NZ628194B - A feed apparatus and system - Google Patents
A feed apparatus and systemInfo
- Publication number
- NZ628194B NZ628194B NZ628194A NZ62819414A NZ628194B NZ 628194 B NZ628194 B NZ 628194B NZ 628194 A NZ628194 A NZ 628194A NZ 62819414 A NZ62819414 A NZ 62819414A NZ 628194 B NZ628194 B NZ 628194B
- Authority
- NZ
- New Zealand
- Prior art keywords
- feed
- stall
- milk replacer
- supply line
- milk
- Prior art date
Links
- 210000004080 Milk Anatomy 0.000 claims abstract description 127
- 235000013336 milk Nutrition 0.000 claims abstract description 127
- 239000008267 milk Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 127
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 74
- 238000002156 mixing Methods 0.000 claims description 47
- 238000009826 distribution Methods 0.000 claims description 24
- 241001465754 Metazoa Species 0.000 claims description 11
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims description 10
- 238000002955 isolation Methods 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000000843 powder Substances 0.000 abstract description 5
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 45
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 14
- 210000002445 Nipples Anatomy 0.000 description 10
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 10
- 239000003599 detergent Substances 0.000 description 8
- 238000011049 filling Methods 0.000 description 8
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 8
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 7
- 239000000654 additive Substances 0.000 description 6
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 description 6
- 238000005406 washing Methods 0.000 description 6
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 4
- 230000037361 pathway Effects 0.000 description 4
- 230000000996 additive Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000035622 drinking Effects 0.000 description 3
- 235000021271 drinking Nutrition 0.000 description 3
- 230000004634 feeding behavior Effects 0.000 description 3
- 235000016709 nutrition Nutrition 0.000 description 3
- 235000008476 powdered milk Nutrition 0.000 description 3
- 235000008939 whole milk Nutrition 0.000 description 3
- 239000002253 acid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000007792 addition Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000003749 cleanliness Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000000470 constituent Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000001419 dependent Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000011068 load Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000007921 spray Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000002699 waste material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 241000283690 Bos taurus Species 0.000 description 1
- 210000001513 Elbow Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 235000019728 animal nutrition Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 1
- 201000010099 disease Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 201000009910 diseases by infectious agent Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002068 genetic Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004615 ingredient Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006011 modification reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000474 nursing Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000011017 operating method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002572 peristaltic Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002250 progressing Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010926 purge Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002994 raw material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003134 recirculating Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004064 recycling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001105 regulatory Effects 0.000 description 1
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Abstract
Disclosed is a liquid feeding systems, typically being milk or milk powder mixed on site and fed to calves, with a common supply line for individual stalls along its length.
Description
James & Wells Ref: 702201/73
A FEED APPARATUS AND SYSTEM
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present application relates to a feed apparatus and system for delivering liquid feed to
animals.
BACKGROUND
Automated feeding systems are well known for the supply of feed to animals – particularly
liquids such as milk or a milk replacer to young animals.
The predominant design for such systems provides several animal feeding stalls, each
individually connected to a central feed distribution unit. This central unit delivers feed to each
stall – potentially according to a feed plan for an individual animal identified as being present in
a stall.
This direct distribution of feed requires individual feed lines between the central unit and the
stalls. In operations requiring the supply of feed to a number of stalls, capital costs associated
with the quantity of lines and labour time in installation due to complexity can escalate rapidly.
Further, this arrangement has a number of attributes which are less than ideal in a liquid
feeding environment.
For example, individual lines have the potential for spoilage of the liquid feed due to due to long
residence time should the demand for feed be minimal on a particular stall. As well as the
costs associated with wastage, this also creates health risks should this spoiled feed be
delivered to an animal.
With regard to health, poor sanitation of animal feeding equipment can result in the creation of
sources of disease and increase the likelihood of infection being spread. Direct distribution
systems to a number of stalls require complicated wash routines to maintain cleanliness of the
system – reducing reliability due to the increased likelihood of bugs occurring.
Further, the feed line diameter is generally minimised in order to reduce the capital costs
associated with a feed system. However, smaller diameter feed lines also have a greater
susceptibility to blockages which can have implications for cleanliness as well as preventing
feed being delivered to an animal.
It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems or at least to provide
the public with a useful choice.
James & Wells Ref: 702201/73
All references, including any patents or patent applications cited in this specification are hereby
incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The
discussion of the references states what their authors assert, and the applicants reserve the
right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the cited documents. It will be clearly
understood that, although a number of prior art publications are referred to herein, this
reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents form part of the
common general knowledge in the art, in New Zealand or in any other country.
Throughout this specification, the word "comprise", or variations thereof such as "comprises" or
"comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or
group of elements integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step,
or group of elements, integers or steps.
Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the
ensuing description which is given by way of example only.
SUMMARY
According to an exemplary embodiment, there is provided a feed apparatus for delivering liquid
feed to animals, including:
at least one liquid feed source,
at least one common supply line connected to the liquid feed source, wherein the
common supply line is configured to be connected to a plurality of animal feed stalls.
According to an exemplary embodiment, there is provided a feed system including:
a feed apparatus substantially as described herein; and
a plurality of animal feeding stalls connected to the at least one common supply line
along its length.
According to an exemplary embodiment, there is provided a method of delivering liquid feed to
a plurality of animal feeding stalls including:
delivering liquid feed to a common supply line; and
delivering the liquid feed to a plurality of animal feeding stalls connected to the common
supply line along its length.
The liquid feed may be any liquid known to people skilled in the art for meeting nutritional
requirements of an animal – particularly young animals such as bovine calves. For example,
James & Wells Ref: 702201/73
the liquid feed may be milk – whether whole or skim – or a milk replacer, known in the context
of feeding calves as calf milk replacer (CMR).
The liquid feed source from which the liquid feed is supplied may, in exemplary embodiments,
be a vessel in which the liquid fed is stored or mixed.
For example, at least one liquid feed source may be a milk tank storing whole milk – whether a
stand-alone tank or fed from a bulk milk tank into which milk extracted from milking animals is
delivered. Storing milk in a single location, as opposed to smaller volumes at each feeding
stall, may assist in maintaining freshness of the milk by distributing it as required – thereby
reducing the likelihood of it going unused before needing to be disposed. Reducing wastage of
liquid feed may improve the cost efficiency of the system – not simply in terms of raw materials
but also flow on considerations associated with disposal of the waste.
The volume of liquid feed at a liquid feed source may be monitored using any suitable level
sensor known to a person skilled in the art. This information may be delivered to controllers of
the system for operational decision making or output to a user.
The liquid feed source may include a mixer – for example a mixer paddle – in order to maintain
freshness and uniformity of the liquid feed.
At least one liquid feed source may be, for example, a milk replacer system. In an exemplary
embodiment the milk replacer system may include a mixing vessel. The mixing vessel may be
one in which milk replacer is mixed manually, or automatically. As known in the art, automatic
mixing of the milk replacer may include the dispensing of a measured ratio of powdered milk
replacer and water into the vessel, and stirring the mixture according to specifications for the
milk replacer for a predetermined period of time. A desired temperature during mixing may be
achieved using a heating element, or by the mixing of hot and cold water.
In exemplary embodiments the milk replacer system may include a distribution vessel, which
receives mixed milk replacer from the mixing vessel. A common supply line may be connected
to the distribution vessel.
It is envisaged that the inclusion of a distribution vessel may have particular application in
embodiments in which a large number of stalls are to be supplied. This may allow milk replacer
to be supplied from the distribution vessel while a new or additional batch of milk replacer is
being prepared in the mixing vessel. This may reduce queuing times where milk replacer is
being demanded from a large number of stalls, as milk replacer should not be supplied from the
mixing vessel during the mixing operation.
In exemplary embodiments, the milk replacer system may include a holding vessel into which
milk replacer may be diverted – particularly while the mixing vessel and/or distribution vessel
are washed. This may assist in reducing wastage while maintaining the ability to adhere to a
James & Wells Ref: 702201/73
cleaning schedule suitable for maintaining hygiene.
In exemplary embodiments, more than one liquid feed source may be connected to the feed
stalls via respective common supply lines. For example, a first feed source may supply milk via
a first common supply line, and a second feed source may supply CMR via a second supply
line. The different types of liquid feed may be mixed in desired proportions at each stall, while
retaining the benefits of storing the liquid feed in larger quantities and delivery of same via a
common supply line.
Reference to a common supply line should be understood to mean a single fluid pathway,
through which the liquid feed may travel to the plurality of animal feeding stalls via branching
connections along its length. The points of connection between each feed stall and the
common supply line may be displaced along the length of the common feed line.
It is envisaged that the addition of feed stalls to the system may be more readily
accommodated by such common supply lines in comparison with the need to run a dedicated
supply line between the stall and central distribution unit – if a further point of connection to the
central distribution unit is even available.
The use of a common supply line may also assist in maintaining hygiene within the system,
enabling the cleaning of a single fluid pathway with comparatively short branch lines to stalls,
which may be less complex than cleaning of a plurality of dedicated supply lines – particularly if
cleaning is to be performed under pressure. Further, in comparison with existing systems with
individual supply lines the greater internal diameter of the common supply line may reduce the
likelihood of blockages occurring.
It should be appreciated that the common supply lines may be sized on system pressure drop
and flow volume requirement once a number of installation specific factors have been
determined, such as the mechanism of delivery, viscosity of liquid feed, total length of the line,
number of stalls on system, and quantity of pipe connections (i.e. elbows), deviations and
elevation.
In an exemplary embodiment the common supply line is connected to its associated liquid feed
source in a closed loop, for recirculation of unused liquid feed to the liquid feed source. This
recirculation may be useful for maintaining freshness of the liquid feed – particularly where the
feed is milk or a milk based feed which may require chilling in order to reduce the rate of
spoilage.
In exemplary embodiments, in which the common supply line is connected to its associated
liquid feed source in a closed loop, a supply line isolation valve may be positioned between the
last animal feed stall along the common supply line and the liquid feed source. This valve may
be closed when dispensing of the liquid feed from the common supply line to one or more stalls
James & Wells Ref: 702201/73
is desired. In doing so, the liquid feed may be forced to the stall(s) as opposed to being
partially diverted to the source.
It should be appreciated that reference to the common supply line being connected to the liquid
feed source in a closed loop is not intended to be limiting. For example, the common supply
line may have a single point of connection to the feed source, such that a loop is not formed.
This may be applicable where, for example, liquid feed is of a type that can remain in the supply
line for long periods of time without the need for recycling, i.e. has a low likelihood of spoiling or
solidifying to cause blockages. In exemplary embodiments the demand at the end of the supply
line may be such that throughput of the liquid feed negates the need to cycle. In other
embodiments, the physical length of the common supply line may be of a length in which the
benefits of recirculating the feed are outweighed by the demands of the line size and delivery
mechanism due to the pressure drop associated with the return section to the liquid feed
source.
In exemplary embodiments, a pump may be used to deliver feed to the common supply line
from the feed source. However, it should be appreciated that other means for delivering the
feed to the supply line may be used. For example, it is envisaged that the feed may be gravity
fed from the feed source into the common supply line. Such gravity filling of the common
supply line may be used where the feed source(s) can be positioned at a sufficient elevation to
achieve the necessary head.
Delivery of liquid feed from the common supply line to an animal stall may be achieved, in an
exemplary embodiment, using individual pumps at each stall. Where these pumps are only
required to draw feed from the common supply line, it is envisaged that the specifications or
ratings for the pumps may be reduced – with associated cost savings. However, it should be
appreciated that such pumps may also be used to draw liquid feed from the feed source.
In exemplary embodiments, stall feed valves between the common supply line and the animal
feed stall may be used to control delivery of feed from the common supply line to the stall. It is
envisaged that valves may provide a lower cost alternative to pumps, although this may need to
be weighed against their greater potential for blockage resulting from debris suspended in the
liquid feed becoming caught on a valve’s seat, and the possibility of valve seating failures
leading to bypassing due to overpressure in the supply line.
Animal feed stalls are well known in the art, particularly for nursing animals in which liquid feed
is ultimately delivered to the animal via an artificial nipple or teat.
In exemplary embodiments, the animal stall may identify an animal seeking to receive feed at
the stall. Numerous techniques are known in the art for the identification of individual animals –
for example using radio frequency identification (RFID) tags. Identification of an animal may be
James & Wells Ref: 702201/73
used to determine an individual feed ration for that animal. The individual feed ration may be
determined on the basis of a number of factors, for example breed, genetic potential, sex, age,
weight, time since previous feed, volume of previous feed ration consumed, or specified
nutritional requirements.
The individual feed ration may be composed of a mixture of liquid feeds delivered by respective
common supply lines. The ratio of this mixture may vary greatly between animals. Use of
common supply lines to deliver the constituents of the mixture as required means that individual
stalls need not store quantities of a liquid feed which may otherwise go unused for an
undesirable length of time depending on the requirements of animals entering the stall.
Further, the ration may be diluted using water delivered to the stall. In exemplary embodiments
the stall may include an additive delivery mechanism, operable to deliver additives – whether
nutritional or medicinal – into the individual feed ration.
In exemplary embodiments the liquid feed to be delivered to the animal may be heated to a
drinking temperature at the animal stall. It is well established that temperature of the feed at
the time of consumption may impact feed efficiency. By heating the feed at the stall as
opposed to the feed source, the feed may be kept at a suitable storage temperature at the
source for reducing the rate of spoilage, while still achieving the desired drinking temperature.
It is envisaged that volume of liquid feed consumed by an animal may be achieved using a level
sensor within a stall liquid feed vessel. It should be appreciated that alternative means, such as
weight of the vessel or flow rate through a line to the point of delivery to the animal, may be
used to determine volume of consumption. This may be logged against the animal’s
identification in order to create or add to a record of the animal’s nutrition.
In exemplary embodiments, the feed ration may be dispensed in portions until the complete
ration has been dispensed. In doing so it is envisaged that wastage may be reduced – if an
animal leaves a stall or otherwise does not consume the available ration, only that portion need
be disposed of.
The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithm steps described in
connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented as electronic
hardware, computer software, or combinations of both. In particular, they may be implemented
or performed with a general purpose processor such as a microprocessor, or any other suitable
means known in the art designed to perform the functions described.
The steps of a method or algorithm and functions described in connection with the
embodiments disclosed herein may be embodied directly in hardware, in a software module
executed by a processor, or in a combination of the two. If implemented in software, the
functions may be stored as processor readable instructions or code on a tangible,
James & Wells Ref: 702201/73
non-transitory processor-readable medium – for example Random Access Memory (RAM),
flash memory, Read Only Memory (ROM), hard disks, a removable disk such as a CD ROM, or
any other suitable storage medium known to a person skilled in the art. A storage medium may
be connected to the processor such that the processor can read information from, and write
information to, the storage medium.
In particularly, it is envisaged that a main controller including one or more processors may be
provided to control operation of the feed apparatus and various components thereof. Each
animal feed stall may include a dedicated stall controller. The stall controllers may
communicate with the main controller to coordinate certain functions – for example operation of
a pump in the common supply line by the central controller, while a stall controller
simultaneously opens a stall feed valve for delivery of feed to the stall.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description
which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in
which:
is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary milk feed apparatus;
is a schematic diagram illustrating a first exemplary milk replacer apparatus;
is a schematic diagram illustrating a second exemplary milk replacer apparatus;
is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary animal feeding stall;
is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary control system;
is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method of operating an exemplary
liquid feed system;
is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method of performing a stall wash
cycle;
is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method for mixing and dispensing milk
replacer;
is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method of washing an exemplary milk
replacer apparatus;
is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method of washing an exemplary milk
feed apparatus;
James & Wells Ref: 702201/73
a is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary milk replacer apparatus having
a closed loop configuration and a first type of delivery mechanism to animal
stalls;
b is a schematic diagram illustrating the exemplary milk replacer apparatus having
an open loop configuration;
a is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary milk replacer apparatus having
a closed loop configuration and a second type of delivery mechanism to animal
stalls, and
b is a schematic diagram illustrating the exemplary milk replacer apparatus having
an open loop configuration.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
illustrates a milk feed apparatus 10 for the supply of milk to animal feeding stalls. The
apparatus 10 includes a liquid feed source in the form of a whole milk vat 12. The whole milk
vat 12 may be, for example, a vat into which a milking operation’s milk is delivered for storage –
potentially for transportation to a processing facility in addition to acting as a feed source.
The apparatus 10 includes a milk common supply line 14 connected to the vat 12, providing a
fluid pathway from the vat 12 to a plurality of animal feed stall branch lines 16a to 16n disposed
along the common supply line 14. In this exemplary embodiment, milk feed valves 18a to 18n
are positioned in the respective branch lines 16a to 16n – operation of which will be described
in greater detail below.
Delivery of milk from the vat 12 through common supply line 14 is achieved using main supply
pump 20 and cycle stop valve (CSV) 22. The main supply pump 20 may be, for example, a
peristaltic pump or a centrifugal pump. It should be appreciated that the rating of main supply
pump 20 will be dependent on the size of the system in which it is implemented.
A filter 24 is provided between the vat 12 and the CSV 22, to capture residual sediment in the
milk and prevent its passage into the various valves of the system, and ultimately an animal to
which the milk is fed.
The common supply line 14 is configured as a closed loop, feeding back into the vat 12 though
isolation valve 26 and return valve 28. Where it is desirable to feed unused milk back into the
vat 12, the return valve 28 may be controlled to open the common supply line 14 to the vat 12.
Otherwise, for disposal of the milk or washing fluid, a drain valve 30 is provided for opening the
common supply line 14 to a drain 32.
James & Wells Ref: 702201/73
An elevated section 34 of pipe leads from the drain valve 30 to a chemical wash tank 36, and is
used to prevent free draining of wet leg back to the wash tank 36 on completion of a wash cycle
or following purging of the liquid feed. A hot water inlet 38 and mains supply cold water inlet 40
feed into the wash tank 36 via hot water valve 42 and cold water valve 44 respectively. Acid
detergent supply 46 and alkaline detergent supply 48 also feed into the wash tank 36. A wash
level sensor 50 is used to determine fluid levels within the wash tank 36.
The CSV 22 may be, for example, a 3-port valve controllable to create either a path from vat 12
to pump 20, or from wash tank 36 to pump 20.
illustrates an exemplary milk replacer apparatus 200 for the supply of milk replacer to
animal feeding stalls. The apparatus 200 includes a liquid feed source in the form of a mixing
tank 202.
A hot water inlet 204 and mains supply cold water inlet 206 feed into the mixing tank 202 via
hot water valve 208 and cold water valve 210 respectively, with a pressure relief valve 212 also
provided on the cold water line. It should be appreciated that while not illustrated a pressure
relief valve may also be provided on the hot water inlet dependent on piping configuration. A
spray nozzle 214 into the mixing tank 202 assists with cleaning of the mixing tank 202 in
addition to supplying water for the purposes of mixing milk replacer.
A milk replacer hopper 216 stores powdered milk replacer, desired quantities of which are fed
into the mixing tank 202 using auger 218. A powder sensor 220, for example a proximity
sensor or paddlewheel flow sensor, is located at the outlet of the hopper 216 to confirm the
output of product feed into the mixing tank 202. A hopper level sensor 222, for example a
ultrasonic range sensor to measure distance to the surface of the powder or a load measuring
device to determine weight, may also fitted to hopper to give indication of product remaining.
A fluidiser such as vibrator 224 is used to keep the powdered milk replacer fluid for ease of
dispensing and to prevent ‘powder bridging’ of product inside the hopper 216. The vibrator 224
could be substituted for, or used in conjunction with, a mixer paddle arrangement inside hopper
216.
Lid switch 226 may be used to electrically isolate the moving parts inside the hopper 216 upon
opening of lid, for sensing purposes.
Mixing tank level sensor 228 is used to determine when a desired volume of water has been
introduced to the mixing tank 202 (although this may also be controlled via valve 208 or 210
open time – regulated by pressure), while agitator 230 induces fluid flow within the tank 202 to
mix the milk replacer. Level sensor 228 is also used to determine amount of milk replacer
remaining in the tank 202, in order to identify when mixing of a new batch of milk replacer
should be initiated.
James & Wells Ref: 702201/73
The apparatus 200 includes a milk replacer common supply line 232 connected to the mixing
tank 202, providing a fluid pathway from the tank 202 to a plurality of animal feed stall branch
lines 234a to 234n disposed along the common supply line 232. In this exemplary embodiment,
milk replacer feed valves 236a to 236n are positioned in the respective branch lines 234a to
234n – operation of which will be described in greater detail below.
Delivery of milk replacer from the mixing tank 202 through common supply line 232 is achieved
using milk replacer supply pump 238. The common supply line 232 is configured as a closed
loop, feeding back into the tank 202 though a high point 239 to prevent free draining back to
the mixing tank 202 to reduce the likelihood of air locks being created in the system. Isolation
valve 240 and milk replacer drain valve 242 are also provided to control flow through common
supply line 232. Where it is desirable to feed unused milk replacer back into the tank 202, the
isolation valve 240 and drain valve 242 may be controlled to open the common supply line 232
to the tank 202. Otherwise, for disposal of the milk replacer or washing fluid, the drain valve
242 is provided for opening the common supply line 232 to a drain 244.
For cleaning purposes, acid detergent supply 246 and alkaline detergent supply 248 also feed
into the mixing tank 202.
illustrates another exemplary milk replacer apparatus 250 – generally configured in the
manner of milk replacer apparatus 200. Milk replacer apparatus 250 includes a distribution
tank 252 into which mixed milk replacer may be delivered and stored from mixing tank 202 via
valve 254. This enables new batches of milk replacer to be mixed in the mixing tank 202, while
still allowing the distribution of milk replacer to common supply line 232. The volume of milk
replacer in the distribution tank may be measured using level sensor 256, and used in decision
making relating to the mixing of additional batches.
The milk replacer apparatus 250 also includes holding tank 258, connected to common supply
line 232 on either side of the branch lines 234a to 234n via respective diverter valves 260 and
262. Where cleaning in place of the mixing tank 202, distribution tank 252 and common supply
line 232 is desired, residual milk replacer may be pumped into the holding tank 258 and then
isolated until the wash cycle has completed. A holding tank drain valve 264 may be operated to
divert the contents of the holding tank 258 to the drain 244.
In milk replacer apparatus 250, each branch line 234a to 234n is provided with a stall pump
264a to 264n respectively. In embodiments, these pumps 266a to 266n may be used in place
of main pump 238 to draw milk replacer to the branch lines 234a to 234n.
illustrates an animal feeding stall 300 for feeding an animal a liquid feed. The stall 300
includes a feed tank 302 into which milk and milk replacer may be fed via branch lines 16n and
232n illustrated in and and , respectively. In this exemplary
embodiment, the stall 300 is provided with a milk pump 304n and a milk replacer pump 306n for
James & Wells Ref: 702201/73
drawing milk and milk replacer respectively from common lines 14 and 230.
Cold water is also fed into the feed tank 302 from cold water inlet 308 through stall cold water
valve 310, and out of stall spray nozzle 312. The volume of feed within the feed tank 302 may
be determined using feed tank level sensor 314; alternatively the milk and milk replacer will be
metered in via pump of valve operating time. Additives are also introduced using additive
delivery mechanism 316.
Liquid feed is delivered from the feed tank 302 using feed tank valve 318, whereon it is heated
using, for example, oil or water bath heat exchanger 320 to a suitable temperature for
consumption. Subsequent delivery to a drinking teat 322 is controlled by teat valve 324.
First and second rinsing valves 326 and 328 are connected to the cold water inlet 308, and in
conjunction with stall cold water valve 310 enable rinsing of the feeding stall 300. Rinsed water
and/or waste liquid feed from the feed tank 302 may be delivered to stall drain 330 by stall drain
valve 332.
The stall 300 includes a radio frequency identification unit 334 for identification of an animal
presenting itself to feed from the stall 300, with load cell 336 recording weight of the animal.
illustrates an exemplary control system 400 for use with the milk feed apparatus 10, milk
replacer feed apparatus 200 or milk replacer feed apparatus 250, and animal feeding stall 300.
The control system 400 includes a main controller 402 configured to control operation of the
milk feed apparatus 10 and milk replacer feed apparatus 200. The system 400 also includes a
plurality of stall controllers 404a-n, configured to control operation of each respective stall – for
example stall 300.
The main controller 402 and each stall controller 404a-n includes at least one processor and
memory having stored therein instructions which, when executed by the processor(s), causes
the processor(s) to perform the various operations of the controller.
The main controller 402 and stall controllers 404a-n are connected over a communications
network 406 – whether that be, for example, a communications bus (e.g., a CAN bus), a local
area network, the internet, or any other suitable communication technology. While network 406
is illustrated as a single component, it should be appreciated that it may be composed of a
number of sub-networks, potentially operating using distinct technologies – e.g. wired or
wireless, fibre optic or radio.
Information may be retrieved from or stored to a central location, for example from a server 408
having storage unit 410. Such information may include, for example, details of an animal
associated with a unique identification, a customised feed recipe for that animal, current details
of the animal such as weight, and factors such as time of accessing the feed stall and/or
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quantity of feed consumed and feed habits. It should be appreciated that this functionality may
be performed by a local work station 412. Further, such information may be accessed by the
workstation 412 or a mobile user device 414 in order to monitor operations of the system.
It should also be appreciated that an individual stall controller, for example stall controller 404n,
may also be configured to store all animal information related to that stall – effectively operating
as an independent unit if required.
illustrates a method 500 of operating a feed system including the milk feed apparatus
, milk replacer feed apparatus 250, animal feeding stall 300 and control system 400. It
should be appreciated that while the method 500 is described with reference to milk replacer
feed apparatus 250, a number of the steps will still apply to milk replacer apparatus 200.
The method includes, at step 502, awaiting animal presenting itself to the stall 300, and
identifying that animal using radio frequency identification (RFID) unit 334 in step 504. In step
506 the stall controller 404n requests, and is supplied with, individual feed ration data from the
main controller 402 or the server 408 for the identified animal – particularly whether the animal
is permitted any further ration at this point in time.
In step 508 the stall controller 404n determines whether the animal remains in the stall 300, and
if so determines the required mix of constituents forming the basis of the animal’s ration in step
510 – for example the volume of milk, milk replacer, water, and additives.
In step 512 the stall controller 404n checks that milk and milk replacer are available from the
vat 12 and distribution tank 252 respectively. Where they are, stall pumps 304n and 306n are
operated for a set period of time to fill feed tank 302 with the desired quantities of milk and milk
replacer in step 514. Similarly, stall cold water valve 310 and additive delivery mechanism 316
are controlled to add those ingredients to the feed tank 302.
In step 516, feed tank level sensor 314 is used to determine whether the feed tank 302 has
been filled with the desired ration. If the level remains low, a subroutine testing for no feed
supply or a faulty level sensor is run in step 518. If the level is that expected, in step 520 the
stall controller 404n awaits consumption of the ration.
If a new animal is detected as entering the stall in step 522, or feeding time is determined to
exceed a predetermined period (for example, 30 minutes) in step 524, the remaining feed is
dumped to drain 330 in step 526.
In step 528, the level of the feed tank 302 is monitored. If the level remains high, the time
elapsed since step 526 was initiated is monitored in step 530. If this exceeds a predetermined
period (for example, two minutes), it is assumed that the level 314 is malfunctioning, and the
stall is locked out of operation in step 532.
James & Wells Ref: 702201/73
If the level trips low in step 528, it is determined in step 534 that the animal is not feeding. This
is logged before the system is sent to a stall wash cycle in step 600.
Where the level trips low before timing out, the ration portion as logged as having been
consumed by the animal in step 536. If an additional ration portion is determined to be
available, the process returns to step 510. Otherwise, the feed tank 302 is filled with water in
step 540 and the animal permitted access to the water until the tank 302 level trips low, or a
predetermined time is reached. At this point, feed tank valve 318 and teat valve 324 are
closed, and the system enters stall wash cycle 600.
illustrates a method 600 of performing a stall wash cycle. In step 602, the level of feed
tank 302 is checked. If the level is high, the feed tank 302 is drained by opening feed tank
valve 318 and drain valve 332 in step 604. A timer is initiated in step 606, if the level trips in
step 608 low before the time expires, the feed tank 302 is filled with cold water in step 610.
The level of the feed tank 302 is monitored – if it remains low for a predetermined period of
time, a test for availability of the water supply or a fault in the level sensor 314 is initiated in step
614.
Otherwise, once the level sensor 314 indicates that the fill is complete, a high pressure flush of
the coil of heat exchanger 320 is performed in step 616 by opening the first rinsing valve 326
for a predetermined period of time (for example, five seconds), and opening drain valve 332.
This flush 616 may also be performed in the event that the timer in step 606 times out.
Following step 616, second rinsing valve 328 is opened for a predetermined period of time (for
example, five seconds) to flush out the line leading to teat 322 in step 618.
In step 620, the RFID unit 334 is used to determine whether an animal is present in the stall
300. If not, drain valve 332 is closed, and teat valve 324 and second rinsing valve 328 are
opened to flush out the teat 322 in step 622. If an animal is detected as being in the stall 300 in
step 620, step 622 is bypassed and step 624 performed – in which first rinsing valve 326 and
feed tank valve 318 are opened, and drain valve 332 closed, to conduct a reverse flush of the
outlet from the feed tank 302.
In step 626 the feed tank 302 is opened to the drain 330, followed by a second flush of the heat
exchanger 320 in step 628.
In step 630 the stall 300 is checked for the presence of an animal, and if no animal is present
feed tank valve 318, teat valve 324, and drain valve 332 are all opened in step 632. If an
animal is present, feed tank valve 318 and drain valve 332 are opened in step 634, while teat
valve 324 is not.
James & Wells Ref: 702201/73
If the feed tank 302 has not failed to drain in step 636, the stall is designated as ready to
dispense liquid feed (for example by operating method 500). In the event the feed tank 302
has failed to drain, the level is monitored in step 640, and if high logs an error in step 642
indicating that a blockage has occurred, or the level sensor 314 is malfunctioning.
If the level is low, the stall controller 404n determines whether a failure to drain has previously
been recorded in step 644. If it has, the method proceeds to step 642. If not, the system is
returned to step 610 for another cycle.
illustrates a method 700 for mixing and dispensing milk replacer using milk replacer
apparatus 250 of . If a process associated with the milk replacer apparatus 250 has
previously been disabled, method 700 is initiated in step 702. If a hot wash for the apparatus
250 is determined to have been queued in step 704, in step 706 it is determined whether this is
the first time a hot wash has been queued – i.e. before dispensing of milk replacer. If not, in
step 708 a timer is initiated to allow for remaining milk replacer to be consumed before
progressing to a wash cycle 800 of the milk replacer apparatus 250 – which will be described
below in relation to If this is the first hot wash, step 708 is bypassed.
After completion of the wash cycle 800, or if a hot wash is not queued in step 704, filling of the
mixing tank 202 with cold water is initiated in step 716. The level is monitored in step 718, and
if filling times out in step 720 a test is conducted to check for availability of water supply or
malfunction of the level sensor in step 722.
Where the mixing tank 202 is filled to the desired level, in step 724 milk replacer powder is
dispensed to the mixing tank 202 and mixed for the appropriate length of time, and then
released to distribution tank 252.
In step 726 it is determined whether this is the first time the present batch of milk replacer has
been cycled through the common supply line 232. If so, milk replacer is cycled through the
common supply line 230 using pump 238, and an accumulative timer for the milk replacer is
initiated in step 728.
If the accumulative timer has not been completed in step 730, the process returns to step 704
when the level of milk replacer in the distribution tank 252 is low. If it is determined in step 726
that this is not the first time the present batch of milk replacer has been cycled through the
common supply line 232, step 728 is bypassed.
Once the accumulative timer has completed, the pump 238 is run on a duty cycle, making milk
replacer available on the common supply line 232 in step 732.
illustrates a method 800 of washing milk replacer apparatus 250. In step 802 it is
determined that stalls (for example stall 300) is ready for a cold water wash cycle. In step 804
milk replacer is transferred to holding tank 258 by opening diverter valve 262 and operating
James & Wells Ref: 702201/73
pump 238.
In step 806 the level of the distribution tank 252 is monitored, and if the level remains high while
timing out in step 808, a flag is set in step 810 indicating that a tank has failed to drain before
an error message is logged and sent regarding malfunction of the pump 238 or a level sensor.
If the level of the distribution tank 252 is determined to be low in step 806, a timer is initiated in
step 812 to allow time for the common supply line 232 to be emptied. On completion of the
timer, in step 814 it is determined whether a hot or cold wash cycle is to be performed.
In step 816 or step 818, the mixing tank 202 is filled with cold or hot water respectively, with
detergent being added in step 818. In step 820, when a low level of water is reached the
agitator 230 is started. When a high level is reached in step 822, filling of the mixing tank is
stopped, and valve 254 opened to drain mixing tank 202. Once the mixing tank level reaches a
low point, the lines are purged in step 824 by operating pump 238 for a predetermined period of
time. In step 826, if it is determined that a predetermined period of time for the current cycle
has not completed, the process returns to step 814. If the time has lapsed, the agitator 230
and pump 238 are stopped in step 828.
In step 830 the stalls are rinsed, for example using method 600. In step 832 it is determined if
all stalls have been washed based on a stall count bit set in software. If not, in step 834 it is
determined if the distribution tank level is high – if so the stall count is incremented in step 836
and the process returns to step 830. If the distribution tank level is low, in step 838 it is
determined whether a cold or hot wash is to be performed, and in steps 840 and 842 the mixing
tank 202 is filled with cold or hot water respectively, with detergent being added in step 842.
Once the mixing tank 202 level reaches a high level, filling is stopped and agitator 230 is
operated for a predetermined period of time (for example five seconds). In step 846 the valve
254 is opened, and mixing tank 202 drained into distribution tank 252 before the stall count is
incremented in step 836.
Once the last stall is determined as having been through the cycle in step 832, the mixing tank
202 is drained in step 848. If the mixing tank 202 fails to register as being drained, in step 810
the fail to drain flag is set and error message logged/transmitted.
Otherwise, in step 850 it is determined whether a further wash cycle is to be completed, and if
so the process returns to step 814. For example, it may be desirable to perform a cold water
flush, followed by a hot water wash.
If no further wash is required, in step 852 milk replacer is transferred from the holding tank 258
to the distribution tank 252, before the milk replacer apparatus 250 is returned to its mixing
routine (for example method 700) in step 854.
illustrates a method 900 of washing milk apparatus 10. In step 902 it is determined that
James & Wells Ref: 702201/73
stalls (for example stall 300) is ready for a cold water wash cycle. In step 904 milk is drained
from the common supply line 14 to the vat 12 by opening return valve 28 and operating pump
. The pump 20 is run for a predetermined period of time to flush milk into the vat in step 906.
In step 908 a cold water flush of the system is performed by filling wash tank 36 with cold water
and running the pump 20 to run water through common supply line 14 to the drain 32. On
completion of the flush cycle 908, in step 910 it is determined whether a hot or cold wash cycle
is to be performed. For example, a sequence of wash cycles – such as cold, hot, cold – may
be performed.
In step 912 or step 914, the wash tank 36 is filled with cold or hot water respectively, with
detergent being added in step 914. In step 916, when a high level of water is reached filling is
stopped, and pump 20 operated until a low level is reached in the wash tank 36 is reached. In
step 918, if it is determined that a predetermined period of time for the current cycle has not
completed, the process returns to step 910. If the time has lapsed, the pump 20 is stopped in
step 920.
In step 922 the stalls are rinsed, for example using method 600. In step 924 it is determined if
all stalls have been washed based on a stall count bit set in software. If not, in step 926 it is
determined if the wash tank 36 level is high – if so the stall count is incremented in step 928
and the process returns to step 922. If the wash tank 36 level is low, in step 930 it is
determined whether a cold or hot wash is to be performed, and in steps 932 and 934 the wash
tank 36 is filled with cold or hot water respectively, with detergent being added in step 934.
Once the wash tank 36 level reaches a high level filling is stopped in step 936, and the stall
count is incremented in step 928.
Once the last stall is determined as having been through the cycle in step 924, the wash tank
36 is drained in step 938. If the mixing tank 36 fails to register as being drained, in step 940
the fail to drain flag is set and error message logged/transmitted.
Otherwise, in step 942 it is determined whether a further wash cycle is to be completed, and if
so the process returns to step 912. For example, it may be desirable to perform a cold water
flush, followed by a hot water wash.
If no further wash is required, in step 944 a reset is performed and drain valve 30 closed and
pump 20 turned off, before the milk replacer apparatus 250 is returned to its mixing routine (for
example method 700) in step 946.
a shows an exemplary general structure for a liquid feed apparatus 1000a, including a
feed tank 1002 connected to a common supply line 1004 having a closed loop portion 1006
connecting back to feed tank 1002. Main pump 1008 is provided to deliver milk from the tank
1002, although it should be appreciated that gravity may be used to fill the common supply line
James & Wells Ref: 702201/73
1004.
Branch lines 1010a-n connect the common supply line 1004 to animal feed stalls (not
illustrated). Each feed stall includes a transfer pump 1012a-n for extracting feed from the
supply line 1004. Volume may be controlled based on pump runtime, or level detection in a
feed tank of the stall into which the liquid feed is delivered.
b shows an exemplary general structure for a liquid feed apparatus 1000b having a
similar configuration to apparatus 1000a – but without loop portion 1006 connecting back to
feed tank 1002.
a shows an exemplary general structure for a liquid feed apparatus 1100a, including a
feed source tank 1102 connected to a common supply line 1104 having a closed loop portion
1106 connecting back to feed source tank 1102. Main pump 1108 is provided to deliver milk
from the tank 1102, although it should be appreciated that gravity may be used to fill the
common supply line 1104.
Branch lines 1110a-n connect the common supply line 1104 to animal feed stalls (not
illustrated). Each feed stall includes a feed valve 1112a-n which may be opened to drain feed
from the supply line 1104. Volume may be controlled based on pump 1108 runtime, feed valve
1112a-n open time, or level detection in a feed tank of the stall into which the liquid feed is
delivered.
In order to prevent liquid feed from being directed back into the feed source tank 1102 via the
closed loop portion 1106, as opposed to through open feed valve(s) 1112a-n, an isolation valve
1114 may be closed while the feed valve 1112a-n is open.
b shows an exemplary general structure for a liquid feed apparatus 1100b having a
similar configuration to apparatus 1100a – but without loop portion 1106 connecting back to
feed source tank 1102.
Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be
appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the
scope thereof as defined in the appended claims.
James & Wells Ref: 702201/73
Claims (6)
1. A feed system for delivering liquid feed to animals including: a feed apparatus, including: a plurality of liquid feed sources, wherein one of the liquid feed sources includes a milk vessel, and another of the liquid feed sources includes a milk replacer system; a plurality of common supply lines, each connected to one of the liquid feed sources; wherein the milk replacer system includes: a mixing vessel in which the milk replacer is mixed; and a distribution vessel which receives mixed milk replacer from the mixing vessel, and is connected to the common supply line associated with the milk replacer system, and a holding vessel into which milk replacer may be diverted from the common supply line associated with the milk replacer system; and a plurality of animal feeding stalls having a fluid connection to each of the common supply lines along their lengths.
2. A feed system as claimed in claim 1, including a controller configured to control delivery of liquid feed from each of the liquid feed sources to one of the animal feeding stalls to provide an individual feed ration.
3. A feed system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the controller is configured to deliver the individual feed ration in portions.
4. A feed system as claimed in either claim 2 or claim 3, including an animal identification device, wherein the controller is configured to determine the individual feed ration for an animal identified while seeking to receive feed at the stall.
5. A feed system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least one common supply line is connected to its associated liquid feed source in a closed loop.
6. A feed system as claimed in claim 5, including a supply line isolation valve positioned between the last animal feed stall along the common supply line and the liquid feed source. James & Wells Ref:
Priority Applications (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
NZ628194A NZ628194B (en) | 2014-08-01 | A feed apparatus and system | |
PCT/NZ2015/050100 WO2016018162A2 (en) | 2014-08-01 | 2015-07-31 | A feed apparatus and system |
US15/501,048 US10426136B2 (en) | 2014-08-01 | 2015-07-31 | Feed apparatus and system |
AU2015297053A AU2015297053B2 (en) | 2014-08-01 | 2015-07-31 | A feed apparatus and system |
EP15827438.1A EP3174385B1 (en) | 2014-08-01 | 2015-07-31 | A feed apparatus and method |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
NZ628194A NZ628194B (en) | 2014-08-01 | A feed apparatus and system |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
NZ628194A NZ628194A (en) | 2016-02-26 |
NZ628194B true NZ628194B (en) | 2016-05-27 |
Family
ID=
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