NZ722336B2 - Method and apparatus for monitoring nutrition, especially fermentation in a rumen of a ruminant - Google Patents
Method and apparatus for monitoring nutrition, especially fermentation in a rumen of a ruminant Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- NZ722336B2 NZ722336B2 NZ722336A NZ72233615A NZ722336B2 NZ 722336 B2 NZ722336 B2 NZ 722336B2 NZ 722336 A NZ722336 A NZ 722336A NZ 72233615 A NZ72233615 A NZ 72233615A NZ 722336 B2 NZ722336 B2 NZ 722336B2
- Authority
- NZ
- New Zealand
- Prior art keywords
- rumen
- carbon dioxide
- dissolved carbon
- concentration
- value
- Prior art date
Links
- 210000004767 rumen Anatomy 0.000 title claims abstract description 136
- 241000282849 Ruminantia Species 0.000 title claims abstract description 40
- 230000004151 fermentation Effects 0.000 title claims abstract description 32
- 238000000855 fermentation Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 32
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 29
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 27
- 235000016709 nutrition Nutrition 0.000 title claims abstract description 20
- 230000035764 nutrition Effects 0.000 title claims abstract description 15
- CURLTUGMZLYLDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon dioxide Chemical compound O=C=O CURLTUGMZLYLDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 219
- 229910002092 carbon dioxide Inorganic materials 0.000 claims abstract description 111
- 239000001569 carbon dioxide Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 98
- 210000003660 reticulum Anatomy 0.000 claims abstract description 13
- 230000002596 correlated effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 9
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims description 33
- OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon Chemical compound [C] OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 10
- 229910052799 carbon Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 10
- 229910001220 stainless steel Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000010935 stainless steel Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 208000010444 Acidosis Diseases 0.000 abstract description 28
- 230000007950 acidosis Effects 0.000 abstract description 22
- 208000026545 acidosis disease Diseases 0.000 abstract description 22
- 235000013365 dairy product Nutrition 0.000 abstract description 11
- VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N methane Chemical compound C VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 37
- 241001465754 Metazoa Species 0.000 description 33
- 230000001580 bacterial effect Effects 0.000 description 26
- 230000012010 growth Effects 0.000 description 24
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 24
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 description 24
- 235000005911 diet Nutrition 0.000 description 22
- 230000037213 diet Effects 0.000 description 22
- 235000013336 milk Nutrition 0.000 description 22
- 239000008267 milk Substances 0.000 description 22
- 210000004080 milk Anatomy 0.000 description 22
- 241000283690 Bos taurus Species 0.000 description 18
- 235000015097 nutrients Nutrition 0.000 description 16
- QTBSBXVTEAMEQO-UHFFFAOYSA-N Acetic acid Chemical compound CC(O)=O QTBSBXVTEAMEQO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 14
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 description 14
- 244000144980 herd Species 0.000 description 14
- 241000894006 Bacteria Species 0.000 description 13
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 11
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 10
- BVKZGUZCCUSVTD-UHFFFAOYSA-M Bicarbonate Chemical compound OC([O-])=O BVKZGUZCCUSVTD-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 9
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 8
- 239000012528 membrane Substances 0.000 description 8
- XBDQKXXYIPTUBI-UHFFFAOYSA-N dimethylselenoniopropionate Natural products CCC(O)=O XBDQKXXYIPTUBI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 7
- 230000006872 improvement Effects 0.000 description 7
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 description 7
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 6
- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 description 6
- JVTAAEKCZFNVCJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N lactic acid Chemical compound CC(O)C(O)=O JVTAAEKCZFNVCJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 6
- 238000001745 non-dispersive infrared spectroscopy Methods 0.000 description 6
- 208000019180 nutritional disease Diseases 0.000 description 6
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 5
- 230000033001 locomotion Effects 0.000 description 5
- 229920001343 polytetrafluoroethylene Polymers 0.000 description 5
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 5
- 208000011580 syndromic disease Diseases 0.000 description 5
- 206010027417 Metabolic acidosis Diseases 0.000 description 4
- 208000003826 Respiratory Acidosis Diseases 0.000 description 4
- 210000003165 abomasum Anatomy 0.000 description 4
- 230000029087 digestion Effects 0.000 description 4
- 201000010099 disease Diseases 0.000 description 4
- 208000037265 diseases, disorders, signs and symptoms Diseases 0.000 description 4
- 235000021050 feed intake Nutrition 0.000 description 4
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000000338 in vitro Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000002503 metabolic effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- IUVKMZGDUIUOCP-BTNSXGMBSA-N quinbolone Chemical compound O([C@H]1CC[C@H]2[C@H]3[C@@H]([C@]4(C=CC(=O)C=C4CC3)C)CC[C@@]21C)C1=CCCC1 IUVKMZGDUIUOCP-BTNSXGMBSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 230000005855 radiation Effects 0.000 description 4
- 239000000523 sample Substances 0.000 description 4
- 208000007976 Ketosis Diseases 0.000 description 3
- PVNIIMVLHYAWGP-UHFFFAOYSA-N Niacin Chemical compound OC(=O)C1=CC=CN=C1 PVNIIMVLHYAWGP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 238000009825 accumulation Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000003698 anagen phase Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000006227 byproduct Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 3
- 150000002500 ions Chemical class 0.000 description 3
- 230000004140 ketosis Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000004310 lactic acid Substances 0.000 description 3
- 235000014655 lactic acid Nutrition 0.000 description 3
- 235000013372 meat Nutrition 0.000 description 3
- 235000021243 milk fat Nutrition 0.000 description 3
- 235000019260 propionic acid Nutrition 0.000 description 3
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 description 3
- FERIUCNNQQJTOY-UHFFFAOYSA-N Butyric acid Natural products CCCC(O)=O FERIUCNNQQJTOY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 206010058314 Dysplasia Diseases 0.000 description 2
- 206010015137 Eructation Diseases 0.000 description 2
- 230000005526 G1 to G0 transition Effects 0.000 description 2
- 102000014171 Milk Proteins Human genes 0.000 description 2
- 108010011756 Milk Proteins Proteins 0.000 description 2
- 238000004458 analytical method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000872 buffer Substances 0.000 description 2
- BVKZGUZCCUSVTD-UHFFFAOYSA-N carbonic acid Chemical compound OC(O)=O BVKZGUZCCUSVTD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000007795 chemical reaction product Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000005260 corrosion Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000007797 corrosion Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000034994 death Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000009792 diffusion process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 235000019621 digestibility Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000002708 enhancing effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000036541 health Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000037353 metabolic pathway Effects 0.000 description 2
- 235000021239 milk protein Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000005457 optimization Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000002572 peristaltic effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- -1 polytetrafluorethylene Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000000047 product Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000009467 reduction Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000002699 waste material Substances 0.000 description 2
- RZVAJINKPMORJF-UHFFFAOYSA-N Acetaminophen Chemical compound CC(=O)NC1=CC=C(O)C=C1 RZVAJINKPMORJF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000002028 Biomass Substances 0.000 description 1
- NLZUEZXRPGMBCV-UHFFFAOYSA-N Butylhydroxytoluene Chemical compound CC1=CC(C(C)(C)C)=C(O)C(C(C)(C)C)=C1 NLZUEZXRPGMBCV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 241000283707 Capra Species 0.000 description 1
- UFHFLCQGNIYNRP-UHFFFAOYSA-N Hydrogen Chemical compound [H][H] UFHFLCQGNIYNRP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 241001494479 Pecora Species 0.000 description 1
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000004809 Teflon Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920006362 Teflon® Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 210000000683 abdominal cavity Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 230000002159 abnormal effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010521 absorption reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000184 acid digestion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002378 acidificating effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001154 acute effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000654 additive Substances 0.000 description 1
- VREFGVBLTWBCJP-UHFFFAOYSA-N alprazolam Chemical compound C12=CC(Cl)=CC=C2N2C(C)=NN=C2CN=C1C1=CC=CC=C1 VREFGVBLTWBCJP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000002518 antifoaming agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000013459 approach Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000015278 beef Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008238 biochemical pathway Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005842 biochemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004071 biological effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000008280 blood Substances 0.000 description 1
- 210000004369 blood Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 238000009395 breeding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001488 breeding effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000007853 buffer solution Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004364 calculation method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000032823 cell division Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000003977 dairy farming Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000013016 damping Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000011161 development Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000018109 developmental process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000006047 digesta Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000009977 dual effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000005670 electromagnetic radiation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000011156 evaluation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009472 formulation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 1
- 210000001035 gastrointestinal tract Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 239000005431 greenhouse gas Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000036571 hydration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006703 hydration reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052739 hydrogen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000001257 hydrogen Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000001727 in vivo Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000011065 in-situ storage Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000011534 incubation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000010354 integration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 150000002576 ketones Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000002032 lab-on-a-chip Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000004213 low-fat Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000013178 mathematical model Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000002156 mixing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000001320 near-infrared absorption spectroscopy Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000021049 nutrient content Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000021238 nutrient digestion Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000003170 nutritional factors Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000000291 postprandial effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002035 prolonged effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000018102 proteins Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 102000004169 proteins and genes Human genes 0.000 description 1
- 108090000623 proteins and genes Proteins 0.000 description 1
- 230000001105 regulatory effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000029058 respiratory gaseous exchange Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000022676 rumination Effects 0.000 description 1
- 208000015212 rumination disease Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 230000036186 satiety Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000019627 satiety Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 229920006395 saturated elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 150000004666 short chain fatty acids Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 239000004460 silage Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000243 solution Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000006641 stabilisation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000013589 supplement Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000014616 translation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001960 triggered effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; CARE OF BIRDS, FISHES, INSECTS; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
- A01K1/00—Housing animals; Equipment therefor
- A01K1/12—Milking stations
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; CARE OF BIRDS, FISHES, INSECTS; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
- A01K11/00—Marking of animals
- A01K11/006—Automatic identification systems for animals, e.g. electronic devices, transponders for animals
- A01K11/007—Boluses
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; CARE OF BIRDS, FISHES, INSECTS; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
- A01K29/00—Other apparatus for animal husbandry
- A01K29/005—Monitoring or measuring activity, e.g. detecting heat or mating
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B2503/00—Evaluating a particular growth phase or type of persons or animals
- A61B2503/40—Animals
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/0002—Remote monitoring of patients using telemetry, e.g. transmission of vital signals via a communication network
- A61B5/0031—Implanted circuitry
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/01—Measuring temperature of body parts ; Diagnostic temperature sensing, e.g. for malignant or inflamed tissue
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/07—Endoradiosondes
- A61B5/073—Intestinal transmitters
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/145—Measuring characteristics of blood in vivo, e.g. gas concentration, pH value; Measuring characteristics of body fluids or tissues, e.g. interstitial fluid, cerebral tissue
- A61B5/14539—Measuring characteristics of blood in vivo, e.g. gas concentration, pH value; Measuring characteristics of body fluids or tissues, e.g. interstitial fluid, cerebral tissue for measuring pH
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/42—Detecting, measuring or recording for evaluating the gastrointestinal, the endocrine or the exocrine systems
- A61B5/4222—Evaluating particular parts, e.g. particular organs
- A61B5/4238—Evaluating particular parts, e.g. particular organs stomach
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/68—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient
- A61B5/6846—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient specially adapted to be brought in contact with an internal body part, i.e. invasive
- A61B5/6847—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient specially adapted to be brought in contact with an internal body part, i.e. invasive mounted on an invasive device
- A61B5/6861—Capsules, e.g. for swallowing or implanting
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N21/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
- G01N21/17—Systems in which incident light is modified in accordance with the properties of the material investigated
- G01N21/25—Colour; Spectral properties, i.e. comparison of effect of material on the light at two or more different wavelengths or wavelength bands
- G01N21/31—Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry
- G01N21/35—Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry using infrared light
- G01N21/3504—Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry using infrared light for analysing gases, e.g. multi-gas analysis
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N21/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
- G01N21/17—Systems in which incident light is modified in accordance with the properties of the material investigated
- G01N21/25—Colour; Spectral properties, i.e. comparison of effect of material on the light at two or more different wavelengths or wavelength bands
- G01N21/31—Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry
- G01N21/35—Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry using infrared light
- G01N21/3577—Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry using infrared light for analysing liquids, e.g. polluted water
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N21/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
- G01N21/17—Systems in which incident light is modified in accordance with the properties of the material investigated
- G01N21/59—Transmissivity
- G01N21/61—Non-dispersive gas analysers
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N33/00—Investigating or analysing materials by specific methods not covered by groups G01N1/00 - G01N31/00
- G01N33/0004—Gaseous mixtures, e.g. polluted air
- G01N33/0009—General constructional details of gas analysers, e.g. portable test equipment
- G01N33/0027—General constructional details of gas analysers, e.g. portable test equipment concerning the detector
- G01N33/0036—Specially adapted to detect a particular component
- G01N33/004—Specially adapted to detect a particular component for CO, CO2
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04B—TRANSMISSION
- H04B7/00—Radio transmission systems, i.e. using radiation field
- H04B7/24—Radio transmission systems, i.e. using radiation field for communication between two or more posts
Abstract
Method for monitoring nutrition, especially fermentation in a rumen of a ruminant, wherein a characteristic value of carbon dioxide inside the rumen and/or reticulum is determined. A bolus system (1) is provided for measuring dissolved carbon dioxide in the rumen of the ruminant, such as a dairy cow, using a near dispersive infrared sensor (2). Dissolved C02 is correlated with pH and rumen acidosis can be detected. The bolus (1) is permanently implanted in the rumen and data are transmitted wirelessly. The system can be used in a milking parlor. , using a near dispersive infrared sensor (2). Dissolved C02 is correlated with pH and rumen acidosis can be detected. The bolus (1) is permanently implanted in the rumen and data are transmitted wirelessly. The system can be used in a milking parlor.
Description
Method and apparatus for monitoring nutrition, especially tation in a
rumen of a ruminant
Subject matter of this invention is a method and an apparatus for
ring nutrition, especially fermentation in the rumen of a ruminant
like a cow, a goat, a sheep and the like.
Ruminants are in many countries of the world used to produce milk and/or
to produce meat. Both the milk and the meat production per ruminant have
increased significantly over the last decades. Responsible for this rise is on
one hand the c improvement of the ruminants e. g. by breeding and on
the other hand a better understanding of the nutritional ements of the
cattle. In particular, in larger herds of dairy cattle the feed management of
the herd frequently needs optimization. In particular, acidosis shall be
avoided. Rumen acidosis is understood as an increase in acidity in the
rumen described as a decline of the pH of the rumen content for a period of
time which is enough to have logical consequents on the animal
affected by it. In that regards, metabolic and respiratory acidosis is
tood as the increase in acidity of the blood and other tissues. In
ruminants metabolic and respiratory acidosis is strongly coupled to the
decline in rumen pH. Therefore, attempts were made to measure the rumen
pH value in situ.
Prior art describes a bolus with an included pH meter and a temperature
sensor e.g. in GB 2 455 700 A. This pH sensor functions electrochemically,
i. e. it uses a pH electrode for measuring the pH value. Such a system is
disadvantageous, as the used sensor drifts already after some weeks of use
in the rumen.
Based on this it is an object of the present invention to provide a method
and an tus for ring nutrition, especially fermentation in the
rumen of ruminants. A further object is to monitor the onset of diseases
associated to rumen acidosis.
The method according to the present invention for monitoring nutrition,
especially fermentation in a rumen of a ruminant comprises the step of
determination of a characteristic value of carbon dioxide inside the rumen
and/or reticulum. The determination of the characteristic value can be made
directly or indirectly by measuring a relevant chemical and/or a al
property.
The knowledge of the characteristic value can be used to improve the health
of the ruminant, especially by regulating gas holdup and reduce foam
formation within the rumen. That can be achieved by feeding management
and ration formulation, ally the use of supplements, s,
additives, antifoaming agents or other substances which may be a part of
the feed.
The method according to the present ion for monitoring nutrition in
the rumen of a ruminant comprises the steps of measuring the concentration
of dissolved carbon dioxide as a characteristic value. The concentration of
dissolved carbon dioxide can be used to predict, prevent and control the
onset of rumen acidosis, te rumen acidosis, metabolic and respiratory
acidosis, bloat, al dysplasia, low milk fat syndrome and other
nutritional syndromes and es associated to gas holdup and/or foam
formation in the gastrointestinal tract of ruminants.
The characteristic value, ally the concentration of dissolved carbon
dioxide is preferably ined, ally measured at least at
predetermined times inside the rumen.
The monitoring takes preferably place by a respective bolus. Preferably, the
monitoring takes place in the rumen, reticulum and/or the ventral sac of the
rumen. According to the method the concentration of dissolved carbon
dioxide is measured at least at predetermined times inside the rumen and
the measured concentration of dissolved carbon dioxide is correlated with at
least one respective pH value. The correlation of the concentration of the
dissolved carbon e with at least one respective pH value can for
example be performed by using a predetermined algorithm to calculate the
pH value from the respective concentration of dissolved carbon dioxide or
by using a table with reference values for different couples of
trations of dissolved carbon dioxide and respective pH values. The
term at least one tive pH value can be understood in such a way that
preferably one single pH value can be assigned to one specific
concentration of dissolved carbon dioxide. Nevertheless, depending on the
used system to measure the dissolved carbon dioxide concentration it is
possible that a value range, meaning a range limited by a m and a
maximum pH value, is returned depending on the given concentration of
dissolved carbon dioxide. This means that even in case of given pH ranges
it is always possible to e e.g. a minimum pH value to have a clear
indication of a condition in the rumen that might be dangerous for the
animal with respect to an acidosis.
The rumen of ruminants has a so called biochemical buffer system which
means that a chemical equilibrium between dissolved carbon dioxide,
carbonic acid and hydrogen carbonate ion is given:
(1a)
The on equilibrium is determined by the CO2 hydration constant kh
and the equilibrium constant ka for the reaction between hydrogen
carbonate and carbonic acid. Carbonic acid does not accumulate in solution
but y dissociates into hydrogen and hydrogen carbonate. The
subscripts 1 and 2 used in the above formula are used to entiate
between the forward 1 and reverse 2 reactions. For these the following
ons are known:
and (1b, 1c)
The equilibrium n the dissolved carbon dioxide concentration and
the hydrogen carbonate concentration is governed by the following
equation:
,or, (2a, 2b)
Applying a c logarithm to this equation leads to the following
finding:
, and
Consequently:
This means that the pH can be determined if the trations of dissolved
carbon dioxide, of hydrogen carbonate and the equilibrium constant ka are
known.
It enhances the buffer capacity by providing carbon dioxide to or receiving
carbon dioxide from the dissolved carbon dioxide following
thermodynamic equilibrium. A determination of the carbon dioxide partial
pressure in the above given equation allows the calculation of the
tration of dissolved carbon dioxide.
The relationship between the concentration of dissolved carbon dioxide, the
concentration of the hydrogen carbonate ions and the pH value is given
above. This can be solved for given hydrogen carbonate ion concentrations
to allow to correlate the ed value of dissolved carbon dioxide with at
least one pH value. The range in pH values can be due to a slight variation
in the tration of hydrogen carbonate ions.
The method according to the present invention allows to r the rumen
pH value and/or the rumen dissolved carbon dioxide concentration. This
allows to issue a warning if the pH value falls below a predetermined
threshold, like e. g. a pH value below 6.1. At the same time ably the
measurement times are preferably monitored as well, either in an apparatus
within the rumen or by a transfer to the outside of the animal. This allows to
monitor the time intervals in which ic acidic conditions are present as
it was found that rumen acidosis has been divided according to the
presentation of clinical signs into two: subclinical and clinical acidosis.
There is an increase awareness that not only is necessary to reach certain
threshold of rumen pH but also the length of time below n threshold is
important. Although subclinical acidosis has been defined as an altered
rumen environment where the rumen is below pH5.8 for more than 12h per
day, it has been suggested that the risk of developing subclinical acidosis
increases if the rumen is under pH5.8 for more than 5h per day, maybe
because under those conditions the digestion of fiber and fermentation
become altered.
Clinical rumen acidosis can be divided into acute and subacute. In general,
values below pH5.5 for more than 5h have been shown to produce clinical
signs of subacute acidosis; whereas clinical is is most of the time
associated to values below pH5, which are critical, even for shorter periods
of time.
We were able to estimate the se in dissolved carbon dioxide due to
the decline in rumen pH for that broad physiological range (7 to 5, Figure
2). In this way, the pH threshold bed for optimal bacterial
fermentation (below pH6.6), decline in fiber digestion (below pH5.8), sub-
acute acidosis (below pH5.5) and acidosis (below pH5.0) can be traced to
different dCO2 concentrations 12 to 20, 60, 120 and 380mM, respectively.
Those values for dissolved carbon e relate closely changes in
biological activity of bacteria responsible for fermentation in the rumen and
physiological changes of the rumen epithelia associated the rumen acidosis.
Hence the idea that is dissolved carbon dioxide trations the control
mechanism for the onset of rumen acidosis rather than the associated
decline in rumen pH.
atively or in addition the characteristic value is the pH value. The pH
value can be measured directly be using a pH sensor or ctly by
measuring the dissolved carbon dioxide concentration as ned above.
It is preferred to monitor the concentration of dissolved carbon dioxide at
discrete point of times, preferably in intervals of less than one minute.
Nevertheless, it is possible to change this time al, in particular based
on pre-determined circumstances, e. g. for some time after feeding. This can
be triggered by an outside signal, e. g. from a ication unit
combined with the feeding equipment or the like.
Furthermore, the gathered data can be used to generate information
regarding the efficiency of fermentation in the rumen and the risk of
nutritional diseases, including syndromes and diseases such as subclinical
acidosis, acute acidosis, bloat, abomasal dysplasia, ketosis and others. This
analysis can either be performed in an analysis unit in the apparatus or
outside, after transmission via a first communication unit inside the rumen
and a second communication unit being situated outside the . By this
it is possible to generate specific warning signals for the farmer if specific
criteria, like e. g. a pH of less than 5.8 for 5h per day o for 12h and more
per day or concentrations of dissolved carbon dioxide below 60mM for 5h.
According to an improvement of the method the concentration of dissolved
carbon dioxide is measured using an infrared sensor.
Infrared sensors, i. e. sensors being sensible for electromagnetic radiation in
the infrared regime, in particular active infrared sensors sending out an
ed radiation through a sample and measuring the light after passing
the sample at least once, ly twice or more, by use of at least one
respective mirror, allows a stable ement of the dissolved carbon
dioxide without drift of the measurement values. In particular, internal
calibration standards to avoid a drift of the measurement values can be
provided cumulatively. Preferred is a so called NDIR sensor, a non
sive infrared .
Such a sensor preferably comprises a source of infrared radiation, a sample,
e. g. a filled body made from glass, through which the infrared radiation can
pass and a respective ed detector. Further preferred is the use of a
wave length filter that only allows radiation of a specific wavelength regime
to pass.
Preferably, the sensor comprises a measurement chamber into which the
dissolved carbon dioxide can e, e. g. h a membrane, preferably
a polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE) membrane.
Such an NDIR sensor is easily adaptable to be used in the according method
and can be used with a low consumption of electric energy. This allows to
provide a bolus for oral application to the animal staying permanently in the
rumen of the respective animal. Such sensors allow a bolus lifetime being
longer than the usual life time of dairy or meat cattle and also small
ruminants.
According to a r improvement at least one of the following data
a) the measured concentration of dissolved carbon dioxide and
b) the respective pH value
is transmitted wirelessly to a receiver outside the ruminant.
This can e. g. be performed using a RF (radio frequency) transmitter and
receiver. This allows to collect data about a herd of ruminants tically
and centrally allowing the farmer to easily access the data of his herd. A
respective equipment can e. g. be implemented to a parlor or a g
equipment as respective antennas allowing RF ission.
The use and the transmission of the concentration of dissolved carbon
dioxide allows the monitoring of these data, which can preferably be
performed instead of the monitoring of the pH value in the rumen.
According to a r improvement the pH value is calculated based on a
predetermined relationship between the concentration of the dissolved
carbon dioxide and the pH value.
This relationship can e. g. be derived from the above given equation using a
biochemical model for the concentration profile of the hydrogen carbonate
ions.
According to a further ement the method comprises a measurement
of the temperature in the rumen.
This can further increase the quality of the data provided by the method
according to the present invention as the temperature in the rumen
influences the al bria being the basis of the above-given
equations. Therefore, a r correlation with the temperature in the
rumen during the measurement of the dissolved carbon dioxide is
advantageous.
According to a r aspect of the invention an apparatus for monitoring
nutrition, especially fermentation in the rumen of a ruminant is proposed,
comprising at least the ing units:
a) at least one sensing unit for sensing a characteristic value of
carbon dioxide in the rumen and/or reticulum; and
b) at least one first communication unit for the wireless
communication of data with a respective second
communication unit outside the ruminant, wherein the
apparatus is designed to be orally applied to the ruminant and
to stay permanently in the rumen and/or reticulum.
Preferably the apparatus comprises at least one sensing unit for sensing the
concentration of dissolved carbon e in the rumen. Alternatively or in
addition the tus comprises at least one sensing unit for sensing the
pH value as a characteristic value of carbon e in the rumen and/or
reticulum.
The apparatus is preferably designed as an indwelling probe (a bolus)
having a shape and a size to allow to be orally applied to the animal and to
be resistant to the chemical environment in the rumen. Preferably, the
apparatus ses a battery or an accumulator, in particular an
accumulator that can be reloaded wireless. Alternatively, passive RFID
devices can be used which receive the ary electric energy wirelessly
as well. Such a system is then preferably designed such that it is activated
by the energy transfer to take measurements of the dissolved carbon dioxide
in that instances.
The first communication unit in one embodiment in particular works as a
transmission unit that is able to send data to a receiving unit (the second
communication unit). Generally, the first communication unit preferably
comprises an antenna and a respective RF (radio frequency) unit to allow
transmission and receiving information to and from the second
communication unit with a respective a outside the .
Preferable, the radio frequency transmission might ranges between 999MHz
to 1MHz and between 999 kHz to 1 kHz, ing on damping effect of
the rumen content and the optimal ce transmission between the bolus
and the antenna or receiver.
Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a storage device in which data
can be stored at least for some time. Such storage device comprises
preferably a flash memory or the like. This storage device can be used to
buffer measurement data if no communication with the second
communication unit is temporarily possible, as e. g. the second
communication device is led in a milking parlor and/or in the feeding
environment and the animal is currently outside.
The preferred source of electrical energy is a y. Preferred is a battery
that has an electrical capacity allowing the use of the apparatus more than a
year, in ular more than three years to cover the usual life times of
dairy cattle and beef animals.
If an accumulator is used as a source of electrical energy internal g
means are preferred that convert small movements of the apparatus into
electrical energy. These movements can e. g. be the peristaltic movements
of the animal. Alternatively or in addition means for loading the
accumulator due to a conversion of movement energy to ical energy
can be used.
Preferably, the apparatus has a weight between 65 to 200 grams with a
specific weight of more than 2.75 g/cm3 [gram per cubic eter].
Preferably, the apparatus has a diameter of 20 to 26 mm [millimeter].
Preferably, for use with cattle, the apparatus has a length of 66 to 100 mm.
According to an improvement the sensing unit includes at least one infrared
sensor.
Infrared sensors for measuring the concentration of carbon e have
been proven to be reliable and are available as a lab on a chip to allow to be
implemented in the apparatus according to the t invention. In
particular useful is a NDIR infrared sensor as described above.
The use of an NDIR sensor is advantageous as these sensors have
frequently a very low power consumption which reduces the strain on the
energy provision system of the apparatus, preferably a respective battery.
Preferably, a self calibrating NDIR sensor is used as the g unit.
The sensing unit comprises a ement chamber which is exposed to
rumen gases, preferably by using a membrane being permeable for the
gases. Preferably, this is a membrane comprising polytetrafluorethylene
, sold e. g. under the brand Teflon. These membranes are ble
for carbon dioxide, i. e. allowing carbon dioxide to diffuse from the rumen
and/or reticulum liquid into the measurement chamber but being ably
corrosion resistant to allow the apparatus to stay in the rumen liquid and/or
reticulum liquid. Preferably, the membrane is shaped such that the shape of
the whole apparatus is smoothed, in particular in the edge regions to allow
an easier oral application.
According to a further ement the apparatus further comprises a
temperature sensor for sensing the temperature in the rumen and/or
reticulum liquid.
According to a further improvement the apparatus further comprises
correlation means for ating the value of the concentration of dissolved
carbon dioxide with at least one pH value.
According to a further improvement the apparatus further comprises an
encasement made at least in part from stainless steel.
This ensures a reasonable life time of the apparatus in the chemical
environment of the rumen. ably the stainless steel encasement is
covering at least the first communication unit, the sensing unit and a battery
or accumulator. Preferably, the ess steel encasement is combined with
a glass surface to allow sending infrared light from the light source of the
ed light, preferably a tive light emitting diode, into a measuring
r of the sensing unit.
According to a further ement it is suggested for calibrating purposes
to provide the sensing unit with a light source especially a LED of the same
wavelength as the infrared sensor.
According to a further aspect of the present invention a milking parlor,
comprising at least one second communication unit for wireless
communication with a first communication unit in an apparatus ing
to present invention is proposed.
Other features which are considered as characteristic for the invention are
set forth in the appended claims, noting that the features presented
individually in the claims can be combined in any technologically
meaningful way and give rise to additional embodiments of the invention.
We described the use of dissolved carbon dioxide (dCO2) in the rumen of
cattle to monitor and prevent nutritional diseases. In brief, the dissolved
carbon dioxide (dCO2) holdup, in the rumen liquor due to physicochemical
changes and fast fermentation of nutrients might explain many of the
ional diseases and syndromes that are endemic of dairy farming. As a
matter of example:
Rumen Acidosis and SubAcute Rumen is (SARA): The ved
carbon dioxide (dCO2) accumulation due to physicochemical changes in
the rumen liquor will trigger rumen acidosis by reducing bacterial activity,
decline of feed intake and nutrient digestion, prolonged period of high
dissolved carbon e (dCO2) concentrations will mo dify the acid-base
e of the rumen epithelia and increase in CO2 diffusion into the
bloodstream will results in the establishment of metabolic and respiratory
acidosis in cattle.
Abomasal sia: The outflow of gas saturated rumen liquor into the
abomasum (true stomach) will mean that large amount CO2 and CH4 can
be ed in the abomasum after acid digestion, which will displace the
abomasum to abnormal anatomical locations in the abdominal cavity,
condition that has to be surgically corrected.
Bloat: The formation of stable foam in the rumen is a consequence and
manifestation of the ved carbon dioxide (dCO2) holdup due to
physicochemical changes of the rumen liquor during fermentation. Foam
formation and stabilisation in the rumen will t eructation and animals
will become tympanic. The condition, if severe, will lead to death of cattle.
Ketosis: The dissolved carbon dioxide (dCO2) holdu p in the rumen will
generate satiety signals that will limit feed intake, the reduction in nutrients
intake will trigger fat mobilisation and ketone body production, condition
known as ketosis.
Low fat syndrome: The decline in acetic acid in fa vour of propionic acid
production in the rumen will trigger the decline in fat content of the milk.
High dissolved carbon dioxide (dCO2) concentrations in the rumen, on one
hand ate the growth of bacteria that produce large amount of
nic acid. On the other hand enic bacteria will favour other
metabolic pathways reducing acetic acid production.
The tus, particular a wireless nutrition device can monitor the
concentration and evolution of dissolved carbon dioxide (dCO2) in the
rumen. The knowledge of threshold associated to the presentations of these
diseases will allow farmers, nutritionist and consultants to design diets that
promote better rumen fermentation and reduce the prevalence of nutritional
diseases on farm.
The invention, especially the inventive sensing unit as a rumen bolus will
also help nutritionist and farmers to directly monitor rumen fermentation
and will give a first account on feed quality, feeding management and
animal mance by optimising rumen bacterial growth. Farmers will be
able to feed diets that e the right balance of nt and feeding
ruminant at the right time during the day to optimise feed conversion
efficiency and milk production.
Fermentation monitoring with the CO2 sensor is achieved by measuring the
changes and evolution dissolved carbon e (dCO2) concentration in
the rumen liquor. Fermentation is intrinsically related to bacterial growth in
the rumen and bacterial growth follows a known cycle:
The lag phase, early in the development and before cell division;
The exponential or logarithmic growth phase, a constant rate of ial
growth;
The stationary phase, when the exhaustion of nutrients in the media
forces the cease of bacterial growth, and number of viable bacteria
decrease, and.
The decline cell phase (death phase), the number of viable bacteria
decline quickly if more nts are not supply, which make the next
bacterial growth cycle less efficient.
Carbon dioxide evolution rate (CER) is one important parameter to r
fermentation. But CER cannot be ed directly on chemostat (in vitro
culture) due to the technical difficulties to ing dissolved carbon
dioxide (dCO2) measurements. Indirect methods had been developed to
e CER, for instance, the carbon transfer rate (CTR), which monitors
CO2 release on the outlet of the chemostat. But CTR measurements are not
reliable and can be affected by different environmental condition within the
broth (such as pH and viscosity). Changes in these factors mean that
normally dissolved carbon dioxide (dCO2) concentrations can be 33 to 40%
higher than the CO2 concentrations evolving from the broth. For the same
reason, mathematical models and algorithms had been developed to
compensate for the disturbance in in-vitro conditions and made CTR
lent to CER. However, CTR monitoring is not applicable for
monitoring environmental ions in the rumen, e of two reasons:
first, a large proportion of the exhale CO2 in ruminant comes from
respiration, and second, the environmental conditions in the rumen (i.e.
peristaltic movements, eructation, rumination, digesta outflow and
epithelial absorptive mechanisms, for naming few factors).
The direct dissolved carbon dioxide (dCO2) meas urement in the rumen as
proposed invention overcomes all these problems. The dissolved carbon
dioxide (dCO2) sensor is placed inside the rumen liquor which gives a
direct estimation dissolved carbon dioxide (dCO2) concentrations and
evolution. Hence ved carbon dioxide (dCO2), CER and other
parameters to monitor ial growth cycle can be determined. Therefore
post-prandial changes and evolution of dissolved carbon dioxide (dCO2)
concentrations might follow bacterial growth and monitoring dissolved
carbon dioxide (dCO2) trations with an indwelling rumen bolus can
e an te measurement of bacterial fermentation.
The ime monitoring of bacterial fermentation provides an opportunity
to influence, particularly to optimise bacterial growth, for instance by
ng the time between lag phase and exponential growth, or by
identifying when stationary growth phase begins, and/or by avoiding that
rumen tation reaches decline phase of growth. In other words, the
synchronisation of growth cycles will improve the utilization of nutrient
and overall production of by-products. Ultimately, most of the by-products
of rumen bacterial growth are used as a source of energy for milk
production; similarly most of the protein in milk of dairy cattle comes from
the digestion of rumen bacterial cells. ore, optimal rumen bacteria
growth will mean also optimal energy and n availability for milk
production.
The identification and automatic warnings of different phases of bacterial
growth in the rumen can be used by farmers, nutritionist and consultants to
improve feeding management routines. For instance, the addition of feed
(feeding) at these identifying times within the day might provide rumen
bacteria with fresh nutrients and reduce the time between lag phase and
following exponential growth, enhancing bacterial , and the amount
of nt available for digestion and absorption. Therefore, adjusting
feeding management practices e.g. feeding time will improves nutrient
output by synchronising and ing bacterial growth. The
synchronisation of nutrient supply with bacterial growth in the rumen also
has been shown to improve feed intake, feed conversion efficiency, and
milk production in dairy cattle.
Another relevant application could be the use of warning signals due to
changes in bacterial growth to activate automatic feeding equipment (feeder
and push-ups robots) to deliver feed to a specific animal, feeding group or
herd. This can be achieved by itting the ation obtained from
the rumen of animals or group of cows equipped with the system, in realtime
, to a central processing system that will control and activate the
equipment to deliver feed. For that, the system will be designed to transmit
the ation, while the animal is been milked or emitting the
information to receivers conveniently allocated around the barn, i.e. in the
feeding area.
On the other hand, by analysing dissolved carbon dioxide (dCO2) data
transmitted wirelessly from single individual animal, g group or herd,
the best daily routine of feeding for that particular individual or set of
s can be established. These feeding routines can be adjusted, after
few hours of data processing, if changes in diet or component occurs, such
as the opening of new batches of silage or the on of new feed
components. With this information an optimal feed intake can be obtained
and higher milk production with lower nutritional ms might be
achieved.
Monitoring bacterial growth and fermentation using dissolved carbon
dioxide (dCO2) sensors becomes more ant if we think on ring
feed quality and feed composition. The evaluation of feed digestibility for
ruminants can be easily monitored using in vitro gas production system;
they provide an idea of the amount of fermentative material present in the
different components of a ruminant diet. Those systems are based on
measuring the release of gas from the incubation of nutrient in a sealed
container which mimics the in vivo tation in the rumen; CO2 is the
main gas collected using this methodology. Dairy cattle diets also are set
according to the nutrient content of the different components (evaluated
separately); however the quality and quantity of nutrients on those
components are highly variable on farm. Therefore, the mixing and a
particular diet (with several components) do not warrant the provision of
appropriated amount of nutrients for an adequate fermentation and milk
production. This whole problem of quantity and quality of the diet is
worsening by ’s habits of feed selection while feeding.
Indwelling dissolved carbon dioxide (dCO2) rumen bolus and real -time
monitoring of ved carbon dioxide (dCO2) evolution can be used as
live monitoring of the digestibility of ruminant diets in a similar way as the
in vitro system. The is of dual, feeding group and herd
information will provide direct insight on the fermentative quality of the
feed given to those animals. Because the feed information comes from the
true intake of cattle, the ation will reflect better the true nutritional
value of the ration provided to each individual cow and also the whole herd.
For instance, a decline in the rumen exponential growth phase might
indicate that specific diets lack of some of the nutrient required for l
bacterial growth or if the stationary phase is d faster with another
diet, it might suggest that that particular diet is rich in highly fermentative
material, but might lack of the right amount of fiber for an adequate rumen
fermentation. This information can be directly correlated to the milk yield
for a single animal or group of cows (i.e. feeding group) and a clear idea of
the nutrition value of a specific diet for g cattle can be achieved.
In other words, the information collected from a large set of animals within
the herd will help to evaluate the nutritional value of the feed given in that
specific herd or feeding group. Algorithms can be created to generate realtime
warnings of the decline on feed quality or the lack nutrients that might
limit optimal rumen tation (i.e. fiber content of the diet) and milk
tion. Therefore, farmers, nutritionist and consultants will be able to
quickly modify quantities and components to optimise rumen bacterial
growth, increase milk tion and reduce nutritional diseases. As above,
the integration with automatic feeding systems will enable the optimization
of diets in a day by day basis, enhancing milk production and reducing
nutritional diseases on farm.
Changes and saturation of rumen liquor with dissolved carbon dioxide
(dCO2) can limit or change bacterial , bacterial lism and byproducts
of biochemical reactions of bacteria. The real-time monitoring
dissolved carbon dioxide (dCO2) concentr ations will enable to identify
when ent thresholds are reached and different biochemical pathway
might be activated, which might alter the end-products of that reactions. In
similar way high dissolved carbon dioxide (dCO2) concentrat ions might
shift bacteria tions in the rumen to groups that are better adapted to
those environmental conditions; those bacteria might produce different end-
products which in turn might change the overall concentrations of nutrient
in the rumen.
As an example and depending on other environmental conditions (mainly
temperature) the following threshold can be found in the rumen. Optimal
bacterial growth ed dissolved carbon dioxide (dCO2) concentrations
between ~12mM and ~20mM, on those conditions the main product of
fermentation is acetic acid, higher trations (greater than 20mM)
might e propionic acid concentrations (~60mM is optimal for large
production of nic acid in batch systems) and the increase in lactic
acid production (~120mM) might be seen due to excessive dissolved carbon
dioxide (dCO2) accumulation.
A ring of dissolved carbon dioxide (dCO2) concentration in the
rumen liquor will help farmers, nutritionist and consultants, not only to
identify risk health factors such as excessive accumulation of lactic acid and
propionic acid, but also to optimise nic acid (main energy source for
cattle and for milk protein production) and acetic acid production (milk fat
production) to provide optimal milk quality (optimal milk protein/fat ratio).
With this tool farmers, nutritionist and consultants might be able to design
diets that promote better rumen fermentation for optimal milk quality
production and might reduce risk s associated to nutritional diseases.
Algorithms will be ed to monitor in real-time dissolved carbon
dioxide (dCO2) concentration providing relatio nship between short chain
fatty acid concentrations (propionic, acetic, butyric and lactic acid) and
thresholds will be established to correlate these important nutritional factors
with milk quality.
Methane (CH4) is a waste product of fermentation and one of the main
greenhouse gases in the here, by monitoring the methane
trations during fermentation a good indication of amount of e
been produced by a specific animals and/or diet might be obtained. The
dissolved CH4 concentrations can be measured directly with a specific
NIRS sensor for methane and the evolution of methane during the day will
give a good indication of the amount of CH4 e for a certain animal,
group of animals and diets.
The combination of methane sensor information with milk yield data per
individual animals, feeding groups or herds will provide nutritionist and
farmers with the possibility to adapt diets and minimize methane ons.
By g diets that can ed a reduction in methane production
during fermentation farmers could obtain higher feed sion efficiency
(more milk been produced per kg of feed given), or the selection of animals
that digest diets with higher conversion efficiency (producing more
nutrients and less methane).
An indirect approach for measuring conversion efficiency and methane
emissions is by instead measuring dissolved carbon dioxide (dCO2)
concentrations. There is a direct relationship n CO2 and CH4
production in the rumen; Methanogens bacteria e CH4 by reducing
H2 and CO2, this process is optimal at lower dissolved carbon dioxide
(dCO2) concentrations (<60 mM) whereas higher dissolved carbon dioxide
(dCO2) concentrations will tend to reduce CH4 formation, as other
metabolic pathways for energy production might be favour, and/or other
bacteria populations better adapted to thrive in high CO2 conditions replace
Methanogens. Therefore, cataloguing animals between high and low
dissolved carbon dioxide (dCO2) produ cer might find that animals with
higher dissolved carbon dioxide (dCO2) concentrations or daily evolution
tend to e less e and convert feed more efficiently than low
dissolved carbon dioxide (dCO2) emitters.
In a similar way, bacterial populations in the rumen are unique and very
stable for each individual animal, herd or group of animals. Establishment
and maintenance of a particular bacterial population depends on the diet
that animals received, but also on the internal environmental conditions of
the rumen, most remarkably dissolved carbon dioxide (dCO2)
concentration. Hence, fermentation characteristic measured by monitoring
dissolved carbon dioxide (dCO2) concentrations and evolution will indicate
which animals are more ent into maintaining a large biomass of
bacteria that are capable to digest nutrients more efficiently (less waste in
the form of CH4). The relationship between dissolved carbon e
(dCO2) evol ution and milk production of the animal might be a direct
method to estimate fermentative efficiency and an indirect method to
determine high methane emitters.
Algorithms and equations will be created to show, in a clear and consistent
way, differences n and within animals, groups and herds. Similarly,
methane production can be monitored externally and values correlated to
dissolved carbon dioxide (dCO2) co ncentration and evolution measured
directly. By combining CH4 ons (real or estimated), dissolved carbon
dioxide (dCO2) evolution and individual milk inf ormation, we can have a
close approximation on the feed conversion ency and methane
emissions. The information can be used by rs, nutritionist, s
and consultants to select more efficient s (higher conversion feed
efficiency, less methane (CH4) emissions), similarly the information might
be used to select the most efficient diets or nutrients to minimize energy
losses and CH4 ons in a group or herd basis (optimal feed conversion
efficiency for milk production).
Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in a
method and tus for monitoring nutrition, especially fermentation in a
rumen of a ruminant, it is nevertheless not ed to be limited to the
details shown, since s modifications and structural changes may be
made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within
the scope and range of equivalents of the claims.
The construction and method of operation of the invention, however,
together with additional objects and advantages thereof will be best
understood from the following description of specific embodiments when
read in connection with the anying drawings.
Fig. 1 an example of an apparatus for monitoring nutrition in the rumen of
a ruminant;
Fig. 2 an example of a correlation between the concentration of dissolved
carbon dioxide in the rumen and the respective pH values; and
Fig. 3 an example of a milking parlor with a communication unit for to
communicate with an apparatus for ring the pH value in the rumen
of a ruminant.
Fig 1 displays an example of an tus 1 for monitoring nutrition,
especially fermentation in a rumen of a ruminant, wherein a characteristic
value of dissolved carbon dioxide inside the rumen is determined. This
apparatus 1 comprises a sensing unit 2 with a measurement chamber 3. It
further comprises a first communication unit 4. The measurement chamber
3 is limited by a reflecting surface 5. Measurement chamber 3 and
reflecting surface 5 are encased by a PTFE membrane 6 allowing the
diffusion of carbon dioxide dissolved in the rumen liquid surrounding the
apparatus 1 into the measurement chamber 3. There, infrared light is
emitted from a light emitting diode in the sensing unit 2 through a glass
cover 7 into the measurement chamber 3. The light passes the gas in the
measurement chamber 3, is reflected by the ting surface 5 and is
sensed in the sensing unit 2. From the light sensed in the sensing unit 2 the
carbon dioxide t in the measurement chamber 3 can be gathered
following the usual ples of an NDIR . As an equilibrium is
assumed n the gas dissolved in the rumen liquid and in the
measurement chamber 3 this allows the monitoring of the concentration of
dissolved carbon dioxide in the rumen liquid.
The data gathered can be correlated with a pH value by a correlation means
12 being part of a control unit 8 having a memory for storing data. The
control unit 8 can be part of a computing unit and/or can se
integrated ts. The method according to the present invention can
preferably med in or with the control unit 8. The correlated pH value
and/or the concentration of dissolved carbon dioxide can be transmitted to a
– not shown – second communication unit via the first communication unit
4. Furthermore, the apparatus 1 comprises a y 9 for providing
electrical energy to the first communication unit 4, the control unit 8 and
the sensing unit 2. First communication unit 4, battery 9, control unit 8 and
g unit 2 are covered by an encasement 11 made from stainless steel to
take care of possible corrosion problems.
The sensing unit 2 comprises a temperature sensor 10 as well.
Fig. 2 displays one possible correlation between the measured concentration
of dissolved carbon dioxide and the pH value in the rumen liquid. The
measurement of a concentration of dissolved carbon dioxide (shown on the
y-axis of the diagram) is correlated to a range of pH values (shown on the
x-axis of the diagram). This allows to correlate one concentrati on of
dissolved carbon dioxide with a range of pH values. If the effect on the
animal, e. g. regarding acidosis, is monitored based on the measurement
values it is possible to use the minimum pH value of the interval to allow
the correlation with one single pH value which is relevant for the
understanding of a le acidosis to be developed by the animal.
Fig. 3 shows an example of a milking parlor of a ication unit for to
communicate with an apparatus for monitoring the pH-value in the rumen
of a nt. Fig. 3 shows as an example a dairy parlor. The dairy parlor
has different zones for the ruminants. Ruminants 13 can visit for example
the g cable 14, a lying area 15 or an automatic milking system 16 as
examples. Within the dairy parlor there are placed second communication
units 20. The second communication units 20 can contact and ask for
wireless ation to the first communication units which are placed in
the rumen of ruminants. The second communication units 20 communicate
with a l processing system 18. The central processing system 18
being part of a dairy management system. The data which are transmitted to
the central sing system can be processed and analyzed by the central
processing system. Via a wireless connection the data received by the
central processing system be itted for example to a central server 17
or to a farmer’s office 19.
List of reference numerals
1 Apparatus for monitoring the pH value in the rumen of a nt
2 Sensing unit
3 Measurement r
4 first communication unit
reflecting surface
6 PTFE membrane
7 glass cover
8 control unit
9 battery
temperature sensor
11 encasement
12 correlation means
13 ruminant
14 feeding table
lying area
16 automatic milking system
17 central server
18 central processing system
19 farmers office
second communication units
Claims (13)
1. Method for monitoring nutrition, especially fermentation in a rumen 5 of a ruminant, wherein an apparatus comprising at least one sensing unit with a dissolved carbon dioxide (dCO2) sensor and a first ication unit is d orally to the ruminant and stays permanently in the rumen, wherein a teristic value of concentration of dissolved carbon dioxide inside the rumen and/or 10 reticulum is determined by the ved carbon e (dCO2) sensor of the at least one sensing unit, and wherein data of the measured concentration of dissolved carbon dioxide are transmitted wirelessly via the first communication unit to a second communication unit outside the ruminant.
2. Method according to claim 1, wherein the characteristic value is measured at least at predetermined times.
3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the measured 20 concentration of dissolved carbon dioxide is correlated with at least one respective pH value.
4. Method according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the concentration of dissolved carbon dioxide is ed using an infrared sensor.
5. Method according to claim 3, wherein the pH value is calculated based on a predetermined relationship between the concentration of the dissolved carbon dioxide and the pH value.
6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a ement of the temperature in the rumen and/or reticulum. 5
7. Apparatus for monitoring nutrition, especially fermentation in a rumen of a ruminant, comprising at least the following units: a) at least one sensing unit ing at least one dissolved carbon dioxide (dCO2) sensor for sensing a teristic 10 value of concentration of dissolved carbon dioxide in the rumen and/or reticulum; and b) at least one first communication unit for the wireless communication of data of the measured concentration of dissolved carbon dioxide with a respective second 15 communication unit outside the ruminant, wherein the apparatus is designed to be orally applied to the ruminant and to stay ently in the rumen.
8. Apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the sensing unit es at 20 least one infrared sensor for sensing the concentration of dissolved carbon dioxide.
9. Apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, further comprising a temperature sensor for g the temperature in the rumen.
10. Apparatus according to one of claims 7 to 9, further comprising correlation means for correlating the value of the concentration of dissolved carbon dioxide with at least one pH value.
11. Apparatus according to one of claims 7 to 10, further comprising an encasement made at least in part from stainless steel. 5
12. Apparatus according to one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the sensing unit ses a light source ng light of the same wavelength as the infrared sensor.
13. Apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the sensing unit includes a 10 pH sensor in the rumen and/or reticulum. M ) ved CO 2 (m Rumen pH te r p u o m
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
DE102014101875.3A DE102014101875A1 (en) | 2014-02-14 | 2014-02-14 | Method and device for monitoring the diet, in particular the fermentation in the rumen of a ruminant |
DE102014101875.3 | 2014-02-14 | ||
DE102014118535 | 2014-12-12 | ||
DE102014118535.8 | 2014-12-12 | ||
PCT/EP2015/052696 WO2015121220A1 (en) | 2014-02-14 | 2015-02-10 | Method and apparatus for monitoring nutrition, especially fermentation in a rumen of a ruminant |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
NZ722336A NZ722336A (en) | 2021-02-26 |
NZ722336B2 true NZ722336B2 (en) | 2021-05-27 |
Family
ID=
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
AU2019279916B2 (en) | Method and apparatus for monitoring nutrition, especially fermentation in a rumen of a ruminant | |
AU2012269805B2 (en) | System and method for in-rumen monitoring | |
Falk et al. | A comparison of reticular and ruminal pH monitored continuously with 2 measurement systems at different weeks of early lactation | |
Kelly et al. | Repeatability of feed efficiency, carcass ultrasound, feeding behavior, and blood metabolic variables in finishing heifers divergently selected for residual feed intake | |
EP2291072B1 (en) | Method and system for monitoring and reducing ruminant methane production | |
Dijkstra et al. | Rumen sensors: Data and interpretation for key rumen metabolic processes | |
Tagliapietra et al. | Metabolizable energy content of feeds based on 24 or 48 h in situ NDF digestibility and on in vitro 24 h gas production methods | |
KR20180076037A (en) | Inner body stay type sensing apparatus for livestock and feeding system using the same | |
US20150359199A1 (en) | Rapid and automatic determination of metabolic efficiency in livestock | |
González-García et al. | An assessment of walk-over-weighing to estimate short-term individual forage intake in sheep | |
US11857347B2 (en) | Apparatus for monitoring nutrition, especially fermentation in the rumen of a ruminant | |
NZ722336B2 (en) | Method and apparatus for monitoring nutrition, especially fermentation in a rumen of a ruminant | |
Pereira et al. | Integrating spot short-term measurements of carbon emissions and backward dietary energy partition calculations to estimate intake in lactating dairy cows fed ad libitum or restricted | |
CN108779999B (en) | Gas measurement method for batch fermentation and in vitro analysis platform | |
CA2854345A1 (en) | Rapid and automatic determination of metabolic efficiency in livestock | |
Loučka et al. | Using precision livestock farming for dairy herd management. | |
CN114698567B (en) | Accurate and efficient breeding Internet of things system and method for pig farm | |
NL2024138B1 (en) | Self-learning data processing model for quantifying an amount of dry matter absorbed by an individual animal. | |
Ribeiro et al. | Comparison of methods to measure enteric methane emissions from ruminants: an integrative review | |
Gasteiner et al. | Long-term measurement of reticuloruminal pH-value in dairy cows under practical conditions by an indwelling and wireless data transmitting unit | |
CN114554838B (en) | Method and system for controlling daily feed for animals | |
Mottram et al. | Health and welfare monitoring of dairy cows | |
Mottram | Is monitoring rumen pH a routine tool or a seasonal adjustment to new forage quality? | |
TÜRKER et al. | Precision Animal Husbandry Technologies And Applications | |
de Mol et al. | The use of sensor data before parturition as an indicator of resilience of dairy cows in early lactation |