WO2020009578A1 - Method and system for grading hens in a flock - Google Patents

Method and system for grading hens in a flock Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2020009578A1
WO2020009578A1 PCT/NL2019/050416 NL2019050416W WO2020009578A1 WO 2020009578 A1 WO2020009578 A1 WO 2020009578A1 NL 2019050416 W NL2019050416 W NL 2019050416W WO 2020009578 A1 WO2020009578 A1 WO 2020009578A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
hens
hen
mark
egg
marking
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PCT/NL2019/050416
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Pieter Hendrik Hogewerf
Original Assignee
Stichting Wageningen Research
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Publication date
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Publication of WO2020009578A1 publication Critical patent/WO2020009578A1/en

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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
    • A01K35/00—Marking poultry or other birds

Definitions

  • the invention pertains to a method and system for grading individual poultry hens in a flock.
  • Poultry hens which are kept with the purpose of producing eggs are nowadays usually kept in a flock.
  • the word“hen” refers to a poultry hen which is kept for the production of eggs.
  • Poultry hens include for example chicken hens, quail hens and duck hens.
  • a flock comprises a relatively large number of individual poultry hens which share at least a part of the space in which they are kept. In modern housing systems, a flock of poultry hens easily contains 1000 individual hens or more.
  • a flock of poultry hens which are kept for laying eggs comprises individual poultry hens which have mutually different egg laying characteristics. Some hens in a flock may be very productive, while other hens of the same flock lay less eggs, or maybe even none at all. In the relatively large flocks which are held in modern poultry housing systems, it is hard to determine which hens are productive (i.e. hens that lay eggs) and which are not. The less productive or unproductive hens reduce the overall yield of the flock. As there is a tendency towards keeping the same flock for a longer period of time, this problem is likely to increase.
  • a flock may also comprise hens which consistently lay eggs of low quality, e.g. eggs with a thin shell or eggs one or more clots of blood inside. It can be useful to identify such hens within the flock.
  • EP 1197142 discloses a hen nesting apparatus and method for identifying, monitoring and controlling individual hens of a flock.
  • each individual hen is provided with a transponder with a unique identification code.
  • the activities of the individual hens, including the laying of eggs, can then be monitored by reading out the identification code of the transponders, e.g. at a laying nest.
  • This system is complicated and expensive, which is a problem because the possibilities for making significant investments are often limited. Furthermore, this system generates much more data than is necessary for identifying unproductive or non-laying hens.
  • US 1 ,842,839 discloses a mechanical system in which a frame mounted number stamp is attached to each hen. A piece of paper is stamped with this number each time the hen leaves the laying nest. The laying nest is provided with an egg collector which presents a new empty egg pocket every time a hen enters the laying nest. When a number is stamped but the egg pocket remains empty, the farmer knows that the hen associated with the stamped number did not lay an egg.
  • This method is based on the general idea that a hen which enters the laying nest will generally do so in order to lay an egg, and that most eggs are laid in a laying nest. This may not be entirely accurate, but in practice it is sufficiently accurate for the purpose of the invention. It simplifies the method and system according of the invention significantly to use this idea as a starting point.
  • a mark is applied to the hen.
  • the laying nest is provided with a single opening which is both the entrance and the exit of the laying nest.
  • the mark which is applied to the hen is invisible to the hens of the flock, i.e. invisible under the normal light conditions in an enclosure in which the hens are kept.
  • the hen to which the mark is applied can also not see the mark.
  • an invisible mark is advantageous because the natural hierarchy or pecking order within the flock may be disturbed when a hen all of a sudden has a (local) change in the coloring of the feathers.
  • the vision system of poultry hens is sensitive for radiation in a different, larger wavelength spectrum than the human vision system. Poultry hens see significantly more in the ultraviolet range of radiation wavelengths than humans, and somewhat more in the infrared range of radiation wavelengths.
  • the mark can be invisible because under normal, daily lighting conditions it only reflects radiation with wavelengths outside the visible spectrum for the hens.
  • the flock of hens is optionally kept in an enclosure.
  • the enclosure may be for example a stable, in which the flock is kept indoors all the time.
  • the enclosure may for example be a stable with an outdoor area (which is for example surrounded by a wire mesh), so that in particular during the day time, the hens of the flock can go outside (within the outdoor enclosure) if they like.
  • the mark which is applied to individual hens is invisible for the hens of the flock under the daily lighting conditions in the enclosure. If the hens of the flocks have the opportunity to go in to an outdoors enclosure, the mark is invisible under the daily lighting conditions both indoors and outdoors.
  • hens of the flock do not have a mark.
  • the hens which do not have at least one mark have not entered the laying nest during a time period in which they are supposed to have laid at least one egg. These hens are likely to have a low productivity (i.e. they lay less eggs than they are supposed to do) or to be not productive at all (i.e. they do not lay eggs at all).
  • Determining which hens do not have a mark results in the grading of the hens into one of two classes: they are either in a first class of hens, which is the class of hens which have at least one mark, or a second class of hens, which is the class of hens which do not have a mark.
  • the hens in the second class have most likely not laid an egg in the time period in which they were supposed to do so.
  • the farmer can then decide how to proceed. He may for example decide to separate the hens of the second class from the hens of the first class.
  • the hens of the second class may be for example be removed from the flock. They can then be removed from the egg production facility entirely or can be put in a different enclosure with e.g. a different lighting and/or feeding regime.
  • the method according to the invention can alternatively be used to monitor the percentage of unproductive or less productive hens in the flock. For example, when a threshold percentage is reached, the entire flock may be replaced.
  • a mark is applied to the hen when that hen is present inside or adjacent to a laying nest, e.g. at the entrance or exit of the laying nest.
  • the laying nest is provided with a single opening which is both the entrance and the exit of the laying nest.
  • the mark which is applied to the hen is invisible to the hens of the flock, i.e. invisible under the normal light conditions in the enclosure in which the hens are kept. Of course, the hen to which the mark is applied can also not see the mark.
  • the number of marks on at least a number of hens of the flock is determined.
  • the marking time period is three times the expected time interval between the laying of two subsequent eggs by a single hen, it is acceptable if a hen lays at least two eggs in this marking time period. Or, if the marking time period is for example five times the expected time interval between the laying of two subsequent eggs by a single hen, it may for example be acceptable if a hen lays at least three or four eggs in this marking time period.
  • the marking time period is for example five times the expected time interval between the laying of two subsequent eggs by a single hen, it may for example be acceptable if a hen lays at least three or four eggs in this marking time period.
  • one or more parameters of the marks are varied between parts of the marking time period. For example, if the marking time period is five days, the intensity, position and/or colour of the mark may be different for each day. This way, it can be determined for each mark on the hen on which day of the five days the particular mark has been applied.
  • the hens of which the number of marks has been determined are graded into a second class of hens which have a number of marks which is less than the minimum number of eggs that a hen should have laid during the marking time period, and a first class of hens have a number of marks that is equal to or more than the minimum number of eggs that a hen should have laid during the marking time period.
  • the hens of which the number of marks has been determined are graded into more than two classes.
  • the farmer can decide how to proceed. He may for example decide to separate the hens of the second class from the hens of the first class.
  • the hens of the second class may be for example be removed from the flock. They can then be removed from the egg production facility entirely or can be put in a different enclosure with e.g. a different lighting and/or feeding regime.
  • the method according to the invention can alternatively be used to monitor the percentage of unproductive or less productive hens in the flock. For example, when a threshold percentage is reached, the entire flock may be replaced.
  • the mark is applied to the hen when the hen is present in the laying nest, e.g. on the position in the laying nest in which she actually lays the egg.
  • the mark is applied to the hen when the hen enters the laying nest.
  • the mark is applied to the hen when the hen leaves the laying nest.
  • the mark is applied by applying a fluorescent marking medium to the hen.
  • marking medium is visible to the human eye only when it is irradiated by a source of ultraviolet radiation or a source of infrared radiation.
  • the fluorescent marking medium is for example a fluorescent ink, a fluorescent dye or a fluorescent powder.
  • the step of determining which hens of the flock do not have a mark includes illuminating at least a part of the flock by the source of ultraviolet radiation or infrared radiation.
  • the step of determining the number of marks on at least a number of hens of the flock includes illuminating at least a part of the flock by the source of ultraviolet radiation or infrared radiation.
  • the hens of the flock may be able to see the marks.
  • the illumination by a source of ultraviolet radiation or infrared radiation is not considered to be normal lighting conditions in the enclosure, e.g. the stable and/or outside enclosure in which the hens are kept.
  • the mark is applied by spraying a marking medium onto the hen.
  • the marking medium is e.g. an ink, a dye or a powder.
  • the marking medium is dispensed through a nozzle.
  • the mark is applied by engaging the hen with a contact body, which contact body has a porous structure containing the marking medium.
  • the contact body is arranged at the entrance or exit of the laying nest, and when the hen enters or exits the laying nest, she inevitably touches the contact body because of the size and position of the contact body.
  • the contact body for example is or comprises a sponge or a capillary mat.
  • the mark is applied by a marking device which dispenses a marking medium at a predetermined time interval.
  • This time interval preferably is shorter than the time it normally takes for a poultry hen to lay an egg, for example five minutes or less, or three minutes or less.
  • the method according to the invention further comprises the step of detecting the presence of a hen at or adjacent to the laying nest.
  • the mark is then applied to the hen after the presence of a hen at or adjacent to the laying nest is detected.
  • An example of a hen being present adjacent to the laying nest is a hen which is present at the entrance or exit of the laying nest.
  • the method according to the invention further comprises the step of detecting the presence of an egg at or adjacent to the laying nest.
  • the mark is then applied to the hen after the presence of an egg at or adjacent to the laying nest is detected.
  • An example of a egg being present adjacent to the laying nest is an egg being presentjn an egg collector which is arranged in or adjacent to the laying nest.
  • the detected egg in addition to determining the presence of an egg at or adjacent to the laying nest, it is determined whether the detected egg is a freshly laid egg or not.
  • This can for example be carried out by using an infrared sensor device.
  • a freshly laid egg is warmer than an egg which has been laid somewhat longer before.
  • the mark is applied to the hen shortly after the presence of the egg is detected, e.g. within 7 minutes from the detection of the egg, optionally within 5 minutes from the detection of the egg, for example within 3 minutes from the detection of the egg, optionally within 1 minute from the detection of the egg.
  • the shorter the time period between the detection of the egg and the application of the mark to the hen the larger the chance that a mark is applied effectively to the hen, as hens are known to often leave the laying nest quickly after laying an egg.
  • the method according to the invention further comprises the steps of:
  • the mark is only applied to the hen if the determined quality parameter meets the predetermined quality threshold.
  • the quality parameter can for example be the thickness of the shell, the size of the egg, the presence of one or more cracks or the presence of blood inside the egg. These parameters can be determined by regularly available equipment. In his embodiment, one or more quality parameters can be determined, and used to evaluate the quality of the egg.
  • only eggs that meet the requirements of the at least one quality parameter will result in a mark being applied to the hen.
  • an egg may have to meet the quality threshold of multiple egg quality parameters in order for a mark to be applied to the hen. If a hen lays only low quality eggs, no marks are applied to her and she will be graded in the same class as hens which lay no or not enough eggs.
  • the invention further pertains to a system for grading poultry hens in a flock of poultry hens, which system comprises:
  • a marking device which is arrangeable at a laying nest, which marking device is adapted to apply a mark onto a hen which is present at the laying nest, which mark is invisible to the hens of the flock;
  • mark exposure device which mark exposure device is adapted to make the mark detectable for a human, therewith allowing grading the hens into a first class of hens which have at least one mark and a second class of hens which do not have a mark, which grading takes place after a marking time period which is at least as long as the expected time interval between the laying of two subsequent eggs by a single hen.
  • the mark exposure device is adapted to make the mark visually detectable for a human.
  • the mark exposure device further comprises a sensor which detects the presence of a mark on a hen.
  • system according to the invention is used in the method according to the invention.
  • the marking device comprises a dispenser which is adapted to dispense a marking medium.
  • the marking device further comprises a reservoir which is adapted to accommodate a batch of the marking medium. The reservoir is or can be brought into communication with the dispenser.
  • the marking device further comprises a dispenser control device, which dispenser control device is adapted control the dispenser to dispense the marking medium at a predetermined time interval.
  • This time interval is preferably shorter than the time it normally takes for a poultry hen to lay an egg, for example five minutes or less, or three minutes or less.
  • This is a very simple embodiment, which requires hardly any electronics to function, which is advantageous in a dusty environment like a poultry enclosure.
  • the marking device comprises a bird detector which is adapted to detect the presence of a poultry hen in or adjacent to the laying nest, and to generate a detection signal when the presence of a poultry hen has been detected.
  • the marking device further comprises a dispenser control device.
  • the dispenser control device is adapted to receive the detection signal from the bird detector and to make the dispenser dispense marking medium when the detection signal is received.
  • the marking device comprises an egg detector which is adapted to detect the presence of an egg in or adjacent to the laying nest and to generate a detection signal when the presence of an egg has been detected.
  • the marking device further comprises a dispenser control device.
  • the dispenser control device is adapted to receive the detection signal from the egg detector and to make the dispenser dispense marking medium when the detection signal is received.
  • the egg detector comprises an infrared sensor device.
  • the infrared sensor device is for example adapted to determine whether the detected egg is a freshly laid egg or not.
  • the infrared sensor device comprises an infrared sensor. A freshly laid egg is warmer than an egg which has been laid somewhat longer before.
  • the marking device comprises a dispenser which is adapted to dispense a marking medium, and this dispenser comprises a spray nozzle.
  • the spray nozzle of the marking device is arrangeable at the entrance of the laying nest, at the exit of the laying nest or in the laying nest.
  • the marking device further comprises a reservoir which is adapted to accommodate a batch of the marking medium.
  • the reservoir is or can be brought into communication with the dispenser.
  • the marking device comprises a dispenser which is adapted to dispense a marking medium
  • this dispenser comprises a contact body.
  • the contact body is adapted to release marking medium when a poultry hen touches the contact body.
  • the contact body comprises a porous structure which is adapted to accommodate marking medium and to release the marking medium release upon contact with the poultry hen.
  • the contact body can for example be arranged at the entrance of the laying nest, at the exit of the laying nest or in the laying nest.
  • the mark exposure device comprises a radiation source which is adapted to activate a fluorescent marking medium to emit radiation with a wavelength that is visible for the human eye.
  • the radiation source is adapted to emit radiation in order to activate the fluorescent marking medium.
  • the radiation that is emitted by the radiation source of the mark exposure device is not part of the normal or daily lighting conditions in the enclosure in which the flock of hens is kept.
  • system according to the invention further comprises a laying nest, and at least a part of the marking device is connected to the laying nest.
  • system further comprises an egg collector which is adapted to receive an egg from the laying nest, i.e. an egg which has been laid in the laying nest.
  • the system according to the invention further comprises an egg detector, which is adapted to detect the presence of an egg at the egg collector or at the laying nest.
  • the egg detector is optionally adapted to generate a detection signal when the presence of an egg has been detected.
  • the marking device comprises a dispenser control device
  • the dispenser control device may be adapted to receive the detection signal from the egg detector and to make the dispenser in or at the respective laying nest dispense marking medium when the detection signal is received.
  • the egg detector for example comprises a weight sensor and/or an infrared sensor.
  • the egg detector comprises an infrared sensor device.
  • the infrared sensor device is for example adapted to determine whether the detected egg is a freshly laid egg or not.
  • the infrared sensor device comprises an infrared sensor. A freshly laid egg is warmer than an egg which has been laid somewhat longer before.
  • system according to the invention further comprises an egg quality sensor device, which egg quality sensor device is adapted to determine at least one quality parameter of an egg.
  • the egg quality sensor device is adapted to generate an approval signal when the determined quality parameter meets a predetermined quality threshold.
  • the marking device comprises a dispenser control device
  • the dispenser control device may be adapted to receive the approval signal from the quality sensor device and to make the dispenser in or at the respective laying nest dispense marking medium when the approval signal is received.
  • Fig. 1 an example of a first step in the method according to the invention, in which a first embodiment of the system according to the invention is used,
  • Fig. 2 an example of a subsequent step in the method according to the invention in which a first embodiment of the system according to the invention is used,
  • Fig. 3 a part of a second embodiment of the system according to the invention
  • Fig. 4 a part of a third embodiment of the system according to the invention.
  • Fig. 5 a part of a fourth embodiment of the system according to the invention.
  • Fig. 6 a part of a fifth embodiment of the system according to the invention.
  • Fig. 1 shows an example of a first step in the method according to the invention.
  • a first embodiment of the system according to the invention is used.
  • a flock of hens 1 is kept in an enclosure.
  • the enclosure is for example a stable, optionally with an outdoor enclosure part, e.g. an outdoor coop or outdoor hen run.
  • a plurality of laying nests 10 is provided.
  • the hens 1 can go into a laying nest 10 to lay an egg 2.
  • Each laying nest is provided with an opening 11 , which serves as an entrances as well as an exit.
  • the floor of the laying nest is optionally somewhat inclined towards an egg collector 15.
  • the egg collector 15 optionally comprises a conveyor belt, which conveys the collected eggs for example to a quality checking area and/or packaging area.
  • the method and system according to the invention aims to distinguish between unproductive and productive hens 1. This is done by grading the hens 1 into at least two classes: a first class with productive hens and a second class with unproductive and/or low productive hens.
  • a mark 3 is applied to the hen 1.
  • the mark 3 which is applied to the hen 1 is invisible to the hens of the flock, i.e. invisible under the normal light conditions in an enclosure in which the hens are kept.
  • the hen 1 to which the mark is applied can also not see the mark 3.
  • the mark 3 is applied by a marking device 20.
  • the mark 3 is applied by spraying a marking medium 24 onto the hen.
  • the marking medium 24 is e.g. an ink, a dye or a powder.
  • the marking medium 24 is a fluorescent ink, a fluorescent dye or a fluorescent powder.
  • the dispenser 21 may for example comprises a nozzle to effect the spraying of the marking medium.
  • the marking device 20 comprises a dispenser 21 which is adapted to dispense the marking medium 24.
  • the dispenser 21 is arranged in the laying nest 10.
  • at least a part of the dispenser may be arranged at the entrance of the laying nest or at the exit of the laying nest. If the laying nest 10 has an opening 11 which serves both as an entrance and as an exit, at least a part of the dispenser 21 may be arranged at the opening 11.
  • a mark can be applied when the hen 1 enters and/or leaves the laying nest 10.
  • the marking device 20 further comprises a reservoir 22 which is adapted to accommodate a batch of the marking medium 24.
  • the reservoir 22 is or can be brought into communication, e.g. into fluid communication, with the dispenser 21.
  • the marking device 20 further comprises a dispenser control device 23.
  • the dispenser control device 23 is adapted to control the dispenser 21 to dispense the marking medium 24 at a predetermined time interval. This time interval is preferably shorter than the time it normally takes for a poultry hen to lay an egg, for example five minutes or less, or three minutes or less.
  • Fig. 2 shows an example of a subsequent step in the method according to the invention in which a first embodiment of the system according to the invention is used.
  • hens 1 of the flock do not have a mark.
  • the hens 1 which do not have at least one mark have not entered the laying nest 10 during a time period in which they are supposed to have laid at least one egg. These hens 1 are likely to have a low productivity (i.e. they lay less eggs than they are supposed to do) or to be not productive at all (i.e. they do not lay eggs at all).
  • the marks 3 are made visible to the human eye by a mark exposure device 30.
  • the mark exposure device 30 comprises a radiation source which is adapted to activate a fluorescent marking medium 24 to emit radiation with a wavelength that is visible for the human eye.
  • the radiation source is adapted to emit radiation 31 in order to activate the fluorescent marking medium 24.
  • the radiation 31 that is emitted by the radiation source of the mark exposure device 30 is not part of the normal or daily lighting conditions in the enclosure in which the flock of hens is kept.
  • the radiation 31 is for example UV-radiation or infrared radiation.
  • the mark exposure device 30 may for example comprise a so-called black light as the radiation source.
  • the farmer can decide how to proceed. He may for example decide to separate the hens of the second class from the hens of the first class.
  • the hens of the second class may be for example be removed from the flock. They can then be removed from the egg production facility entirely or can be put in a different enclosure with e.g. a different lighting and/or feeding regime.
  • the method according to the invention can alternatively be used to monitor the percentage of unproductive or less productive hens in the flock. For example, when a threshold percentage is reached, the entire flock may be replaced.
  • the number of marks on at least a number of hens of the flock is determined.
  • the marking time period is three times the expected time interval between the laying of two subsequent eggs by a single hen, it is acceptable if a hen lays at least two eggs in this marking time period. Or, if the marking time period is for example five times the expected time interval between the laying of two subsequent eggs by a single hen, it may for example be acceptable if a hen lays at least three or four eggs in this marking time period.
  • the hens of which the number of marks has been determined are graded into a second class of hens which have a number of marks which is less than the minimum number of eggs that a hen should have laid during the marking time period, and a first class of hens have a number of marks that is equal to or more than the minimum number of eggs that a hen should have laid during the marking time period.
  • the hens of which the number of marks has been determined are graded into more than two classes.
  • the farmer can decide how to proceed. He may for example decide to separate the hens of the second class from the hens of the first class.
  • the hens of the second class may be for example be removed from the flock. They can then be removed from the egg production facility entirely or can be put in a different enclosure with e.g. a different lighting and/or feeding regime.
  • the method according to the invention can alternatively be used to monitor the percentage of unproductive or less productive hens in the flock. For example, when a threshold percentage is reached, the entire flock may be replaced.
  • Fig. 3 shows a part of a second embodiment of the system according to the invention.
  • the marking device 20 comprises a bird detector 40 which is adapted to detect the presence of a poultry hen 1 in or adjacent to the laying nest.
  • the bird detector 40 comprises for example a load cell which is connected to the floor of the laying nest 10.
  • the floor of the laying nest 10 is in this embodiment somewhat moveable in vertical direction.
  • a hen 1 activates the load cell when she steps onto the moveable floor of the laying nest 10.
  • the bird detector may for example comprise an optical sensor.
  • the bird detector 40 generates a detection signal when the presence of a hen 1 in the laying nest has been detected.
  • the detection signal is then transmitted to the dispenser control device 23 of the marking device 20.
  • the dispenser control device 23 is adapted to receive the detection signal from the bird detector 40 and to make the dispenser 21 dispense marking medium 24 when the detection signal is received.
  • the transmission of the detection signal can be either via a wireless connection or via a wired connection.
  • Fig. 4 shows a part of a third embodiment of the system according to the invention.
  • the marking device 20 comprises an egg detector 50 which is adapted to detect the presence of an egg 2 in or adjacent to the laying nest.
  • the egg detector is adapted to detect an egg 2 which is present on the egg collector 15 adjacent to the laying nest 10.
  • the egg detector 50 comprises an infrared sensor in order to be able to distinguish a freshly laid egg from an egg which has been laid some time before. A freshly laid egg is warmer than an egg which has been laid somewhat longer before.
  • the egg detector 50 is adapted to generate a detection signal when the presence of an egg 2 has been detected.
  • the detection signal is then transmitted to the dispenser control device 23 of the marking device 20.
  • the dispenser control device 23 is adapted to receive the detection signal from the egg detector 50 and to make the dispenser 21 dispense marking medium 24 when the detection signal is received.
  • the transmission of the detection signal can be either via a wireless connection or via a wired connection.
  • the egg detector 50 is part of the marking device 20.
  • an egg detector may be provided which is not exclusively linked to a single marking device.
  • the egg detector activates the dispenser 21 of a marking device 20 that is associated with the laying nest 10 at which a freshly laid egg is detected.
  • the egg detector may for example comprise an infrared sensor which is arranged above an egg conveyor belt of an egg collector 15.
  • the egg detector may comprise a weight sensor.
  • the egg detector comprises an infrared sensor device.
  • the infrared sensor device is for example adapted to determine whether the detected egg is a freshly laid egg or not.
  • the infrared sensor device comprises an infrared sensor. A freshly laid egg is warmer than an egg which has been laid somewhat longer before.
  • Fig. 5 shows a part of a fourth embodiment of the system according to the invention.
  • the system further comprises an egg quality sensor device 60.
  • the egg quality sensor device 60 is adapted to determine at least one quality parameter of an egg, for example the thickness of the shell, the size of the egg, the presence of one or more cracks in the shell or the presence of blood in the egg.
  • the egg quality sensor device 60 is adapted to generate an approval signal when the determined quality parameter meets a predetermined quality threshold.
  • the marking device 20 comprises a dispenser control device 23
  • the dispenser control device 23 may be adapted to receive the approval signal from the quality sensor device 60 and to make the dispenser 21 in or at the respective laying nest 10 dispense marking medium 24 when the approval signal is received.
  • the embodiment of fig. 5 can be used in an embodiment of the method according to the invention in which a mark is only applied to a hen 1 when the determined quality parameter of the laid egg meets the predetermined quality threshold.
  • first at least one quality parameter of the egg 2 is determined. This can for example be the thickness of the shell, the size of the egg 2, the presence of one or more cracks in the shell or the presence of blood in the egg. Then, it is determined whether the determined quality parameter meets a
  • predetermined quality threshold or not. For example, when the shell of the egg is too thin, the determined egg quality parameter“shell thickness” does not meet the predetermined quality threshold.
  • the mark is only applied to the hen if the determined egg quality parameter meets the predetermined quality threshold. So, for example when the shell of the egg is too thin, no mark is applied to the hen who laid the egg.
  • one or more egg quality parameters can be determined and used to decide whether a mark is applied to the hen or not.
  • Fig. 6 shows a part of a fifth embodiment of the system according to the invention.
  • the mark is applied by engaging the hen with a contact body 25.
  • the contact body 25 has a porous structure containing the marking medium 24.
  • he contact body is arranged at the opening 11 of the laying nest 10 which forms the entrance and exit of the laying nest 10.
  • she inevitably touches the contact body 25 because of the size and position of the contact body 25.
  • the contact body 25 for example is or comprises a sponge or a capillary mat.

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  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Environmental Sciences (AREA)
  • Birds (AREA)
  • Animal Husbandry (AREA)
  • Biodiversity & Conservation Biology (AREA)
  • Housing For Livestock And Birds (AREA)

Abstract

The invention pertains to a method for grading individual poultry hens in a flock, wherein the method comprises the following steps: - when a hen is present in or adjacent to a laying nest, applying a mark to that hen, which mark is invisible to the hens of the flock, - after a marking time period which is at least as long as the expected time interval between the laying of two subsequent eggs by a single hen, determining which hens of the flock do not have a mark, therewith grading the hens into a first class of hens which have at least one mark and a second class of hens which do not have a mark.

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR GRADING HENS IN A FLOCK
The invention pertains to a method and system for grading individual poultry hens in a flock.
Poultry hens which are kept with the purpose of producing eggs are nowadays usually kept in a flock. In the context of the current invention, the word“hen” refers to a poultry hen which is kept for the production of eggs. Poultry hens include for example chicken hens, quail hens and duck hens. A flock comprises a relatively large number of individual poultry hens which share at least a part of the space in which they are kept. In modern housing systems, a flock of poultry hens easily contains 1000 individual hens or more.
A flock of poultry hens which are kept for laying eggs comprises individual poultry hens which have mutually different egg laying characteristics. Some hens in a flock may be very productive, while other hens of the same flock lay less eggs, or maybe even none at all. In the relatively large flocks which are held in modern poultry housing systems, it is hard to determine which hens are productive (i.e. hens that lay eggs) and which are not. The less productive or unproductive hens reduce the overall yield of the flock. As there is a tendency towards keeping the same flock for a longer period of time, this problem is likely to increase.
A flock may also comprise hens which consistently lay eggs of low quality, e.g. eggs with a thin shell or eggs one or more clots of blood inside. It can be useful to identify such hens within the flock.
Several methods and systems have been proposed to deal with this problem. However, the proposed solutions have been unsatisfactory until now.
For example, EP 1197142 discloses a hen nesting apparatus and method for identifying, monitoring and controlling individual hens of a flock. In this known apparatus and method, each individual hen is provided with a transponder with a unique identification code. The activities of the individual hens, including the laying of eggs, can then be monitored by reading out the identification code of the transponders, e.g. at a laying nest.
This system is complicated and expensive, which is a problem because the possibilities for making significant investments are often limited. Furthermore, this system generates much more data than is necessary for identifying unproductive or non-laying hens.
US 1 ,842,839 discloses a mechanical system in which a frame mounted number stamp is attached to each hen. A piece of paper is stamped with this number each time the hen leaves the laying nest. The laying nest is provided with an egg collector which presents a new empty egg pocket every time a hen enters the laying nest. When a number is stamped but the egg pocket remains empty, the farmer knows that the hen associated with the stamped number did not lay an egg.
This system is incompatible with modern animal welfare considerations, as it requires a relatively large object to be mounted onto each individual hen. Furthermore, it is very labor intensive for the farmer to find out which hens are productive and which hens are not, and also to remove the unproductive hens from the flock if desired. The latter requires
identification of the hens based on their stamp number, which number can only be read when the farmer is close to or even holding the hen. The system is also mechanically quite complex.
It is the object of the invention to provide a method and a system for grading individual poultry hens in a flock, which is straightforward and easy to use.
This object is achieved by a method for grading individual poultry hens in a flock, wherein the method comprises the following steps:
- when a hen is present in or adjacent to a laying nest, applying a mark to that hen, which mark is invisible to the hens of the flock,
- after a marking time period which is at least as long as the expected time interval between the laying of two subsequent eggs by a single hen, determining which hens of the flock do not have a mark, therewith grading the hens into a first class of hens which have at least one mark and a second class of hens which do not have a mark.
This method is based on the general idea that a hen which enters the laying nest will generally do so in order to lay an egg, and that most eggs are laid in a laying nest. This may not be entirely accurate, but in practice it is sufficiently accurate for the purpose of the invention. It simplifies the method and system according of the invention significantly to use this idea as a starting point.
In accordance with the invention, when a hen is present inside or adjacent to a laying nest, e.g. at the entrance or exit of the laying nest, a mark is applied to the hen. Optionally, the laying nest is provided with a single opening which is both the entrance and the exit of the laying nest. The mark which is applied to the hen is invisible to the hens of the flock, i.e. invisible under the normal light conditions in an enclosure in which the hens are kept. Of course, the hen to which the mark is applied can also not see the mark.
The use of an invisible mark is advantageous because the natural hierarchy or pecking order within the flock may be disturbed when a hen all of a sudden has a (local) change in the coloring of the feathers. When selecting the type of mark to be used, it should be kept in mind that the vision system of poultry hens is sensitive for radiation in a different, larger wavelength spectrum than the human vision system. Poultry hens see significantly more in the ultraviolet range of radiation wavelengths than humans, and somewhat more in the infrared range of radiation wavelengths.
The mark can be invisible because under normal, daily lighting conditions it only reflects radiation with wavelengths outside the visible spectrum for the hens.
The flock of hens is optionally kept in an enclosure. The enclosure may be for example a stable, in which the flock is kept indoors all the time. Alternatively, the enclosure may for example be a stable with an outdoor area (which is for example surrounded by a wire mesh), so that in particular during the day time, the hens of the flock can go outside (within the outdoor enclosure) if they like. The mark which is applied to individual hens is invisible for the hens of the flock under the daily lighting conditions in the enclosure. If the hens of the flocks have the opportunity to go in to an outdoors enclosure, the mark is invisible under the daily lighting conditions both indoors and outdoors.
In accordance with the invention, after a marking time period which is at least as long as the expected time interval between the laying of two subsequent eggs by a single hen, it is determined which hens of the flock do not have a mark. The hens which do not have at least one mark, have not entered the laying nest during a time period in which they are supposed to have laid at least one egg. These hens are likely to have a low productivity (i.e. they lay less eggs than they are supposed to do) or to be not productive at all (i.e. they do not lay eggs at all).
Determining which hens do not have a mark results in the grading of the hens into one of two classes: they are either in a first class of hens, which is the class of hens which have at least one mark, or a second class of hens, which is the class of hens which do not have a mark. The hens in the second class have most likely not laid an egg in the time period in which they were supposed to do so.
The farmer can then decide how to proceed. He may for example decide to separate the hens of the second class from the hens of the first class. The hens of the second class may be for example be removed from the flock. They can then be removed from the egg production facility entirely or can be put in a different enclosure with e.g. a different lighting and/or feeding regime.
It is not necessary that after the grading the hens of the different classes are separated from each other. The method according to the invention can alternatively be used to monitor the percentage of unproductive or less productive hens in the flock. For example, when a threshold percentage is reached, the entire flock may be replaced. In a variant of the method as described above, a mark is applied to the hen when that hen is present inside or adjacent to a laying nest, e.g. at the entrance or exit of the laying nest. Optionally, the laying nest is provided with a single opening which is both the entrance and the exit of the laying nest. The mark which is applied to the hen is invisible to the hens of the flock, i.e. invisible under the normal light conditions in the enclosure in which the hens are kept. Of course, the hen to which the mark is applied can also not see the mark.
Then, after a marking time period which is longer than the expected time interval between the laying of two subsequent eggs by a single hen, the number of marks on at least a number of hens of the flock is determined.
It is also determined what the minimum number of eggs is that a hen should have laid during the marking time period. For example, it is determined that if the marking time period is three times the expected time interval between the laying of two subsequent eggs by a single hen, it is acceptable if a hen lays at least two eggs in this marking time period. Or, if the marking time period is for example five times the expected time interval between the laying of two subsequent eggs by a single hen, it may for example be acceptable if a hen lays at least three or four eggs in this marking time period. In case multiple marks are expected to be applied during the marking time period, optionally one or more parameters of the marks are varied between parts of the marking time period. For example, if the marking time period is five days, the intensity, position and/or colour of the mark may be different for each day. This way, it can be determined for each mark on the hen on which day of the five days the particular mark has been applied.
Then, the hens of which the number of marks has been determined are graded into a second class of hens which have a number of marks which is less than the minimum number of eggs that a hen should have laid during the marking time period, and a first class of hens have a number of marks that is equal to or more than the minimum number of eggs that a hen should have laid during the marking time period.
Alternatively, the hens of which the number of marks has been determined are graded into more than two classes.
After the grading, the farmer can decide how to proceed. He may for example decide to separate the hens of the second class from the hens of the first class. The hens of the second class may be for example be removed from the flock. They can then be removed from the egg production facility entirely or can be put in a different enclosure with e.g. a different lighting and/or feeding regime.
It is not necessary that after the grading the hens of the different classes are separated from each other. The method according to the invention can alternatively be used to monitor the percentage of unproductive or less productive hens in the flock. For example, when a threshold percentage is reached, the entire flock may be replaced.
This variant of the method according to the invention can also be used in combination with any of the embodiments described below.
In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the mark is applied to the hen when the hen is present in the laying nest, e.g. on the position in the laying nest in which she actually lays the egg.
Alternatively, the mark is applied to the hen when the hen enters the laying nest.
Alternatively, the mark is applied to the hen when the hen leaves the laying nest.
In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the mark is applied by applying a fluorescent marking medium to the hen. In this embodiment, marking medium is visible to the human eye only when it is irradiated by a source of ultraviolet radiation or a source of infrared radiation. The fluorescent marking medium is for example a fluorescent ink, a fluorescent dye or a fluorescent powder.
In this embodiment, the step of determining which hens of the flock do not have a mark includes illuminating at least a part of the flock by the source of ultraviolet radiation or infrared radiation.
When this embodiment is used in combination with the variant of the method according to the invention in which the number of marks on at least a number of hens of the flock is determined, the step of determining the number of marks on at least a number of hens of the flock includes illuminating at least a part of the flock by the source of ultraviolet radiation or infrared radiation.
It is noted that when marks are illuminated by the source of ultraviolet radiation or infrared radiation, the hens of the flock may be able to see the marks. However, the illumination by a source of ultraviolet radiation or infrared radiation is not considered to be normal lighting conditions in the enclosure, e.g. the stable and/or outside enclosure in which the hens are kept.
In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the mark is applied by spraying a marking medium onto the hen. The marking medium is e.g. an ink, a dye or a powder. Optionally, the marking medium is dispensed through a nozzle.
In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the mark is applied by engaging the hen with a contact body, which contact body has a porous structure containing the marking medium. For example, the contact body is arranged at the entrance or exit of the laying nest, and when the hen enters or exits the laying nest, she inevitably touches the contact body because of the size and position of the contact body. The contact body for example is or comprises a sponge or a capillary mat.
In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the mark is applied by a marking device which dispenses a marking medium at a predetermined time interval. This time interval preferably is shorter than the time it normally takes for a poultry hen to lay an egg, for example five minutes or less, or three minutes or less. This is a very simple embodiment, which requires hardly any electronics to function, which is advantageous in a dusty environment like a poultry enclosure.
In an embodiment, the method according to the invention further comprises the step of detecting the presence of a hen at or adjacent to the laying nest. The mark is then applied to the hen after the presence of a hen at or adjacent to the laying nest is detected. An example of a hen being present adjacent to the laying nest is a hen which is present at the entrance or exit of the laying nest.
In an embodiment, the method according to the invention further comprises the step of detecting the presence of an egg at or adjacent to the laying nest. The mark is then applied to the hen after the presence of an egg at or adjacent to the laying nest is detected. An example of a egg being present adjacent to the laying nest is an egg being presentjn an egg collector which is arranged in or adjacent to the laying nest.
Optionally, in this embodiment, in addition to determining the presence of an egg at or adjacent to the laying nest, it is determined whether the detected egg is a freshly laid egg or not. This can for example be carried out by using an infrared sensor device. A freshly laid egg is warmer than an egg which has been laid somewhat longer before.
Optionally, the mark is applied to the hen shortly after the presence of the egg is detected, e.g. within 7 minutes from the detection of the egg, optionally within 5 minutes from the detection of the egg, for example within 3 minutes from the detection of the egg, optionally within 1 minute from the detection of the egg. The shorter the time period between the detection of the egg and the application of the mark to the hen, the larger the chance that a mark is applied effectively to the hen, as hens are known to often leave the laying nest quickly after laying an egg.
In an embodiment, the method according to the invention further comprises the steps of:
- determining at least one quality parameter of the egg, - determining whether the determined quality parameter meets a predetermined quality threshold or not.
In this embodiment, the mark is only applied to the hen if the determined quality parameter meets the predetermined quality threshold.
The quality parameter can for example be the thickness of the shell, the size of the egg, the presence of one or more cracks or the presence of blood inside the egg. These parameters can be determined by regularly available equipment. In his embodiment, one or more quality parameters can be determined, and used to evaluate the quality of the egg.
In this embodiment, only eggs that meet the requirements of the at least one quality parameter will result in a mark being applied to the hen. Depending on the system setup, an egg may have to meet the quality threshold of multiple egg quality parameters in order for a mark to be applied to the hen. If a hen lays only low quality eggs, no marks are applied to her and she will be graded in the same class as hens which lay no or not enough eggs.
The invention further pertains to a system for grading poultry hens in a flock of poultry hens, which system comprises:
- a marking device which is arrangeable at a laying nest, which marking device is adapted to apply a mark onto a hen which is present at the laying nest, which mark is invisible to the hens of the flock; and
- a mark exposure device, which mark exposure device is adapted to make the mark detectable for a human, therewith allowing grading the hens into a first class of hens which have at least one mark and a second class of hens which do not have a mark, which grading takes place after a marking time period which is at least as long as the expected time interval between the laying of two subsequent eggs by a single hen.
Optionally, the mark exposure device is adapted to make the mark visually detectable for a human.
Optionally, the mark exposure device further comprises a sensor which detects the presence of a mark on a hen.
Optionally, the system according to the invention is used in the method according to the invention.
In an embodiment of the system according to the invention, the marking device comprises a dispenser which is adapted to dispense a marking medium. In this embodiment, at least a part of the dispenser is arrangeable at the entrance of the laying nest, at the exit of the laying nest or in the laying nest. Optionally, the marking device further comprises a reservoir which is adapted to accommodate a batch of the marking medium. The reservoir is or can be brought into communication with the dispenser. Optionally, in a first variant of this embodiment, the marking device further comprises a dispenser control device, which dispenser control device is adapted control the dispenser to dispense the marking medium at a predetermined time interval. This time interval is preferably shorter than the time it normally takes for a poultry hen to lay an egg, for example five minutes or less, or three minutes or less. This is a very simple embodiment, which requires hardly any electronics to function, which is advantageous in a dusty environment like a poultry enclosure.
Alternatively, in a second variant of this embodiment, the marking device comprises a bird detector which is adapted to detect the presence of a poultry hen in or adjacent to the laying nest, and to generate a detection signal when the presence of a poultry hen has been detected. The marking device further comprises a dispenser control device. The dispenser control device is adapted to receive the detection signal from the bird detector and to make the dispenser dispense marking medium when the detection signal is received.
As a further alternative, in a third variant of this embodiment, the marking device comprises an egg detector which is adapted to detect the presence of an egg in or adjacent to the laying nest and to generate a detection signal when the presence of an egg has been detected. The marking device further comprises a dispenser control device. The dispenser control device is adapted to receive the detection signal from the egg detector and to make the dispenser dispense marking medium when the detection signal is received.
Optionally, in this embodiment, the egg detector comprises an infrared sensor device. The infrared sensor device is for example adapted to determine whether the detected egg is a freshly laid egg or not. The infrared sensor device comprises an infrared sensor. A freshly laid egg is warmer than an egg which has been laid somewhat longer before.
In an embodiment of the system according to the invention, the marking device comprises a dispenser which is adapted to dispense a marking medium, and this dispenser comprises a spray nozzle. In this embodiment, the spray nozzle of the marking device is arrangeable at the entrance of the laying nest, at the exit of the laying nest or in the laying nest.
Optionally, the marking device further comprises a reservoir which is adapted to accommodate a batch of the marking medium. The reservoir is or can be brought into communication with the dispenser.
In an embodiment of the system according to the invention, the marking device comprises a dispenser which is adapted to dispense a marking medium, and this dispenser comprises a contact body. The contact body is adapted to release marking medium when a poultry hen touches the contact body. Optionally, the contact body comprises a porous structure which is adapted to accommodate marking medium and to release the marking medium release upon contact with the poultry hen. The contact body can for example be arranged at the entrance of the laying nest, at the exit of the laying nest or in the laying nest.
In an embodiment of the system according to the invention, the mark exposure device comprises a radiation source which is adapted to activate a fluorescent marking medium to emit radiation with a wavelength that is visible for the human eye. The radiation source is adapted to emit radiation in order to activate the fluorescent marking medium. The radiation that is emitted by the radiation source of the mark exposure device is not part of the normal or daily lighting conditions in the enclosure in which the flock of hens is kept.
In an embodiment, the system according to the invention further comprises a laying nest, and at least a part of the marking device is connected to the laying nest. In this embodiment, the system further comprises an egg collector which is adapted to receive an egg from the laying nest, i.e. an egg which has been laid in the laying nest.
Optionally, the system according to the invention further comprises an egg detector, which is adapted to detect the presence of an egg at the egg collector or at the laying nest. The egg detector is optionally adapted to generate a detection signal when the presence of an egg has been detected. In case the marking device comprises a dispenser control device, the dispenser control device may be adapted to receive the detection signal from the egg detector and to make the dispenser in or at the respective laying nest dispense marking medium when the detection signal is received.
The egg detector for example comprises a weight sensor and/or an infrared sensor.
Optionally, the egg detector comprises an infrared sensor device. The infrared sensor device is for example adapted to determine whether the detected egg is a freshly laid egg or not. The infrared sensor device comprises an infrared sensor. A freshly laid egg is warmer than an egg which has been laid somewhat longer before.
In an embodiment, the system according to the invention further comprises an egg quality sensor device, which egg quality sensor device is adapted to determine at least one quality parameter of an egg.
Optionally, the egg quality sensor device is adapted to generate an approval signal when the determined quality parameter meets a predetermined quality threshold. In case the marking device comprises a dispenser control device, the dispenser control device may be adapted to receive the approval signal from the quality sensor device and to make the dispenser in or at the respective laying nest dispense marking medium when the approval signal is received. The invention will be described in more detail below under reference to the drawing, in which in a non-limiting manner exemplary embodiments of the invention will be shown. The drawing shows in:
Fig. 1 : an example of a first step in the method according to the invention, in which a first embodiment of the system according to the invention is used,
Fig. 2: an example of a subsequent step in the method according to the invention in which a first embodiment of the system according to the invention is used,
Fig. 3: a part of a second embodiment of the system according to the invention,
Fig. 4: a part of a third embodiment of the system according to the invention,
Fig. 5: a part of a fourth embodiment of the system according to the invention,
Fig. 6: a part of a fifth embodiment of the system according to the invention.
Fig. 1 shows an example of a first step in the method according to the invention. In this example, a first embodiment of the system according to the invention is used.
In the embodiment of fig. 1 , a flock of hens 1 is kept in an enclosure. The enclosure is for example a stable, optionally with an outdoor enclosure part, e.g. an outdoor coop or outdoor hen run.
Within the enclosure, a plurality of laying nests 10 is provided. The hens 1 can go into a laying nest 10 to lay an egg 2. Each laying nest is provided with an opening 11 , which serves as an entrances as well as an exit. The floor of the laying nest is optionally somewhat inclined towards an egg collector 15. When a hen 1 has laid an egg 2, the egg 2 rolls downwards towards and onto the egg collector 15. The egg collector 15 optionally comprises a conveyor belt, which conveys the collected eggs for example to a quality checking area and/or packaging area.
The method and system according to the invention aims to distinguish between unproductive and productive hens 1. This is done by grading the hens 1 into at least two classes: a first class with productive hens and a second class with unproductive and/or low productive hens.
In the embodiment as shown in fig. 1 , when a hen 1 is present inside the laying nest 10, a mark 3 is applied to the hen 1. The mark 3 which is applied to the hen 1 is invisible to the hens of the flock, i.e. invisible under the normal light conditions in an enclosure in which the hens are kept. Of course, the hen 1 to which the mark is applied can also not see the mark 3.
It is very likely that a hen 1 which is present in the laying nest 10 will lay an egg 2. The mark 3 is applied by a marking device 20. In the embodiment of fig. 1 , the mark 3 is applied by spraying a marking medium 24 onto the hen. The marking medium 24 is e.g. an ink, a dye or a powder. Optionally, the marking medium 24 is a fluorescent ink, a fluorescent dye or a fluorescent powder. The dispenser 21 may for example comprises a nozzle to effect the spraying of the marking medium.
In the embodiment of fig.1 , the marking device 20 comprises a dispenser 21 which is adapted to dispense the marking medium 24. In this embodiment, at least a part of the dispenser 21 is arranged in the laying nest 10. In alternative arrangements, at least a part of the dispenser may be arranged at the entrance of the laying nest or at the exit of the laying nest. If the laying nest 10 has an opening 11 which serves both as an entrance and as an exit, at least a part of the dispenser 21 may be arranged at the opening 11. In this alternative embodiment, a mark can be applied when the hen 1 enters and/or leaves the laying nest 10.
In the embodiment of fig. 1 , the marking device 20 further comprises a reservoir 22 which is adapted to accommodate a batch of the marking medium 24. The reservoir 22 is or can be brought into communication, e.g. into fluid communication, with the dispenser 21.
In the embodiment of fig. 1 , the marking device 20 further comprises a dispenser control device 23. The dispenser control device 23 is adapted to control the dispenser 21 to dispense the marking medium 24 at a predetermined time interval. This time interval is preferably shorter than the time it normally takes for a poultry hen to lay an egg, for example five minutes or less, or three minutes or less.
Fig. 2 shows an example of a subsequent step in the method according to the invention in which a first embodiment of the system according to the invention is used.
After a marking time period which is at least as long as the expected time interval between the laying of two subsequent eggs by a single hen 1 , it is determined which hens 1 of the flock do not have a mark. The hens 1 which do not have at least one mark, have not entered the laying nest 10 during a time period in which they are supposed to have laid at least one egg. These hens 1 are likely to have a low productivity (i.e. they lay less eggs than they are supposed to do) or to be not productive at all (i.e. they do not lay eggs at all).
Determining which hens 1 do not have a mark results in the grading of the hens into one of two classes: they are either in a second class of hens, which is the class of hens which do not have a mark, or a first class of hens, which is the class of hens which have at least one mark. The hens in the second class have most likely not laid an egg in the time period in which they were supposed to do so. In the embodiment of fig. 2, the marks 3 are made visible to the human eye by a mark exposure device 30. The mark exposure device 30 comprises a radiation source which is adapted to activate a fluorescent marking medium 24 to emit radiation with a wavelength that is visible for the human eye. The radiation source is adapted to emit radiation 31 in order to activate the fluorescent marking medium 24. The radiation 31 that is emitted by the radiation source of the mark exposure device 30 is not part of the normal or daily lighting conditions in the enclosure in which the flock of hens is kept.
The radiation 31 is for example UV-radiation or infrared radiation.
The mark exposure device 30 may for example comprise a so-called black light as the radiation source.
After making the marks 3 visible for the human eye, the farmer can decide how to proceed. He may for example decide to separate the hens of the second class from the hens of the first class. The hens of the second class may be for example be removed from the flock. They can then be removed from the egg production facility entirely or can be put in a different enclosure with e.g. a different lighting and/or feeding regime.
It is not necessary that after the grading the hens of the different classes are separated from each other. The method according to the invention can alternatively be used to monitor the percentage of unproductive or less productive hens in the flock. For example, when a threshold percentage is reached, the entire flock may be replaced.
In a variant of the method as described above, after a marking time period which is longer than the expected time interval between the laying of two subsequent eggs by a single hen, the number of marks on at least a number of hens of the flock is determined.
It is also determined what the minimum number of eggs is that a hen should have laid during the marking time period. For example, it is determined that if the marking time period is three times the expected time interval between the laying of two subsequent eggs by a single hen, it is acceptable if a hen lays at least two eggs in this marking time period. Or, if the marking time period is for example five times the expected time interval between the laying of two subsequent eggs by a single hen, it may for example be acceptable if a hen lays at least three or four eggs in this marking time period.
Then, the hens of which the number of marks has been determined are graded into a second class of hens which have a number of marks which is less than the minimum number of eggs that a hen should have laid during the marking time period, and a first class of hens have a number of marks that is equal to or more than the minimum number of eggs that a hen should have laid during the marking time period. Alternatively, the hens of which the number of marks has been determined are graded into more than two classes.
After the grading, the farmer can decide how to proceed. He may for example decide to separate the hens of the second class from the hens of the first class. The hens of the second class may be for example be removed from the flock. They can then be removed from the egg production facility entirely or can be put in a different enclosure with e.g. a different lighting and/or feeding regime.
It is not necessary that after the grading the hens of the different classes are separated from each other. The method according to the invention can alternatively be used to monitor the percentage of unproductive or less productive hens in the flock. For example, when a threshold percentage is reached, the entire flock may be replaced.
Fig. 3 shows a part of a second embodiment of the system according to the invention.
In the embodiment of fig. 3, the marking device 20 comprises a bird detector 40 which is adapted to detect the presence of a poultry hen 1 in or adjacent to the laying nest. In the embodiment of fig. 3, the bird detector 40 comprises for example a load cell which is connected to the floor of the laying nest 10. The floor of the laying nest 10 is in this embodiment somewhat moveable in vertical direction. A hen 1 activates the load cell when she steps onto the moveable floor of the laying nest 10. Alternatively or in addition, the bird detector may for example comprise an optical sensor.
The bird detector 40 generates a detection signal when the presence of a hen 1 in the laying nest has been detected. The detection signal is then transmitted to the dispenser control device 23 of the marking device 20. The dispenser control device 23 is adapted to receive the detection signal from the bird detector 40 and to make the dispenser 21 dispense marking medium 24 when the detection signal is received. The transmission of the detection signal can be either via a wireless connection or via a wired connection.
Fig. 4 shows a part of a third embodiment of the system according to the invention.
In the embodiment of fig. 4, the marking device 20 comprises an egg detector 50 which is adapted to detect the presence of an egg 2 in or adjacent to the laying nest. For example, the egg detector is adapted to detect an egg 2 which is present on the egg collector 15 adjacent to the laying nest 10. Optionally, the egg detector 50 comprises an infrared sensor in order to be able to distinguish a freshly laid egg from an egg which has been laid some time before. A freshly laid egg is warmer than an egg which has been laid somewhat longer before.
The egg detector 50 is adapted to generate a detection signal when the presence of an egg 2 has been detected. The detection signal is then transmitted to the dispenser control device 23 of the marking device 20. The dispenser control device 23 is adapted to receive the detection signal from the egg detector 50 and to make the dispenser 21 dispense marking medium 24 when the detection signal is received. The transmission of the detection signal can be either via a wireless connection or via a wired connection.
In the embodiment of fig. 4, the egg detector 50 is part of the marking device 20.
However, alternatively or in addition an egg detector may be provided which is not exclusively linked to a single marking device. In such an embodiment, the egg detector activates the dispenser 21 of a marking device 20 that is associated with the laying nest 10 at which a freshly laid egg is detected.
The egg detector may for example comprise an infrared sensor which is arranged above an egg conveyor belt of an egg collector 15. Alternatively or in addition, the egg detector may comprise a weight sensor.
Optionally, in this embodiment, the egg detector comprises an infrared sensor device. The infrared sensor device is for example adapted to determine whether the detected egg is a freshly laid egg or not. The infrared sensor device comprises an infrared sensor. A freshly laid egg is warmer than an egg which has been laid somewhat longer before.
Fig. 5 shows a part of a fourth embodiment of the system according to the invention.
In the embodiment of fig. 5, the system further comprises an egg quality sensor device 60. The egg quality sensor device 60 is adapted to determine at least one quality parameter of an egg, for example the thickness of the shell, the size of the egg, the presence of one or more cracks in the shell or the presence of blood in the egg.
In the embodiment of fig. 5, the egg quality sensor device 60 is adapted to generate an approval signal when the determined quality parameter meets a predetermined quality threshold. In case the marking device 20 comprises a dispenser control device 23, the dispenser control device 23 may be adapted to receive the approval signal from the quality sensor device 60 and to make the dispenser 21 in or at the respective laying nest 10 dispense marking medium 24 when the approval signal is received.
The embodiment of fig. 5 can be used in an embodiment of the method according to the invention in which a mark is only applied to a hen 1 when the determined quality parameter of the laid egg meets the predetermined quality threshold.
In this embodiment of the method according to the invention, first at least one quality parameter of the egg 2 is determined. This can for example be the thickness of the shell, the size of the egg 2, the presence of one or more cracks in the shell or the presence of blood in the egg. Then, it is determined whether the determined quality parameter meets a
predetermined quality threshold or not. For example, when the shell of the egg is too thin, the determined egg quality parameter“shell thickness” does not meet the predetermined quality threshold.
In this embodiment of the method according to the invention, the mark is only applied to the hen if the determined egg quality parameter meets the predetermined quality threshold. So, for example when the shell of the egg is too thin, no mark is applied to the hen who laid the egg.
In this embodiment, one or more egg quality parameters can be determined and used to decide whether a mark is applied to the hen or not.
Fig. 6 shows a part of a fifth embodiment of the system according to the invention.
In the embodiment of fig. 6, the mark is applied by engaging the hen with a contact body 25. The contact body 25 has a porous structure containing the marking medium 24.
In the embodiment of fig. 6, he contact body is arranged at the opening 11 of the laying nest 10 which forms the entrance and exit of the laying nest 10. When the hen 1 enters or exits the laying nest 10, she inevitably touches the contact body 25 because of the size and position of the contact body 25. The contact body 25 for example is or comprises a sponge or a capillary mat.

Claims

1. Method for grading individual poultry hens in a flock, wherein the method comprises the following steps:
- when a hen is present in or adjacent to a laying nest, applying a mark to that hen, which mark is invisible to the hens of the flock,
- after a marking time period which is at least as long as the expected time interval between the laying of two subsequent eggs by a single hen, determining which hens of the flock do not have a mark, therewith grading the hens into a first class of hens which have at least one mark and a second class of hens which do not have a mark.
2. Method according to claim 1 ,
wherein the method further comprises the step of:
separating hens of the second class from hens of the first class.
3. Method according to any of the preceding claims,
wherein the flock of hens is kept in an enclosure, and wherein the mark which is applied to the hen is invisible to the hens of the flock during daily lighting conditions which occur in the enclosure.
4. Method according to any of the preceding claims,
wherein the mark is applied when the hen enters the laying nest, and/or when the hen is inside the laying nest, and/or when the hen leaves the laying nest.
5. Method according to any of the preceding claims,
wherein the mark is applied by applying a fluorescent marking medium to the hen, which marking medium is visible to the human eye only when it is irradiated by a source of ultraviolet radiation or a source of infrared radiation,
wherein the step of determining which hens of the flock do not have a mark includes illuminating at least a part of the flock by the source of ultraviolet radiation or infrared radiation.
6. Method according to any of the preceding claims,
wherein the mark is applied by spraying a marking medium onto the hen, which marking medium is e.g. an ink, a dye or a powder.
7. Method according to any of the preceding claims,
wherein the mark is applied by engaging the hen with a contact body, which contact body has a porous structure containing the marking medium.
8. Method according to any of the preceding claims,
wherein the mark is applied by a marking device which dispenses a marking medium at a predetermined time interval, which time interval preferably is shorter than the time it normally takes for a poultry hen to lay an egg, for example five minutes or less, or three minutes or less.
9. Method according to any of the preceding claims,
wherein the method further comprises the step of detecting the presence of a hen at or adjacent to the laying nest, and wherein the mark is applied to the hen after the presence of a hen at or adjacent to the laying nest is detected.
10. Method according to any of the preceding claims,
wherein the method further comprises the step of detecting the presence of an egg at or adjacent to the laying nest, and wherein the mark is applied to the hen after the presence of an egg at or adjacent to the laying nest is detected.
11. Method according to claim 10,
wherein the method further comprises the steps of:
determining at least one quality parameter of the egg,
determining whether the determined quality parameter meets a predetermined quality threshold or not,
and wherein the mark is only applied to the hen if the determined quality parameter meets the predetermined quality threshold.
12. Method according to claim 10,
wherein the method further comprises the step of determining whether the detected egg is a freshly laid egg or not.
13. Method for grading individual poultry hens in a flock, wherein the method comprises the following steps:
- when a hen is present in or adjacent to a laying nest, applying a mark to that hen, which mark is invisible to the hens of the flock, - after a marking time period which is at least as long as the expected time interval between the laying of two subsequent eggs by a single hen, determining the number of marks on at least a number of hens of the flock,
- determining a minimum number of eggs that a hen should have laid during the marking time period,
- grading the hens of which the number of marks has been determined into a first class of hens have a number of marks that is equal to or more than the minimum number of eggs that a hen should have laid during the marking time period, and a second class of hens which have a number of marks which is less than the minimum number of eggs that a hen should have laid during the marking time period.
14. System for grading poultry hens in a flock of poultry hens,
which system comprises:
a marking device which is arrangeable at a laying nest, which marking device is adapted to apply a mark onto a hen which is present at the laying nest, which mark is invisible to the hens of the flock; and
a mark exposure device, which mark exposure device is adapted to make the mark detectable for a human, therewith allowing grading the hens into a first class of hens which have at least one mark and a second class of hens which do not have a mark, which grading takes place after a marking time period which is at least as long as the expected time interval between the laying of two subsequent eggs by a single hen.
15. System according to claim 14,
wherein the mark exposure device is adapted to make the mark visually detectable for a human.
16. System according to any of the claims 14 - 15,
wherein the marking device comprises a dispenser which is adapted to dispense a marking medium, wherein at least a part of the dispenser is arrangeable at the entrance of the laying nest, at the exit of the laying nest or in the laying nest.
17. System according to claim 16,
wherein the marking device comprises a dispenser control device, which dispenser control device is adapted to control the dispenser to dispense the marking medium at a
predetermined time interval, which time interval preferably is shorter than the time it normally takes for a poultry hen to lay an egg, for example five minutes or less, or three minutes or less.
18. System according to claim 16,
wherein the marking device comprises a bird detector which is adapted to detect the presence of a poultry hen in or adjacent to the laying nest, and to generate a detection signal when the presence of a poultry hen has been detected, and
wherein the marking device further comprises a dispenser control device, which is adapted to receive the detection signal from the bird detector and to make the dispenser dispense marking medium when the detection signal is received.
19. System according to claim 16,
wherein the marking device comprises an egg detector which is adapted to detect the presence of an egg in or adjacent to the laying nest and to generate a detection signal when the presence of an egg has been detected, and
wherein the marking device further comprises a dispenser control device, which is adapted to receive the detection signal from the egg detector and to make the dispenser dispense marking medium when the detection signal is received.
20. System according to any of the claims 16 - 19,
wherein the dispenser comprises a spray nozzle, which spray nozzle is arrangeable at the entrance of the laying nest, at the exit of the laying nest or in the laying nest.
21. System according to any of the claims 16 - 20,
wherein the dispenser comprises a contact body, which is adapted to release marking medium when a poultry hen touches the contact body, wherein optionally the contact body comprises a porous structure which is adapted to accommodate marking medium and to release the marking medium release upon contact with the poultry hen.
22. System according to any of the claims 14 - 21 ,
wherein the mark exposure device comprises a radiation source which is adapted to activate a fluorescent marking medium to emit radiation with a wavelength that is visible for the human eye.
23. System according to any of the preceding claims,
which system further comprises a laying nest, wherein at least a part of the marking device is connected to the laying nest, and an egg collector which is adapted to receive an egg from the laying nest.
24. System according to claim 23,
wherein the system further comprises an egg detector, which is adapted to detect the presence of an egg at the egg collector or at the laying nest.
25. System according to claim 19 or 24,
wherein the egg detector egg comprises an infrared sensor device which is adapted to determine whether the detected egg is a freshly laid egg or not.
26. System according to any of the claims 14 -25,
wherein the system further comprises an egg quality sensor device, which egg quality sensor device is adapted to determine at least one quality parameter of an egg.
PCT/NL2019/050416 2018-07-05 2019-07-04 Method and system for grading hens in a flock WO2020009578A1 (en)

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Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2022043187A1 (en) * 2020-08-25 2022-03-03 Signify Holding B.V. Identifying poultry associated with eggs of a quality

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1842839A (en) 1927-03-16 1932-01-26 Carl A Rainwater Identification nest for hens and their eggs
DE10011741A1 (en) * 2000-03-13 2001-09-20 Rausch Hans Biologically marking an animal for determining their place of origin comprises the oral administration of an immunogen which produces detectable changes
EP1197142A2 (en) 1995-05-09 2002-04-17 M.G.H. Agricultural Cooperative Society Ltd. Hen nesting apparatus and method utilizing such apparatus for identifying, monitoring and controlling individual hens of a flock

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1842839A (en) 1927-03-16 1932-01-26 Carl A Rainwater Identification nest for hens and their eggs
EP1197142A2 (en) 1995-05-09 2002-04-17 M.G.H. Agricultural Cooperative Society Ltd. Hen nesting apparatus and method utilizing such apparatus for identifying, monitoring and controlling individual hens of a flock
DE10011741A1 (en) * 2000-03-13 2001-09-20 Rausch Hans Biologically marking an animal for determining their place of origin comprises the oral administration of an immunogen which produces detectable changes

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2022043187A1 (en) * 2020-08-25 2022-03-03 Signify Holding B.V. Identifying poultry associated with eggs of a quality

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