NL1017118C2 - Method and assembly for monitoring the health status of animals in a population. - Google Patents

Description

Title: Method and assembly for monitoring the! health status of animals in a population

The invention relates to a method for monitoring production animals. More in particular, the invention relates to a method for monitoring the health status of production animals in a population through the use of sensor technology in combination with wireless transmission techniques.

For farmers it is of particular importance to be able to accurately monitor the health status of their production animals, in order to be able to recognize changes, in particular deteriorations therein, in an early stage, so that measures can be taken. As a result, suffering for the animals can be prevented or at least minimized, production losses can be prevented and diseases can be prevented from spreading.

It is customary for farmers, who often keep their production animals in stables, to follow their animals visually in order to be able to get an indication of the state of health from behavioral changes of the animals. Thereby health inspections are carried out periodically, for example by measuring a number of calibration values such as body temperature, blood composition and the like.

From this data obtained from the individual production animals in the population, an assessment is then made of the health status of the population concerned.

This known method has the advantage that it is relatively simple, but has a number of important disadvantages. For example, the value of the visual inspection depends to a large extent on the expertise of the farmer, at least the observer. Furthermore, such visual inspections can only be carried out periodically, namely when the observer has the animals of the relevant population in his field of vision. The health inspections mentioned 1017118 2 will be performed much less frequently, since the costs thereof are relatively high and such inspections are moreover unpleasant for the animals, which will lead to stress and therefore possibly loss of production.

The object of the invention is to provide a method of the type described in the preamble, wherein the drawbacks mentioned are avoided, while maintaining the advantages thereof. To that end, a method according to the invention is characterized by the features of claim 1.

By equipping animals in a population with transmitting means, which moreover are provided with measuring means for at least one body function, the advantage is achieved that the at least one relevant body function of each relevant animal can be checked at any desired moment, without this leads to stress for the animal concerned. After all, the animal in question will not be hindered by the reading. The obtained signals can then be processed in the calculation unit, so that information can be obtained at any desired moment about the state of health of the animals concerned. Use is preferably made of active transponders, i.e. transponders which can send informational signals with the aid of transmitting means, whereby the possibility is offered that the transponders can be read out over a relatively large distance and can be activated at any desired moment, while these do not have to send signals continuously or periodically. Other transmitting means can of course also be used, such as passive transponders or transmitters suitable for use in, for example, radio telemetry, optical telemetry, holter monitoring or the like. The receiving means can for instance be arranged near a ceiling or a wall of a shed in which the animals are located. The computing unit is thereby preferably placed at a distance and can, for example, be arranged in an office space.

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In this description, the transmitting means will always be referred to as a transponder, without being limited thereto.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, a method according to the invention is further characterized by the features of claim 2.

By providing only a limited number of the animals with a transponder, the advantage is achieved that only a limited number of animals need to be followed, while moreover the costs are reduced since only a limited number of transponders need be placed, which is also the advantage has that only a limited number of animals may be hindered by placement. The number of animals that are provided with such a transponder within a population is determined on the basis of, for example, epidemiological and statistical data and models. Surprisingly, it has been found that known means of spreading diseases within populations of production animals and known indicators for the occurrence of such a disease can accurately predict the health status of the animals in the population on the basis of the health of animals. a limited number of animals from that population. Providing only a limited number of animals with a transponder also has the advantage that in a slaughter line, for example, only a limited number of transponders need be removed.

In a further advantageous embodiment, a method according to the invention is further characterized by the features according to claim 3.

Use of knowledge about the transmission of infectious agents, or at least epidemiological knowledge about the transmission of diseases between animals, offers the advantage that on the basis of these and static data from measurements of one or a few animals predictions can be made about the health of the population in which the concerning animal 1017118 4 and precautions can be taken. For example, a rapid rise or fall in body temperature, a changing heartbeat or the like, possibly linked to, for example, changing eating behavior, movement behavior and the like of the relevant animal, can be interpreted as belonging to a clinical picture, which clinical picture is associated with, for example, an infectious disease, after which the population can be further investigated, inoculated, separated into sick and non-sick or susceptible animals and the like.

Preferably, in a calculation unit as applied in a method according to the invention, limit values are set for the measured bodily functions, at least the signals generated on the basis thereof, wherein the algorithm in the calculation unit is set such that an attention signal is emitted when such a limit value is exceeded. . As a result, it is possible to react quickly in the event of undesired deviations of the relevant bodily functions of at least the animals functioning as sentinel animals provided with a transponder according to the invention.

A method according to the invention is herein preferably characterized by the features according to claim 6.

Use of probability calculation for analyzing the signals 20 offers the advantage that significant changes in the health status of the animals in the relevant population can be easily recognized with a good degree of certainty. In addition, an animal keeper does not have to approach the animals himself. Memory means are herein preferably provided with which historical data can be recorded, which can be used in the analysis of incoming signals and / or in determining desired limit values, whereby the said limit values can for instance be set depending on the seasons, hours of the day or the like.

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In a particularly advantageous embodiment, a method according to the invention is further characterized by the features of claim 9.

With such a method, a permissible degree of deviation from a calibration value is set in advance, with a warning signal being sent to a medical service or similar care provider, who can then read out and diagnose population data.

A method according to the invention can be carried out in a system which functions as at least partially autonomously. For example, a signal from a transponder is always passed on to a central reporting point, for example a health center, as well as to the animal keeper. This prevents fraud. After all, even when the animal keeper moves an animal, for instance because of an illness, this will be detected by the central reporting point, as well as the deviation as an indication of deteriorating health. In addition, it is preferred that means are also provided which can be used to establish that the system is being manipulated, such as in the event of a signal failure, switch-off of transponders and the like.

20 Regular and irregular presence checks can be carried out from the central reporting point for animals and equipment.

The invention furthermore relates to an assembly of at least a number of transponders with transmitting means, a receiving device for signals transmitted by the transmitting means and a calculating unit with an algorithm, characterized by the measures according to claim 10.

Such an assembly is particularly suitable for applying a method according to the invention. With such an assembly, information can be obtained remotely about the health condition of animals, both of animals in which the transponders 30 are placed and about animals that are in the immediate vicinity thereof.

if 0 1 7 11 S

6. The animals equipped with the transponder will also be referred to as sentinel animals.

Preferably the or each transponder with the measuring means is adapted for implantation under the skin of an animal.

Preferably, an assembly according to the invention is further characterized by the features of claim 10.

By providing transmitting and receiving means designed for wireless communication over a distance of up to about 50 meters, the advantage is achieved that a relatively great freedom is obtained for positioning the receiving means, for example near a roof of a shed, while interference between the different transmission and receiving means is avoided. Moreover, transmitting means can hereby be applied with a relatively low energy level, which means that the transponders require relatively little energy and moreover have virtually no influence on the health of the animals. An even shorter distance, for example 30 meters, in particular 20 meters, is more advantageous.

The invention further relates to a computer unit, characterized by the features of claim 13.

Such a calculation unit is particularly suitable for use in a method or assembly according to the invention.

The invention furthermore relates to the use of active transponders with measuring means, characterized by the features of claim 14.

It is precisely through such use of active transponders that the advantage is achieved that data can be obtained in a simple manner about at least one body function of animals in a population, whereby on the basis of that data statements can be made about the health of all, at least one greater number of animals in said population.

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Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are given in the further subclaims.

To clarify the invention, exemplary embodiments of a method, assembly, calculation unit and use according to the invention will be further explained.

It shows:

Figure 1 shows diagrammatically three populations of animals, separated from each other, provided with transponders, a receiving device and a computer unit coupled thereto; Figure 2 shows a transponder for use according to the invention in disassembled (above) in assembled (below) state;

Figure 3 shows an alternative embodiment of a transponder for use according to the invention; and

Figure 4 is a block diagram of a temperature / heart rate transponder with a block diagram of the heart rate hybrid.

In this description, the same or corresponding parts have the same, or at least corresponding, reference numerals.

Figure 1 shows in plan view three populations of A, B, C animals, pigs in the exemplary embodiment shown. It will be clear, however, that other animals may also be included within the invention, for example production animals such as cows, sheep and the like, riding animals such as horses or pets such as dogs and cats. In the exemplary embodiment shown, each population A - C comprises six pigs IA - IF, 2A - 2F, 3A - 3F. In the first population A two animals, namely pigs IA and 1F, are equipped with a transponder 4, in the second population B also two animals, namely pigs 2A and 2E. In the third population C, three of animals 3C, 3B, 3E are equipped with such a transponder 4. For each population it can be determined experimentally which number of animals, for example expressed as a percentage of such a transponder 4, should be provided in order to obtain desired information in a manner to be described below.

Figures 2 to 4 schematically show embodiments of such transponders. Such transponders are known per se and are described, for example, by Mans B. Jansen,

Peter J. Nijenhuis and Arjan Cats in a publication of TF DL DLO and IMAG-DLO, the Netherlands, entitled "Recent developments on implantable transmitters with the AMTI61 integrated circuit as a universal 6-channel biomedical telemetry transmitter". It will be clear that these 10 transponders have only been mentioned as an example. In principle, any transmitting device such as an active or passive transponder, transmitter or the like that can be read remotely can be used within the invention, can be implanted or otherwise mounted in or to an animal.

The preferred transponders 4 according to the invention are active transponders which can emit informative signals with the aid of transmitting means 6. Moreover, these transponders are provided with measuring means 8, for instance a heart rate monitor, a temperature sensor or a blood pressure sensor with which at least one body function of the relevant animal can be measured and can be transmitted via the transmitting means 6 as an informational signal. By using an active transponder, at least the one relevant body function of each animal equipped with a transponder can be checked at any desired moment, without this leading to stress for the relevant animal. To that end, in a device according to the present invention, a calculating unit 10 is connected to a first transceiver device 12, for example, arranged in an office space, and a second transceiver device 14 arranged near yet at some distance from the populations A-C concerned, for example near a ceiling of a stable in which the populations A - C are housed separately with the aid of fences 16. Each transponder 4 is preferably equipped with an at least temporary memory in which periodically or continuously data about the or each measured body function can be stored, at least prior to reading out, at least sending the desired informative signal to the first transceiver means 12 via the Second transceiver means 14. It is preferred here that each transponder 4 is individually recognizable and controllable, for example with an identification signal and / or a specific frequency, such that with the aid of the first and second transceiver means 12, 14 individual transponders can be controlled and read out at any desired moment, at least the memories thereof can be read out or online information can be requested about the relevant body functions. A calculation unit 10 can be easily programmed for this purpose.

By providing only a limited number of animals, for example 1 in every 2 or 3 animals or even fewer animals within a relevant population A - C, with a transponder as shown in figure 1, the advantage is achieved that only a limited number of animals need to be followed, which is cost-saving and moreover calmer for the animals. After all, placement of the transponders can lead to stress for the relevant animal. A further advantage of this is that, for example in the case of slaughter of the animals, only a number of animals need to remove the transponder 4. It is thereby preferred that as few animals as possible are provided with a transponder. A minimum number of animals can be determined on the basis of, for example, epidemiological and statistical data and models, for example depending on the body functions to be measured and the expected, diagnosed or diagnosed diseases, abnormalities or the like. Such a choice can be made by a person skilled in the art on the basis of generally available knowledge.

A device according to Figure 1 is used, for example, as follows.

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Based on the aforementioned epidemiological and statistical data and models, it is determined which body functions of how many animals should be measured. Optionally, different animals can be equipped with different transponders 4, for example in the third population C three animals 3C, 3D with a transponder 4 for measuring body temperature and a third animal 3E with a transponder for measuring the heartbeat, which for example can be advantageous if interference between the two quantities could be expected. However, measuring means for different body functions can also be combined in a transponder 4 as shown for example in figures 3 and 4. The animals equipped with transponder (s) 4 are used as sentimental animals. With the aid of an algorithm in the calculating unit, a number of limit values are set for the bodily functions to be measured, the calculating unit being adapted to give an attention signal when such a limit value is exceeded or falls below. This achieves the advantage that it is possible to respond quickly to undesired deviations of the relevant bodily functions of at least animals that function as sentinel animals and are provided with a transponder according to the invention. Surprisingly, it has been found that even when equipping a very limited number of animals with a transponder 4, a good picture of the health status of a total population A - C can be obtained.

The device, in particular the first and / or second sending and receiving device 12, 14 can be coupled to a central reporting unit, for example a control room of a supervisory body. Information about sentinel animals and thus about the population is then immediately passed on to this control room, so that it can be checked whether the animals are not being manipulated in an undesirable way. For example, it can be established whether sick, or at least infected, animals are not removed from a population without reporting this, after which the other animals from the population could, for example, be sold without reporting the risk of infection, for example during an incubation period. Fraud with sick or (possibly) infected animals is prevented by this, in particular when this system is linked to a central registration and data storage system.

Use is preferably made of probability calculation for analyzing the signals for detecting significant changes in the state of health of animals in the relevant population. Historical data can be stored in memory means, optionally in the transponder but preferably in the computer unit, such that they can be used in the analysis of incoming signals and / or in determining desired limit values, for example time-dependent. As a result, developments of different individual animals and of populations can also be recorded and monitored. If the probability calculation indicates that there is a significant chance that an undesirable health condition exists, this can be checked by a veterinarian or veterinarian.

Figure 2 shows an exploded transponder 4 with the housing removed (above), as well as an assembled transponder with transparent housing 18 (below). Included within the housing 18 are a printed circuit board 20, containing at least a part of the transmitting means 6, memory means and the like. Connected to this is a transmitting coil 22 and a (lithium) battery 24. In the assembled state, such a transponder has, for example, a length of a few centimeters or, preferably, less and a diameter of approximately one and a half centimeters or, preferably, less. It has been calculated that such a transponder can, for example, remain active for one and a half to two years. A temperature sensor 26 is connected to one end of the housing, connected to the printed circuit board 20, with which temperatures can be measured with, for example, a precision of plus or minus 0.1 degree centigrade. Of course, any desired sensor can be connected in a similar manner to such a printed circuit board 20 and housing 18. The housing 18 is closed to the outside and made of a material that can and may be used in an animal's body (FDA-approved).

Figure 3 shows an alternative embodiment of a transponder for use within the invention, which comprises both a temperature and a heartbeat measuring device. To this end, a number of ECG electrodes 28 are connected to the housing 18. On the outside of the housing 18 a strip of felt such as, for example, dacron felt 30 is provided, with which, after implantation in an animal, the transponder 4 is prevented from moving through the body of the animal. Of course, such a transponder can also be secured in a body of an animal in a different way.

Figure 4 shows a block diagram of a transponder 4 for use with the invention. This is a general schedule. This transponder 4 comprises control logic 40, to which at least one sensor 42 is coupled, for example a temperature sensor. Moreover, a clock 44, in particular a quartz clock, is coupled to the control logic. The control logic is coupled to a transmitter 46 and an antenna 48 connected thereto. Optionally, a receiver 50 can be connected between the antenna 48 and the control logic 40. The control logic 40 may contain memory means.

During use, the control logic 40 receives the measured values from the temperature sensor 42, whether or not on command, at set times.

The quartz clock 44 regularly commands the control logic 40 to switch on the transmitter 46 and to transmit the received temperature measurement values to the transmitter 46, which in turn transmits the transmitter signal to the antenna 48 via an antenna coupling unit 52. In the case from an active transponder the receiver 50 will be added via which an instruction can be given to the control logic 40 in the form of an external wireless command, which reaches the receiver via the antenna 48 and the antenna coupling unit 52. This wireless command is generated by an appropriate external transmission device.

The invention is in no way limited to the exemplary embodiments given in the description and the drawing. Many variations thereof are possible within the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims.

Within the invention, for example, each animal within a population can be equipped with a transmitting device, at least a transponder of a described type, while moreover animals can be equipped with two or more transponders. Also with such applications, with the help of epidemiological and statistical data, among other things, statements can be made about diseases of a population and developments that can be expected therein. Furthermore, first transmitting and receiving means can be applied with which direct transponders can be controlled and read out, without the intervention of second (or further) transmitting and receiving means. It will be clear that several second transmitting and receiving means can also be used if the desired scope gives cause for this. In the embodiment shown, transponders are shown near the neck of the pigs. It will be clear that any desired position of the transponders in or on the animals can be selected, for example depending on the desired body functions to be measured. Any desired number of populations can be monitored and monitored with a method and device according to the invention. Where this text transponder is mentioned, it is to be understood that any type of transmitting device as described can be used there. These and many variations are understood to fall within the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims.

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Claims (15)

Method for monitoring production animals, wherein a number of animals from a population are provided with transmitting means, which are provided with measuring means for measuring at least one body function and are adapted to send a signal on the basis thereof, wherein receiver means be arranged in the vicinity of the population, with which receiver means the signals emitted by the respective transmitting means are received and transmitted to a computer unit, wherein an algorithm is incorporated in the computer unit with which data from the received signals about the health status of the animals in the population are determined by comparison with previously entered calibration values. 2. Method as claimed in claim 1, wherein only a limited number of animals of a population are equipped with said transmitting means, which number is preferably determined on the basis of at least epidemiological and / or statistical data. Method according to claim 2, wherein use is made of at least epidemiological knowledge about transmission of infectious agents. 4. Method as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein as transmitting means 20 transponders, in particular active transponders, are used. Method as claimed in any of the claims 1-4, wherein limit values are set in the computer unit with which at least a part of the signals of the transmitting means are compared, wherein an attention signal is issued when these limit values are exceeded. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least on the basis of probability calculation, the received signals and the number of animals in the relevant population it is determined whether significant changes in the health status of the animals in the relevant population occur, or at least have occurred occurred. 7. Method as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the calculating unit is provided with memory means for recording historical data with regard to the relevant population, in particular with regard to the body function corresponding to the measurements measured with the transmitting means, in particular transponders signals, the recorded data being entered into the algorithm and being involved in determining the calibration values. 8. Method as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein at least the body temperature of the relevant animals equipped with said transmitting means is measured, as well as changes therein, wherein at least on the basis of relative changes in the body temperatures the health condition of the animals is determined, at least attention signals are issued. 9. Method as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein in the case of a preset degree of deviation with respect to the, at least one calibration value, the calculating unit issues an attention signal to a medical service or similar rescuer, which rescuer 20 can then read out the calculating unit for obtaining diagnostics required data. 10. An assembly of at least a number of devices, in particular transponders with transmitting means, a receiving device for signals transmitted by the transmitting means, a calculating unit and an algorithm included in the calculating unit adapted to provide signals transmitted by the transmitting means at least on the basis of of information about the health status of animals on which or in which said transmitting means are placed and about animals that are in the immediate vicinity thereof. 1017118 11. Assembly as claimed in claim 10, wherein the transmitting means with the measuring means are adapted for implantation under the skin of an animal. 12. Assembly as claimed in claim 10 or 11, wherein the transmitting means and the receiving device are designed for wireless communication over a distance of up to about 50 m, more in particular up to about 30 m and preferably up to about 20 m. 13. A calculating unit provided with an algorithm adapted to provide information on the health status of all animals in the relevant population at least on the basis of measured values of at least one body function of a number of animals of a population. 14. Use of transmitting means with measuring means for measuring at least one body function of an animal for collecting data about the health status of the entire population concerned based on signals placed in a number of animals of a population. Use according to claim 14, wherein active transponders are used. 1017118