comprised by the flat valve, respectively.

  FIG. 2 is a front view showing an example of an exhalation collection chamber and its peripheral part constituting an exhalation component measuring apparatus for large livestock such as cattle and horses, and FIG. 3 is a right side view of FIG. In these drawings, the exhalation collection chamber 1 is formed in an airtight box shape by a frame made of steel or the like and a plate material closing between them, and has an upper chamber 51 and a lower chamber 52 communicating with each other. The internal space 50 of the upper chamber 51 has an internal volume that allows a large livestock to freely move its head (specifically, the head including the inserted neck).

  The front side wall (left side wall in FIG. 3) 51a of the upper chamber 51 and all or part of the left and right side walls 51b sandwiching it are formed of a transparent and rigid plate material such as a transparent glass plate or a plastic plate that can be seen through. The remaining rear side wall (right side wall in FIG. 3) 51c and upper side wall (ceiling) 51d are formed of an opaque and rigid plate material such as a plywood or a metal plate. Fine gaps such as the boundary portions of these plate materials are sealed with a sealing material such as soft packing. In addition to the three side walls as described above, the transparent portion may be only the front side wall 51a or only the front side wall 51a and the left and right side walls 51b. In this way, by making at least a part of the side portion in the upper chamber 51 into which the head of the large livestock is inserted transparent, the large livestock is given a sense of openness and security, and is placed in a state as close as possible to the breath collection. A breath component measurement can be performed.

  An opening is provided in the rear side wall 51c of the upper chamber 51, and a livestock head insertion portion 53 is attached to the opening. The head insertion portion 53 is made of a flexible and strong cloth material such as canvas and is made into a cylindrical shape, and its surface is resin-coated in order to improve airtightness. The distal end of the head insertion portion 53 is formed in a square shape or a circular shape by a hard frame material 54, and the frame material 54 is connected to the opening portion by a bolt via a sealing material such as a soft packing. You may connect. Further, a folded portion 55 is formed at the rear end of the head insertion portion 53, and a string 56 for binding the neck of the livestock to the head insertion portion 53 is inserted through the folded portion 55. In addition, since the head insertion portion 53 formed in a cylindrical shape in this way can be freely deformed with the livestock's neck inserted, the livestock with the neck constrained may be in a posture where the livestock has stood up. You can also fold it down.

  On the other hand, a water replenishing means 57 comprising a water cup and an automatic water faucet is disposed below the rear side wall 51c, and a slight negative pressure for adjusting the inside of the breath collection chamber 1 to a slightly negative pressure is disposed below the front side wall 51a. Adjustment means 41 is provided. When measuring the exhalation component in a cold region, it is desirable to provide a heating device so that the water in the water supply means 57 does not freeze.

  The air supply branch pipe 36 shown in FIG. 1 rises upward from the slight negative pressure adjusting means 41 and communicates with the air supply main pipe 35. The air supply branch pipe 36 and the air supply main pipe 35 are connected via a flexible pipe 36a in consideration of the movement of the exhalation collection chamber 1. Further, the exhaust pipe 5 and the bleed pipe 6 shown in FIG. 1 extend through the upper side wall 51d in the upper chamber 51, and flexible pipes 5a and 6a are provided in the middle of each in consideration of the movement of the exhalation collection chamber 1. Provided. Although not shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a differential pressure gauge with a transmission function for measuring the internal / external differential pressure in the exhalation recovery chamber 1 is provided, and the slight negative pressure level in the exhalation recovery chamber 1 is remotely monitored by the arithmetic means 28. You can also

  The surrounding wall and floor of the lower chamber 52 are formed of an opaque and rigid plate material such as plywood or metal plate, and a container-like feeding means 58 is disposed on the floor surface. A double door 59 for replacing the feeding means 58 or supplying the feeding means 58 with feed is provided on the front side wall of the lower chamber 52. A handle is provided at the center of the door 59, and a plurality of hooks 59a for freely locking the door 59 are provided at the periphery. Note that minute gaps such as the peripheral edge of the door 59 or the boundary of the plate material are sealed with a sealing material such as soft packing. The door 59 may be open on one side.

  A wheel device 1e such as a plurality of casters is provided on the lower side of the floor in the lower chamber 52, so that the breath collection chamber 1 can be easily moved to the measurement position where the place 60 shown in FIG. 3 is installed by the wheel device 1e. It has become. The floor of the lower chamber 52 is provided with a drain port (not shown) through which water is discharged when it accumulates inside.

  The stanchion 60 is a rigid wakka that restrains its neck and restricts its movement range so that a large livestock that is measuring exhalation does not move greatly and destroy the exhalation collection chamber 1, and a part thereof is a concrete floor 61. It is movably connected to a frame 62 installed above. The frame 62 includes four pillars 62a erected from the foundation 61a installed on the concrete floor 61, two upper frames 62b that connect the upper ends of the pillars 62a to each other, and two lower frames that connect the lower ends to each other. 62c. Connection arms 63 are attached to the upper frame 62b and the lower frame 62c, respectively, and the upper and lower sides of the breath collection chamber 1 are detachably connected to the tips of the connection arms 63 with bolts or the like.

  A plurality of bolt holes (not shown) are provided in the middle of each connecting arm 63, and the upper and lower portions of the stanchion 60 are detachably connected to any one of these bolt holes, so that the breath collection chamber 1 and the stanchion are connected. The relative position of 60, that is, the position before and after restraining the neck of a large livestock can be adjusted.

  FIG. 4 is a front view showing an example of the stunt 60. The stanchion 60 is connected to the ring-shaped restricting portion 64 and the upper and lower ends of the restricting portion 64 are connected to the connecting arm 63. The restraining portion 64 is composed of a rigid band body 65 made of metal or a rod and an opening / closing band 66, and a connected portion 67 such as a hook provided at the end of the band body 65 is connected to the end of the opening / closing band 66. By detachably connecting the provided lever, the neck of a large livestock is restrained. In addition, the method of connecting the edge part of the opening-and-closing band 66 to the to-be-connected part 67 with a string may be used.

  FIG. 5 is a view showing a state where the neck of the large livestock 100 is restrained in the breath collection chamber 1 shown in FIG. The large livestock 100 standing on the concrete floor 61 is constrained at its neck by a place 60, and the head is inserted into the breath collection chamber 1 from the head insertion portion 53 in this state. When the neck of the large livestock 100 is inserted into the head insertion portion 53, the rear side is tied with a string 56 to maintain the airtightness of the exhalation collection chamber 1. Further, a rubber plate 68 having an opening at an appropriate position is laid on the concrete floor 61, and the opening is fixed to the floor 61 with screws or the like so as not to move in alignment with the recess provided in the concrete floor 61. Then, a manure collection device 69 such as a container fitted with a grid is arranged in the recess, and manure excreted from the large livestock 100 constrained therein is collected. The grid is set in a hole shape that does not damage the foot (especially hoof) of large livestock.

  FIG. 6A is a front view showing an example of the fine negative pressure adjusting means 41, and FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA. The illustrated negative pressure adjusting means 41 is constituted by a flat valve, and is connected to an opening provided on the front side wall 51a by a bolt or the like, and an air introduction part provided on an outer wall 71 of the valve box 70. 72, an air discharge portion 74 provided on the inner wall 73 of the valve box 71, a rigid valve seat plate 75 having air permeability disposed between the air introduction portion 72 and the air discharge portion 74, and the valve seat A flexible valve plate 76 having one side fixed to the air discharge side of the plate 75 is provided. The air supply branch pipe 36 (see FIG. 1) is connected to the air introduction portion 72. In addition, a plurality of small holes 71 a are formed in the outer wall 71 so that a slight amount of outside air can be sucked even when the air supply blower 37 is stopped. In addition, it is desirable to provide the air exhaust part 74 with an insect net (not shown) that prevents insects and the like from entering from the outside.

  7 is a front view showing an example of an exhalation collection chamber and its peripheral part constituting an exhalation component measuring device for small livestock such as sheep and goats, FIG. 8 is a right side view of FIG. 7, and FIG. It is a top view. The main part of the breath component measuring device for small livestock that differs from the breath component measuring device for large livestock shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 is a restraining means for limiting the operation range of the livestock, and the rest is configured similarly. . Therefore, the same parts as those in FIGS. 2 and 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted as much as possible.

  The exhalation collection chamber 1 has an upper chamber 51 and a lower chamber 52 that do not communicate with each other, and the upper chamber 51 is formed in a hermetic box shape with a frame made of steel or the like and a plate material that closes between them, and its internal space 50 has an internal volume that allows a small livestock to freely move its head (specifically, the head including the inserted neck). The front side wall (the left side wall in FIG. 8) 51a of the upper chamber 51 and all or a part of both side walls 51b sandwiching it are formed of a transparent glass plate, a plastic plate or the like made of a rigid and transparent plate material. The rear side wall (right side wall in FIG. 8) 51c and the upper side wall (ceiling) 51d are formed of an opaque and rigid plate material such as a plywood or a metal plate. In order to maintain the airtightness of the breath collection chamber 1 as well, a sealing material such as soft packing is provided in a necessary portion.

  A door 59 that is opened and closed by a hinge mechanism 59b is provided on the front side wall 51a, and a plurality of hooks 59a that freely lock the door 59 are provided on the peripheral edge thereof. The door 59 is made of a transparent plate material similar to that of the front side wall 51a, and a small domestic animal with the head inserted is placed in a natural state. A water supply means 57 and a feeding means 58 are disposed below the upper chamber 51, and a slight negative pressure adjusting means 41 for adjusting the inside of the exhalation collection chamber 1 to a slightly negative pressure is provided below the side wall 51b. An air supply branch pipe 36 is connected to the adjusting means 41. Then, the door 59 is opened to supply water and feed. On the other hand, the lower chamber 52 is a frame made of steel or the like, and is firmly fixed to the concrete floor 61.

  A small livestock head insertion portion 53 is connected to an opening provided in the rear side wall 51c, and further, an accommodating means 80 for accommodating the small livestock is provided adjacent to the rear side of the breath collection chamber 1. The head insertion portion 53 is configured in the same manner as that shown in FIGS. The accommodating means 80 includes a gantry 81 disposed on the concrete floor 61 and a fence body 82 disposed on the gantry 81, and the gantry 81 is firmly fixed to the concrete floor 61. A lattice portion 83 is formed on the top of the gantry 81, and a bowl-shaped excrement collecting means 84 is slidably mounted below the lattice portion 83. Then, the excrement recovery means 84 provided on the gantry 81 can be pulled out, and the internal excrement can be recovered in a recovery container or the like. In addition, the lattice part 83 is set to the hole shape which does not damage a foot part (especially a hoof) of a small domestic animal.

  The fence body 82 limits the operation range of the small livestock whose head is inserted into the exhalation collection chamber 1. The fence body 82 is composed of a frame such as a steel material, and a part of the fence body 82 is connected to the exhalation collection chamber 1 with a bolt or the like. And the back (right side of FIG. 8) of the fence body 82 is an entrance for small livestock. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8, string-like anchoring means 85 for anchoring the neck of a small livestock with a head inserted therein is provided in the upper chamber 51 of the breath collection chamber 1.

  FIG. 10 shows a state where the small livestock 101 is housed in the housing means 80 shown in FIG. 8 and its head is inserted into the breath collection chamber 1. The neck portion of the small livestock is inserted into the upper chamber 51 through the head insertion portion 53, the movement range is constrained by the accommodating means 80, and the neck portion and the like are anchored by the anchoring means 85 provided in the breath collection chamber 1. . However, tethering by the tethering means 85 is performed so that the small livestock 101 can freely move its neck and eat feed or drink water. In the present embodiment, in order to smoothly place the small livestock 101 on the gantry 81, a step pedestal 86 having an inclined upper surface is disposed behind the accommodating means 80.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the breath component measurement program of the calculation means 28 shown in FIG. Next, the expiratory component measuring method of the present invention will be described with reference to the respective drawings explained so far and FIG. In the case of large livestock, the apparatus shown in FIGS. 2 to 5 is used, and in the case of small livestock, the apparatus of FIGS. 7 to 10 is used. In either case, the procedure for measuring the breath component is substantially the same. It is.

(Measurement preparation)
Prior to measuring the breath component of livestock, start up and calibrate the breath component measuring device. To that end, first, the data logger 29, the computer device 30, the control device 34, the methane analyzer 23, the oxygen analyzer 24, the carbon dioxide analyzer 25 and the like shown in FIG. Next, the three-way switching valve 18 constituting the measurement gas supply means 15 is switched to communicate between the ports bc and the sampling pump 19 is operated. The calibration gas supply means 18a has three standard gas cylinders filled with standard methane gas, standard oxygen gas, or standard carbon dioxide gas, and switches the on-off valves provided in these cylinders to switch the methane analyzer 23 and oxygen analyzer. Calibration of the total 24 and the carbon dioxide analyzer 25 is performed sequentially.

  Next, the sampling pump 19 is stopped, the three-way switching valve 18 is switched to communicate between the ports a and b, and the air from the extraction pipe 6 can flow to the methane analyzer 23, oxygen analyzer 24 and carbon dioxide analyzer 25. Like that. Next, in order to measure each component of methane, oxygen, and carbon dioxide in air (fresh gas) that does not contain exhaled air before putting livestock into the exhalation collection chamber 1, the air supply blower 37 and the exhaust blower 8 are operated, The air supply valve 39 and the exhaust valves 7 are opened, and the bleed valves 9 are closed.

  When ventilation in each exhalation collection chamber 1 is completed and the amount of air measured by each exhalation flow rate measuring unit 40 is stabilized, an arbitrary exhalation collection chamber 1 is selected and ventilation to the remaining exhalation collection chambers 1 is stopped. To do. That is, the exhaust blower 8 is stopped, each exhaust valve 7 is closed, and the remaining air supply valve 39 and exhaust valve 7 for the exhalation collection chamber 1 are closed. Further, the extraction blower 10 is operated, and the extraction valve 9 for the selected exhalation collection chamber 1 is opened. It should be noted that the series of operations and each of the operations to be described later can be performed by a control command from the control device 34 or by a manual method so that the control device 34 has an automatic-manual switching means (not shown). Is provided.

(Measurement operation)
First, the head of the livestock to be tested is inserted into the selected breath collection chamber 1. In the case of the large livestock 100, as shown in FIG. 5, the range of movement of the neck of the large livestock is limited by the place 60 and the head insertion portion 53, and the head is inserted. That is, the head insertion portion 53 is expanded with the feed in the feeding means 58, the neck portion is inserted while inviting the large livestock 100 into the breath collection chamber 1, and then the opening / closing band 66 is closed and the neck portion is closed with the stunch 60. to bound. At that time, the front-rear position of the stunt 60 is adjusted according to the size of the large livestock. In the case of the small livestock 101, as shown in FIG. 10, the small livestock 101 is placed on the lattice portion 83 of the accommodation means 80 to limit the movement range, and then the neck of the small livestock 101 is moved from the head insertion portion 53 to the breath collection chamber. The small livestock 101 is connected to the vicinity of the head or neck by the anchoring means 85.

  Next, the sampling pump 19 is operated, and each flow control valve is adjusted so that the instruction of the flow meter 22 in each branch pipe 20 provided with the methane analyzer 23, the oxygen analyzer 24, and the carbon dioxide analyzer 25 is within a predetermined range. After adjusting 21, the measurement of each exhalation component is started. At that time, the air flow rate of the extraction pipe 6 can be adjusted to a desired range by adjusting the opening of the extraction valve 9 while observing the measurement value of the air flow rate measuring device 14.

  When two or three exhalation collection chambers 1 are selected and the head of a livestock is inserted into each exhalation collection chamber 1, the computer apparatus is configured to operate the extraction valve 9 and sequentially measure the exhalation components. 30 calculation programs are set. When the heads of livestock are inserted into the first and third exhalation collection chambers 1, a calculation program is set so as to measure exhalation components from the first and third exhalation collection chambers. Further, the inside of the breath collection chamber 1 to be measured is adjusted to a slight negative pressure, for example, in the range of about -0.05 to 0 MPa (G). This adjustment can be performed by adjusting the opening degree of the bleed valve 9 while confirming the hermetic sealing performance of the exhalation collection chamber 1. However, the flow rate of the air flowing into the exhalation collection chamber 1 and the flow rate of the air discharged from the bleed pipe 6 can be adjusted. Due to the difference, the fine negative pressure adjusting means 41 is operated and automatically adjusted.

  For example, if the opening degree of the extraction valve 9 is increased and the air flow rate discharged from the extraction pipe 6 is increased from the inflowing air flow rate, the degree of the slight negative pressure in the exhalation collection chamber 1 increases accordingly. Then, the separation distance from the valve seat plate 75 of the valve plate 76 in the fine negative pressure adjusting means 41 is increased, and the inflowing air flow rate is increased and settled to a predetermined negative pressure level. The degree of the negative pressure increase after adjustment by the fine negative pressure adjusting means 41 is determined by the opening degree of the extraction valve 9 and the fluid resistance from the inflow part to the extraction part of the exhalation recovery chamber 1. On the contrary, when the opening degree of the bleed valve 9 is decreased, the separation distance of the valve plate 76 from the valve seat plate 75 is decreased accordingly, the inflowing air flow rate is decreased, and the exhalation recovery chamber 1 is slightly negative. The degree of pressure decreases.

  When each device is operated as described above, the temperature measuring device 11, the humidity measuring device 12, the pressure measuring device 13, the air flow measuring device 14, the methane analyzer 23, the oxygen analyzer 24, the carbon dioxide analyzer 25 and each air supply. A measurement signal in the measurement state of the flow rate measurement means 40 is input to the calculation means 28. The measurement of each breath component by the methane analyzer 23, the oxygen analyzer 24, and the carbon dioxide analyzer 25 is desirably repeated and averaged until statistical reliability is obtained. At that time, correction of the flow rate and the like for automatically calculating the amount of exhalation component is automatically performed according to process factors such as temperature, humidity, and differential pressure from the atmospheric pressure by a preset calculation program. Next, a calculation sequence by the computer device 30 will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 1.

  In FIG. 11, first, conditions pre-programmed in the calculation program stored in the recording medium 33 in step S1, for example, methane, oxygen, carbon dioxide composition ranges, air flow ranges, air temperature, humidity, pressure, Move the measurement width (measurement span) such as pressure and temperature at the experiment site to the calculation work area. Next, in step S2, the input / output file is set, for example, the format of the input data and output data is set, and then in step S3, it is determined whether or not the weight of the livestock (in some cases, the reference weight) is known. In this case, the numerical value is input in step S4, and then the process proceeds to step S5. If not known, the process jumps directly to step S5. If the body weight of the livestock is known, the input value can be used for calculating the metabolic weight.

  In step S5, it is selected whether the air to be measured at that time is air that contains exhaled air (measuring gas) or air that does not contain exhaled air (fresh gas). After executing the measurement program, the process proceeds to step S8, and in the case of air including exhalation, the process proceeds to step S7, the measurement program is executed, and then the process proceeds to step S8. The component measurement value of the air not including exhalation obtained in step S6 is used as a reference value to be subtracted from the data when analyzing the data of the air including exhalation.

  In step S8, when step S6 is selected, the measured component value of air that does not include the exhalation is taken into the computer apparatus 30 by designating the address of the data logger 29. If step S7 is selected, the measured component value of the air containing the exhalation is taken into the computer device 30 by designating another address of the data logger 29. Next, in step S9, the measured values of the air components (methane, oxygen, carbon dioxide) including exhaled gas are corrected and converted into a thirst gas in a standard state (0 ° C., 1 atm). In that case, the measured value from the said temperature measuring device 11, the humidity measuring device 12, and the pressure measuring device 13 is used.

  Next, in step S10, the measured values from the air flow rate measuring device 14 are used to calculate the conversion-corrected capacity values of methane, oxygen, and carbon dioxide. That is, each capacitance value is calculated by multiplying each measured component concentration by the air flow rate (volume) during the measurement period. Next, in step S11, it is determined whether or not the calculated capacity value is air including exhalation. If the air does not include exhalation (fresh gas), the process jumps to step S15, and if air includes exhalation, the next step is performed. Move on to S12.

  In step S12, it is determined whether or not the weight of the livestock is input in step S4. If it is not input, the process jumps to step S14, and if it is input, the process proceeds to the next step S13. In step S13, the capacity value of each component per metabolism is calculated from the capacity value of each component calculated in step S10 using the weight of livestock. In step S14, the amount of heat consumed in the livestock is calculated by subtracting the volume value of each component of air that does not contain exhaled air from the volume value of each component of air that contains exhaled air. Save (remember) the value.

  Next, in step S16, it is determined whether or not the same measurement is continued. If the measurement is continued, the process returns to step S8 and the above steps are repeated. If the measurement is not continued, the process proceeds to step S17 and the value calculated so far is repeated. After calculating the average value, the result is stored (stored) in the recording medium 33 in step S18, and the process ends.

  The apparatus for measuring an exhaled breath component according to the present invention uses the apparatus shown in FIGS. 2 to 5 to measure the exhaled breath component of the large livestock 100 or the small livestock 101 using the apparatus shown in FIGS. In any case of measuring the breath component of the livestock 101, continuous measurement over a long period can be performed for the purpose of grasping the relationship between long-term feeding and the breath component value. In that case, the door 59 is periodically opened during the measurement period, and a predetermined amount of feed of a predetermined type is supplied to the feeding means 58. The water replenishing means 57 adopts a form in which water is automatically replenished when the head of the livestock approaches (for example, a form in which automatic flushing is opened when the proximity switch is turned on). The means 57 may be a means for replenishing when feeding.

  While the door 59 is opened for replenishment of feed, outside air enters the inside of the exhalation collection chamber 1, so the measurement is temporarily interrupted, the door 59 is closed again, and the inside of the exhalation collection chamber 1 becomes normal. The measurement is resumed when Therefore, when long-term measurement is performed, a program for automatically advancing and suspending the measurement and a program for taking into account the type of feed to be fed, the feeding timing, and the number of times are stored in the computation program of the computer device 30. Is desirable.

  The method for measuring the breath component of livestock according to the present invention is useful for accurately grasping the relationship between the breath component and feeding of the livestock. Moreover, by using the livestock breath component measuring apparatus according to the present invention, the breath component measuring method can be suitably implemented.

The process flow figure of the breath component measuring device of the domestic animal concerning the present invention. The front view which shows an example of the exhalation collection room which comprises the exhalation component measuring apparatus for large livestock, and its peripheral part. The right view of FIG. FIG. 4 is a front view of the stanchion 60 shown in FIG. 3. The figure which shows the state which inserted the head of the large livestock 100 in the expiration | expired_air recovery chamber 1 shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a slight negative pressure adjusting unit 41 illustrated in FIG. 3. The front view which shows an example of the breath collection chamber which comprises the breath component measuring apparatus for small livestock, and its peripheral part. The right view of FIG. The top view of FIG. The figure which shows the state which inserted the head of the small livestock 101 in the expiration | expired_air collection | recovery chamber 1 shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a breath component measurement program in the calculation means 28 shown in FIG. 1.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Expiration collection chamber 1e Wheel apparatus 3 Air introduction means 4 Air discharge means 5 Exhaust pipe 5a Flexible pipe 6 Extraction pipe 6a Flexible pipe 7 Exhaust valve 8 Exhaust blower 9 Extraction valve

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Extraction blower 11 Temperature measuring device 12 Humidity measuring device 13 Pressure measuring device 14 Air flow measuring device 15 Measuring air supply means 16 Measuring air supply pipe 17 Air dryer 18 Three-way selector valve 18a Calibration gas supplying means 19 Sampling pump

20 branch pipe 21 flow regulating valve 22 flow meter 23 methane analyzer 24 oxygen analyzer 25 carbon dioxide analyzer 26 component measuring means 27 atmospheric pressure measuring instrument 28 calculating means 29 data logger

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 30 Computer apparatus 31,32 Indicator 33 Recording medium 34 Control apparatus 35 Air supply main pipe 36 Air supply branch pipe 36a Flexible pipe 37 Air supply blower 38 Buffer tank 39 Air supply valve 40 Air supply flow rate measuring device 41 Slight negative pressure Adjustment means

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 50 Internal space 51 Upper chamber 51a Front side wall 51b Left and right side wall 51c Rear side wall 51d Upper side wall 52 Lower side chamber 53 Head insertion part 54 Frame material 55 Folding part 56 String 57 Water supply means 58 Feeding means 59 Door 59a Hook 59b Hinge mechanism

60 Stunch 61 Concrete Floor 61a Foundation 62 Frame 62a Column 62b Upper Frame 62c Lower Frame 63 Connecting Arm 64 Restraining Section 65 Band 66 Open / Close Band 67 Connected Portion 68 Rubber Plate 69 Manure Collection Device

70 Valve Box 71 Outer Wall 71a Small Hole 72 Air Introducing Portion 73 Inner Wall Wall 74 Air Discharge Portion 75 Valve Seat Plate 76 Valve Plate

80 Housing means 81 Mounting base 82 Fence body 83 Grid part 84 Manure collection means 85 Anchoring means 86 Step stand 100 Large livestock 101 Small livestock

Claims (11)

  In the method of measuring the breath component of livestock, an exhalation recovery chamber 1 having an internal space 50 in which the livestock can freely move its head is prepared, and the head of the livestock is inserted into the exhalation recovery chamber 1 to allow air from outside. The flow rate of air including the exhaled breath of livestock flowing out from the exhalation collection chamber 1 and the concentration of each exhalation component of the livestock are measured, and the amount of each exhalation component of the livestock is calculated from the concentration and the flow rate. A method for measuring the breath component of livestock.   2. The breath collection chamber 1 according to claim 1, wherein the breath collection chamber 1 is box-shaped, and at least a part of the side wall thereof is formed of a transparent material so that a livestock with a head inserted can see through the breath collection chamber 1 from the outside. A method for measuring exhaled breath components of livestock.   In an apparatus for measuring the exhalation component of livestock, an exhalation collection chamber 1 having an internal space in which the livestock can freely move its head, a livestock head insertion portion 53 provided in the exhalation collection chamber 1, and an external to the exhalation collection chamber 1 The air introduction means 3 for introducing air from the air, the air discharge means 4 for discharging the air in the expiration collection chamber 1, the air flow rate measuring device 14 for measuring the flow rate of the air flowing through the air discharge means 4, and the air discharge means 4 Measurement air supply means 15 for supplying a part of the air flowing through the air to the component measurement means 26 for measuring the concentration of each exhalation component, and the concentration of each exhalation component measured by the component measurement means 26 and the air flow measuring device 14 An apparatus for measuring the breath component of livestock, comprising a calculating means 28 for calculating the amount of each breath component of the livestock from the air flow rate.   4. The breath collection chamber 1 according to claim 3, wherein the breath collection chamber 1 has a box shape, and at least a front side wall of the box shape is formed of a transparent material, and a livestock head insertion portion 53 having a cylindrical sheet is provided on a rear side surface. Further, the breath collection chamber 1 is provided with a slight negative pressure adjusting means 41 for adjusting the inside thereof to a slightly negative pressure, and a feeding means 58 and a moisture supplying means 57 for feeding and replenishing water to a domestic animal with the head inserted. An apparatus for measuring a breath component of livestock.   In claim 4, the slight negative pressure adjusting means 41 includes a valve box 70 installed in an opening provided in a wall part of the exhalation collection chamber 1 and an air introduction part 72 provided in an outer wall 71 of the valve box 70. An air discharge portion 74 provided on the inner wall 73 of the valve box 70, a ventilated valve seat plate 75 disposed between the air introduction portion 72 and the air discharge portion 74, and the valve seat plate 75 An apparatus for measuring a breath component of livestock, comprising a flat valve having a flexible valve plate 76 having one side fixed to the air discharge side.   6. The air exhaust means 4 according to claim 3, comprising an exhaust pipe 5 and a bleed pipe 6. The exhaust pipe 5 is provided with an exhaust valve 7 and an exhaust blower 8 to evacuate the air in the exhalation collection chamber 1. The extraction pipe 6 is provided with an extraction valve 9 and an extraction blower 10, and the extraction pipe 6 is provided with the air flow rate measurement means 14 and the measurement air supply means 15. An apparatus for measuring the breath component of livestock.   In any one of Claim 3 thru | or 6, when the said breath component measuring device is for large livestock, the neck part of the large domestic animal which inserts a head into the said head insertion part 53 is restrained, and the restraint position is back and forth. A livestock breath component measuring apparatus for large livestock, characterized in that an adjustable stanchion 60 is provided.   7. If the breath component measuring device is for small livestock, the housing means 80 for housing the small livestock is provided adjacent to the breath collection chamber 1, and the housing means 80 is a gantry. 81, a fence body 82 that limits the operating range of the small livestock disposed on the gantry 81, a lattice portion 83 formed on the upper portion of the gantry 81, and manure collection means 84 disposed below the lattice portion 83. A device for measuring exhaled breath components of small livestock.   9. The livestock breath component measurement device according to claim 3, wherein a plurality of the breath collection chambers 1 are provided in parallel.   10. The calculation means 28 according to any one of claims 3 to 9, wherein the calculation means 28 is a data logger 29 for collecting measurement signals from the air flow rate measurement means 14 and the component measurement means 26, and the breath of livestock from each measurement data collected by the data logger 29. A breathing component measuring apparatus for livestock, comprising a computer device 30 for calculating the quantity of each component. The recording medium which stored the calculation program which calculates the quantity for every breath component of livestock in the computer apparatus 30 of Claim 10.

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