WO2014170678A1

WO2014170678A1 - Animal handling unit

Info

Publication number: WO2014170678A1
Application number: PCT/GB2014/051199
Authority: WO
Inventors: Nick HUBB
Original assignee: Hubbway Limited
Priority date: 2013-04-18
Filing date: 2014-04-16
Publication date: 2014-10-23
Also published as: GB201307048D0; GB2514330A; GB2514330B

Abstract

The invention provides an animal handling unit (2) comprising a framework (4) forming an enclosure, the framework comprising a front gate (6) moveable between an open and closed position, a guiding structure (14) arranged in use to guide an animal within the framework, and an animal restraint (16) moveable between a non- restraining position and a restraining position, which in use restrains and animal's movement within the unit, and remote control means (5) to operate at least one function of the front gate (6), guiding structure (14) and animal restraint (16).

Description

Animal Handling Unit

Technical field of the invention

This invention relates to animal handling units and methods of restraining animals. In particular, but not exclusively, the invention relates to cattle restraining devices and methods for restraining a cow to enable it to be calved, medically treated, and/or to suckle its young.

Background to the invention

Examining, treating or otherwise working with animals can be very unpredictable, and it is often desirable to restrain an animal before undertaking any sort of work or procedure on it. For example, when cows have calved there are various activities that are required to be carried out to both the cow and calf, including ear tagging, veterinary examination etc. Working on animals, such as cattle, in an open environment such as a field or shed is inherently dangerous, as the behaviour of livestock is unpredictable at best, and injury to farmers, veterinarians and other personnel is common in these environments.

In procedures such as calving cows, it is imperative that an animal is restrained as much as possible without causing the animal to be placed under unnecessary stress or strain. In order to achieve these aims, it is often necessary that the rear portion of the animal is accessible at all times, whilst the animal is restrained from moving forwards, backwards or laterally. Many types of animal restraining devices in the forms of crates, pens, "cattle crushes" etc have been provided to restrict the movement of an animal whilst within the device to enable various veterinary tasks and other tasks to be performed on the animal. A major problem associated with known devices is that an operator of the device must manipulate various components of the device, whilst attempting to corral and position and animal within the same. This can lead to failure in herding the animal into the device, failure to position the animal properly within the device, and some cases damage to the device itself, or injury to the operator and/or animal. The operation of some known devices requires multiple operators in order to overcome these difficulties. The difficulty in persuading an animal to enter known devices can be compounded by their relatively fixed location, as many prior art devices are fixedly located in a building or field, and an animal must be moved relatively large distances in order to arrive in the proximity of the device. It is therefore an aim of embodiments of the invention to reduce the risk of danger to the person of an operator of an animal restraining device or animal handling unit when attempting to position an animal within said device or unit.

It is a further aim of embodiments of the invention to enable restraint of an animal in an animal restraining device or animal handling unit using a single operator in control of all operations of the device or unit.

It is a further aim of embodiments of the invention to provide an animal restraining device or animal handling unit which can be positioned in any desired location and which requires minimal setup, and the ability to operate the device without connecting it to fixed utilities.

It is a further aim of embodiments of the invention to provide an animal restraining device which can be moved and transported with a restrained animal.

Summary of the invention

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided an animal handling unit comprising a framework forming an enclosure, the framework comprising a front gate movable between an open and closed position, a guiding structure arranged in use to guide an animal within the framework, and an animal restraint movable between a non-restraining position and a restraining position, which in use restrains an animal's movement within the unit, and remote control means to operate at least one function of the front gate, guiding structure and animal restraint.

The framework may comprise front, side and rear walls, and the front wall may comprise the front gate. The front gate may comprise two rotatable gate portions.

Use of the animal handling apparatus of the invention removes the requirement for a handler to manually operate gates, restraints and other movable components, which reduces the risk of injury to the handler from both the unit itself and any animal being handled. In particular the unit of the first aspect of the invention enables a handler to remain behind an animal at all times during the process of positioning and restraining the animal, ensuring maximum control. The side walls may be movable between open and closed positions, to enable entry into the unit via the side walls. The side walls may be pivotable about an axis located in the region of the front wall or rear wall, or may comprise a panel or gate therein which is moveable between an open and closed position, which may be pivotably moveable, or may be slidable vertically or horizontally between the open and closed positions. Movement of the side walls may be controlled by the remote control means and/or manually controlled.

The front gate may comprise a portion of the front wall, pivotable or slidable (vertically or horizontally) between the open and closed configurations. Alternatively the front gate may comprise the front wall itself, which may be pivotable about an axis in the region of one of the side walls. In other embodiments the front gate comprises two gate portions, each pivotable about an axis in the region of opposite side walls, the distal ends of each gate portion meeting and abutting in the closed position.

Each of the front, rear and side walls may be formed from multiple panels, each pivotable about adjacent panels, for ease of access to the unit.

The front gate may comprise means to manually open, close and/or lock it, in addition to remote opening, closing and locking via the remote control means.

The guiding structure may comprise a structure movable to guide an animal within the unit towards the animal restraint, in use. The guiding structure may be movable between a non-guiding position and a guiding position, the guiding position urging an animal towards the animal restraint, in use. The guiding structure may comprise a movable structure which moves from a non-guiding position, in which the structure does not substantially protrude into the framework, and a guiding position in which the structure protrudes into the framework, thereby preventing an animal from exiting the front gate. The structure, in the guiding position, may be movable towards the animal restraint, in use, in order to guide an animal towards the animal restraint. The structure may comprise a panel, bar or gate, which may rotate or slide (vertically or horizontally) from the non-guiding position to the guiding position and may independently rotate or slide towards the animal restraint to guide an animal thereto wards.

The guiding structure may comprise a panel or frame member which in the non-guiding position is substantially parallel with the rear wall, and in the guiding position is substantially parallel with the side walls. The guiding structure may bisect the enclosure, in the guiding position, such that an animal within the enclosure is located in one of the two portions of the bisected enclosure. Suitably the animal restraining device is located in the portion into which the animal is guided, in use. In some embodiments the panel or frame member rotates between the guiding and non- guiding position about an axis located within the framework, such that it bisects the framework in the guiding position, parallel and spaced apart from the side walls. In this way the panel or frame may allow an animal to freely enter the unit in the non- guiding position, then guide the animal to one side of the unit as it rotates to the guiding position. The animal restraint may be located in one side of the bisected framework. This configuration then allows a person to enter the framework on the other side of the guiding panel or frame to a restrained animal, while the animal restraint restrains the animal in position. The guiding gate may fully bisect the framework or partially bisect the framework, extending either fully or partially to the front gate. In some embodiments the guiding structure includes a movable or retractable portion which in use may be moved or retracted to enable a person on one side of the guiding structure to access a restrained animal on the other side. In some embodiments the guiding structure may comprise a telescopic portion which may be extended to partially or fully bisect the framework, and may be retracted to allow a person on one side of the guiding structure access to an animal restrained on the other side of the guiding structure.

The use of a movable or retractable portion enables an operator to restrain an animal securely before accessing the animal in a safe manner.

The guiding structure may comprise means to manually open, close and/or lock the structure, in addition to remote control opening, closing and locking via the remote control means.

The animal restraint may comprise a means to restrain the head or neck of an animal. The animal restraint may prevent forwards and backwards movement, lateral movement, or both. In some embodiments the animal restraint comprises a head bail, neck yoke or head stock. The animal restraint may comprise a chin or neck bar, arranged to support the animal's head or neck within the restraint. The chin or neck bar may be movable to accommodate the animal moving between a standing up, kneeling and lying down position.

The head bail, neck yoke or head stock may comprise two spaced apart frame members movable between a non-restraining position, in which an animal's head may fit between the members , and a restraining position, in which the members prevent withdrawal of a restrained animal's head through the restraint.

The animal restraint may comprise means to manually open, close and/or lock the restraint, in addition to remote control opening, closing and locking provided by the remote control means.

The remote control means may comprise a remote control unit which is wirelessly connected, or wired, to the animal handling unit. A wireless control unit may utilise any suitable communication apparatus, such as infra-red (IR), or radio (RF)-based apparatus. The front gate, guiding structure and animal restraint will include suitable communication and electronic apparatus to complement the remote control means.

Operation of the front gate, guiding structure and animal restraint may be hydraulic. The unit may comprise a power source such as a battery or connection to mains electricity or an electricity generator. In some embodiments the unit may comprise a solar system for generating electricity from solar energy, which may comprise solar panels. The power source may power the hydraulic system, remote communication means and any other electricity driven components of the animal restraint.

The animal handling unit may comprise means to enable it to be conveyed on a vehicle, which may be a means to enable the unit to be moved on the carriage or forks of a fork-lift or tractor, which means may comprise a base of the framework, which may be solid or include a slot or slots located in the base. The vehicle conveyance means enables an animal to be restrained in one location and conveyed to another, or for example to a shed or building. The vehicle conveyance means also enables an animal to be retained at any location, and the animal does not need to be herded or urged to a specific location for capture and restraint.

According to second aspect of the invention there is provided a method of restraining an animal comprising; a) guiding an animal into an animal handling unit through a gate; b) guiding the animal through the unit with a movable animal guiding structure, to an animal restraint; c) operating the animal restraint to restrain movement of the animal within the unit; wherein operation of at least one function of the gate, animal guiding structure and animal restraint is performed by remote control. In some embodiments operation of all functions of the gate, guiding structure and animal restraint is performed by remote control, whilst in other embodiments at least some functions may be performed manually, as an alternative to remote operation, in particular locking of the gate, for example.

The gate may be a front gate as described for the first aspect of the invention. The guiding structure, animal restraint and animal handling unit may be as described for the first aspect of the invention. In some embodiments step c) comprises using a vehicle to guide the animal into the animal handling unit. The vehicle may be a farm vehicle such as a quad-bike or the like for example.

In some embodiments remote operation of the gate, animal guiding structure and animal restraint is performed from the vehicle, and the vehicle may comprise an integral remote control unit. In alternative embodiments the remote control unit may be a hand-held remote control unit.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method of restraining an animal of the second aspect of the invention, using an animal handling unit of the first aspect of the invention.

Detailed description of the invention

The invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a top-down view of an animal handling unit of the invention;

Figure 2 is a top-down view of the animal handling unit of Figure 1 with the front gate open and the animal guiding structure moved to the guiding position;

Figure 3 is a top-down view of Figure 1 in which the guiding structure is locked in the guiding position and an exit gate extended therefrom; Figures 4A and 4B are face-on views of an animal restraining device in non- restraining and restraining positions; and Figure 5 is a rear view of the animal handling unit of Figures 1-3, with the animal guiding unit in the guiding position.

Figure 1 illustrates an embodiment of an animal handling unit (2) of the invention. The animal handling unit (2) includes a framework (4) having a front wall in the form of a gate (6), side walls (30, 32), and rear wall (28). The gate (6) comprises two gate portions (8, 10) which are connected to respective side portions (30, 32) via the pivots (12 and 12'). The gate portions (8, 10) are arranged to open and close via the pivots (12, 12') and in the closed position are arranged to abut at then- distal ends, as shown in Figure 1. Located within the framework (4) is an animal guiding structure in the form of an animal guiding gate (14) connected to a pivot (15). The pivot (15) is located between the side walls (30, 32), and spaced apart from the rear wall (28), and the gate (14) in a non-guiding position as shown in Figure 1, extends from the pivot (15) to the side wall (32). Located adjacent to the pivot (15) is an animal restraint device in the form of a headstock (16), which extends parallel with the animal guiding gate (14) in the non-guiding position as shown in Figure 1. The animal guiding gate (14) is rotatable about the pivot (15) towards the front of the framework (4) and hence towards the gate (6), in use.

Connected to the framework (4) is a communications and power unit (34), which includes a power source in the form of a storage battery, connected to a solar system for converting sun light into power. The communications and power unit (34) also includes means to receive wireless signals from a remote control unit (5). The communications and power unit (34) is operably connected to the pivots (12, 12') of the gate (6), the pivot (15) of the animal guiding gate (14), and also to the headstock (16). In use, the remote control unit (5) may be operated by a user, to operate each of the pivots (12, 12') and (15), and also the headstock (16).

As shown in Figure 5, which is a rear view of the animal handling unit (2) shown in Figure (1), the framework (4) is located on a base (36). The base (36) includes a fork-lift carriage plate (38) extending therethrough, arranged in use to receive the forks of a fork-lift truck, in order to move the animal handling unit (2) to a desired location. The rear wall (28) of the framework (4) includes vertical bars (29, 29', 29" and 29'") which prevent an animal (restrained or loose) within the framework (4) from exiting the rear of the framework (4).

As shown in Figures 4A and 4B the headstock (16) comprises a headstock frame (24), into which extend left and right head and neck restraint bars (18), (20), pivotably connected to the headstock framework (24) via support struts (22a, b, c, d).

Use of the animal handling unit (2) shown in Figure 1 will now be described with reference to all of Figures 1 -5.

When it is desired to restrain an animal, the animal handling unit (2) may be first be moved to a desired location using a fork-lift truck of similar vehicle, by insertion of the fork-lift head into the fork lift carriage plate (38) of the base (36) of the animal handling unit (10) as shown in Figure 5. The fork-lift truck may then deposit the animal handling unit (2) in the desired location. An operator of the animal handling unit (2) may then open the gate (6) using the remote control unit (5), which sends a signal to the communication and power unit (34) to open the gate portions (8, 10) via the pivots (12, 12'). The resultant open gate (8) is shown in Figure 2. An animal may then be urged into the framework (4). In some embodiments, the animal will be corralled or herded into the framework (4) by the operator within a vehicle such as a quad-bike, with the vehicle forcing the animal into the framework (4), being at all times behind the animal for maximum safety. In other embodiments, the animal handling unit (2) may be located within a building or other structure, and may be positioned to create a funnel or "crush" which enables the animal to be gradually forced towards the open gate (6).

When the animal is within the framework (4), the operator may then send a signal to the communications and power unit (34) via the remote control unit (5), to slowly pivot the animal guiding gate (14) from the position shown in Figure 1 to the position shown in Figure 2. This movement has the effect of forcing the animal towards side wall (30) trapping it between the side wall (30) and the animal guiding gate (14) which is now parallel and spaced apart from the side wall (30). The animal may then be further urged towards the rear wall (28) of the framework (4), until its head extends through the headstock (16), which is in the open position as shown in Figure 4 A. When the animal's head extends completely through the headstock (16), the operator may send a signal to the communications and power unit (34) to close the headstock (16) by pivoting the left and right headstock bars (18, 20) to the closed position as shown in Figure 4B via the pivots (22a, b, c, d). In this way, the animal's head is prevented from withdrawing through the headstock (16) and the animal is trapped in a position where is cannot move forwards and backwards, and has limited lateral movement. The animal guiding gate (14) also includes an exit gate portion (26), which is located within the animal guiding gate (14), and may be telescopically extended therefrom as shown in Figure 3. The telescopic exit gate (26) maybe used to further restrain the animal in a desired position. Again, the movement of the telescopic gate portion (26) may be effected by the remote control unit (5). In alternative embodiments, at least some of the functions of the gate (6), animal guiding gate (14) and headstock (16) may be operated manually, either alternatively to remote operation using the remote control unit (5), or additional to it. In particular, locking of each of the gates (6), animal guiding gate (4) and telescopic exit gate (26) may be done manually, via bolts (not shown) which may manually be inserted into suitable apertures within the framework (4).

Once the animal is restrained in the desired position within the framework (4), a farmer, veterinarian or other person may work on the animal in relative safety. When the work is completed, the animal may be released from the framework (4) by releasing the bars (18, 20) of the headstock (16) and retracting the telescopic exit gate (26), followed by opening of the gate portions (8, 10). The animal may then exit the framework via the open gate (6).

It should also be noted that when the animal is restrained in a desired position within the framework (4), the entire animal handling unit (2) may be moved to another location via the a fork-lift or tractor which may move the unit (2) by way of the carriage plate (38) if it is desired to do so.

In other embodiments, the side walls (30, 32) and rear wall (28) may also be moveable, such that entrance and exit to the interior of the framework (4) by a person may be achieved via movement of anyone of the walls, or any portion thereof. For example, the side walls (30, 32) may include gates or other suitable portions which pivot or slide laterally to allow entrance and exit of person into the framework (4).

In all embodiments, the use of a remote control unit (5) enables an operator to safely herd and restrain an animal, whilst being at all times behind the animal, and in full control of operation of each moveable portion of the animal handling unit (2), without needing to manually manipulate movement of any portion thereof, unless desired.

Furthermore, the use of an animal guiding gate (14) which bisects the framework (4) in the animal guiding position, enables any person wishing to operate on an animal restrained within the unit (2) to enter the framework (4) in a safe manner, while and animal is also present. A dual-portion front gate (6) also enables the portion (8) opposite the headstock (16) to remain closed and ensure an animal is securely restrained in the framework (4), while the other portion (10) can be opened to allow a person into the enclosure, but separated from the animal by the guiding gate (4). Once the animal is retrained in the headstock (16), the telescopic exit gate (26) can be retracted to allow a person access to the animal.

The remote control unit (5) may operate via infra-red (IR) frequencies or radio frequencies (RF) and may be integral with a vehicle, or a hand-held unit arranged to be carried by the operator of the animal handling unit (2). The above embodiment is described by way of example only. Many variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. An animal handling unit comprising a framework forming an enclosure, the framework comprising a front gate moveable between an open and closed position, a guiding structure arranged in use to guide an animal within the framework, and an animal restraint moveable between a non-restraining position and a restraining position, which in use restrains and animal's movement within the unit, and remote control means to operate at least one function of the front gate, guiding structure and animal restraint 2. An animal handling unit as claimed in claim 1 further comprising means to enable the unit to be conveyed on a vehicle.

3. An animal handling unit as claimed in claim 2 wherein the vehicle conveyance means comprises means to enable the unit to be conveyed on the carriage or forks of a fork lift or tractor unit. 4. An animal handling unit as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the vehicle conveyance means comprises a slot or slots in the framework.

5. An animal handling unit as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the framework comprises front, side and rear walls, the front wall comprising the front gate. 6. An animal handling unit as claimed in claim 5 wherein the front gate comprises a portion of the front wall, pivotable or slidable between the open and closed configurations.

7. An animal handing unit as claimed in claimed 5 or 6 wherein the front gate comprises two gate portions, each pivotable about an axis in the region of opposite side walls, the distal ends of each gate portion meeting and abutting in the closed position. 8. An animal handling unit as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the front gate comprises a means to manually open, close and or lock it, in addition to remote opening, closing and locking via the remote control means.

9. An animal handling unit as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the guiding structure comprises a moveable structure which moves from a non-guiding position to a guiding position, the guiding position urging an animal towards the animal restraint in use.

10. An animal handling unit as claimed in claim 9 wherein the guiding the structure comprises a panel, bar or gate, which rotates or slides from the non-guiding position to the guiding position. 11. An animal handling unit as claimed in claim 10 wherein the panel, bar or gate rotates between the guiding and non-guiding positions about an axis located within the framework, such that it bisects or substantially bisects the framework, in the guiding position.

12. An animal handling unit as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the guiding structure comprises means to manually move and/or lock it into position, in addition to remote control movement and locking via the remote control means.

13. An animal handling unit as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the guiding structure includes a movable or retractable portion which enables a person on one side of the guiding structure in the guiding position to access a restrained animal on the other side. 14. An animal handling unit as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the guiding structure includes a telescopic portion which may be extend, in use to bisect the framework.

IS. An animal handling unit as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the animal restraint comprises a means to restrain the head or neck of an animal. 16. An animal handling unit as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the animal restraint comprises means to manually open, close and/or lock the restraint in position, in addition to remote control opening, closing and locking provided by the remote control means.

17. An animal handling unit as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the remote control means comprises a remote control unit which is wirelessly connected or wired to the animal handling unit.

18. An animal handling unit as claimed in any preceding claim wherein operation of the front gate, animal guiding structure and animal restraint is hydraulic.

19. An method of restraining an animal comprising; a) guiding an animal into an animal handling unit through a gate; b) guiding the animal through the unit with a movable animal guiding structure, to an animal restraint; c) operating the animal restraint to restrain movement of the animal within the unit; wherein operation of at least one function of the front gate, animal guiding structure and animal restraint is performed by remote control. 20. A method as claimed in claim 19 wherein operation of all functions of the front gate, guiding structure and animal restraint is performed by remote control.

21. A method as claimed in claim 19 or 21 wherein step c) comprises using a vehicle to guide the animal into the animal handling unit.

22. A method of restraining an animal of any one of claims 19-21, using an animal handling unit of any one of claims 1-18.

23. An animal handling unit or method of restraining an animal substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.