WO2018194453A1

WO2018194453A1 - Improved manger

Info

Publication number: WO2018194453A1
Application number: PCT/NL2018/050245
Authority: WO
Inventors: Martinus Adrianus Hubertus VAN DE VLEUTEN; Silvia Henrica Josephina VAN DE VLEUTEN
Original assignee: Van De Vleuten Martinus Adrianus Hubertus
Priority date: 2017-04-19
Filing date: 2018-04-19
Publication date: 2018-10-25

Abstract

The present invention is in the field of a manger and a method of providing food to animals, in particular to calves. The manger (100) relates to a combined system, comprising a container (10) for food and a trough (20). The container typically comprises mixed food, such as hay, (cut) corn, muesli, and pallets comprising nutrients, energy, minerals and carbohydrates.

Description

Improved Manger

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is in the field of a manger and a method of providing food to animals, in particular to calves. The manger relates to a combined system, comprising a container for food and a trough. The container typically comprises mixed food, such as hay, (cut) corn, muesli, and pallets comprising nutrients, energy, minerals and carbohy- drates.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is in the field of a manger and a method of providing food to animals, in particular to calves.

Calves, and may other mammals, have a complex digestion system. Most of them have a rumen (or paunch) which is a first chamber in the alimentary canal of ruminant animals. It serves as a site for microbial fermentation of ingested feed. Ingested food as well as (partly) digested food is typically not uniform, but has varying physical and chemical character- istics. Additionally food is subject to extensive mixing, and travels along complicated flow paths. The digestion of food may therefore vary significantly over time, depending on the characteristics of consumed food as well.

It has now been found that digestion of food, especially mixed food, varies significantly over time with e.g. calves. Partly the uncontrolled uptake of food by these animals influences the digestion system negatively. Also it has been found that these animals have a preference for certain components of the food, and neglect or even discard other, such as hay. The mixed food is as a result not balanced anymore. The animals are relatively sloppy in food uptake, leading to waste of food, infection of food by microorganisms such as fungi, insufficient production of saliva, etc. In addition a farmer needs to refill troughs more often.

It is noted that typically animals are kept with a number of animals in one box or the like. These animals typically use the same (and mostly single) trough. As a consequence cross-contaminations from one animal to the other may easily occur, especially when sloppy food uptake is the case. As a side effect animals tend to push each other away leading to typical fled behavior. Troughs need to be very broad as a consequence .

A few documents recite feeding devices or the like, such as AU 60649 73 A, GB 732 550 A, US 1 791 863 A, AT 295 231 B, and DE 2714 030 Al . AU 60649 73 A relates to a weatherproof hopper for cattle for use outside which is to be transferred from one place to another. The document is silent on dimensions and purposive selections, nor is a trough shown. GB 732 550 A relates to wet feeding of pigs, having as a consequence a closure to prevent food from escaping. Water may enter a top opening, such as rain water. The construction shown are not very suited for calves. US 1 791 863 A relates to a stock feeder, but is otherwise not particularly relevant. AT 295 231 B relates to an automated feeder for pigs, wherein pigs are fed from a front side of the feeder. The feeder comprises chains and a separate trough. Combination of elements of the documents above seem cumbersome, if not impossible, in view of very different designs and different teachings. All the documents are silent on how to feed livestock in practice, other than that food is supplied.

Hence there still is a need for relative simple and effective manger for animals, which overcomes one or more of the above mentioned disadvantages without jeopardizing bene- ficial characteristics.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in a first aspect to a manger according to claim 1. The present manger comprises two main components, a container for keeping dry feed and a trough wherein feed is released more or less automatically. The container is shaped such that feed is transferred to the release opening. The transfer is assisted by (unintentional) nodding of the animals against the container. It has been found that in order to contain the feed in the container an oblique side may need to be provided, such that a part thereof extends 0-15 cm, preferably 2-10 cm, such as 4-7 cm, under the release opening. The part extending may be a rotat- able element 13a. The part may also be provided as a rotata- ble element, rotating inwardly, such that the release opening is partly closed, and therewith limiting feed supply. A further side 15 is provided being opposite of side 13. For older animals/calves an extension is sufficient, as these animals are inclined to engage and thereby shake the present con- tainer often enough to support downward movement of the feed thereby. For younger calves further measures are preferred. In addition thereto the release opening is not too large and not too small. In view of the feed a width of at least 12 cm is found necessary, such as 15-20 cm. The length of the re- lease opening is typically larger than the width thereof. Feed now moves slowly downwards, occasionally interrupted, and occasionally re-started either by gravitational forces, uptake of feed, or nodding. The feed supply is limited as a result to relatively small quantities of about 0.25-2 1. The container has at least one further side, typically flat and non-curved sides. The sides form a fill opening at a top side of the container and a release opening at a bottom side thereof. A side 13 is above trough 20, such that the trough is accessible for calves under side 13, therewith forcing them to bend their head/neck. The oblique side in combination with the release opening being provided at a far end thereof, and a limited space between the release opening of the container and the trough, forces animals to use their tongue to transport feed from the trough into their mouths. Such is considered to improve production of saliva. In view thereof the oblique side is oriented at an angle a of 45-80° relative to the release opening (or likewise a horizontal plane, which horizontal plane is substantially parallel to the fill opening} . The angle is preferably not too large, e.g. in view of limiting feed supply and way of feed uptake, and not too small in view of accessibility. Also feed uptake is limited over time, smaller portions are consumed, and the feed is still well mixed. Contamination of feed is also limited. The boxes and surroundings are relatively clean as limited or no feed is spilled. In order to maintain the surroundings even cleaner side 16 may at a lower end thereof be extended over the full width of the trough c.q. container. As such the spillage is reduced even more to virtually nothing. In this respect it has been found that spillage of feed is reduced by a factor 5-20 (at present less than 0.2 wheelbarrows versus two full wheelbarrows in the prior art) . The trough is located with one side 21 thereof substantially in a plane with a side 15 of the container, and with a width 31 of 60-160% of the upper width 41 of the fill opening of the container, in order to limit available food, and a depth which is substantially equal to the depth of the container, typically a depth at a top side of the container. The width of the trough available for keeping feed may be limited by a partition or the like. The trough is typically located at a distance of 5- 30 cm from the release opening, preferably 10-20 cm. The weight of the container is typically well below 25 kg, such as below 20 kg, such that it can be removed or placed easily.

If foldable, the container can be stored away easily.

In a second aspect the present invention relates to a method of feeding calves, comprising providing the present manger, mixing of feed, filling the present container at least partly, and feeding the calves. The calves typically use a tilted head to lap up the feed.

Thereby the present invention provides a solution to one or more of the above mentioned problems and drawbacks.

Advantages of the present description are detailed throughout the description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in a first aspect to a manger according to claim 1.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present manger at least one side 14,16 , preferably at least all sides, may be at an angle γ of 75-85° with the release opening. As such the trans- fer of feed towards the release opening is improved. The present manger may have a cross-section selected from rectangular, square, round, ellipsoidal, multigonal, such as hexagonal, and combinations thereof.

In an exemplary embodiment the present manger may be made of a lightweight material, such as a container of synthetic material, of a wood comprising material, of a metal, and combinations thereof, such as Trespa®. It has been found that a durable container can be made with these materials. In addition, when a wood comprising material or synthetic material is used it has been found that the relative humidity of the feed is better controlled, and typically is lower, which supports movement of the feed and prevents fungi formation.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present manger the re- lease opening may have a width of at least 15 cm, preferably at least 20 cm. As such the feed is transferred downwards at a slow pace, but does not fall out the release opening di^¬ rectly. The width is preferably smaller than 30 cm, such as smaller than 25 cm.

In an exemplary embodiment the present manger is provided with suspension elements, such as hooks, for releasable suspension of the manger. As such the manger may be removed, such as for cleaning, or fixed, or even be replaced.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present manger the up- per width 41 of the container is 70-100 cm, such as 80-90 cm, the upper depth 42 of the container is 25-40 cm, such as 30- 35 cm, and the lower depth 52 of the container is 20-35 cm, such as 30 cm. As such a good volume, good accessibility, and to be handled size is provided.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present manger the volume of the container is 50-100 1, such as 60-90 1, e.g. 70-80 1.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present manger the trough is made of steel, such as stainless steel. Such is de- sired in view of hygiene and cleaning thereof.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present manger the trough has a width of 40-100 cm, preferably 45-80 cm, such as 50-60 cm. In view of reduced feeding the trough has a limited width. In view of accessibility the width is preferably not too small.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present manger the container and the trough are releasable connected to each other. Preferably the container and trough can be connected at a fixed distance, in order to optimize e.g. a feed process.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present manger the oblique side is oriented to the left or to the right. Especially in view of boxes, comprising more than one animal, preferably 2-12 animals, such as 4-6 animals, a manger can be provided at a left corner and at a right corner of the box. As such animals have more peace when consuming food and need not disturb other animals when eating that frequently.

In an exemplary embodiment the present manger further comprises at least one flexible line 61 for temporarily sup- porting feed attached to an upper portion of side 17 or side 13 at one end and to an upper portion of side 15 at another end, preferably at least two lines, more preferably four lines. The lines are typically provided as partly hollow lines, such as chains, such as metal chains. The lines typi- cally carry 20-70% of the feed, such as 30-50%. They support preventing interruption of downward movement of the feed and they limit dust formation. A continuous provision of feed is obtained. Preferably a chain with links with a size of 20-50 mm length, such as 30-35 mm, and a width of 5-20 mm, such as 10-15 mm are used.

In an exemplary embodiment the present manger may further comprise at least one flexible line 62 for supporting downward movement of feed attached to an upper portion of side 17 or side 13 at one end, or attached to at least one flexible line 61, such as in a middle section of line 61, the middle section extending from 25%-75% relative to a total length of line 61, such as 30%-70%, e.g. 33%-66%, wherein the other end extends, such as 2-20 cm, preferably 5-10 cm, into trough 20, preferably an iron comprising line. It has been found that especially younger and smaller calves benefit from this construction. A length of the line is typically in the order of 90-110 cm, in view of the size of the present container.

Preferably a chain with links with a size of 20-50 mm length, such as 30-35 mm, and a width of 5-20 mm, such as 10-15 mm are used. It is found that calves typically move the line with their tongue and thereby support downward movement. A continuous provision of feed is obtained. It is found that as they lick the line with their tongue they also consume some iron. A good material for the lines may be stainless steel. Remarkably the hemoglobin levels of these calves are found to increase, such as from 5 to 7.

In an exemplary embodiment the present manger further comprises at least one L-shaped supporting element attached to two adjacent sides 13-17 , that is on a ridge of two adja^¬ cent sides, an typically an L-shaped element attached to all adjacent sides. Therewith improved rigidity is provided. In view of foldability the L-shapes may be removably attached. The L shapes may be formed from a metal, such as stainless steel or aluminum. They may have a thickness of 2-4 mm, a height of 5 cm up to a full length of a ridge, and a width of 2-10 cm, such as 3-5 cm.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present manger the con- tainer is foldable. In view of emptying boxes and the like containers are typically removed. A foldable container is easier handable.

In an exemplary embodiment the present manger further comprises one foldable and extendable frame 71 at a side 15 or at a side 17,13 , preferably a frame at both sides. In an example the frame is a scissor frame. The frame is typically attached to two opposing sides.

In an exemplary embodiment the present manger further comprises a fold line 74 provided on sides 13 and 15 for folding the manger such that sides 14 and 16 approach one and another, and hinges 75. An example thereof is e.g. a piano fold system.

In addition one or two handles may be provided on the container for lifting and carrying the container.

In an aspect the present invention relates to one or more mangers further comprising a feed supply element, preferably a movable element, such as a supply pipe. The supply element can be moved from one manger to a further manger, optionally in an automated fashion. Such reduces an amount of work and improves dosing of the feed.

In further aspect the present invention relates to a box for 4-12 cows, comprising at least one manger according to the invention, preferably at least two manger with different oblique sides.

In further aspect the present invention relates to a stable comprising 1-500 mangers according to the invention, and/or 1-125 boxes according to the invention.

The one or more of the above examples and embodiments may be combined, falling within the scope of the invention. FIGURES

Figures la-c show a left side view (lc) , front view (la) and right side view (lb) of the present manger.

Figure 2 shows typical changes in temperature and pH in the paunch (or rumen) of a calve.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The figures are also detailed throughout the description. In the figures:

100 manger

a angle between oblique side and release opening

γ angle between other side and fill opening

10 container

11 fill opening

12 release opening

13 oblique side

13a rotatable element

14-17 sides

20 trough

31 width

32 depth

41 upper width

42 depth container

51 width release opening

52 length release opening

61 flexible line

62 flexible line

71 extendable frame

74 fold-line

75 hinge

200 movable supply arm

Figure 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of the present manger, as detailed throughout the description. In fig. lc one side 14,16 is at an angle γ whereas in fig. lb both sides are at an angle. The large arrow in fig. la indicates the bending of a head of a calve. Also line 62 may be attached to line 61.

Figure 2 shows exemplary results of measurements of calves . EXAMPLES

Experiment 1

Various calves where provided with the present manger from 13 March onwards. The temperature of the calves as well as the pH of the paunch were measured (see fig. 2). Already after a few days the variation in pH of the paunch reduced significantly, from ± 2.75 units to less than 1 unit. The reduction is considered to represent an improved and more stable digestion. All calves tested show a similar improvement.

In addition the calves showed improved haemoglobin and

Fe-levels. Also gas production, and in particular methane production, was reduced, as well as production of manure was reduced.

The temperature of the animals was relatively constant, with minor changes shortly after consumption of feed. The changes are considered to be related to intake of energy rich feed.

Experiment 2

Various calves where followed over time. After a few weeks calves showed an improved growth. Calves of 5 weeks old using the present manger were of similar size (weight and height) as calves of 6-7 week old not using the present manger. So already visually an improved growth could be observed.

Experiment 3

Various calves were weighted before being slaughtered. A group of approximately 25 showed an increase in meat production of ± 15 kg per calve over about 7 weeks' time. A second group of about 100 calves showed an increase of about 25 kg in 30 weeks' time. It has been found that a daily increase in weight improved from about 1050 gr to about 1145 gr.

Experiment 4

Feed supply to calves was monitored over time. During growth, up to when the claves were transported for slaughtering about 7% less feed was provided per calve.

Experiment 5

The surroundings of the boxes and mangers were inspected. Considerably less or no waste was found on the ground. Therefore cleaning of the boxes could be reduced significantly. The feed was more pristine as well and hence less contaminated. Experiment 6

It was found that considerably less medicaments, such as antibiotics, needed to be supplied to the animals. The health of the animals has improved. In addition less animals were sick and no animals died, which is considered to be a reduction of about 1% relative.

The invention is further detailed by the accompanying figures, which are exemplary and explanatory of nature and are not limiting the scope of the invention. To the person skilled in the art it may be clear that many variants, being obvious or not, may be conceivable falling within the scope of protection, defined by the present claims.

Claims

1. Manger (100) for calves, comprising

a container (10) for transferring dry feed,

a fill opening (11) at an upper side of the container, at least one oblique side (13) at a side of the manger located under an angle a of 45-80° with the release opening, at least one further flat side (14-17), a side (15) being opposite of side (13),

a release opening (12) at a lower side of the container, wherein the rim of the release opening is formed by sides (13-16),

wherein the release opening has a width (51) of at least 12 cm en a length larger than the width, and

wherein the oblique side extends 0-15 cm under the release opening, which extension may be rotatable (13a), and a trough (20) under the container, with one side (21) thereof substantially in a plane with a side (15) of the container, and with a width (31) of 60-160% of the upper width (41) of the container and a depth (32) substantially equal to the depth (42) of the container, wherein side (13) is above trough (20), such that the trough is accessible for calves under side (13) .

2. Manger according to claim 1, wherein at least one side (14,16), preferably at least all sides, are at an angle γ of 75-85° with the fill opening.

3. Manger according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the manger is made of a lightweight material, such as a container of synthetic material, of a wood comprising material, of a metal, and combinations thereof.

4. Manger according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the width (51) of the release opening is at least 15 cm.

5. Manger according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising suspension elements, such as hooks, for re- leasable suspension of the manger.

6. Manger according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the upper width 41 of the container is 70-100 cm, the upper depth 42 of the container is 25-40 cm, and the lower depth 52 of the container is 20-35 cm.

7. Manger according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the volume of the container is 50-100 1.

8. Manger according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the trough is made of steel, such as stainless steel.

9. Manger according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the width (31) of the trough (20) is 40-160 cm, preferably 45-80 cm, such as 50-60 cm.

10. Manger according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the container (10) and the trough (20) are releasable connected to each other.

11. Manger according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the oblique side is oriented to the left or to the right.

12. Manger according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one flexible line (61) for temporarily supporting feed attached to an upper portion of side (17} or side (13) at one end and to an upper portion of side (15) at another end, preferably at least two lines, more preferably four lines.

13. Manger according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one flexible line (62} for supporting downward movement of feed attached to an upper portion of side (17) or side (13) at one end, or attached to at least one flexible line (61), such as in a middle section of line (61) , wherein the other end extends into trough (20) , preferably an iron comprising line.

14. Manger according to any of the preceding claims, fur- ther comprising at least one L-shaped supporting element attached to two adjacent sides (13-17).

15. Manger according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the container is foldable.

16. Manger according to claim 15, comprising at least one of a foldable and extendable frame (71) at a side (15) or at a side (17,13), preferably a frame at both sides, a fold line (74) , and hinges (75) .

17. One or more mangers according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a feed supply element (200), preferably a movable element, such as a supply pipe.

18. Method of feeding calves, comprising

providing the manger according to any of the claims 1-16, mixing of feed, such as at least hay, concentrate, and corn,

filling the present container at least partly, and feeding the calves, wherein the calves use a tilted head to lap up the feed.

19. Box for 4-12 cows, comprising at least one manger according to any of claims 1-16, preferably at least two mangers with different oblique sides.

20. Stable comprising 1-500 mangers according to any of claims 1-16, and/or 1-125 boxes according to claim 19.