WO2016030633A1

WO2016030633A1 - Comfort system for an animal husbandry enclosure

Info

Publication number: WO2016030633A1
Application number: PCT/FR2015/052276
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jean-Vincent BIORET
Original assignee: Bioret Agri-Logette Confort
Priority date: 2014-08-27
Filing date: 2015-08-26
Publication date: 2016-03-03
Also published as: EP3185675A1; FR3025065B1; FR3025065A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a comfort system for an animal husbandry enclosure, comprising at least one comfort mattress (2). Said at least one comfort mattress (2) is provided with stimulation means (3) for generating a stimulus which will be detected by an animal resting on the upper surface (6). Said comfort system also comprises remote control means (4) that are connected to stimulation means (4) fitted to said at least one comfort mattress (2), for the control of said stimulation means between active/inactive configurations.

Description

Comfort system for a breeding enclosure

TECHNICAL FIELD TO WHICH THE INVENTION RELATES The present invention relates to a comfort system for animals, for example for dairy cattle and beef cattle, in particular for the development of cubicles in a breeding enclosure.

BACKGROUND

The comfort of animals is a key parameter in the performance of a farm.

This comfort influences in particular the health, the way of feeding, the food intake, the fertility and the longevity of the animals.

Cattle are usually rested in cubicles in stalls, still commonly called "free stalls", in which they are free to get up and go to bed.

However, when doing these movements, animals are likely to get hurt. This is particularly the case when the litter is made of straw covering concrete, which does not protect the animal from slipping.

To limit (or even eliminate) this type of incident and the resulting injuries, it is known to equip the floor with these cubicles with comfort mattresses.

These comfort mattresses conventionally comprise at least one elastic layer which is capable of undergoing an elastic deformation, underlying an upper surface on which the animal bears.

Moreover, the animals present in the boxes are often subject to stimulation, including interactions with the farmer so as to obtain a particular behavior of their parts.

For example, for dairy cattle, even if the milking operation itself is assisted by milking machines, the farmer still has to drive the cows from the breeding enclosure to the milking parlor.

For fast milking and optimal yield, it is important for cows to enter the milking parlor themselves, without waiting for the breeder.

Therefore, there is a need for a technical solution for such stimulation of the animals of a farm, which would in particular to obtain a reaction or behavior of interest in these animals.

OBJ AND INVENTION

In this context, the applicant has developed a new comfort system for a breeding enclosure, for example for dairy cattle or beef cattle, which has the interest of to generate a stimulus to be perceived by the animal resting on his comfort mattress.

In particular, this comfort system comprises at least one comfort mattress comprising:

at least one elastic layer capable of undergoing an elastic deformation, and

- an upper surface, on which an animal is intended to support.

And according to the invention, said at least one comfort mattress is equipped with stimulation means for generating a stimulus at said upper surface, said stimulus being intended to be perceived by said animal resting on said upper surface,

which stimulation means are controllable between two configurations:

an active configuration, in which said stimulation means generate said stimulus, and

an inactive configuration, in which said stimulation means do not generate said stimulus,

and said comfort system further comprises remote control means which are connected to the stimulation means equipping said at least one comfort mattress, for their control between said active / inactive configurations.

Such a comfort system is particularly interesting for breeders who thus have a tool for stimulating an animal, in particular so as to obtain a particular behavior on its part.

In particular, such a mattress could be interesting to lead to a learning or a conditional reflex in the stimulated animal, for example a conditional reflex by which a dairy cow subjected to the stimulus would rise and go alone to the milking parlor.

Such a comfort mattress could also serve to subject the animal to stimulation to obtain a physiological modification, for example an increase and / or an improvement in blood circulation.

According to other advantageous features of realization:

the stimulation means consist of means for generating a tactile stimulus at the upper surface, preferably in means for generating a vibration of said upper surface, and more preferably in electrical and / or pneumatic vibration means;

the stimulation means are implanted: at a lower surface of said comfort mattress, or in the thickness of said comfort mattress;

the elastic layer of the comfort mattress consists of: at least one elastic material (for example agglomerated or non-agglomerated rubber granules, or polyurethane foam), or - at least one sealed bag intended to be filled with a fluid (for example water, air or a gel);

the comfort mattress or beds form several reception modules which are each able to accommodate at least one animal; each home module comprises stimulation means whose stimulus is intended to be perceived by said at least one animal in support within said home module; and the remote control means are connected to said stimulation means for controlling them between said active / inactive configurations;

the comfort mattress comprises several juxtaposed reception modules which are each able to accommodate at least one animal; and each host module comprises: (a) a portion of the at least one elastic layer, (b) a portion of the upper surface, and (c) stimulation means, the stimulus of which is intended to be perceived by a animal bearing on said portion of the upper surface;

the comfort mattress comprises means for detecting the presence of an animal resting on its upper surface, where appropriate of each of its reception modules; in this case, the detection means advantageously comprise at least one pressure sensor which is intended to be connected to remote control means for collecting and / or processing the collected data.

The invention also relates to the breeding enclosure equipped with a comfort system according to the invention.

This breeding chamber advantageously comprises a plurality of cubicles, and said at least one comfort mattress covers the floor of said cubicles.

The comfort mattress (s) then form (s) advantageously several home modules which are each able to accommodate at least one animal; and each home module is formed within one of said cubicles.

The invention also relates to the method for obtaining a particular behavior on the part of an animal, in particular to lead to a learning or a conditional reflex in the stimulated animal, which method consists, in a breeding enclosure according to the the invention, to control the stimulation means equipping said at least one comfort mattress between said active / inactive configurations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EXAMPLE OF REALIZATION

The invention will be further illustrated, without being limited in any way by the following description of two particular embodiments in relation to the appended figures in which:

- Figure 1 is a schematic top view of a portion of the interior of a breeding chamber, namely a row of cubicles which is equipped with the comfort system comprising comfort mattresses whose elastic layer consists of rubber granules;

- Figure 2 is a schematic view, in a vertical sectional plane, of a comfort mattress according to Figure 1;

- Figure 3 is a schematic top view of a line of cubicles of a breeding chamber, here equipped with a comfort system comprising comfort mattress whose elastic layer is constituted by a sealed pouch filled with a fluid;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view, along a vertical sectional plane, of a comfort mattress according to FIG.

The comfort system 1 according to the invention is intended to equip a breeding enclosure E in which are formed the sleeping stalls S.

The breeding enclosure E advantageously consists of a barn for rearing cattle, in particular dairy cattle or beef cattle.

In the case of dairy cattle, the breeding enclosure E is advantageously equipped with a robotic milking parlor.

The sleeping stalls S here consist of a plurality of stalls, arranged on at least one line.

The S-cubicles are a compromise between a comfortable sleeping position for the bovine, respect for the up / down motion, comfortable standing and minimum staining in the stall.

Each cubicle S, conventional in itself, is delimited by:

two lateral separations S1 (FIGS. 1 and 3), for example tubular structures,

a rear sill threshold S2, extending along an access corridor,

a front limit S3, advantageously comprising a high bar at the withers and a lower stop (or speed limiter), forming the bottom of the box S, and

a floor S4, for example a concrete slab (FIGS. 2 and 4).

The comfort system 1, equipping this breeding enclosure E, consists of:

at least one comfort mattress 2, covering the floor S4 of each of the boxes S and equipped with stimulation means 3 to generate a stimulus for the animal resting on said comfort mattress 2, and

remote control means 4, in particular for centralized control of the stimulation means 3.

In this case, the comfort mattress 2 extends along several cubicles S juxtaposed. Each comfort mattress 2 thus comprises several reception modules 21 juxtaposed, each corresponding to the floor area of a box S, to accommodate each animal.

In this case, each hosting module 21 comprises:

part of an elastic layer 5 of the comfort mattress 2, a part of the upper surface 6 of this mattress 2, and

stimulation means 3, the stimulus of which is intended to be perceived by an animal resting on said part of the upper surface 6.

Alternatively, not shown, each cabin S has its own comfort mat 2 thus defining a single home module 21.

Each of these reception modules 21 of the comfort mattress 2, of rectangular general shape, is thus delimited by:

two lateral edges 21 1, each located directly above a lateral separation of the stool SI (forming, where appropriate, a lateral edge of the comfort mattress 2),

a rear edge 212, adjoining the rear threshold of stall S2 (forming a rear edge of the comfort mattress 2), and

- A front border 213, adjacent to the front limit S3 of the cabin S (forming a front edge of the comfort mattress 2).

As represented in FIGS. 2 and 4, each comfort mattress 2 conventionally comprises:

an elastic layer 5, able to undergo an elastic deformation, and

- An upper surface 6, overlying the elastic layer 5, on which an animal is intended to bear.

According to the present invention, the comfort mattress 2 is equipped with stimulation means 3 which are intended to generate a stimulus at its upper surface 6.

In this case, these stimulation means 3 equip each of the reception modules 21 of the comfort mattress 2 so as to generate a stimulus that can be perceived by the animal resting on the upper surface 6 of the reception modules 21 respective ones.

By "stimulus" is meant in particular an external agent, or an interaction, which is perceived by an animal and which is likely to generate a reaction or response of this animal.

By "stimulus" is meant in particular a tactile stimulus or an artificial stimulus of the electrical kind.

By "stimulus" is meant a "conditional stimulus" (for example a Pavlov reflex) which is capable of provoking only a specific reflex response after being associated several times in a row with the application of the normal stimulus. this answer.

By "reaction or response" is meant in particular:

a behavior of interest in the stimulated animal, or

physiological adaptation / modification in the stimulated animal, such as an increase in blood circulation.

By "reaction or response" is also meant a reflex, such as a conditional reflex. In this case, within each reception module 21 of the comfort mattress 2, the stimulation means 3 are controllable between two configurations, by means of the remote control means 4, namely:

an active configuration (step), in which said stimulation means 3 generate said stimulus, and

an inactive configuration (stop), in which said stimulation means 3 no longer generate said stimulus.

In general, the stimulation means 3 of a reception module 21 are controllable between said two configurations, independently and / or simultaneously with respect to the stimulation means 3 of the other reception modules 21.

The stimulation means 3 in question advantageously consist of means for generating a tactile stimulus at the upper surface 6 of the corresponding reception module 21.

By "tactile stimulus" is meant in particular an excitation that is perceived by the organs of touch (the skin for example).

In this context, the means 3 for generating the tactile stimulus advantageously consist of means for generating a vibration of the upper surface 6 of the corresponding reception module 21.

These stimulation means 3 are chosen for example from electric and / or pneumatic vibration means, known per se, in order to obtain the desired type of vibration.

Such stimulation means 3 consist for example of a vibrating device (also commonly referred to as "vibrator"), chosen from among others a vibrating plate or a vibrating tube, which is conventional in itself.

Generally speaking, the term "vibrating device" or "vibrator" refers in particular to an oscillating (or animated vibratory movement) system that is mechanical, electrical or pneumatic, capable of transmitting vibrations to the upper surface 6.

The vibrating device 3 is chosen in a manner, taking into account in particular the characteristics of the elastic layer 5.

In this case, the stimulation means 3 are controllable between two configurations, by means of the remote control means 4, namely:

an active configuration (walking), in which said stimulation means 3 generate a vibration (the upper surface 6 vibrates on at least a part of its total surface), and

an inactive configuration (stop), in which said stimulation means 3 no longer generate this vibration (the upper surface 6 is thus inert).

A first embodiment of the comfort mattress 2, equipped with stimulation means 3, is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The general structure of this comfort mattress 2 is for example the kind of mattress LOUISIANE marketed by BIORET AGRI-LOGETTE CONFORT (Nort sur Erdre, France).

According to this first embodiment, the elastic layer 5 (FIG. 2) consists of a plate of an elastic material, for example a plate of rubber granules (agglomerated or non-agglomerated), polyurethane, latex or any other elastomeric material.

This elastic layer 5 is advantageously wrapped in a tight film 7, for example a PVC (polyvinyl chloride) film.

The upper surface 6 is constituted by a coating attached to the elastic layer 5 wrapped in its sealing film 7, for example a rubber coating.

This insert 6 is advantageously secured to the ground S4 through rods 8 type sections fixed by points or nails, especially along the rear edges 212 and 213 before the comfort mattress 2 (Figure 2).

Within each reception module 21 of the comfort mattress 2, the stimulation means 3 comprise at least one vibrating device 31 which is connected to the remote control means 4.

The vibrating device (s) 31 of a reception module 21 are advantageously implanted between the elastic layer 5 and the added liner 6, in the thickness of the comfort mattress 2.

Alternatively and / or complementary, not shown, the vibrating device (s) 31 could be implanted between the lower surface of the elastic layer 5 and the soil S4.

For this purpose, the vibrating device or devices 31 advantageously consist of a vibrating plate, movable for example by oscillation or by translation.

Preferably, for each home module 21, the vibrating device or devices 31 are distributed in a central zone whose area corresponds for example to 70% of the total surface area of said home module 21.

Each vibrating device 31 will thus generate a tactile stimulus, of the vibration type, perceptible at the upper surface 6 of the reception module 21 by an animal in the presence.

A second embodiment of the comfort mattress 2, equipped with stimulation means 3, is illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4.

The general structure of this comfort mattress 2 is, for example, of the type of the PACIFIC mattress marketed by the company BIORET AGRI-LOGETTE CONFORT (Nort sur Erdre, France). According to this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the comfort mattress 2 comprises a casing 10 surrounding the elastic layer 5 which is constituted by a sealed pocket (or chamber) filled with a fluid (for example from the water, air or gel).

The envelope 10 thus consists of a waterproof and elastic material, for example rubber.

This envelope 10 has two panels, opposite and at a distance from each other:

a lower panel 101 directly constituting the lower surface of the mattress 2 resting on the ground S4 and

an upper panel 102 directly constituting the upper surface 6 of the mattress 2.

Preferably, each docking module 21 has a sealed pocket 5 of its own.

In this case, the envelope 10 defines a succession of sealed juxtaposed pockets 5 each corresponding to a reception module 21.

Such a comfort mattress 2 is for example obtained by vulcanization in the mass, in rotary rubber press.

Within each reception module 21 of the comfort mattress 2, the stimulation means 3 comprise a vibrating device 32 which is implanted within the corresponding waterproof pocket 5 (in the thickness of the comfort mattress 2) and which is connected to the remote control means 4.

This vibrating device 32 is here introduced through an insertion duct 103 provided for this purpose, communicating with a sealed pouch 5.

For example, this vibrating device 32 consists of a submergible vibrating tube.

This vibrating device 32 is thus able to generate vibrations directly within the fluid contained in the sealed bag 5, which will propagate to the upper surface 6 of the receiving module 21.

The mounting of this vibrating device 32 is effected in a sealed manner, for example by crimping within the insertion duct 103.

In this case, each sealed bag 5 is further provided with filling access means 104, for example an orifice equipped with a valve (FIG. 3).

The attachment of this comfort mattress 2, in the boxes S, is also performed by means of conventional sections 8 per se.

Alternatively, not shown, the comfort mattress 2 sealed pocket could be equipped with a vibrating device 31 of the type described above in connection with Figures 1 and 2, namely preferably a device 31 of the type vibrating plate.

In this case, the vibrating device 31 is advantageously formed between the lower panel 101 of the comfort mattress 2 and the floor S4. In the various embodiments, the stimulation means 3 are connected to the remote control means 4 via wire means 34.

To limit the risk of deterioration, these connection son 34 are advantageously arranged along the longitudinal front edge 213 of the comfort mattress 2.

In particular, for the first embodiment, the connecting son 34 are formed under the tight film 7 (Figure 2). For the second embodiment, the connection son 34 are covered by an attached section 8 (Figure 4).

Alternatively, not shown, the stimulation means 3 are connected to the control means 4 by means of wireless communication means, for example of the Wi-Fi or Bluetooth type.

In practice, the type of vibration emitted (in particular in intensity, duration and frequency) is adapted in a way and mainly according to the desired effect.

The vibrations emitted may be adapted so as to obtain a behavioral response of the animal, for example its passage in a standing position, or even its exit from the reception module 21.

Still advantageously, after a learning period, it can still be obtained a more complex behavior, for example the path of the animal stimulated to the milking parlor for dairy cattle.

The vibrations emitted can also be adapted so as to obtain a physiological type reaction, for example an improvement of the blood circulation (in particular of the peripheral blood circulation) of the animal.

Stimulation, especially vibrations, can be triggered:

- on all comfort mattresses 2 at the same time during milking, to accelerate the approach of animals, or

- by batch by selecting a section of cubicle S, especially for targeted interventions, such as vaccination, anti-fly treatment, or even

- individually, if the system is coupled with an individualized recognition of the animal.

Optionally, as shown in FIG. 1, the comfort system 1 may further comprise means 12 for detecting the presence of an animal at the different reception modules 21.

Preferably, the detection means 12 equip each of the reception modules 21 of the comfort mattress 2 so as to detect the presence of an animal resting on the upper surface 6 of the respective reception modules 21. For example, within each reception module 21 of the comfort mattress 2, the detection means 12 comprise at least one pressure sensor (not shown) which is connected to the remote control means 4 for collecting / processing the data. .

These pressure sensors are advantageously chosen from means capable of measuring the weight of the animal or animals resting on the upper surface 6 of the comfort mattress 2.

For example, these sensors are chosen from sensors capable of measuring a pressure differential.

In the same way as the stimulation means 3, the detection means 12 may be arranged for example:

between the elastic layer 5 and the added coating 6, for the first embodiment, or

between the lower surface of the comfort mattress 2 and the floor S4, or within the sealed pocket 5, for the second embodiment.

Optionally, the detection means 12 may further comprise means

(shown in Figures 1 and 3) for the individualized recognition of the animal resting on the comfort mattress or 2, and where appropriate on each of their home modules 21.

Such a comfort system 1 coupled with a robotic milking system allows recognition of the animal, the analysis of its sleeping cycle and allows to lift the animal to be milking.

For this purpose, these recognition means comprise, for example, a fixed reader adapted to read the electronic identification loops carried by the animals (generally on one ear).

This fixed reader is advantageously fixed by webbing within the cabin S, or failing on the concrete at the front of the comfort mattress 2.

This fixed reader is advantageously also connected with the remote means 4 so as to allow individualized processing of data from the detection means 12.

The recognition means advantageously rely on remote identification technology and contactless.

The electronic loop, equipping the animal, has a transponder cast in its constituent material.

The transponder contained in the loop consists of an electronic chip that contains the digital information (the national number of the animal) and an antenna that allows the exchange with the reader.

Electronic chip standards coexist, for example HDX Half Duplex or FDX-B Full-Duplex. A "Full-lso" reader will be able to read both types of electronic chips.

The reader advantageously consists of a radiofrequency module associated with an antenna.

Moreover, the remote control means 4 advantageously consist of electronic and / or computer means, in particular for centralized control of the stimulation means 3 between their active / inactive configurations.

If necessary, these remote control means 4 are also useful for the collection and / or processing of data from the detection means 12.

The remote control means 4 will thus allow a control of the stimulation means 3 in the presence, namely for example:

an individualized control of the stimulation means 3 of a reception module 21,

a control of the stimulation means 3 of a batch of reception modules 21, or

a global control of the stimulation means 3 of all the host modules

21.

This control can be done - manually or - automatically via a program or an algorithm.

In the presence of detection means 12, the remote control means 4 will also allow including a social analysis of livestock and / or revolution of their weight, individually or collectively.

The computer means comprise in particular a computer comprising a computer program comprising:

program code means for controlling the stimulation means 3,

- and where appropriate, program code means for collecting and / or processing data from the detection means 12,

when said computer program is run on said computer.

The remote means 4 are thus connected to each of the stimulation means 3, and where appropriate to each of the detection means 12 present in the enclosure E.

These remote means 4 receive, convert and compile signals from the detection means 12 of each housing S, in particular when detection means 12 of a housing S are subjected to a pressure normally coming from an animal present on the surface. superior 6.

In particular, the detection means 12 of each housing S emit a signal (advantageously an electrical signal) which is a function of the presence and / or the intensity of a pressure exerted on the upper surface 6 of the reception module 21 within this logette S.

The received signal can then be used to allow:

- a distinction between the absence and the presence of an animal within a cubicle S, an evaluation of the intensity of the pressure exerted, to be advantageously converted into weight of the animal in the presence.

This signal may be associated with a given animal in the case of a comfort system comprising recognition means.

In particular, the remote means 4 comprise at least one of the following means, advantageously in the form of program code means, taking into account the signal coming from the detection means 12:

means for measuring the weight of the animal or animals resting on the comfort mattress or even means for monitoring weight gain of said animal or animals,

means for analyzing the time spent per rest phase on the comfort mattress or mattresses,

means for analyzing the frequency of use of the comfort mattress or mattresses, if necessary of the reception modules,

- means of global analysis of the attendance of the breeding enclosure.

In practice, many objective information on the breeding can be obtained by the implementation of the comfort system 1 according to the invention:

1) For dairy cattle:

- Identification of sleeping areas;

- Overall analysis of building attendance;

- Analysis of the time spent by rest phase;

- Batch averaged analysis of the time spent by rest phase;

- Cross-tabulation of rest periods by building area and by lot.

2) For beef cattle:

- Establishment of a weight gain index;

- Average weight gain index per building;

- Identification of sleeping areas;

- Analysis of the time spent by rest phase.

These analyzes can be either individual per animal, if they are equipped with electronic chips or batch or section or area, if the animals are not equipped with such chips.

In general, such a comfort system 1 has many advantages for the users.

For dairy cattle, this comfort system 1 makes it possible to detect and analyze the ambience of the building with respect to the area of use.

In case of problem of attendance, the zone is identified, and the solution to be implemented more adapted. This comfort system 1 also notes the rest phases which are directly related to rumination and therefore to the production of milk. In case of change, type of food or other, the impact on rest times will be known to the user.

Finally, this system makes it possible to locate the privileged areas of the animal and this individually in case of a complete equipment with electronic chip reader.

Rest periods that are too long, too short or different from the habit can also be a symptom of illness, heat, etc., and may trigger increased vigilance on the animal.

For beef cattle, this comfort system 1 makes it possible to detect and analyze the weight gain of the animals and to translate this weight gain in the form of a curve per animal or per batch (weight as a function of time, for example fattening time).

The sensors also identify sleeping time and sleeping areas.

The user can therefore know and control whether the weight gain is in line with his expectations, particularly in terms of quantity and speed.

Moreover this allows him to detect any anomaly on a lot, lots or if the change is global on the whole building.

The information is advantageously available in real time and remotely, on any computer support (computer, tablet, mobile phone).

In general, the comfort mattress according to the invention allows a stimulation of the animal, thus simplifying the interactions of the breeder with the animals and possibly allowing predetermined reactions or behaviors of the latter.

Claims

- CLAIMS -

1. - Comfort system, for example for dairy cattle or beef cattle, for a breeding enclosure, which comfort system comprises at least one comfort mattress (2) comprising:

at least one elastic layer (5) capable of undergoing an elastic deformation, and

- an upper surface (6), on which an animal is intended to bear, characterized in that said at least one comfort mattress (2) is equipped with stimulation means (3) for generating a stimulus at said surface upper (6), said stimulus being intended to be perceived by an animal resting on said upper surface (6), which stimulation means (3) are controllable between two configurations:

an active configuration, in which said stimulation means (3) generate said stimulus, and

an inactive configuration, in which said stimulation means (3) do not generate said stimulus,

and in that said comfort system comprises remote control means (4) which are connected to the stimulation means (3) equipping said at least one comfort mattress (2), for their control between said active / inactive configurations.

2. - comfort system according to claim 1, characterized in that the stimulation means (3) consist of means for generating a tactile stimulus at the upper surface (6).

3. - comfort system according to claim 2, characterized in that the means (3) for generating a tactile stimulus consist of means for generating a vibration of said upper surface (6).

4. - Comfort system according to claim 3, characterized in that the means (3) for generating a vibration of the upper surface (6) are selected from the electrical and / or pneumatic vibration means.

5. - comfort system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the stimulation means (3) are implanted:

at a lower surface of said at least one comfort mattress (2), or

in the thickness of said at least one comfort mattress (2).

6. - comfort system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the elastic layer (5) is constituted by:

at least one elastic material, or

at least one sealed bag intended to be filled with a fluid.

7.- comfort system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the comfort mattress or (2) form several reception modules (21) which are each able to accommodate at least one animal, in that each reception module (21) comprises stimulation means (3), whose stimulus is intended to be perceived by said at least one animal resting within said reception module (21),

and in that the remote control means (4) are connected to said stimulation means (3) for controlling them between said active / inactive configurations.

8. comfort system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said at least one comfort mattress (2) comprises several docking modules (21) juxtaposed each of which are able to accommodate at least one animal ,

and in that each host module (21) comprises:

a part of the at least one elastic layer (5),

a part of the upper surface (6), and

stimulation means (3), the stimulus of which is intended to be perceived by an animal resting on said part of the upper surface (6).

9. - Comfort system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said at least one comfort mattress (2) comprises means (12) for detecting the presence of an animal resting on its surface upper (6), where appropriate of each of its home modules (21).

10. - comfort system according to claim 9, characterized in that the detection means (12) comprise at least one pressure sensor which is intended to be connected to the remote control means (4) for the collection and / or the processing of collected data.

1 1. - Breeding chamber (E) equipped with a comfort system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. - Breeding chamber (E) according to claim 1 1, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of cubicles (S), and in that said at least one comfort mattress (2) covers the floor (S4 ) of said cubicles (S).

13. - Breeding chamber (E) according to claim 12, characterized in that the comfort mattress (s) (2) form (s) several reception modules (21) which are each able to accommodate at least one animal , and in that each receiving module (21) is formed in one of said cubicles (S).

14. - Method for obtaining a particular behavior on the part of an animal, in particular to lead to a learning or a conditional reflex in the stimulated animal, characterized in that it consists in a breeding enclosure (E ) according to any one of claims 1 1 to 13, to drive the stimulation means (3) equipping said at least one comfort mattress (2) between said active / inactive configurations.