NL1025874C2 - Animal condition monitoring method for e.g. cows, uses observation station to automatically identify and measure size of animal to generate condition score - Google Patents

Abstract

The animal is placed in an observation station which has a system (11) for identifying the animal via an identification device on the latter. The station also includes a system for measuring the size of the animal in order to make an assessment of its condition. Information from the station is sent to a CPU, which automatically generates data representing the condition of the animal in this station. The observation station includes cameras (121, 122) which are adjustable depending on the identity of the animal and/or ultrasonic sensors, radar signal devices, odour sensors (35), infra-red cameras and/or x-ray devices.

Description

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Title: Condition determination for animals.

The invention relates to a method and device for determining the condition of animals, wherein each animal to be assessed is provided with an identification means for automatically detecting the identity of the animal. The invention is particularly suitable for determining and checking the condition of cows, but in principle the invention could also be applied for other animals if desired. In the following, however, an application of the invention for cows will be assumed.

According to the literature, the condition of cows is often indicated by means of the so-called condition score. In this context, reference is made to the article "Good feed choice cannot do without condition score" by Mariska van der.Hulst in the magazine Oogstplus Landbouw of 11 February 2000. The condition score indicates how lean or fat the cow is. The scores are usually between the values 1 and 5, where 15 indicates a score of 1 a very lean animal and a score of 5 a fat animal.

Skinny and fat cows are not desired. Such cows do not process their feed optimally and are rather sick. The condition score provides insight into the condition of the cows and can therefore serve to check whether feed management is correct, among other things.

The condition score of a cow is normally determined by the farmer or possibly a veterinarian on the basis of manual examination and observation of the cow (C, figure 5). To this end, the farmer or veterinarian stands behind the cow and looks at and feels the fat filling of the cuckoo holes (K, figure 5). Furthermore, the fat and muscle coverage of the lumbar vertebrae (LW, Figure 5) is viewed and scanned. The appearance of hips of the sitting bones (ΗΒ, ΖΒ, Figure 5) and the visibility of ribs (R, Figure 5) and vertebra (RW, Figure 5) are also factors on the basis of which the condition score can be determined.

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With the help of the condition score, it can be checked whether animals are scaling or fat. A poor condition is very undesirable. A cow that is too overweight gets a permanent negative energy balance and its resistance will diminish. Various disorders, such as mastitis, a high cell count, lameness and decreasing fertility can result.

Animals that are too oily are more difficult to calve and will absorb less dry matter. In the case of over-fat animals, there is also a risk that they will have a negative energy balance after calving.

Traditionally, the dry tooth 10 is the starting point when determining the condition score. During the dry tooth, the cow is prepared for calving and the lactation period. It is desirable that the condition score during the dry tooth is 3 to 3.5. Scarcity of a cow in this period should be avoided. However, a lean animal may grow.

The lactation period starts after calving. A rule of thumb is that in the first 60 days of the lactation period, the 15 cows may not deprive more than 1 point in condition score. By regularly determining the condition score, for example after each milk check, and always comparing the result with previous condition scores, the cattle farmer can gain insight into the effectiveness of feed management and it can be observed which cows deviate. Subsequently, the deviating cows can for example be given adapted concentrates.

Other important factors associated with the condition of a cow are the condition of the claws (KL, Figure 5) and the legwork (B, Figure 5). Leg and claw problems represent a major loss for dairy farmers. In the Netherlands, for example, 65% of the cows have claw problems to a slight or serious extent. Indications for the condition of the legwork are, for example, the angle in the heel, the hindleg position and the claw angle. Inflammations in the claw balls caused by dirt lead to so-called stink legs. This condition is accompanied by a characteristic odor. 30 This also applies to the lingering milk disease.

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A problem is that although the farmer is usually himself capable of detecting a change in the condition of the cow by means of scanning and visual perception, this costs him relatively much time. The average time is 1-5 minutes per cow. With a cattle farmer with 100 or more 5 cows, this quickly takes an hour.

The invention has for its object to obviate the above-described drawback and generally to provide a method and device with the aid of which the condition of an animal can be determined quickly and easily and can be compared with earlier data of the same animal 10 and of other comparable animals. . To this end, according to the invention, a method for determining the condition of animals is characterized in that an observation station is provided in which an animal to be assessed is placed, the observation station comprising an identification system, which can cooperate with the identification means, which observation station is furthermore provided of observation means for observing and / or recording aspects of the animal which are decisive for the assessment of the condition of an animal, and of a central processor device for receiving information signals from the identification system and the observation means, wherein with the processor device data which are automatically represent the condition of the animal in question are determined on the basis of the signals provided by the observation means. According to a further elaboration of the invention, data relating to a desired condition are determined in advance for the animals to be assessed. According to a further elaboration of the invention, at least a number of the data thus obtained, representing the condition of the animal, are automatically compared with the data relating to the desired condition and / or previously obtained data concerning the condition of the animal. A device for determining the condition of animals is characterized according to the invention by an observation station provided with an identification system 1025874 which can cooperate with identification means of the animals, observation means for observing and / or recording for the assessment of the condition of an animal. animal-determining aspects of the animal, and a central processor device which receives in operation information signals from the identification device and from the observation means, wherein the central processor device is adapted to provide information about the condition of the data signals received from the observation means determine an animal to be assessed. According to a further elaboration of the invention, the central processor device is further adapted to store and / or compare at least a number of the determined data with data relating to the desired condition of the animal to be judged and / or to compare it with earlier data concerning the condition of the animal and / or comparable animals.

In the following, the invention will be further elucidated with reference to the accompanying drawing.

Figure 1 shows schematically an example of a method according to the invention; Figure 2 shows a block diagram of an example of a device according to the invention; Figure 3 schematically shows an example of a device according to the invention; Figure 4 shows an example of a condition scoring course of a cow; and Figure 5 illustrates a cow with observation plinths for determining a condition score of the cow; and Figures 6, 7 and 8 illustrate some other possible observation points with regard to the condition of a cow.

Figure 1 schematically illustrates an example of a method according to the invention. In the diagram shown, a cow is first identified in block 1. For this purpose use can be made of 1025874 δ special animal recognition systems or of the electronic animal recognition systems that are normally already present in a cowshed, which can identify an animal on the basis of a responder attached to the animal, such as a collar responder or an ear tag responder or the like.

Such animal recognition or identification systems can be arranged in an observation station, which can comprise a special box or lock or the like, but if desired use could also be made of an animal recognition system already present elsewhere in the animal accommodation. Such systems are usually situated in the milking position and / or in or on a feeding box, whether or not combined therewith. The milking position and / or feeding box or the like can then function as an observation station.

After an animal has been identified, as indicated by block 2, with the aid of suitable observation means, which can for instance comprise a camera system with one or more cameras with which a number of recordings can be made of parts of the animal, certain characteristics of the animal are determined observed, which are indicative of the condition of the animal. The cameras can be, for example, electronic cameras or video cameras, which are placed at specific positions in or near the box, lock, milking position, feeding box or the like. In a practical situation, the cameras can be arranged such that visual characteristics of the upper side and the rear side of the cow can be recorded and compared with earlier or later recorded characteristics. Here, if desired, use can be made of one or more light sources, which are placed such that the characteristic aspects of the cow are emphasized, for example by an increased contrast. In block 8 the observations are quantified if desired and subsequently stored in block 4 in a memory M (arrow 3a). The memory M also receives the result of the identification of the animal, as schematically indicated by an arrow δ between block 1 and block 4, so that the data can be stored in the correct location in the memory. It is also possible to supply the identification data of the animal via the blocks 2 and 3 together with the characteristics to the memory M. It is furthermore possible to store the camera images as such, whether or not processed, in the memory. In addition, quantification may or may not take place. In the latter case, block 3 could then be omitted. A suitable image processing according to one of the techniques known for this purpose can take place in block 2 and / or in block 3. In block 6 a comparison takes place between the current condition data as provided in block 3 (arrow 3b) or block 2 and the previously stored data as provided by the memory M (arrow 4a).

The previously layered data preferably relates to at least one reference image made shortly before calving. Preferably, a reference recording is made at least also the day after calving and the data obtained from it is also stored. If the comparison shows that the condition of the cow develops in an undesirable manner, a signaling can be given, as indicated by block 7. It is of course also possible, whether or not in combination with the above-mentioned signaling, to give another signal, for example a green light, if everything is in order.

For observing characteristics associated with the condition of an animal, other observation means can be used in addition to cameras, such as, for example, ultrasonic signals, radar signals, olfactory sensors, infrared cameras, X-rays, etc.

The observation means can advantageously be arranged such that the so-called condition score of a cow can be determined from the observations made.

An undesirable development can be signaled, for example, if the condition score of the cow is outside the predetermined tolerance limits or around the predetermined desired value.

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Reference is made in this connection to Figure 4, which schematically shows an example of a desired course of the condition score of a cow indicated during the lactation period after calving (day a) and the drying period. It is desirable that the condition score of a cow be between the two lines S1 and S2. In this example, the signaling of block 7 in Figure 1 should indicate when the score of an individual animal comes or is likely to be above line S1 or below line S2. The memory M and / or the blocks 6 or 7 must therefore have the so-called cow calendar of each cow.

10 In addition to the condition score, the condition of the legwork of a cow also determines the condition of the cow. As already noted, many cows suffer from slightly to severely varying leg and claw problems. These problems can be observed visually (cameras) and, in the case of so-called stink legs, also with an odor sensor. The lingering milk disease can also be observed with an odor sensor, since this results in an acetone odor. When one or more sense sensors are used, an odor detection also takes place in block 2 of figure 1, which can be quantified in block 3 and, if desired, stored in the memory M. The odor signals indicate a condition such that direct action by the farmer is desired above a certain threshold value. Comparison with previously detected odor signals is therefore not strictly necessary and may be omitted. The same applies to the storage of these signals in the memory 51.

For example, it can be observed visually what the position of the hind legs is. Figure 6a schematically shows a rear view of a cow C, the points of the claws pointing outwards. The cow has X legs. Figure 6b shows a cow whose points of the claws point straight forward.

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Figure 7 shows diagrammatically an observation point which is important for the condition of the legwork of a cow C and which is formed by the angle α in the cow's heel. Figure 8 illustrates the so-called claw angle β. This is the angle that the front of the claw KL encloses with the plane G of the substrate on which the cow stands.

Figure 2 shows a global block diagram of a device 10 for determining the condition of an animal and comparing it with a previously determined condition of the same animal or of comparable animals.

For this purpose, the condition score can advantageously be used, which is then also compared with earlier condition scores of the animal and / or with condition scores of comparable animals.

The device shown comprises an identification system 11, which can be one of the per se known electronic animal identification systems as they are marketed, for example, by the applicant. The identification system determines the identity of a cow to be assessed. Once the cow has been recognized, a camera system 12 and, if present, other observation means, such as, for example, an odor sensor, can be activated by a signal coming from the identification system, as indicated by an arrow 13. If desired, this signal can also contain data about the identity of the cow. The camera system may advantageously comprise a control module 14, in which certain data are stored for each cow, such as for example data about the predetermined most desirable settings and / or positioning of the cameras, and / or other observation means, and / or data about the predetermined certain desired exposure and the like.

In this example, the identification system can also activate an exposure device 15, as indicated by a pin 16. The exposure device can, just like the camera system, if desired be provided with a control module 17, which effects a predetermined exposure on the basis of the identity of the cow. For this purpose, for example, the position of the holding device or parts thereof and the adjustment with respect to the light intensity, optionally the light color, and the like can be controllable. However, the exposure device can also be controlled from the camera system, for example the control module 14 thereof. Synchronization and, depending on the embodiment of the device, data exchange between the camera system and the exposure device can take place via a communicative connection 18 between the camera system and the exposure device.

Alternatively, the setting signals and the like for the camera system and the holding device can be provided at least in part by a central processor unit (CPU), starting from the cow's identity data provided by the identification system 11. To this end, in the example shown, the CPU is connected via a communicative connection 19 to the exposure device 15 and the camera system 12.

In the example shown, a memory device M, a processing module 20 and a comparator module 21 are present in the CPU. On the basis of the identity, the previous data of an animal to be assessed can be looked up in the memory device M, as well as, if desired, data on camera adjustment and exposure and the like. The data relating to the condition, that is to say the condition score and, if desired, also other information, such as, for example, image information, scent information, etc., are in this example supplied by a processing module 20 to the memory device M, as indicated by an arrow 23. To this end, the processing module 20 receives signals from the camera system 12 and the odor sensor (s) via a communicative connection 22.

In Fig. 2, separate other sensors are symbolized with block 27, for example one or more sense sensors, the signals of which do not have to be stored in the memory (although this is possible), and can be directly compared in the comparator device 21. with a predetermined threshold value. If this is exceeded, an alarm can be given.

The comparator module 21 is arranged to compare current condition data of a cow with previous data of the same cow and / or with the desired condition as represented, for example, by the lines S1 and S2 in Figure 4. The CPU is preferably arranged such that the cattle farmer can optionally perform a comparison with data from other cows. A control panel 24 or keyboard or the like can be provided for this purpose.

In the example shown, the comparator module is connected to an alarm device 25 which can give an alarm signal if the results of the comparison give cause for this. The alarm signal can for instance be a light signal and / or audio signal »and / or a warning displayed on a screen» etc .. Preferably, an appropriate signal is also issued if no alarm is needed »so that the farmer can positively observe that the assessed cow is in good condition. If desired, the comparator module can be provided with a recommendation signal 26 for the cattle farmer with regard to the concentrate feed, or even, if desired, a control signal for the concentrate feed.

For the sake of completeness, figure 3 still shows schematically in top view an example of a device according to the invention.

The device 30 shown comprises an observation station in the form of a walk-in box or walk-through box 3, or the like, which may or may not be part of, for example, a milking position or a feed box or the like. The running direction is indicated by an arrow 32. In this example, the box has side walls or side rails 33.34. The box 31 is furthermore provided with an identification device (ID) 11. Furthermore, near the position where the rear of the cow is usually situated when it is in the box, cameras are arranged. In the figure, two cameras 121,122 are shown by way of example only. Similarly, two lamps 151,152, 1025874 11, which can illuminate the areas covered by the cameras, are shown as an example. In the example shown, the identification device, the cameras and the lamps are communicatively connected to a central processor CPU, which if desired can operate a number of similar boxes 31. Application of more or 5 fewer cameras and lamps is of course possible.

Furthermore, a smell sensor 35 is schematically indicated. It is possible to use more than one odor sensor, for example a odor sensor for the so-called stink legs and a odor sensor for the lingering milk disease, or one or more moving odor sensors.

It is noted that after the foregoing various modifications are obvious to those skilled in the art. For example, the described CPU can advantageously form part of a usual farm computer. For example, a number of modules may also be software-based or may be combined.

With the aid of the invention described, at least in part the previously necessary observation of the animals with the naked eye and nose can be replaced. Furthermore, changes in the condition of an animal can be signaled at an earlier stage.

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Claims (27)

Method for determining the condition of animals, wherein each animal to be assessed is provided with an identification means for automatically detecting the identity of the animal, characterized in that an observation station is provided in which an animal to be assessed is placed wherein the observation station comprises an identification system which can cooperate with the identification means, which observation station furthermore comprises observation means for observing and / or recording aspects of the animal that are decisive for assessing the condition of an animal, and of a central processor device 10 for receiving information signals from the identification system and the observation means, wherein with the process-monitoring device data representing the condition of the relevant animal is automatically determined on the basis of the signals provided by the observation means. 2. Method as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that for the animals to be assessed data are determined in advance with regard to a desired condition. 3. Method as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that data representing the condition of the animal are automatically compared with the data relating to the desired condition and / or previously obtained data concerning the condition of the animal. Method according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that an exposure B device is used when observing an animal. 6. Method as claimed in any of the claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a controllable camera system is applied, and that the setting and / or position thereof are controlled on the basis of the identity of an animal to be assessed. 1025874 Method according to claim 5, characterized in that a controllable labeling device is used and that the setting and / or position thereof are controlled on the basis of the identity of an animal to be assessed. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the data relating to the desired condition are determined in dependence on time. 8. Method as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the data representing the condition of an animal are compared with the data of a number of comparable animals. 9. Method as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the result of the comparison of the data with regard to the desired condition is at least converted into a signaling if the data with regard to the condition of the animal 15 in predetermined degree deviate from the data regarding the desired condition. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the animals to be assessed are cows and the data relating to the condition are converted into a condition score. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the animals to be assessed are cows and wherein data relating to the cow calendar of a cow to be assessed is made available to the central processor device. 12. Method as claimed in any of the claims 1 to 11, characterized in that one or more olfactory ears are used when observing the animal. 13. Device for determining the condition of animals, wherein each animal is provided with an identification means for automatically detecting the identity of the animal, characterized by an observation station 30 provided with an identification system which uses the identification means of 1025874 may cooperate, observation means for observing and / or recording aspects of the animal which are decisive for the assessment of the condition of an animal, and a central processor device which receives in operation information signals from the identification device and from the observation means, wherein the central processor device is adapted to determine data concerning the condition of an animal to be assessed starting from the information signals received from the observation means. 14. Device as claimed in claim 13, characterized in that the central processor device is further adapted to store at least a number of the determined data, and / or to compare data with regard to the desired condition of the animal to be judged and / or or to compare with previous data regarding the condition of the animal and / or comparable animals. Device as claimed in claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the observation means comprise at least one odor sensor for detecting the odor of the animal and / or parts of the animal that determine the condition of the animal, which at least one odor sensor is in operation information signals provided for the central processor device. Device as claimed in any of the claims 13-15, characterized in that the observation means comprise a camera system with a number of controllable cameras, the setting and / or position of which can be controlled on the basis of the identity of an animal to be assessed. 17. Device as claimed in any of the claims 13-16, characterized by a controllable exposure device that can be controlled on the basis of the identity of an animal. 18. Device as claimed in claims 16 and 17, characterized in that the central processor device is adapted to control at least the controllable cameras from the controllable cameras and the controllable exposure device. 1025874 ' 19. Device as claimed in any of the claims 13-18, characterized in that the central process sensor device is arranged to provide an alarm if the data regarding the condition of an animal deviate more than a predetermined degree from the desired data concerning the condition of the animal. An apparatus according to any one of claims 16 to 19, characterized in that the central processor device is adapted to convert image information provided by the camera system into data concerning the condition of an animal. Device as claimed in any of the claims 16-20, characterized in that the central process sensor device is adapted to convert signals from a smell sensor into data concerning the condition of an animal. Device according to one of claims 13 to 21, characterized in that the observation station comprises a walk-in box or walk-through box. A device as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 22, characterized in that the observation station is arranged for cows. 24. Device as claimed in claim 33, characterized in that the central process-checking device contains data concerning the cookie calendar or has access to said data. A device as claimed in claim 23 or 24, characterized in that the central process monitoring device is adapted to determine the condition score of cows. A device as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 25, characterized in that the camera system is adapted to provide image information of at least one of the following parts of a cow: a. The cuckoo holes b. the lumbar vertebrae 30 c. the vertebrae 1025874 4 d. the ribs e. the hip bone f. the sitting leg. g. one or more claws δ h. the hind legs 27. Device as claimed in any of the claims 23-26, provided with at least one odor sensor as claimed in claim 15, characterized in that the at least one odor sensor is adapted to provide odor information for the entire cow or for at least one of the following parts of the cow. 10 o. One or more claws b. the udder c. one or more teats d. deneue 1025874