WO2004112605A1

WO2004112605A1 - Body fat measuring instrument for pet

Info

Publication number: WO2004112605A1
Application number: PCT/JP2004/008030
Authority: WO
Inventors: Masayuki Okawa; Tomoshige Umeda; Akira Oshima; Kazuya Otsuji
Original assignee: Kao Corporation
Priority date: 2003-06-19
Filing date: 2004-06-09
Publication date: 2004-12-29

Abstract

An instrument (10) for determining the body fat of a pet by measuring the organism impedance. The instrument (10) comprises a fixing unit (14) and a control/calculation unit (15). The fixing unit (14) has at least two electrode bodies (13) each including a current electrode (11) and a voltage electrode (12) and so holds the electrodes (11, 12) as to be pressed against the armpits, inguinals, or portions of the body where the body hair is thin. The control calculation unit (15) is connected to the electrode bodies (13) to control the currents flowing during the measurement, calculates the body fat from the organism impedance determined by the measured voltage, and includes an impedance measuring circuit. An electrolyte is supported by the body hair present between the body surface of the pet and the surfaces of the electrodes (11, 12).

Description

Specification

Pet body fat measurement tool

Technical field

The present invention relates to a pet body fat measuring device, a pet body fat measuring method, and a pet feeding amount calculating method.

Background art

[0002] Obesity has become a problem due to recent rich food situations. Obesity is now recognized as a major cause of lifestyle-related diseases such as heart disease, arteriosclerosis, high blood pressure, and diabetes.Managing fat accumulation in the body maintains and promotes daily health. It is considered to be important for this purpose, and various body fat scales have been developed for this purpose. As one of such body fat meters, a body fat measuring device based on an impedance method for measuring bioelectrical impedance is known (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0003] In the body fat meter based on the impedance method, the conductivity of water in the body is good. Therefore, when the water content in the body is large, the current easily flows and the electric resistance decreases, while the water content of the body fat is low. Because of the small amount, the conductivity in body fat tissue is poor and the electrical resistance of a person with a lot of body fat increases, so a low-level current is passed through the body to measure the impedance, and the amount of water and fat free in the body The body fat is measured by estimating the amount.

[0004] On the other hand, food conditions are becoming richer for small animals for pets such as dogs and cats. For example, owners who have a strong attachment to pets should keep their dogs and cats from becoming obese. In many cases, it is desired to properly manage the body fat of the animal, control the amount of feed, and maintain and improve the health of dogs and cats. Further, an impedance measuring instrument which applies a body fat measuring method using an impedance method, which has been used for the human body, to livestock, which is an animal, has been disclosed (for example, see Patent Document 2).

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-369806

Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-253523

Non-Patent Document 1: J Appl Physiol. 1991 May; 70 (5): 2039-2044 Disclosure of the invention

[0005] According to the body fat measuring device for animals by the impedance method described in Patent Document 2, since the animal to be measured was a domestic animal such as an edible cattle, it was a small pet animal such as a dog or cat. Simply applying to the above will cause various problems. In other words, since livestock such as edible cattle move slowly, for example, the saddle with the current electrode and voltage electrode attached to the inner surface is placed on the back of the livestock, and the weight is appropriately hung on the saddle. However, although it is possible to easily maintain the state in which each electrode is in contact with the body of a livestock, small animals such as dogs and cats can move quickly, so simply placing a member corresponding to the saddle on the back, It is difficult to keep each electrode in contact with the body because it has shifted or dropped.

[0006] Furthermore, since livestock such as edible cattle have little or short hair covering the body surface, it is easy to bring each electrode surface into close contact with the body surface simply by pressing each electrode against the body. However, since small animals such as dogs and cats are covered with many long hairs, it is difficult to bring each electrode surface into close contact with the body surface by simply pressing each electrode against the body. If the measured data of the bioimpedance measured via each electrode fluctuates too much, reproducible data cannot be obtained, and the data tends to generate noise.

[0007] For this reason, according to the conventional technology, when measuring the body fat of a small animal such as a pet dog or cat by the impedance method, the dog or cat or the like is put to sleep under anesthesia. In this condition, the abdomen of the armpits and the base of the hind limbs, which are areas with less body hair, are shaved, and the younger 1J hairs are pressed against the shaved portions with the electrode surfaces of the current and voltage electrodes, and adhered to the body surface. A method of measuring bioelectrical impedance has been adopted (for example, see Non-Patent Document 1). Such a measurement method is troublesome and may cause a pet, such as a dog or a cat, to have difficulty in sleeping or shaving a pet with an anesthesia.

[0008] The present invention provides a pet body fat measuring instrument and a pet body fat measuring instrument capable of easily and accurately measuring the body fat of pet small animals such as dogs and cats by an impedance method without requiring much labor. The present invention relates to a method of measuring body fat and a method of calculating a feed amount of a pet.

[0009] The present invention relates to a pet fat for measuring a body fat of a pet by measuring bioimpedance. A fat measuring instrument, wherein at least two electrode bodies each including a current electrode and a voltage electrode are held, and each electrode of the electrode body is pressed against an armpit, a groin, or a thin portion of body hair of a limb. Has a fixture. The control unit further includes an impedance measurement circuit for controlling a current flowing at the time of measurement by being connected to the electrode body and calculating a body fat based on a bioimpedance measured from a measurement voltage.

[0010] In addition, the pet body fat measurement method of the present invention measures the bioimpedance using the pet body fat measuring instrument described above to measure the pet body fat.

[0011] Further, in the method of calculating the amount of feed of the present invention, the basal metabolism is calculated by using the pet body fat measuring device, and the amount of feed is calculated in consideration of the amount of exercise of the pet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a pet body fat measurement tool according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[FIG. 2 (a)] FIG. 2 (a) is a perspective view illustrating a situation where a lead-shaped fixing device of a pet body fat measuring device according to one embodiment of the present invention is mounted on a dog body.

[FIG. 2 (b)] FIG. 2 (b) is a perspective view illustrating a situation in which a lead-shaped fixing device of the pet body fat measuring device according to one embodiment of the present invention is mounted on a dog body.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating a configuration of an electrode body.

FIG. 4 (a) is a perspective view illustrating another embodiment of the fixture.

FIG. 4 (b) is a perspective view illustrating another embodiment of the fixture.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating another form of the electrode body.

FIG. 6 (a) is a perspective view illustrating a pet body fat measurement device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 (b) is a perspective view illustrating a pet body fat measurement device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a chart showing a correlation between a body fat percentage by a heavy water dilution method and a body fat parameter in the product of the present invention (Example 1).

FIG. 8 is a chart showing the correlation between the body fat percentage obtained by the heavy water dilution method and the body fat parameter of the product of the present invention (Example 2). FIG. 9 is a chart showing a correlation between a body fat percentage by a heavy water dilution method and a body fat parameter in the product of the present invention (Example 3).

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a clamp-like fixing tool used in a pet body fat measurement tool according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[FIG. 11 (a)] FIG. 11 (a) is an enlarged plan view of a clamp-shaped fixture.

FIG. 11 (b) is an enlarged plan view of a clamp-shaped fixture.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory view illustrating a mounted state of a clamp-shaped fixture.

[FIG. 13 (a)] FIG. 13 (a) is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration in which an electrolytic solution is directly supplied to the surface of an electrode body from an electrolytic solution supply unit directly connected to each electrode surface.

[FIG. 13 (b)] FIG. 13 (b) is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration in which the electrolyte is directly supplied to the surface of the electrode body from the electrolyte supply unit directly connected to each electrode surface.

FIG. 14 is a chart showing a correlation between a body fat percentage by a heavy water dilution method and a body fat percentage in the product of the present invention (Example 4).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The electrodes for measuring the bioimpedance used in the present invention are provided with at least two electrodes, each having a pair of a current electrode and a voltage electrode. By measuring the impedance between them, the force S can be measured more accurately. It is necessary that the material of the electrode be conductive, and it is preferable to use stainless steel because it is difficult to use metals such as copper, iron, aluminum, brass, and stainless steel. The shape of the electrode can be appropriately changed depending on the application site, such as a circular shape or a cylindrical shape, but is preferably cylindrical when sandwiched between the sides and the groin. In addition, the size of the electrode is appropriately adjusted depending on the size of the pet's body and the application site, but for dogs and cats, the outer diameter is about 520 mm and the inner diameter is about 3 to 18 mm in the case of a cylinder, The length is preferably about 5-30 mm. The size of the voltage electrode and the size of the current electrode do not have to be particularly the same.

[0014] The voltage electrode and the current electrode need to be fixed to a fixture that holds the pet pressed against a thin part of the pet's hair, such as an armpit, a groin, or a thin part of the limb. For example, the lead-shaped one shown in FIG. Pets with fast movement In the above, it is difficult to make accurate measurements by bringing the electrodes into contact with the body surface with a uniform force. It becomes possible.

It is preferable that the voltage electrode and the current electrode are separated by about 530 mm by an insulator. As the insulator, rubber, plastic, wood, or the like is used, and preferably the same as or smaller than the outer diameter of the electrode.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, a connection cord 26 extending from the control calculation unit 15 is connected to the current electrode 11 and the voltage electrode 12 of each electrode body 13, respectively. A current flows between the current electrodes 11 of the pair of electrode bodies 13 and a voltage between the voltage electrodes 12 of the pair of electrode bodies 13 can be measured according to a command from 15.

The control calculator 15 constituting the pet body fat measuring device 10 of the present embodiment incorporates a known control mechanism such as a microcomputer, for example, and also incorporates a known impedance measurement circuit. The electrodes are connected to the current electrode 11 and the voltage electrode 12 of each electrode body 13 via the connection cord 26, respectively, so that the current flowing at the time of measurement can be controlled. In addition, the body fat is calculated based on the bioimpedance measured from the measurement voltage, and the calculated body fat is stored as measurement data and can be displayed on, for example, a display unit.

[0018] That is, the control calculation unit 15 sets the current of the pair of current electrodes 11 to 0.1 to lmA for 0.01 to 1.28 seconds, for example, about 1 to 10 times at intervals of 0.1 to 5 seconds. In addition to controlling the voltage to flow between the electrodes, the voltage between the voltage electrodes 12 is measured as a measurement voltage, and an average voltage can be obtained. In addition, data relating to the correlation between the measured voltage and the bio-impedance or body fat is input in advance to the impedance measuring circuit of the control calculator 15, and the body fat can be easily calculated based on the bio-impedance measured from the measured voltage. Can be set. Further, the control calculator 15 inputs the type, sex, weight, and the like of the pet whose body fat is to be measured as initial data, so that data indicating an appropriate correlation according to the type of the pet and the like is input to the impedance measurement circuit. The body fat can be calculated more accurately by selecting in the above.

[0019] Note that the control calculation unit including the impedance measurement circuit is a single unit dedicated to pets. Although it may be used, it is usually incorporated into a body fat measurement device used by humans, and a connection cord extending from the electrode is connected to this device, and it is used for pets by switching with a switch etc. Good to display body fat.

In the present invention, the electrodes 11 and 12 need to be brought into contact with a thin part of the body hair of the pet's body, and the part may be an armpit, a groin, or a limb. In the case of a limb, the abdomen side of the base of the hind limb or the sole is preferable. By contacting the site, shaving is unnecessary, and it is necessary to apply anesthesia to stop the movement of the pet. In particular, it is preferable to insert the electrode under the armpit from the viewpoint that accurate measurement can be performed even on a rapidly moving pet.

At the time of measurement, if the pet's body is dirty, it is preferable to remove sebum in advance. As a means for this, a portion to which the electrode is pressed can be wiped with a sponge impregnated with an organic solvent or a surfactant, a woven fabric, a nonwoven fabric, a cotton wool or the like. As the organic solvent, for example, a water-soluble solvent such as ethanol or isopropyl alcohol is used. One or more of these organic solvents are preferably used in an aqueous solution having a concentration of 10 to 100% by weight, particularly 50 to 100% by weight. Surfactants include anionic surfactants such as alkyl sulfates and polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfates, betaine alkyldimethylaminoaminoacetate, alkynolecarboxymethylhydroxyethyl imidazolinidine betaine, and alkylamidopropyl betaine. Non-ionic surfactants, especially fatty acid ester-type nonionic surfactants, and polyoxyalkylene-type non-ionic surfactants are used as highly veterinarily safe ones. It is preferable to use an ionic surfactant, an alkyl alkanol amide type surfactant, or an alkyl darcoside type nonionic surfactant. If these surfactants are rinsing types such as shampoos, etc., it is preferable that one or more of them be incorporated in the composition in an amount of 10 to 25% by weight, particularly 15 to 20% by weight, and if they are non-rinsing types, It is preferred that 0.1 to 5% by weight, particularly 0.5 to 2% by weight, be contained in the composition. Further, sebum may be removed by sprinkling the oil-absorbing powder after the sprinkling, or by wiping with a woven cloth made of ultrafine fibers.

Further, in the present invention, it is preferable that an electrolyte is carried between the electrode body 13 and the body surface in a state where the electrodes 11 and 12 of the electrode body 13 are pressed against a thin part of body hair. This allows the body Even if there is body hair which is an insulator between the surface and the electrode, it becomes possible to measure body fat accurately. As the supported electrolyte, for example, calcium chloride, sodium chloride, potassium chloride and the like can be used. The concentration of the solute in these electrolytes is preferably 0.03 to 10%, more preferably 0.2 to 10%, and particularly preferably 0.5 to 5%. If the concentration is too low, the conductivity deteriorates, and if the concentration is too high, it becomes sticky after drying. In addition, these electrolytes are preferably used in an amount of about 0.1 to 10 Occ per electrode, preferably 1 to 5 cc, and more preferably 2 to 4 cc. If the amount is too small, the conductivity is deteriorated, and if the amount is too large, it is uneconomical, and it drops on the surroundings and soils floors and the like. Also, in order to increase the adhesion of the electrolyte to the pet's body, the viscosity of the electrolyte can be increased by using a thickener. Food additives such as acrylic acid polymer, CMC, pectin and xanthan gum are examples of thickeners. Food additives are preferred because pets can lick. The viscosity of these electrolytes is in the range of 1 120,000 cps, and the force S, which can be appropriately selected according to the state of the pet hair, etc., is preferably 1 40 cps, particularly 1 1 20 cps, so that the Even if hair is present between the body surfaces, the electrolyte solution is more likely to infiltrate to improve the electrical continuity, thereby enabling accurate measurement.

Further, an electrolyte-impregnated body made of, for example, sponge, woven fabric, non-woven fabric, absorbent cotton, etc. impregnated with these electrolytes is sandwiched between the body surface and the electrodes 11 and 12 so that the body surface and each electrode are impregnated. The electrolyte can be supported on the body hairs interposed between the electrode surfaces of the poles.

[0024] Further, it is preferable that the electrolytic solution be supplied to the electrode body surface by an electrolytic solution supply unit directly connected to each electrode surface. Specifically, for example, a hole is made in the center of the electrode, an electrolyte supply tube or the like is connected to the opposite side of the electrode surface that comes into contact with the pet, and the electrolyte is discharged, so that the electrode surface that comes into contact with the pet is brought out. There is a form to supply the electrolyte (see Fig. 13 (a) and Fig. 13 (b)). In this case, as the material of the electrode, for example, platinum, gold, silver, silver chloride, body, aluminum, stainless steel, metal-plated resin, or the like can be used. In this case, the diameter of the hole may be, for example, a circular hole having a diameter of preferably 15 mm, more preferably 1.2 mm.

[0025] As a material of the tube, for example, general materials such as nylon, silicone rubber, and bur can be used without any particular limitation. In addition, the tubes may be provided for each of the electrodes. For example, two or one tube may be used collectively. The electrolyte The supply unit is, for example, a syringe, a bottle, a manual pump, an electric pump, or the like, in addition to a form in which an electrolytic solution is carried in a dropper-shaped liquid pool and pressed as needed. The supply method may be manual or electric. Further, a sponge-like holding body may be provided at the end of the supply portion of the electrolytic solution, and an electrode plate may be provided on the surface. The supply amount of the electrolyte from the supply unit is preferably, for example, 4 to 20 cc at a time, and the amount of the electrolyte discharged from the electrode is, for one electrode, for example, in the case of short hair type. It is preferable to use one 3cc and 2-5cc for long hair.

Hereinafter, a case of a dog will be described as an example.

That is, as shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2 (a) and FIG. 2 (b), the dog body fat measuring device 10 of the present embodiment measures the body impedance to measure the dog body fat. A body fat measuring device that has a current electrode 11 and a voltage electrode 12 and has two electrode bodies 13 (see FIG. 3) attached to two places. For example, a lead-shaped fixing device 14 and an impedance measuring circuit are incorporated as a fixing device for holding the electrodes 11 and 12 as thin portions of the dog's body hair, for example, pressed under the armpits, and a current electrode 11 and a voltage electrode The control unit 15 is connected to the control unit 12 to control a current flowing at the time of measurement, and to calculate a body fat based on a biological impedance measured from the measured voltage.

According to the dog body fat measurement structure using the dog body fat measurement device 10 of the present embodiment, each of the electrodes 11, 12 of the electrode body 13 is pressed against the armpit, which is a thin part of the body hair. In this state, it is preferable that the lead-shaped fixing portion 14 is attached to the body of the dog, and that the electrolyte is carried between the body surface of the armpit and the electrode surfaces of the electrodes 11 and 12. This makes it possible to measure body fat more accurately. Further, an electrolyte-impregnated body 16 (see FIG. 2 (b)) made of, for example, sponge, woven fabric, non-woven fabric, absorbent cotton, etc. impregnated with the electrolyte is attached to the body surface under the armpit and the electrode surfaces of the electrodes 11 and 12. By being sandwiched between the electrodes, the electrolyte can be carried on the body hairs interposed between the body surface of the armpit and the electrode surfaces of the electrodes 11 and 12.

[0029] The lead-shaped fixing device 14 constituting the dog body fat measuring device 10 of the present embodiment includes a collar portion 17 and a pair of shoulder mounting portions 18, and each shoulder mounting portion 18 has a dog's body. When the shoulder is passed through the shoulder mounting part 18 and the lead-shaped fixing device 14 is mounted on the dog's body, An electrode body 13 including a current electrode 11 and a voltage electrode 12 is attached to a position below the electrode.

[0030] According to the present embodiment, the collar portion 17 is a phosphorus member having a width of, for example, about 5 to 30 mm made of, for example, leather, synthetic resin, cloth, absorbent cotton, or the like, which can be attached to the dog's neck. The size of the ring shape can be appropriately adjusted by providing a buckle 27 or the like, for example. A pair of locking rings 19 are attached to a portion located at the front of the collar portion 17, and one end of each of the pair of shoulder mounting portions 18 is attached to and detached from these locking rings 19. Each is locked as possible. Further, a pair of communication rings 20 is attached to a portion located at a rear portion of the collar portion 17, and the other ends of the pair of shoulder mounting portions 18 are attached to the communication rings 20. Each one is getting through.

[0031] The pair of shoulder mounting portions 18 are made of, for example, a thick string made of leather, synthetic resin, cloth, or the like and having a string diameter of about 5 to 20 mm. The one end is connected to the collar portion 17 by being detachably locked to the locking ring 19 of the portion 17. Also, by inserting each other end into the insertion ring 20 of the collar portion 17 and extending the other end portion of each shoulder mounting portion 18 from the through ring 20 by a considerable length, The extended portion is provided as a tightening adjustment portion 22 on the back side of the dog.

[0032] In the tightening adjustment section 22, each shoulder mounting section 18 is configured to be inserted integrally with the tightening adjustment tool 23, and the tightening adjustment section 22 and the tightening adjustment tool 23 are connected to each other by tightening adjustment means. By adjusting the length of each shoulder mounting part 18 on the locking ring 19 side than each communication ring 20, the shoulder can be attached so that the dog's shoulder is tightened from below through the armpit It is possible to adjust the tightening force of the mounting portion 18, which makes it possible to easily hold the state where the electrode body 13 is pressed under the armpit with an appropriate pressing force. You.

[0033] That is, the tightening adjuster 23 is a means for adjusting the length of the string member attached along the opening edge of the hood portion in, for example, a cold weather protector or the like to adjust the size of the opening surface so as to tighten. And has a configuration similar to that of a known adjustment tool. The sliding movement is performed along the tightening adjustment part 22 of each shoulder mounting part 18 inserted as a body, and the shoulder mounting part 18 is located at an arbitrary slide position via, for example, a pinching locking means provided inside. By being detachably locked and fixed, it becomes possible to easily adjust the length of each shoulder mounting portion 18 arranged on the shoulder portion on the locking ring 19 side with respect to the tightening adjustment tool 23. Te, ru.

[0034] According to the present invention, the collar portion 17 can be formed by a thick string, and the shoulder mounting portion 18 can be formed by a belt member.

According to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the electrode body 13 attached to each of the pair of shoulder attachment portions 18 has a hollow portion large enough to pass through the shoulder attachment portion 18 that is a thick string. The current electrode 11 and the voltage electrode 12 each having a cylindrical shape are arranged in a straight line with an insulator 24 interposed therebetween. In addition, stoppers 25 are attached to the outer ends of the current electrode 11 and the voltage electrode 12 so that the current electrode 11 and the voltage electrode 12 It moves out of the position where it is located,

[0036] The control calculation unit 15 constituting the dog body fat measurement device 10 of the present embodiment has a configuration similar to that of the above-described control calculation unit. For example, the control calculation unit 15 is separated from a dog whose body fat is to be measured. In addition to being used at a position, it can be used, for example, by attaching it to a lead-shaped fixing device 14 so that it can be carried on the back of a dog, and performing measurement work while remotely controlling it wirelessly via electromagnetic waves. Is also possible.

According to the present embodiment, when measuring the body fat of a dog using the pet body fat measuring device 10 described above, the electrodes 11, 12 of the pair of electrode bodies 13 were pressed under the armpits. Attach the lead-shaped fixing device 14 to the dog's body so that it can be held in a state. That is, the collar 17 is attached to the dog's neck, and both front legs of the dog are passed through the annular portion formed by the collar 17 and each shoulder attachment 18, so that the shoulder attachment 18 is attached to the dog's shoulder. After that, the electrode body 13 is pressed under the armpit with an appropriate pressing force while sliding the tightening adjuster 23 toward the through ring 20 in the tightening adjusting section 22 of the shoulder mounting section 18. By adjusting the tightening force of the shoulder mounting portion 18 and locking the fastening adjuster 23 to the shoulder mounting portion 18, the lead-shaped fixing device 14 can be attached to the dog. Attach to your body.

Further, according to the present embodiment, an electrolytic solution is applied between the body surface of the armpit and the electrode surfaces of the electrodes 11 and 12 or impregnated with the electrolytic solution, such as a sponge, a woven fabric, or a nonwoven fabric. It is attached so as to sandwich the electrolyte impregnated body 16 made of absorbent cotton or the like. When the electrolyte impregnated body 16 is attached to the armpit, the electrolyte oozing out from the electrolyte impregnated body 16 is carried on the body hair interposed between the body surface of the armpit and the electrode surfaces of the electrodes 11 and 12. As a result, the electrode surfaces of the electrodes 11, 12 and the body surface of the armpits are brought into close electrical contact with each other via the electrolyte, and the body hairs are interposed, so that the body is in an electrically non-contact state. This makes it possible to eliminate such inconveniences, and to more accurately measure the body fat of dogs.

According to the pet body fat measuring device of the present embodiment, the body fat of a dog can be measured easily and accurately by an impedance method that does not require much labor. That is, according to the present embodiment, a lead-shaped fixture 14 attached to two places at the position corresponding to the armpit of the dog has the electrode body 13 including the current electrode 11 and the voltage electrode 12 By simply attaching to the body and tightening the shoulder mounting portion 18 via the tightening adjustment means, the electrodes 11, 12 of the electrode body 13 can be easily held against the fast-moving dog while being pressed under the armpits. It becomes possible. Also, since the armpits against which the electrodes 11 and 12 are pressed are thin body hairs, the electrode surfaces of the electrodes 11 and 12 and the dog's body surface can be electrically and easily brought into close contact with each other. Accordingly, it becomes possible to easily and accurately measure the body fat of the dog by the impedance method without much trouble according to the instruction from the control calculating unit 15.

[0040] The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made. For example, it is not always necessary for the fixing device to have the above-described configuration.For example, as shown in FIG. 4 (a), a shoulder mounting portion 40 which does not have a collar portion is formed in a cross-like shape, and The tightening force may be adjusted by attaching a tightening adjustment tool 41 at the back part, which is the intersection of, and, as shown in FIG. The body 43 may be arranged and pressed against the body surface by the force of the panel. Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 6 (a) and 6 (b), a net-shaped An electrode body may be placed under the umbilical cord or at the portion corresponding to the groin and the base of the hind limb, and a bet may be placed on this. The electrode body does not necessarily need to have cylindrical current electrodes and voltage electrodes arranged in series with the insulator interposed therebetween.For example, as shown in FIG. 5, a sheet material made of an elastic insulator is used. A plate-shaped current electrode 51 and a voltage electrode 52 may be arranged side by side on 50. These electrodes are preferable because they can measure dogs with a small force of about 5 to 30 mm, especially about 7 to 12 mm. These electrodes are made of a conductive material, and include metals such as copper, iron, aluminum, brass, and stainless steel. As the sheet material 50 for this electrode, rubber, plastic, or the like is used. In addition, the thin part of the body hair which is held in a state where the electrodes of the electrode body are pressed is not limited to the armpits, and the holder part may be an underarm part, etc. The holder part is easy to press each electrode against these parts. It may have a configuration. Furthermore, the pet whose body fat is measured may be a cat.

[0041] The electrolyte impregnated body impregnated with the electrolyte may or may not be conductive. As a conductive material, a conductive sponge or the like can be used. It is not always necessary to use the electrolyte impregnated body by sandwiching it between the body surface of the thin body part and the electrode surface of each electrode. You can also. In addition, the pet body fat measuring device of the present invention requires the use of the body hair interposed between the body surface of the thin part of the body hair and the electrode surface of each electrode so that the electrolyte is carried on the body hair. A thin part can be shaved, and the electrode surface of each electrode can be held and used so as to be pressed against the shaved part.

FIG. 10, FIG. 11 (a) and FIG. 11 (b) show a clamp-shaped fixing device 60 used in a pet body fat measuring device according to another embodiment of the present invention, According to the fixing device 60 of the other embodiment, the electrode body 63 including the current electrode 61 and the voltage electrode 62 was pressed against a thin part of the hair of the pet against not only the dog but also other pets. It is intended to maintain body condition so that body fat can be easily measured. That is, the fixture 60 shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 incorporates, for example, a coil panel and a panel panel, and is rotatably supported at the fulcrum 64 so as to urge the clamping portion 65 in the direction of narrowing. The first sandwiching member 66a and the second sandwiching member 66b which are connected in the An electrode 63 is formed at the tip of the first sandwiching member 66a on the sandwiching portion 65 side, and a current electrode 61 and a voltage electrode 62 are arranged on the inner surface of the electrode 63. .

Further, the portion of the second sandwiching member 66b on the sandwiching portion 65 side is formed of a material having elasticity, and the measurement target portion of the pet is located between the second sandwiching member 66b and the first sandwiching member 66a. When the pet is sandwiched, the pet is deformed to some extent along the shape of the target part, and adheres to the target part in a wider area, so that the uncomfortable feeling given to the pet can be reduced. In addition to the unevenness formed on the inner surface of the elastic portion, the current electrode 61 and the voltage electrode 62 on the inner surface of the first sandwiching member 66a can be easily placed on the measurement target so as not to be displaced. It is also possible to keep it in Further, a base end portion close to the fulcrum 64 in a portion of the second sandwiching member 66b on the sandwiching portion 65 side has a configuration capable of being vertically slid and fixed in FIGS. 11 (a) and 11 (b). With this configuration, the distance between the first sandwiching member 66a and the second sandwiching member 66b in the sandwiching portion 65 can be adjusted according to the size of the body fat measurement target portion. It is like that.

Further, the current electrode 61 and the voltage electrode 62 of the electrode body 63 are connected to an electric wire 67 inserted and arranged inside the first sandwiching member 66a, and the electric wire 67 is connected to the connector 68. Connected to the control calculation unit 15 having the same configuration as above, the current flowing at the time of measurement is controlled, and based on the bioimpedance measured from the measurement voltage, the pet with the fixture 60 attached is connected. Body fat can be easily calculated.

[0045] The fixture 60 shown in Figs. 10, 11 (a) and 11 (b) is operated by compressing the first sandwiching member 66a and the second sandwiching member 66b in the operation section 69. After opening the first sandwiching member 66a and the second sandwiching member 66b in the sandwiching portion 65 against the urging force of the coil panel, the plate panel, etc., for example, as shown in FIG. While pressing the inside surface of 63 against the armpits of the limbs from the inside, the fixing device 60 is attached so as to sandwich the part to be measured of the pet. As a result, the current electrode 61 and the voltage electrode 62 can be moved by the frictional force even if the pet is slightly moved while the measurement target is sandwiched by the fixture 60 within a range where the pet does not feel uncomfortable. It can be easily fixed in close contact without shifting from the target site. Further, according to the present invention, the electrolytic solution can be directly supplied to the surface of the electrode body 63 from the electrolytic solution supply portion directly connected to each electrode surface. That is, in the fixture 60 shown in FIGS. 10, 11 (a) and 11 (b), for example, as shown in FIG. 13 (a), the current electrodes 61 protruding from the inner surface of the electrode body 63 are arranged. The electrode for voltage 62 is formed into a hemispherical shape by pressing a metal thin plate, and an electrolyte solution flow hole 70 is formed in the center, and the voltage is supplied through a supply tube 71 connected to the base end of the electrodes 61 and 62. The electrolyte solution can be supplied by being discharged from the front end surfaces of the electrodes 61 and 62 through the electrolyte solution flow holes 70. Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 13 (b), the current electrode 61 and the voltage electrode 62 protrudingly arranged on the inner side surface of the electrode body 63 were processed so as to be provided with an electrolyte flow hole 70 in the center. The electrode 61 and the electrode 62 formed by the bolt member 72 are attached to an electrode body 63 via a nut member 73, and supplied through a supply tube 71 connected to the base end portions of the electrodes 61 and 62. The electrolyte solution can be supplied by being discharged from the tip surfaces of the electrodes 61 and 62 through the electrolyte solution flow holes 70.

According to the present invention, the body fat percentage can be measured using the pet body fat measuring device of the present invention. Here, the body fat percentage (hereinafter referred to as “BF”) is expressed by the following formula (1) between the weight (hereinafter referred to as “BW”) and the lean mass (hereinafter referred to as “FFM”). ) Holds.

BF = (BW-FFM) / BW (1)

The present inventors have found that the value of FFM in the above formula is BW (kg), trunk length (cm) (hereinafter referred to as “L”), trunk circumference (cm) (hereinafter “PC”). The following equation (2) was found based on the following equation (2) and bioimpedance (Ω) (hereinafter referred to as “BI”).

FFM = p X BW + q X L + r X PC + s X (BI + t) "X u + c (2)

Here, p, q, r, s, t, u, and c are constants, which vary depending on the type of pet, the size of the pet's body, and the like. In the present invention, a coefficient is determined by multivariate analysis from the “body fat percentage determined by the deuterium method” and the numerical values of “body weight”, “body length”, “waist circumference” and “impedance” of each pet individual. From the point that a certain degree of accuracy can be easily obtained, "PC" may be omitted from equation (2), or "L" may be omitted.

Further, according to the present invention, the basal metabolic rate is calculated using the pet body fat measuring device of the present invention, and further, by considering the pet's exercise amount, the required feed amount corresponding to each pet can be determined. Can be calculated. Feed volume (kcal) (hereinafter referred to as “Q”) is calculated based on basal metabolic rate (kcal) (hereinafter referred to as “F”) and energy demand during exercise (kcal) (hereinafter "E").

Q = F + E (3)

F is expressed by the following equation (4).

F = a X FFM ° ^-75 (4)

Here, a is a constant, and a coefficient is obtained by multivariate analysis from the “feed amount that does not change the body weight in a resting state” of each pet and the above FFM value.

Further, E is represented by the following formula (5) using the travel distance (km) (hereinafter referred to as “K”) (Small animal clinical nutrition 4th edition).

^{Ε = (1.77 XKX BW "0,4} + 1.25 X BW" ° '25) X BW (5)

Example

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to Examples. The following measurements were performed on 12 dogs kept as pets at home.

[Measurement by heavy water dilution method]

First, according to Burkholder et al. Method ^upsilon, was measured accurately body fat in each dog as shown in Table 1 (solids No. l-1 2). However, the test was performed without anesthesia. 6 ml of blood was collected from the vein, and the serum was separated and used as a serum sample before heavy water injection. Next, a pterygoid needle was placed in the forefoot vein, 0.2 ml / (kg body weight) of heavy water was weighed and injected into the syringe, and 10 ml of hepatoma was further injected. The weight of the syringe before and after injection was measured, and the difference was defined as the injection amount of heavy water (W. The diffusion time of heavy water was 90

D20

I spent a minute. Thereafter, 6 ml of blood was collected again from the opposite venous vein, and the serum was separated and used as serum after injection. The heavy water concentration was analyzed by IRMS. The concentration in serum sample before injection (C) ppm after injection (C) ppm, the amount of heavy water injected was (W), and the body weight was (BW) kg.

1 2 D20

The body fat percentage was calculated by the following formula.

Body fat percentage (%) = 100- {10 ⁵ W / (C-C)} / 0.732BW

D20 2 1

[1): William J. Burkholder, Craig D. Thatcher AJVR 59 (8) 1998 927-937]

[Table 1] Country * No.

1 17.7 39

2 16.1 37

3 15.7 38

4 Fudo 15.5 38

5 15.3 37

6 Early 16.7 37

7 FD 15.1 36

8 mu 13.3 36.5

9 fu 12.6 35

10 Early 12.9 33.5

1 1 FD 9.2 33.5

12 Early 9.3 31.5 All dogs are beagle dogs

[Measurement with the product of the present invention]

Example 1

The electrode assembly shown in Fig. 3 was attached to a lead-shaped fixture as shown in Fig. 2, and 0.9% by weight of physiological saline was soaked in absorbent cotton and applied to the side of the dog. They were attached to each dog's body as shown in Figure 3. The control calculation unit and the electrode assembly were connected by a connection cord, and the control calculation unit was installed on a table for measurement. The following parameters were calculated based on the measured impedance.

Body fat parameter = 1 / (impedance x body weight (kg))

Example 2

Two electrode bodies shown in Fig. 3 were attached to the fixture shown in Fig. 4 (a), and 0.9% by weight of physiological saline was soaked in absorbent cotton. After applying to the abdominal part of the groin and the base of the right hind limb, one of the fixtures is attached so that the two electrode bodies are sandwiched on both sides of the dog, and the other one is the two electrode bodies It was attached so that it could be sandwiched between the groin and the base of the hind limb. The control calculation unit is connected to one of the electrode bodies sandwiched beside and one of the electrode body sandwiched between the head and the base of the hind limb by a connection cord, and the control calculation unit is installed on a table. Measurement. The above body fat parameters were calculated based on the measured impedance. Example 3

The electrode assembly shown in FIG. 3 was attached to the fixing device shown in FIG. 6 so as to hit the left abdomen and the abdominal side of the base of the right hind leg, and a dog was placed on this fixing device. The control calculation unit and the electrode assembly were connected by a connection cord, and the control calculation unit was installed on a table for measurement. The above body fat parameters were calculated based on the measured impedance.

Example 4

The electrode assembly shown in Fig. 13 is attached to the clamp-type pet body fat measurement device shown in Figs. 10, 11 (a) and 11 (b), and attached to the side of the dog as shown in Fig. 12. did. The control calculation unit and the electrode body were connected by a connection cord, and the control calculation unit was installed on a table for measurement. The body fat percentage was calculated from the above equations (1) and (2) based on the measured impedance, dog weight, torso length, and trunk circumference.

FIGS. 7, 8, 9 and 14 show the relationship between the body fat percentage by the above-mentioned heavy water dilution method, and the body fat parameter and the body fat percentage in the product of the present invention. According to the measurement results shown in FIG. 7, FIG. 8, FIG. 9 and FIG. 14, the body fat percentage by the above-mentioned heavy water dilution method and the body fat parameter of the present invention show a high correlation, and the body fat measurement by the present invention It has been found that the body fat can be measured easily and accurately with the device.

Example 5

Based on the numerical values (weight, torso length, torso circumference, impedance) measured in Example 4 for 16 beagle dogs (solid No. 13-28), and the distance traveled by each dog, From the above equations (3)-(5), the required feeding amount for each dog was calculated. The obtained feeding amount was continuously given to each dog, and the weight change was measured every three weeks. The results are shown in Table 2. Also, t-test results were shown as an index indicating the degree of weight change of this group.

[Table 2] Weight (kg)

Individual No. F (kcaD E (kcal) QCkcal)

0th 3rd 6th fit 9 »12th

13 917 25 942 21.6 21.9 21.7 21.6 21.4

14 822 21 843 18.3 18.0 18.2 18.3 18.2

15 822 19 842 17.8 17.9 17.6 17.7 17.8

16 857 36 893 17.9 17.6 17.6 18.0 17.9

17 938 31 969 20.8 20.2 20.7 20.7 20.7

18 872 27 900 18.8 18.4 18.7 19.0 18.8

19 856 19 875 21.5 22.2 22.0 21.8 21.6

20 870 27 897 18.1 18.1 18.0 18.3 18.3

21 668 17 686 12.8 12.8 12.8 12.8 13.0

22 795 17 812 16.9 16.6 16.8 16.8 16.7

23 696 17 713 12.6 12.7 12.5 12.3 12.5

24 708 17 725 13.0 13.4 12.9 13.1 13.0

25 715 21 735 11.8 11.8 11.4 11.8 11.6

26 819 29 848 18.8 18.4 18.4 18.8 19.0

27 571 11 582 10.3 9.9 10.0 10.2 10.3

28 699 11 610 9.5 9.1 9.5 9.5 9.4 t test result 0.30741 0.06605 0.73586 0.69396

Comparative Example 1

For four beagle dogs (solid No. 29 32), the feed amount of each dog was calculated based on the general formula for calculating the feed amount, "feed amount = 110 X BW ° ^'75 ". The dogs were kept on each dog for the same period, and the weight change was measured at the same intervals. The results are shown in Table 3. Also, t-test results were shown as an index indicating the degree of weight change of this group.

[Table 3]

[0061] By feeding according to the amount of feed determined by the method of the present invention, it was found that the change in body weight of the dog was an optimal amount for maintaining the health of the pet with little change. On the other hand, it was found that dogs tended to increase their weight by feeding according to the amount of food determined by a general method, and did not give an optimal amount to maintain the health of the dog.

Industrial applicability

[0062] According to the pet body fat measuring device and the pet body fat measuring method of the present invention, the body fat of small pet animals such as dogs and cats can be easily measured by an impedance method that does not require much labor. And it can measure accurately. In addition, the method of calculating the feed amount of the pet of the present invention According to the method, the feed amount can be easily and frequently calculated from the body fat measured by the impedance method.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] A pet body fat measuring device for measuring a body fat of a pet by measuring bioimpedance, wherein at least two electrode bodies including a current electrode and a voltage electrode are connected to each other. It has a fixture that keeps the armpits pressed against a thin part of the body hair of the armpits or limbs, controls the current flowing at the time of measurement by connecting to the electrode body, and reduces the bioimpedance measured from the measurement voltage. A pet body fat measuring device, comprising: a control calculating unit including an impedance measuring circuit for calculating body fat based on the body fat.

2. The pet body fat measurement device according to claim 1, wherein the body hair interposed between the body surface of the pet having body hair and the electrode surface of each of the electrodes carries an electrolyte solution.

[3] The electrolytic solution-impregnated body impregnated with the electrolytic solution is sandwiched between the body surface of the thin part of the body hair and the electrode surface of each electrode, so that the electrolyte solution is supported on the body hair. Item 3. The pet body fat measurement device according to item 2.

4. The pet body fat measurement device according to claim 2, further comprising an electrolyte supply unit directly connected to the electrode body, wherein the body fluid measurement tool for a pet is configured to supply the electrolyte solution to the electrode body surface.

[5] A control calculation unit including an impedance measurement circuit, which is connected to the electrode body to control a current flowing at the time of measurement and calculates body fat based on a bioimpedance measured from a measurement voltage, is provided for a human. The pet body fat measurement device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which is incorporated in the body fat measurement device and is used by switching to a control calculation unit for pets.

[6] A pet body fat measurement method for measuring pet body fat by measuring bioimpedance using the pet body fat measurement device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

[7] A pet that calculates a basic metabolic rate using the pet body fat measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, and further calculates a feed amount in consideration of the pet's exercise amount. Method for calculating the amount of food supplied.

[8] The method according to claim 7, wherein the weight of the pet is taken into account.