JP2008011916A - Obstetric monitor unit by means of heart rate measurement - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a simple obstetric monitor unit capable of accurately and surely informing a person waiting in a place away from an animal about reporting delivery predictor, the verge of the delivery or delivery start regardless of the strength of the labor of an animal parent and securing the safety of the parent and a fetus immediately before/after the delivery. <P>SOLUTION: The obstetric monitor unit 1A is provided with: a heart rate meter 3 for measuring the heart rate of the animal parent for whom the delivery should be monitored; and a circuit 13 for discriminating transient heart rate reduction exceeding the variation range of the heart rate before the delivery from the heart rate detected by the heart rate meter 3; and also a communication apparatus and/or an alarm device 20 for imparting a delivery verge signal based on the heart rate reduction generated from the discrimination circuit 13. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a delivery monitoring apparatus for notifying a person waiting for a delivery start time of an animal at a place away from the animal.

  Caregivers and veterinarians are present during the delivery of livestock, and doctors and midwives are present during the delivery of pregnant women, so that they are fully prepared to deliver the fetus safely.

  The approximate delivery date of dairy cows and beef cattle that are often artificially inseminated, livestock such as horses and pigs to mate, or pregnant women can be predicted from the average gestation period for each animal species, but there are differences between the par Or, due to the nutritional status and the like, the variation range of the pregnancy period is large, so the accurate delivery date cannot be predicted. In beef cattle, sheep and goats that are naturally mated, even the day of mating is not accurately known. Therefore, it is necessary to watch the start of labor before the predicted delivery date. Especially in the case of livestock, the start of delivery must be monitored several days before the expected delivery date. It is virtually impossible to always accompany such livestock.

  Therefore, a device for remotely monitoring labor is used. As such an apparatus, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a remote monitoring delivery sign detection apparatus using a video camera and a monitor. It is inefficient that keepers etc. have to keep monitoring with this device. Moreover, since many animals have been bred to improve the productivity of livestock, there is a risk that the breeder may not be able to observe each delivery sign sufficiently for a long time by remote monitoring when the delivery times of many heads overlap.

  Also, in Patent Document 2, when a transmitter inserted into the vagina of a livestock several days before the scheduled delivery date is released to the outside of the body with the progress of labor, the state change is detected and notified to the breeder. A monitoring device is disclosed. If labor is too weak or interrupted, the transmitter will not be released, so there will be no notification of the start of delivery, which will prevent proper delivery assistance and may result in dystocia and risk to the mother and fetus. Furthermore, the transmitter must be sterilized and inserted into the vagina, and there is a risk that the livestock mother and fetus will be injured during insertion, and that pathogenic bacteria may be infected in the vagina from the lead wire leading to the transmitter. .

  Patent Document 3 discloses a delivery support device having means for measuring a physical condition such as a heart rate of a pregnant woman and an output means for changing lighting or playing music to relax the pregnant woman according to the physical condition. ing. This support device cannot monitor the start of labor.

  The present inventor has found that the vulva is opened immediately before the start of delivery, and has applied for a patent on a delivery monitoring device utilizing the opening of the vulva of the mother when the fetus begins to deliver from the animal mother at the start of delivery ( Japanese Patent Application No. 2005-023787). The device is designed so that the distance between the electromagnetic induction oscillator attached to one of the opposite vulva and the electromagnetic induction receiver attached to the other is the distance that can be induced in the state of both vulva during normal times, the sign of delivery. The distance is adjusted so that induction electromotive force is impossible in the open state of both vulva parts.

  The present inventor further finds that the body temperature of the animal maternal body decreases a few to several tens of hours before delivery, and that the heart rate decreases temporarily just before delivery, and this is used to monitor the start of delivery. I have studied earnestly.

JP 2002-153162 A JP 2003-310647 A JP 2000-93433 A

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and accurately and surely ensures that a person who waits for a sign of delivery, immediately before delivery or the start of delivery at a place away from the animal, regardless of the strength of the labor of the animal mother. It is an object of the present invention to provide a simple delivery monitoring apparatus that can notify the safety of the mother and fetus immediately before and after delivery.

  The delivery monitoring device according to claim 1, which has been made to achieve the above object, includes a heart rate meter for measuring a heart rate of an animal mother whose delivery is to be monitored, and the heart rate sensor detected by the heart rate monitor. A circuit for discriminating a transient decrease in heart rate exceeding the fluctuation range of the heart rate during normal times before delivery from a heart rate, and a signal immediately before delivery due to the heart rate reduction output from the discrimination circuit A communication device and / or an alarm device for notification are provided.

  The delivery monitoring device according to claim 2, wherein a temperature sensor that measures the body temperature of the animal mother, and a decrease in body temperature that exceeds the body temperature fluctuation range in normal times before delivery from the body temperature detected by the temperature sensor. A signal for predicting parturition due to a decrease in body temperature and a signal immediately before delivery according to claim 1 connected to the communication device and / or the alarm device. It is characterized by being.

  The delivery monitoring device according to claim 3, comprising: an electromagnetic induction oscillator attached to one of the opposite pudendal parts of the animal mother; and an electromagnetic induction receiver attached to the other, wherein the oscillator and the receiver The interval distance is adjusted to a distance where induction electromotive force is possible in the state of both vulva during normal times, and a distance where induction electromotive force is impossible in the open state of both vulva just before delivery, and the induction electromotive force is impossible. Both the delivery start signal output from the circuit for detecting the signal and the signal immediately before delivery according to claim 1 are connected to the communication device and / or the alarm device.

  A delivery monitoring apparatus according to a fourth aspect is the one according to the first aspect, characterized in that the heart rate monitor is an electrocardiographic voltmeter or a pulse wave pressure sensor.

  A delivery monitoring device according to a fifth aspect is the one according to the first aspect, wherein the communication device is a wireless communication device.

  The delivery monitoring device according to claim 6 is the delivery monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein the heart rate discrimination circuit detects the heart rate decrease of at least 30% from the heart rate at a normal time before delivery. It is characterized by.

  The delivery monitoring method according to claim 7, wherein the heart rate of the animal mother whose delivery is to be monitored is measured, and if a transient heart rate decrease exceeding the fluctuation range of the heart rate before delivery is detected, immediately before delivery. It is characterized by notifying.

  In the delivery monitoring method according to claim 8, the body temperature of the animal mother is measured, and when a decrease in body temperature exceeding the normal temperature fluctuation range before delivery is detected, a pre-delivery sign is notified, and then in claim 7 The heart rate described above is measured, and when the temporary heart rate decrease is detected, the immediately before delivery is notified.

  A delivery monitoring method according to a ninth aspect is the one according to the eighth aspect, wherein the body temperature is an eardrum temperature.

  When the delivery monitoring method according to claim 10 detects the decrease in heart rate according to claim 7, the interval between the vulva facing each other of the animal mother is detected, the closed state of both vulva in normal time, and just before delivery It distinguishes from the open state of both vulva at the time, and if the open state of both vulva just before the delivery, the start of delivery is notified.

  The delivery monitoring device of the present invention attaches a small heart rate monitor to an animal body to be monitored for delivery, and further attaches a temperature sensor, an oscillator and a receiver. Does not hurt the fetus. In addition, it is simple because there is no need to sterilize the heart rate monitor, temperature sensor, oscillator / receiver, and this apparatus can be attached even without the qualification of a veterinarian or the like.

  This delivery monitoring device is used in the management building where the pre-partum animal mother is located, and even if the breeder is waiting or taking a nap, the number of starts of delivery is detected when a decrease in heart rate is detected. Triggers a warning of impending after tens of minutes. In addition, the delivery monitoring device triggers a notification of a delivery sign that the delivery start time is approaching several to several tens of hours later when a decrease in the temperature of the animal mother is detected, or the vulva of the animal mother When it detects that it has opened, it will trigger a warning that labor has started.

  According to the delivery monitoring method using such a device, it is possible to accurately and reliably know the delivery predictor when the body temperature of the animal maternal body decreases. Moreover, when the heart rate decreases after the notification of the predictor, it is possible to know that the breeder or the like is immediately before delivery. Furthermore, after the notification just before the delivery, it is possible to know that the delivery has started when the vulva begins to open.

  Even if there is no report of a pre-delivery sign because the body temperature drop was small and it was not discriminated, there is a risk of missing the start of delivery due to a report immediately before delivery based on a decrease in heart rate or a report on the start of delivery based on the opening of the vulva There is no.

  By this notification, the breeder or the like can rush to the animal mother immediately before delivery, attend the delivery, provide appropriate assistance, and take appropriate measures to save the life of the newborn and the mother. Furthermore, in the case of abnormal delivery, it is possible to receive treatment from a veterinarian or the like promptly.

  The delivery monitoring method using this device does not require patrol or video monitoring work, can reduce the working hours of the breeders, and can contribute to the cost reduction of livestock production and the like.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

  FIG. 1 shows an example of the delivery monitoring method by the delivery monitoring device 1A based on heart rate measurement using the electrodes 3a and 3b to which the present invention is applied.

  This delivery monitoring apparatus 1A is connected to an anode 3a and a cathode 3b (see FIG. 2) attached to the animal maternal 5 and a heart rate monitor 3 which is a voltmeter for measuring electrocardiogram, and is attached to the animal maternal 5 by being connected thereto. Circuit box 10 and communication device 20 connected wirelessly thereto. The communication device 20 is installed in a barn where the animal mother body 5 is located and a place away from the barn, for example, a management building adjacent to the barn.

  Within the circuit box 10, a heart rate detection circuit 12, a heart rate discrimination circuit 13, a filter 14, and a transmission circuit 15 connected to the heart rate monitor 3 are connected and built in that order. The heart rate detection circuit 12 is also connected to the power source 17 and the timer 11. The transmission circuit 15 is connected to a transmission antenna 16 printed on the outer surface of the circuit box 10.

  The heart rate meter 3 is a voltmeter connected to both the anode 3a and the cathode 3b for measuring electrocardiogram, which detects a potential difference due to the electrical activity generated with the heartbeat. A large number of electrodes are attached as necessary. As the electrodes 3a and 3b, for example, in the case of cattle, horses, sheep and goats with a lot of hair on the body surface of the animal mother 5, a fishhook-type needle electrode or clip electrode is used. For animals with a large amount of sliver, an attached electrode that is used by shaving the hair of the electrode part is used. The timer 11 is a time switch for operating the heart rate detection circuit 12 every predetermined time, for example, every minute. The heart rate detection circuit 12 receives an analog signal from an electrode connected to the heart rate monitor 3 and measures an interval time between an R wave having the maximum amplitude of the potential difference and the next appearing R wave, that is, a time per beat. Watch. The heart rate discrimination circuit 13 is an operational amplifier that differentially inputs a memory that sequentially stores the R wave-R wave interval time, and a voltage signal proportional to the R wave-R wave interval time of the current time and the previous time stored therein. It consists of. Filter 14 eliminates false positives that are normal heart rate reductions that are not related to maternal or fetal crises, such as returning to normal heart rate after an increase in heart rate due to sudden exercise or feeding. This is a filter circuit.

  FIG. 1 also shows a block diagram of a communication device 20 for receiving a signal from the transmission antenna 16 and alerting the user immediately before delivery by audio or video display. Yes.

  The communication device 20 includes a reception circuit 22 connected to the reception antenna 21, a network connection circuit 23 connected thereto, an alarm sound circuit 24, and a speaker 25. The network connection circuit 23 is a signal control circuit for connecting to the Internet or a mobile phone.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the delivery monitoring device 1A having the electrodes 3a and 3b and measuring the heart rate is used by being attached to an animal mother 5 that is to be monitored soon.

  In animals with a clear pregnancy date, several days before the expected date of delivery, or in animals where the date of pregnancy is not confirmed, empirically, the vulva is swollen at signs of delivery that are expected to be due to appearance or behavior. When the milk oozes from the teat or the appetite decreases, the delivery monitoring device 1A is attached. For example, if the animal body 5 is a female sheep, cow, or mare, the delivery monitoring device 1A is attached more than half a day before the expected delivery date, preferably 1 to 7 days before.

  First, a few days before the expected delivery date of the sheep 5 which is a pregnant animal mother, a cathode 3b of a fish needle needle electrode is applied to the skin on the right side of the trunk, and a needle electrode of the same type is applied to the skin on the left side of the abdomen. The anode 3a is attached and connected to the heart rate monitor 3 with a lead wire. The electrode mounting site is a site that is not easily affected by the action potential of skeletal muscle. The lead wires extending from both electrodes 3a and 3b are protected by sticking to the body surface with an elastic adhesive bandage. The back 2 containing the circuit box 10 in which the lead wire is connected to the heart rate detection circuit 12 is fixed and attached to the back of the sheep 5 with a belt.

  In response to an instruction from the timer 11, the heart rate meter 3 measures a potential difference associated with the heartbeat and outputs an analog signal to the heart rate detection circuit 12 at predetermined time intervals, for example, every minute. Based on the analog signal, the heart rate detection circuit 12 measures the R wave-R wave interval time. Based on the time, the number of beats per minute is calculated.

  Changes in heart rate are as follows. The change in the heart rate can be observed, for example, by transmitting / receiving an electrocardiogram of an animal mother using a radio telemeter and recording it in real time using an electrocardiogram (ECG) processor. Heart rate is higher before and after the start of labor than before pregnancy. As labor continues and the fetus enters the birth canal, the uterus contracts due to the action of oxytocin, a neurogenic pituitary hormone. When the fetus enters deeply into the birth canal, the abdominal pressure is reflexively applied to the animal's maternal body, compressing the aorta and increasing blood pressure. As a result, cardiac function suppression (reduced pressure reflex) occurs, causing a transient heart rate reduction that is only unique during labor. In the case of prolific birth, when the first neonate is delivered, the heart rate before heart rate reduction is lower, the heart rate reduction amount is greater, and the heart rate reduction duration is longer than when the second neonate is delivered. Also, the time from the start of heart rate reduction to delivery is often long. This decrease in heart rate is observed for several tens of seconds to several tens of minutes before delivery, lasting several tens of seconds to several tens of minutes, for example, 2-10 minutes before 2-10 minutes in sheep.

  In the case of sheep, during normal times before this decrease in heart rate is recognized, the fluctuation range of the heart rate for 1 to 10 minutes, for example, has a range depending on feeding and temperature, but is about 20 beats / minute. is there. The significant heart rate decrease of the pre-delivery sign exceeding this fluctuation range is about 30 to 50 beats / minute. The heart rate is measured in real time from 3 days before delivery to 3 days after delivery, and changes in heart rate immediately before and after delivery are shown in FIG. The average heart rate at rest until 3 days before parturition averaged 115-120 beats / minute. Since female sheep 1 hour to 10 minutes before parturition frequently repeated standing and lying, the heart rate fluctuated periodically at 120 to 160 beats / minute for all individuals. In addition, since the sheep of the first example was eaten immediately before delivery, the heart rate was relatively high. All individuals had their heart rate transiently reduced to about 95 beats / minute about 10 minutes before the birth of the first neonate.

  Therefore, based on such knowledge, the threshold value of the heart rate discrimination circuit 13 is equivalent to a value corresponding to about 30 to 40% of the heart rate in normal times before delivery as a heart rate reduction rate, for example, 30 beats / minute. Set to value. When the heart rate is detected by the heart rate detection circuit 12, the heart rate discrimination circuit 13 operates as follows. First, the heart rate per minute is sequentially stored in the memory. A voltage proportional to the previous and current heart rates stored therein is differentially input to the operational amplifier. If the difference between the operational amplifiers does not exceed the threshold, no signal current is passed. When a predetermined time has elapsed, the next instruction is issued from the timer 11, the heart rate is similarly detected, and this series of operations is repeated. On the other hand, a signal current flows from the operational amplifier when the heart rate decreases below the threshold. In this way, the heart rate discrimination circuit 13 discriminates heart rate reduction. When the heart rate decreases due to sudden exercise or feeding and then returns to the heart rate during normal activities, and when the heart rate decreases within an acceptable range of daily activities and involves sudden heart rate increases and heart rate decreases, the filter 14 Eliminate abnormal motion signals unrelated to such maternal or fetal crisis.

  The transmission circuit 15 that has received a normal signal current modulates the signal current and transmits a radio signal immediately before delivery from the transmission antenna 16.

  The radio wave signal transmitted from the transmitting antenna 16 is received by the receiving circuit 22 via the receiving antenna 21 on the communication device 20 side, and the warning sound circuit 24 warns that the start of delivery is imminent from the speaker 25 and warns that it is just before delivery. For example, a chime sound at intervals of 1 second is played and notified. Alternatively, this is communicated and notified to the breeder or the like via the network connection circuit 23 via the Internet or a mobile phone. Such notification allows the breeder and the like to know that delivery should start within a few tens of seconds to a few tens of minutes after the heart rate has decreased.

  Although the example in which the heart rate monitor 3 is connected by wire in the circuit box 10 as a repeater has been shown, the heart rate monitor 3 and the wireless device are integrated, and the heart rate monitor 3 is wirelessly connected to the circuit of the circuit box 10. It may be connected to. The heart rate monitor 3, the circuit box 10, and the communication device 20 including the network connection circuit 23 may be integrated.

  The timer 11 may measure the heart rate at regular time intervals, at regular time intervals, or in real time. The heart rate, that is, the number of heart beats per minute can be obtained by calculating from the number of beats during a predetermined time.

  The heart rate meter 3 may be a pulse wave pressure sensor attached to the body surface of the animal mother 5 or inserted into the skin or blood vessels, or a pulse wave pressure sensor inserted into the ear canal. May be. The bag 2 containing the circuit box 10 may be attached to the collar.

  Another embodiment of the present invention is to notify a delivery sign based on a decrease in the body temperature of an animal mother, and then notify immediately before delivery based on a decrease in heart rate as described above. An example of carrying out a delivery monitoring method using the delivery monitoring device 1B (see FIG. 4) based on both heart rate measurement using the electrodes 3a and 3b and ear temperature measurement using the temperature sensor 4 as such a form. Indicates.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the delivery monitoring device 1 </ b> B has a circuit box 10 connected to the heart rate monitor 3 similar to that shown in FIG. 1 and another circuit box 30 connected to the temperature sensor on the side of the animal mother 5. And have. The circuit box 10 connected to the heart rate monitor 3 has the same configuration as described above. On the other hand, another circuit box 30 connected to the temperature sensor has the following configuration.

  As shown in the block circuit diagram of FIG. 4, the circuit box 30 connected to the temperature sensor 4 includes a temperature detection circuit 32, a temperature discrimination circuit 33, and a filter 34 that are connected to the temperature sensor 4 through a power source 37, a timer 31, and an expandable lead wire. The transmission circuit 35 is connected and built in that order. The transmission circuit 35 is connected to a transmission antenna 36 printed on the outer surface of the circuit box 30.

  The temperature sensor 4 is a thermal infrared sensor made of a thermistor that is a metal oxide or a semiconductor, and measures the ear temperature using the fact that its electrical resistance changes according to the temperature. The timer 31 is a time switch that operates the temperature detection circuit 32 every predetermined time. The temperature detection circuit 32 is a circuit that detects a current corresponding to the thermistor electric resistance value of the temperature sensor 4. The temperature discrimination circuit 33 includes a memory for sequentially storing the data, and an operational amplifier for differentially inputting a current signal proportional to the stored current and previous data. The filter 34 is a filter circuit that removes the signal current when the temperature drop is temporarily within a fluctuation range of one day and is temporary.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the temperature sensor 4 is attached to the sheep 5 together with the electrodes 3 a and 3 b connected to the heart rate monitor 3, for example. The temperature sensor 4 at the tip of the lead wire is inserted into the outer ear of the sheep 5 and installed near the eardrum. The temperature sensor 4 is fastened with a sponge ear plug so that the temperature sensor 4 does not move or fall off. A lead wire that is led out from the ear and can be expanded and contracted like a curl cord in the middle is connected to a temperature detection circuit in the circuit box 30 with a margin. The bag 2 containing the circuit boxes 10 and 30 is fixed to the back of the sheep 5 with a belt.

  The current corresponding to the thermistor electric resistance value of the temperature sensor 4 is measured at a predetermined time according to the instruction of the timer 31, and the analog signal is output to the temperature detecting circuit 32 to detect the eardrum temperature which is the ear temperature.

  The eardrum temperature is generally higher several days before delivery than before pregnancy, and slightly higher in the evening than in the morning, with some fluctuations depending on food intake and temperature, etc., but several days before delivery The daily fluctuation pattern of the eardrum temperature during normal times is substantially the same. The eardrum temperature varies somewhat depending on the animal species and individual, but about 12 to 36 hours before delivery, and approximately 24 hours before delivery, about 0.3 to 1 ° C., an average of about 0.5 to 1 ° C. from the fluctuation range of the normal eardrum temperature. It decreases by ~ 1 ° C. In the case of sheep, it is about 0.5 ° C.

  In accordance with this, the threshold value of the temperature discrimination circuit 33 is set to a value corresponding to 0.5 ° C., for example. When the eardrum temperature is detected by the temperature detection circuit 32, the temperature discrimination circuit 33 operates as follows. First, the eardrum temperature is sequentially stored in the memory. A current proportional to both the latest ear temperature of the day detected earlier and the normal temperature before delivery, for example, the ear temperature at the same time on the previous day, is stored in the operational amplifier. If the difference of the operational amplifier exceeds the threshold value, a signal current is passed. In this way, the temperature discrimination circuit 33 discriminates the temperature drop. When a predetermined time has elapsed, the next instruction is issued from the timer 31, and the eardrum temperature is detected in the same manner.

  When it is within the range of the fluctuation range of the daily fluctuation pattern of the eardrum temperature, the filter 34 prevents the signal current from passing therethrough. On the other hand, when this signal current passes, the transmission circuit 35 that receives the signal current modulates the signal current and transmits a radio signal from the transmission antenna 36.

  A radio wave signal transmitted from the transmission antenna 36 is received in the reception circuit 22 through the reception antenna 21 of the communication apparatus 20 similar to that shown in FIG. Notification is given with a sound for notifying a sign of delivery that is approaching after several hours to several tens of hours, for example, a chime sound at intervals of 5 seconds. Alternatively, this is communicated and notified to the breeder or the like via the network connection circuit 23 via the Internet or a mobile phone. Thereafter, the breeder can prepare the posture for delivery management until the warning immediately before delivery is issued by the heart rate monitor 3 as in the above-described embodiment.

  Instead of measuring the eardrum temperature with a temperature sensor and notifying the sign of labor, measure the body temperature, such as vaginal temperature, with a temperature sensor such as a thermistor, infrared sensor, thermocouple, or resistance thermometer, and decrease it. It is also possible to notify a sign of delivery by detecting the above.

  Still another embodiment of the present invention is based on the fact that the fetus starts to deliver from the mother and the vulva part of the mother begins to open after notifying the time immediately before delivery based on the decrease in the heart rate of the animal mother as described above. It is to notify the start of labor. As such a form, as shown in FIG. 5, the delivery monitoring device 1C based on both the heart rate measurement using the electrodes 3a and 3b and the measurement of the pudendal opening using the oscillator 47 and the receiver 48 is provided. An example of carrying out the delivery monitoring method used is shown.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the delivery monitoring device 1 </ b> C has a circuit box 10, an oscillator 47, and a receiver 48 connected to the heart rate monitor 3 connected to the electrodes 3 a and 3 b as shown in FIG. And a communication device 20 on the management building side as shown in FIG. 1. The circuit box 10 connected to the electrodes 3a and 3b has the same configuration as described above. On the other hand, the circuit box 40 connected to the oscillator 47 and the receiver 48 has the following configuration.

  The oscillator 47 is an oscillation coil for electromagnetic induction, and a chain line 47a is an electromagnetic wave oscillation region. The receiver 48 is a receiving coil that detects an oscillating electromagnetic wave oscillated from the oscillator 47 and generates an alternating current. A chain line 48a is an electromagnetic wave receiving area. The oscillation coil 47 is connected to a local oscillation circuit 41 connected to the power supply 45, a modulation circuit 42 connected to the clock pulse generation circuit 43, and an amplification circuit 44. A transmission antenna 56 is connected to the receiver 48 via an amplification circuit 50, a setting circuit 51, a filter 52, and a transmission circuit 53 connected to the power supply 45. The transmission antenna 56 is printed on the outer surface of the circuit box 40. The filter 52 is a filter circuit that removes a temporary signal current due to urination or the like. The transmission circuit 53 is connected to the transmission antenna 56 and is connected to the communication device 20 wirelessly.

  The oscillator 47 and the receiver 48 are attached to the sheep 5 as shown in FIG. 6 together with the electrodes 3a and 3b (see FIG. 2) connected to the heart rate monitor 3 described above. The circuit box 40 is affixed to the waist and back of the female maternal sheep 5 with an adhesive. The oscillator 47 connected to the circuit box 40 with the expansion / contraction cord 46 is bonded to one outer shadow portion 57, and the receiver 48 connected to the expansion / contraction cord 49 is bonded to the other outer shadow portion 58 so as to face the oscillator 47.

  At this time, the distance between the oscillator 47 and the receiver 48 is adjusted as follows in relation to each output power and reception sensitivity, and functions as a distance sensor. As shown in FIG. 6, the oscillator 47 and the receiver are arranged so that the electromagnetic wave oscillation region 47 a and the electromagnetic wave reception region 48 a (see FIG. 5) overlap with each other with the vulva parts 57 and 58 closed in normal times before the start of labor. 48 and adjust the distance. At this time, the receiver 48 can detect the oscillating electromagnetic wave oscillated from the oscillator 47. In addition, the sensitivity of the receiver 48 to detect the oscillating electromagnetic wave is clearly reduced in a state where both the vulva 57 and 58 are opened (not shown) immediately before delivery, and the electromagnetic wave oscillation region 47a and the electromagnetic wave reception region 48a The distance between the oscillator 47 and the receiver 48 is adjusted so as to be separated from each other. At this time, the receiver 48 cannot detect the oscillating electromagnetic wave from the oscillator 47.

  The distance varies from animal to animal. Many fetuses leave the maternal body during delivery in the order of forelimbs, head, torso, and hindlimbs. The head has the largest diameter and takes time to pass through the birth canal. Therefore, the open state of both vulva immediately before parturition is set to a value smaller than the diameter of the fetal head, that is, the distance between both vulva at the timing when the forelimb begins to appear, and the distance between the oscillator 47 and the receiver 48. Set. From the average measurement of the size of the head of many newborns for each animal, the distance is about 12 cm for large animals such as cattle and horses, and 5 for medium animals such as pigs, sheep and goats. About 7 cm, 1 to 2 cm for small animals such as rabbits, rats and minks, and pets such as dogs and cats vary in size, but about 3 to 5 cm is appropriate.

  The local oscillation circuit 41 oscillates upon receiving power supply from the power supply 45, and according to the pulse signal generated from the clock pulse generation circuit 43, an AC modulation signal is output from the modulation circuit 42 at regular intervals and amplified by the amplification circuit 44. Electromagnetic waves are oscillated from the oscillation coil 47.

  During normal times before the start of labor, both the vulva parts 57 and 58 are closed and the distance between the oscillator 47 and the receiver 48 is close. It is amplified by. If the setting circuit 51 determines that the value is equal to or greater than the threshold value, a signal that delivery has not started is transmitted from the transmission antenna 56 via the transmission circuit 53. When the electromotive current of the receiver 48 temporarily weakens or stops due to urination, insects, etc., such an abnormal operation signal is removed by the filter 52.

  Immediately before delivery, both vulva 57 and 58 are opened, the distance between the oscillator 47 and the receiver 48 is increased, and the electromagnetic wave receiving area 48a is separated from the electromagnetic wave oscillating area 47a, so that the electromotive current of the receiver 48 is stopped. To do. When the setting circuit 51 determines that the value is equal to or less than the threshold value, a radio wave signal indicating that delivery has started is transmitted from the transmission antenna 56 via the transmission circuit 53.

  The radio wave signal is received by the communication device 20 shown in FIG. When the radio wave signal is received by the receiving circuit 22, the speaker 25 notifies the user of a delivery warning sound, for example, a buzzer sound. Alternatively, this is communicated and notified to the breeder or the like via the network connection circuit 23 via the Internet or a mobile phone. By such notification, the breeder and the like can rush to the animal body 5 where delivery has started.

  The labor monitoring device may be equipped with the temperature sensor 4, the electrodes 3 a and 3 b connected to the heart rate monitor 3, the oscillator 47 and the receiver 48 at the same time.

  Below, the specific example which mounts the delivery monitoring apparatus to an animal is shown. The delivery monitoring device 1D used is the one shown in FIG. 7, and a delivery monitoring device 1B (see FIG. 4) based on both heart rate measurement using the electrodes 3a and 3b and ear temperature measurement using the temperature sensor 4. And a delivery monitoring device 1C (see FIG. 5) based on both heart rate measurement using the electrodes 3a and 3b and measurement of the opening of the vulva using the oscillator 47 and the receiver 48. . Using this delivery monitoring device 1D, the delivery of two Suffolk cross-bred female sheep in the second trimester of pregnancy is monitored.

  In FIG. 7, electrodes 3a and 3b are a pair of fishhook-type needle electrodes for electrocardiogram measurement. The temperature sensor 4 is a thermistor that measures the eardrum temperature. The oscillator 47 and the receiver 48 are coils wound around a magnetic core (2 mm × 10 mm, thickness 2 mm), and the distance between the oscillator coil 47 and the receiver coil 48 is most appropriate in the case of a female sheep. It is adjusted to the assumed 5 cm.

  A natural mating is performed and the seeding date is confirmed by visual observation of the mating behavior and the non-return method. About one week before the expected date of delivery calculated based on the seeding date, the animal is moved from the outdoor breeding room to the delivery room together with other female lambs who have become pregnant at the same time, and is bred for 3 to 4 days. Thereafter, both hook-shaped electrodes 3a and 3b are attached to two sheep at a position in accordance with the apex-heart (AB) bipolar induction method.

  Further, the temperature sensor 4 is inserted from the outer ear of the female sheep 5. Furthermore, the oscillator 47 and the receiver 48 and the circuit box 40 to which they are connected are mounted on the female sheep 5. In all individuals, the course of pregnancy was good.

  The eardrum temperature had a constant fluctuation pattern until one day before parturition, but decreased by 0.5 ° C. or more from the fluctuation range of the eardrum temperature one day before parturition. When the temperature discriminating circuit 33 detects that the eardrum temperature drop has significantly exceeded the fluctuation range of the daily temperature fluctuation pattern, the transmitter circuit 35 transmits a radio signal, and the communication device 20 receives the radio signal. From 25, a warning sound is heard in the ranch management building that it is 36-12 hours before delivery. The breeder who heard it prepares for parturition management.

  As shown in FIG. 3 showing the heart rate immediately before and immediately after delivery, the heart rate of 1 hour to 10 minutes before delivery fluctuates periodically at 120 to 160 beats / minute. The heart rate about 10 minutes before the birth of the newborn was transiently reduced to about 95 beats / minute. The operating state of the delivery monitoring device 1D will be described with reference to FIG. 3. The heart rate discrimination circuit 13 detects this transient decrease in heart rate, and a transmission circuit 15 transmits a radio wave signal. When it is received by the communication device 20 in the management building, a warning sound is heard from the speaker 25 that it is about to start delivery.

  When the breeder who heard it immediately rushed to this sheep and watched over the sheep, a sound warning from the speaker 25 that the start of the delivery that the vulva has started to open flows. Appropriate delivery assistance can be performed at the right timing when the forelimb of the first neonate starts to come out of the mother.

  Immediately after the first newborn, the ram's heart rate increased to its original level. After resetting the heart rate discrimination circuit 13, the heart rate decreased about 2-3 minutes before delivery after the second neonate. Similarly, when this decrease is detected, a warning sound is heard from the barn speaker 25 immediately before the start of delivery, and while the breeder watches over the delivery, it is appropriate at the right time when the forelimbs start to come out of the mother like the first newborn. Can help with childbirth.

  In this way, the breeder can attend the delivery of all newborns at just the right time and can take appropriate measures such as assistance for delivery. Moreover, there is no time waste.

  The delivery monitoring device of the present invention is a display animal that is bred in domestic animals such as large animals (cattle, horses, etc.), middle animals (pigs, sheep, goats, etc.) and small animals (eg, rabbits, rats, minks, etc.), zoos, etc. It can be used to monitor the delivery of various animals such as pets, and the monitoring of humans.

1 is a block circuit diagram of an apparatus that uses a heart rate measurement as an embodiment of a delivery monitoring apparatus to which the present invention is applied. FIG.

It is a figure which shows the one aspect | mode of the delivery monitoring method using the delivery monitoring apparatus to which this invention is applied, and utilizing the measurement of a heart rate or also body temperature.

It is a figure which shows the time-dependent change of the heart rate just before and just after the delivery of the female sheep when carrying out the delivery monitoring method using the delivery monitoring device to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 4 is a block circuit diagram of another embodiment of a labor monitoring device to which the present invention is applied, which uses measurement of heart rate and body temperature.

FIG. 6 is a block circuit diagram of another embodiment of the labor monitoring device to which the present invention is applied, which uses the measurement of the heart rate and the opening of the vulva.

It is a figure which shows the one aspect | mode of the delivery monitoring method using the delivery monitoring apparatus to which this invention is applied, and using the measurement of the opening of the vulva.

It is a schematic diagram which shows another embodiment of the delivery monitoring apparatus to which this invention is applied, Comprising: The aspect using the measurement of heart rate, body temperature, and vulva opening.

Explanation of symbols

  1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D are delivery monitoring devices, 2 is a bag, 3 is a heart rate monitor, 3a is an anode, 3b is a cathode, 4 is a temperature sensor, 5 is an animal mother to monitor delivery, 10 is a circuit box, 11 Is a timer, 12 is a heart rate detection circuit, 13 is a heart rate discrimination circuit, 14 is a filter, 15 is a transmission circuit, 16 is a transmission antenna, 17 is a power supply, 20 is a communication device, 21 is a reception antenna, 22 is a reception circuit, 23 is a network connection circuit, 24 is an alarm sound circuit, 25 is a speaker, 30 is a circuit box, 31 is a timer, 32 is a temperature detection circuit, 33 is a temperature discrimination circuit, 34 is a filter, 35 is a transmission circuit, 36 is a transmission antenna, 40 is a circuit box, 41 is a local oscillation circuit, 42 is a modulation circuit, 43 is a clock pulse generation circuit, 44 is an amplification circuit, 45 is a power supply, 46 is a telescopic cord, 47 is an oscillator, 7a is an electromagnetic wave oscillation region, 48 is a receiver, 48a is an electromagnetic wave reception region, 49 is a telescopic cord, 50 is an amplification circuit, 51 is a setting circuit, 52 is a filter, 53 is a transmission circuit, 56 is a transmission antenna, 58 is the vulva.

Claims (10)

  A heart rate meter that measures the heart rate of the animal mother whose delivery should be monitored, and a transient decrease in the heart rate that exceeds the heart rate fluctuation range in normal times before delivery from the heart rate detected by the heart rate monitor A delivery monitoring device, comprising: a communication device and / or an alarm device for notifying a signal immediately before delivery due to the heart rate reduction output from the discrimination circuit.   A temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the maternal body, and a circuit for discriminating a decrease in body temperature exceeding the fluctuation range of the body temperature in normal times before delivery from the body temperature detected by the temperature sensor. A delivery monitoring apparatus characterized in that both a delivery predictive signal resulting from a decrease in body temperature and a signal immediately before delivery according to claim 1 are connected to the communication device and / or alarm device.   An electromagnetic induction oscillator attached to one of the opposite pudendal parts of the animal body and an electromagnetic induction receiver attached to the other, the distance between the oscillator and the receiver being in the state of both genitals in normal times The distance at which induction electromotive force is possible is adjusted to the distance at which induction electromotive force is disabled in the open state of both vulva immediately before delivery, and the delivery start signal issued from a circuit that detects the inability of induction electromotive force, A delivery monitoring apparatus characterized in that both of the signals immediately before delivery according to claim 1 are connected to the communication device and / or alarm device.   The delivery monitoring apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the heart rate monitor is an electrocardiographic voltmeter or a pulse wave pressure sensor.   The delivery monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein the communication device is a wireless communication device.   The delivery monitoring apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the heart rate discrimination circuit detects a decrease in the heart rate of at least 30% from the heart rate in normal time before delivery.   A delivery monitoring method characterized by measuring the heart rate of an animal mother whose delivery is to be monitored and notifying immediately before delivery when a transient decrease in heart rate exceeding the fluctuation range of the heart rate before delivery is detected. .   The body temperature of the animal mother is measured, and when a decrease in body temperature exceeding the normal temperature fluctuation range before delivery is detected, a pre-delivery sign is notified, and then the heart rate according to claim 7 is measured, A delivery monitoring method characterized by notifying immediately before delivery when a decrease in sex heart rate is detected.   The delivery monitoring method according to claim 8, wherein the body temperature is an eardrum temperature.   If a decrease in the heart rate according to claim 7 is detected, the interval between the vulva facing each other of the animal mother is detected, and the closed state of both vulva in normal time and the open state of both vulva immediately before delivery A delivery monitoring method characterized by discriminating and notifying the start of delivery if both vulva are open immediately before delivery.

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