WO2022036419A1

WO2022036419A1 - System for real-time monitoring of milk, water, feed/concentrate consumption and yield for suckling calves in individual pens, individual pens on footings, sheds and the like

Info

Publication number: WO2022036419A1
Application number: PCT/BR2020/050355
Authority: WO
Inventors: Nilson Nunes MORAIS JUNIOR; Alberto Polonio MANSKE; Gustavo Gonçalves De Souza SALVATI; Igor Gonçalves De Souza SALVATI; José Augusto SALVATI; Klerio Silva ROCHA; Natan Augusto Costa FASSARELLA; Renato Travassos BELTRAME
Original assignee: Morais Junior Nilson Nunes
Priority date: 2020-08-17
Filing date: 2020-09-04
Publication date: 2022-02-24
Also published as: BR102020016750A2

Abstract

The invention relates to a system comprising four sections (10, 32, 33, 34) and ten modules (2, 3, 4, 5, 26, 27, 28, 30, 33, 35) for rearing calves (16) in pens such as tropical (7), Argentine (8) or indoor (9) pens, said system being able to determine the ideal time to wean the calves (16), according to the type of pen, by weight in the case of tropical pens (7), or by the consumption of feed/concentrate contained in a tube (1) of a feed module (2), in which achievement of said weaning target is calculated by means of at least two subsequent weighings of said feed module (2).

Description

REAL-TIME MONITORING SYSTEM OF THE CONSUMPTION OF MILK, WATER, FEED/CONCENTRATE AND PERFORMANCE FOR LETTING PHASE CALVES BREED IN INDIVIDUAL HOUSINGS, ACCOMMODATIONS

INDIVIDUALS ON SHOES, SHEDS AND CONGENERATIONS

INTRODUCTION

[001] The present invention patent application refers to an unprecedented "REAL-TIME MONITORING SYSTEM OF THE CONSUMPTION OF MILK, WATER, FEED/CONCENTRATE AND PERFORMANCE FOR CALVES IN THE LIFTING PHASE CREATED IN INDIVIDUAL ACCOMMODATIONS, INDIVIDUAL ACCOMMODATIONS ON SHOES , SHEDROOMS AND CONGENERATIONS” - it is a system that comprises up to ten modules divided into four distinct sections applicable, according to the most appropriate management of the calves, in individual housing, individual housing on shoes and sheds / similar, with a first section houses a feeder module for receiving the concentrate/feed tube, a feeder module for the breastfeed bucket, a feeder module for the liquid bucket, a bottle feeder module, a sensor module, a beacon module and an electronics module, while in a second and third sections, a calf weighing module and a solar module stand out, respectively, and, finally, in a fourth section, a module of tilting roof, modules that together, or combined, make it possible to accurately predict, whether by feed/concentrate consumption and/or by the animal's weight and height gain, the exact moment to carry out the weaning.

APPLICATION FIELD

[002] The field of application of the invention is the dairy cattle segment, more specifically for suckling calves, which remain properly accommodated in individual housing, individual housing on shoes and sheds/the like, subject to weather conditions (temperature and moisture).

CONVICTION [003] The life span of calves from birth to weaning (usually between 2 and 3 months) is quite delicate, because at this stage they exhibit a first contact with the environment and are constantly challenged, and their organism still depends on defenses acquired by colostrum consumption. During this phase, it is important to replace the milk supply in advance with feed/concentrate, and only when the calf consumes a certain target of feed/concentrate is it defined to carry out weaning. Failures can irreversibly compromise the performance of the dairy female. There is an average rate of 10.8% regarding calf mortality in this period, being economically important and a priority on the farm to monitor and follow up the female.

[004] Thinking about the lactation phase, the physical isolation of animals and/or lots becomes fundamental. It is important that there is no contact between them to avoid or reduce the risks of cross-infection and the spread of diseases, since the transmission of the main pathogens occurs via the oral-fecal route, either through contact between animals or the use of improperly cleaned utensils. .

[005] Due to the wide variation in climate (temperature and humidity), the rearing of calves must be adapted to different conditions, minimizing the effects of cold or heat stress. Therefore, the knowledge of the basic conditions to provide the best comfort to the animals directly affects the maximization of performance, especially during the lactation period. Currently, several options for individual housing are widespread in Brazil, varying in terms of popularity, cost and efficiency in controlling diseases, especially respiratory and diarrhea. [006] When well managed, they allow compliance with the basic principles of an adequate system of raising animals for suckling.

[007] Individual calf rearing is widely used around the world and is present on 85% of farms in the US (USDA, 2016), 87.9% in Quebec - Canada (Vasseur et al. 2010) and 74.3% in the Czech Republic (Stanék et al., 2014). In Brazil, Hotzel et al. (2014) carried out a survey with 242 farmers in small properties in the southern region of the country and observed 70.2 % of the producers use the individual rearing of calves, displaying wide potential of the object of this patent.

[008] Within the options of individual housing for rearing calves, a restricted environment is desirable, either through a chain, rope or fencing, which are limited in space and can be changed periodically. In relation to the types of individual housing, henceforth called tropical houses, the individual housing on shoes, henceforth called Argentine bezerreiro, and housing in sheds/congeners, henceforth called indoor.

[009] Most automated systems for feeding and rearing calves are based on calf feeders and the use of milk or milk substitutes. Food and labor represent a significant part of the cost of raising calves (Overton and Dhuyvetter, 2017), and their management becomes imperative. The daily consumption of concentrates is related to health problems, environment and animal performance (Van Amburgh, 2017). Another challenge of this rearing phase is the definition of the weaning moment, which occurs when the calf reaches a minimum consumption of concentrate/feed (USDA, 2016). [0009] Currently, the verification of consumption is totally dependent on visual evaluation or weighing of concentrate/feed by the calf handler, therefore, highly susceptible to failure or laborious. Early weaning will negatively impact development in the following breeding phases. On the other hand, if it is late, it will result in increased food and especially labor costs and delay in making the facility available for use by another subsequent calf (Van Amburgh, 2017).

[010] There are few studies that demonstrate the importance of providing drinking water from birth, even for animals receiving high volumes of liquid diet. A study in the United States published in 2014 showed that producers wait an average of 17 days to offer water to newborn calves. In Brazil, a 2015 survey shows that only 52% of producers offer water from the first day of life of the calf, while 35% offer water from the ^5th day of life, ^and 13% from the 15th day of life. Although the producer often understands that the Water supply is related to the occurrence of diarrhea, it is actually related to the maintenance of hydration of the animals. Unless the water quality is poor and contaminated with microorganisms, there is no relationship between water and diarrhea. Overall, the lack of scientific evidence on water intake in newborn calves and its effect on performance hinders the efforts of technicians and researchers in the work of raising awareness of producers for the supply of drinking water from the first days of life. of calves.

[011] Water consumption can have an effect on concentrate consumption, so water monitoring can explain differences in calf performance. Calves (os) during the liquid feeding phase, receive most of the water as milk or milk replacer. However, studies show that calves that receive water in addition to a liquid diet gain weight faster and consume dry chow earlier than calves that receive water only on their liquid diet. Therefore, it is important that producers provide water to calves that receive liquid diets to increase growth and dry matter intake (concentrate/feed) (Schroeder JW, 2015).

STATUS OF THE TECHNIQUE

[012] In many properties it is still very common, in the individual housing system, to use buckets to offer concentrate/feed, without any automated technology to measure consumption, with high labor costs and waste of feed/concentrate.

[013] However, the current state of the art anticipates some patent documents with new technologies that deal with monitoring systems for cattle, such as BR 102017006913-3 entitled "AUTOMATIC, VOLUNTARY WEIGHING SYSTEM INCLUDING THE MONITORING AND MANAGEMENT SYSTEM OF ANIMALS AND APPARATUS” - describes an automatic, voluntary weighing system comprising a system for monitoring and managing animals and apparatus, also characterized by weighing platforms strategically installed near drinking fountains (or other attractions), constituting a constant and voluntary total weighing system of each animal parked on the platform and the evaluation of the dynamics of water intake throughout the day, producing a large amount of data on weight, water consumption and animal behavior, enabling a new system for monitoring and managing animals.

[014] The previous document above presents some technical limitations, starting with the fact that it is a working concept for collective accommodation, which increases the risks of cross-infection and the spread of diseases. Also, to implement the solution, producers have to install scales in front of the paddocks' drinking fountains and place electronic earrings on the animals, subjecting them to a learning curve, in addition to an increase in the cost of breeding the farm. The calves are then voluntarily weighed and measured every time they drink water. It is also a fact that the system operates with the data collected in the cloud, however such data are not based on the consumption of concentrate/feed but on the amount of water ingested. Thus, it does not anticipate a specific product for the lactation phase of calves.

[015] WO 2018004429 entitled "MONITORING DEVICE AND METHOD PERFORMED THEREBY FOR DETERMINING WHETHER AN ANIMAL IS PROPERLY FED' - refers to a monitoring device to determine whether an individual animal is fed properly, the method comprises: obtaining a measured value at least one parameter related to the forage intake of said animal over a period of time; obtaining an estimate of the energy required by said animal over the period of time; determine an animal-specific factor based on the measured value of at least one parameter and the energy required by said animal.

[016] The document WO 2018004429 despite being an individualized system, uses parameters totally different from the claimed application, more specifically it is aimed at differentiating between beef and dairy cattle, therefore not confronting the lactation phase.

OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION

[017] It is the objective of the present invention to propose a system for monitoring the consumption of concentrate/feed, milk (or milk replacer), water and/or the gain of weight and height of the animal, capable of signaling the exact moment to carry out the weaning by means of modules partitioned into up to four sections, which can be applied in accommodation such as a tropical house, Argentine calf or indoor;

[018] It is the objective of the present invention to propose a system for monitoring the consumption of concentrate/feed, milk (or milk replacer), water and/or the animal's weight and height gain, capable of signaling the exact moment to perform the weaning, which, regardless of the type of accommodation in which it is applied, allows access to all information and technical reports of monitoring via cell phone through an application;

[019] It is the objective of the present invention to propose a system for monitoring the consumption of concentrate/feed, milk (or milk replacer), water and/or the animal's weight and height gain, capable of signaling the exact moment to perform the weaning, which, regardless of the type of accommodation in which it is applied, presents a friendly interface with employees in the field, effected by the signaling module that indicates, in addition to a neutral position, lack of concentrate / ration in the feeder; decrease in concentrate/feed consumption and appropriate time for weaning;

[020] It is the objective of the present invention to propose a system for monitoring the consumption of concentrate/feed, milk (or milk replacer), water and/or the gain in weight and height of the animal, capable of signaling the exact moment to perform the weaning, which, regardless of the type of accommodation in which it is applied, ensures that recurrences of events such as lack of supply or drop in consumption of inputs do not go unnoticed;

[021] It is the objective of the present invention to propose a system for monitoring the consumption of concentrate/feed, milk (or milk replacer), water and/or the gain in weight and height of the animal capable of signaling the exact moment to carry out the weaning , which, regardless of the type of housing in which it is applied, has the option of being powered by solar energy; [022] It is the objective of the present invention to propose a system for monitoring the consumption of concentrate/feed, milk (or milk replacer), water and/or the gain in weight and height of the animal, capable of signaling the exact moment to perform the weaning, where the tropical house model accommodation is moved by only one person;

[023] It is the objective of the present invention to propose a system for monitoring the consumption of concentrate/feed, milk (or milk replacer), water and/or the gain in weight and height of the animal, capable of signaling the exact moment to perform the weaning, which, regardless of the type of housing in which it is applied, has an excellent cost-benefit ratio.

[024] It is the objective of the present invention to propose a system for monitoring the consumption of concentrate/feed, milk (or milk replacer), water and/or the gain in weight and height of the animal, capable of monitoring the temperature and humidity of the environment where it is installed; the monitoring of variables such as temperature and air humidity are of paramount importance to estimate the conditions of the environment and thus identify situations of thermal stress.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[025] "REAL-TIME MONITORING SYSTEM OF THE CONSUMPTION OF MILK, WATER, FEED/CONCENTRATE AND PERFORMANCE FOR CALVES IN THE LETTING PHASE CREATED IN INDIVIDUAL HOUSINGS, INDIVIDUAL HOUSINGS ON SHOES, SHEDS AND CONGENERATIONS" - consists of a monitoring system in real time to verify the exact moment of weaning of calves, either by the consumption of feed/concentrate or by their weight gain, a system that is divided into up to ten modules divided into four applicable sections, according to the most appropriate management of the animal, in a tropical house, Argentine calf or indoor. The first section consists of a quadrangular structure that comprises a feeder module for the feed/concentrate tube with the end at 90 ^s , equipped with a longitudinally adjustable hatch, which allows the use of different feed/concentrate granulometries; whereas in a quadrant of this section, where there is a cover automated slide, there is, on an upper line, a feeder module for the milk sucker bucket (or milk replacer), and, on a lower line, a feeder module for the bucket of liquids, water, followed in the same alignment as a feeder module of the milk bottle (or milk replacer) anchored to a rotating support, said modules being accompanied by load cells. A rod with a sensor module, a signal module and an electronics module complement the above-mentioned first section. The second section has a calf weighing module, while the third and fourth sections are made up of solar modules and a tilting roof.

[026] As already mentioned, the monitoring system and respective sections/modules/sections can be adapted to different types of accommodation. In the tropical house, the first section is attached to a receptacle, supported on posterior wheels, with adequate dimensions and sufficient to accommodate a calf in the suckling phase, which inside it is nourished by concentrate/feed placed in the feeder module tube. or by milk (or milk replacer), either in the feeding module of the breastfeeding bucket or in the feeding module of the bottle, next to which there is also a pacifier-type drinker for monitoring the consumption of water that is placed in the feeding module of the bucket. of liquids. In the tropical house, the second section of the system is also used, the calf weighing module, third section, solar module and fourth section, tilting roof. Thus, when the calf is absent from the tropical house, every minute the load cells of the feeder modules send feed/concentrate and/or milk and/or animal weight load data to the server. In a way of making the invention viable, in which the criterion used for the moment of weaning is the measurement of feed/concentrate consumption, the difference of at least two subsequent weighings reflects how much feed/concentrate was consumed by the calf. Consumption is considered inadequate when there is a drop in feed/concentrate consumption, which is demonstrated in the application and in the signal module, which is easy to see by the handler. Another situation detectable by the system is the absence of feed/concentrate in the tube of the feeder module, situation in which the handler fill in again. The decision on the exact moment of weaning can also take as a parameter the weight of the animal through the calf's weighing module, which takes as a metric the achievement of a certain weight related to its birth weight. The distance sensor allows you to monitor the height and consequently the growth of the calf. The monitoring system also supports the temperature sensor, humidity sensor and accelerometer. Thus, the tropical house and the use of information on feed/concentrate consumption, calf weight or a combination of both are used for decision making on weaning.

[027] In the Argentine calf housing, the first section and respective modules, including the fourth section with the tilting roof module, are coupled to at least four shoes, in this housing model keeping only the weaning moment criterion by measuring feed/concentrate consumption.

[028] In the indoor accommodation, only the first section and respective feeder modules are used.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[029] The figures below are presented to better explain the patent application in an illustrative and non-limiting way:

Figure 1 : Perspective view of the first section of the real-time monitoring system of milk, feed/concentrate consumption and performance for suckling calves raised in individual housing, individual housing on shoes and sheds and the like;

Figure 2: Inverted perspective view of the first section of the real-time monitoring system of milk, feed/concentrate consumption and performance for suckling calves raised in individual housing, individual housing on footings and sheds and the like;

Figure 3: Perspective detail of the feed/concentrate tube feeder module of the real-time monitoring system of milk, feed/concentrate consumption and performance for suckling calves raised in individual housing, individual housing on shoes and sheds and congeners; Figure 4: Exploded perspective view of the feed/concentrate feeder module tube of the real-time monitoring system of milk, feed/concentrate consumption and performance for suckling calves raised in individual housing, individual housing on shoes and sheds and congeners;

Figure 5: Sectional view of the feed/concentrate feeder module tube of the real-time monitoring system of milk, feed/concentrate consumption and performance for suckling calves raised in individual housing, individual housing on shoes and sheds and congeners;

Figure 6: Sectional detail of the tube adjustment port of the feed/concentrate feeder module of the real-time monitoring system of milk, feed/concentrate consumption and performance for calves in the suckling phase raised in individual houses, individual houses on shoes and sheds and the like;

Figure 7: Perspective detail of the suckling bucket feeder module and the bottle module of the system for real-time monitoring of milk, feed/concentrate consumption and performance for lactating calves raised in individual housing, individual housing on shoes and sheds and the like;

Figure 8: Perspective detail of the pacifier drinker of the real-time monitoring system of milk, feed/concentrate consumption and performance for suckling calves raised in individual housing, individual housing on shoes and sheds and the like;

Figure 9: Perspective detail of the sucker bucket feeder module of the real-time monitoring system of milk, feed/concentrate consumption and performance for suckling calves raised in individual housing, individual housing on shoes and sheds and the like;

Figure 10: Schematic view of the real-time monitoring system beacon of milk, feed/concentrate consumption and performance for suckling calves, illustrating the four status conditions; Figure 11 : Exploded view of the real-time monitoring system beacon of milk, feed/concentrate consumption and performance for calves in the suckling phase;

Figure 12: Perspective view of the second section of the real-time monitoring system of milk, feed/concentrate consumption and performance for suckling calves raised in individual housing, individual housing on shoes and sheds and the like;

Figure 13: Perspective view of the third section of the real-time monitoring system of milk, feed/concentrate consumption and performance for suckling calves raised in individual housing, individual housing on shoes and sheds and the like;

Figure 14: Perspective view of the fourth section of the real-time monitoring system of milk, feed/concentrate consumption and performance for lactating calves raised in individual housing, individual housing on shoes and sheds and the like;

Figure 15: Perspective view of the tropical house housing with the real-time monitoring system of milk, feed/concentrate consumption and performance for calves in the suckling phase;

Figure 16: Inverted perspective view of the tropical house housing with the real-time monitoring system of milk, feed/concentrate consumption and performance for calves in the suckling phase;

Figure 17: Rear view of the tropical house housing with the real-time monitoring system of milk, feed/concentrate consumption and performance for calves in the suckling phase, with the automated sliding quadrant lid open;

Figure 18: Rear view of the tropical house housing with the real-time monitoring system of milk, feed/concentrate consumption and performance for calves in the suckling phase, with the automated sliding lid of the quadrant closed; Figure 19: Inverted perspective view of the tropical house housing with the real-time monitoring system of milk, feed/concentrate consumption and performance for calves in the suckling phase, with the roof open;

Figure 20: Exploded perspective view of the tropical house housing with the real-time monitoring system of milk, feed/concentrate consumption and performance for calves in the suckling phase;

Figure 21: Schematic side view of the tropical house housing with the real-time monitoring system of milk, feed/concentrate consumption and performance for calves in the suckling phase, simulating the movement of the feeder module tube;

Figure 22: Perspective view of the tropical house housing with the real-time monitoring system of milk, feed/concentrate consumption and performance for calves in the suckling phase, illustrated without the roof;

Figure 23: Schematic side view of the tropical house housing with the real-time monitoring system of milk, feed/concentrate consumption and performance for calves in the suckling phase, illustrated with the calf being fed;

Figure 24: Schematic side view of the tropical house housing with the real-time monitoring system of milk, feed/concentrate consumption and performance for calves in the suckling phase, illustrated without the calf and handler filling the feeder module tube in detail from the flag indicating adequate feed/concentrate condition;

Figure 25: Perspective view of the Argentine calf housing with the real-time monitoring system of milk, feed/concentrate consumption and performance for calves in the suckling phase;

Figure 26: Inverted perspective view of the Argentine calf housing with the real-time monitoring system of milk, feed/concentrate consumption and performance for calves in the suckling phase;

Figure 27: Flowchart of verification of the amount of feed in the feeder module of the real-time monitoring system of feed/concentrate consumption in real time; Figure 28: Calf feed consumption check flowchart from the real-time monitoring system of feed consumption in real time;

Figure 29: Calf height and weight measurement verification flowchart of the real-time monitoring system of real-time feed consumption;

Figure 30: Calf weaning verification flowchart of the real-time monitoring system of feed consumption in real time;

Figure 31: Architecture of the real-time monitoring system of feed consumption in real time, with all modules.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[030] "REAL-TIME MONITORING SYSTEM OF THE CONSUMPTION OF MILK, WATER, FEED/CONCENTRATE AND PERFORMANCE FOR CALVES IN THE LETTING PHASE RAISED IN INDIVIDUAL HOUSINGS, INDIVIDUAL HOUSINGS ON SHOES, SHEDS AND CONGENERATIONS", object of this invention patent application is a system composed of four sections (10, 29, 32, 34) and ten modules (2, 3, 4, 5, 26, 27, 28, 30, 33, 35), applicable, according to the management of the calves ( 16) to housing type tropical house (7) Argentine calf (8) or indoor (9), a system capable of, depending on the type of housing, verifying the ideal moment for weaning calves (16) by weight in the case of the tropical house (7) or by the consumption of feed/concentrate contained in a tube (1) of a feeder module (2), in which the calculation of reaching the target of said weaning takes place with at least two subsequent weighings of said feeder module (2) ).

[031] More particularly, the invention claims a system for verifying the moment of weaning of suckling calves by the criterion of the animal's weight or by the consumption of feed/concentrate contained in a tube (1) of a feeder module (2) and / or milk in a feeder module of the bottle feeder (3) or in a feeder module of the bucket of liquids (4) or in a feeder module of the bottle (5), these modules are equipped with load cells (6) that configure scales , which send feed/concentrate and/or milk weight data to a server, which, by the difference of at least two subsequent measurements, calculates the achievement of a certain goal and the appropriate time for weaning. The claimed system comprises up to ten modules (2, 3, 4, 5, 26, 27, 28, 30, 33, 35) divided into four distinct sections (10, 29, 32, 34) applicable in housings, according to the more adequate management of calves, of the tropical house type (7), Argentine type (8) and indoor (9) calves, with a first section (10) presenting a quadrangular structure (11 ) that comprises a feeder module (2) of the tube (1) of feed/concentrate, with the end (12) at 90 ^s , equipped with a hatch (13) adjustable longitudinally, which allows the use of different granulometries of feed/concentrate. In a quadrant (14) of the first section (10) there is an automated sliding cover (15) that allows the calf's access control (16) to the modules framed there, that is, in the upper line, the feeding module of the sucker bucket (3 ) and, in the lower row, the liquid bucket feeding module (4), followed, in the same alignment, by the bottle feeding module (5) anchored in a rotating support (17), said modules accompanied by load cells (6 ) that operate as scales. The tube (1) of the feeder module (2) is handled by a handle (18) and anchored in the hold (25) which has hinges (20) that allow its pivoting, in addition to at least two load cells (6). The tube (1) of the feeder module is formed by a cylindrical body (22) that drifts to a lower end at 90 ^s (12) where, internally, there is a door (13) adjustable by means of a sliding pin (23), which, when moved, lowers or raises, said hatch (13) adjusting the feed flow (crushed or pelleted). Both the feeder module of the sucker bucket (3) and the feeder module of the liquid bucket (4) follow the concept of weighing of the feeder module (2), that is, they have a hold (25) for said buckets with at least two cells load cell (6), while the load cell (6) of the bottle feeder module (5) is on the rotating support (17). Also part of the quadrant (14) is a drinker (21) type pacifier with flow sensor (19) that completes the monitoring and the solenoid valve (24) that controls the opening. A rod (26) with sensor module (41, 42, 43, 44), a signal module (27) and an electronic module (28) complete the first section (10) of the monitoring system. The second section (29) comprises a weighing module (30) of the calf with at least four load cells (31 ) and is used only in the tropical house type (7). A third section (32) comprises the solar module (33) and a fourth section (34) a tilting roof module (35), preferably provided with hydraulic cylinders (36) and handles (37), in which a covering (38) increases thermoacoustic comfort.

[032] In the tropical house version (7), the claimed monitoring system is configured by all sections (10, 29, 32, 34) and respective modules (2, 3, 4, 5, 27, 28, 35) being formed by a movable receptacle (39), as it is supported on rear wheels (40). The first section (10) is attached to the rear face of said mobile receptacle (39), which comprises the feed/concentrate feeder module (2) contained in the tube (1), the feeder module of the breastfeeding bucket (3), the feeder module of the bucket of liquids (4) and the feeding module of the bottle (5) with the respective load cells (6), which configure scales by weighing them when the animal is out of the receptacle (39), thus sending the data of feed/concentrate weight for a server, which, by difference of at least two subsequent measurements, calculates the achievement of a certain goal and the appropriate time for weaning, which is demonstrated in the field by the four-stage signaling module (27) (x , y, w, z) or via app. Stage (x) indicates that the tube (1) of the feeder module (2) is below the defined minimum level and must be completed; stage (y) indicates that there was a decrease in the daily consumption of concentrate/feed based, for example, on an average of three days; the subsequent stage (w), indicates the exact moment of weaning once the calf's consumption goal has been reached, that is, consumption greater than or equal to the minimum amount stipulated by the handler. Finally, stage (z) is a neutral stage that indicates that there has been no change in the status of the system, that is, there is no lack of feed in the tube (1 ), there has been no reduction in consumption and it is not yet time for weaning. Complements the first section (10) a drinker (21) type pacifier with flow sensor and solenoid valve; a rod (26) with sensor module (41, 42, 43, 44), the signal module (27) and the electronic module (28). In the receptacle (39) the rod (26) holds the distance sensor (41), the temperature sensor (42), the humidity sensor (43) and the accelerometer (44). A tubular stop (45) positioned on the previous columns (46) serves to receive a handle (not shown) facilitating the movement of the tropical house (7). The base (47) also serves for laying the removable floors (48), superimposed on the reinforcement rods (49) that receive the second section (29), which consists of the calf weighing module (30) with at least four cells load (31), which are located at the vertices of said base (47). On a rear side of the tropical house (7), adjacent to the tilting roof module (35), the solar module (33) is highlighted, which supplies the entire electrical and electronic part of the claimed housing and system with electrical charge.

[033] In the Argentine calf version (8), supported on shoes (50), the claimed monitoring system is configured by the sections (10, 29, 32, 34) in which the quadrangular structure (11) of the first section (10) and respective modules (2, 3, 4, 5, 27, 28, 35) receive the tilting roof module (35) with coating (38), hydraulic cylinders (36) and handles (37), by means of angle brackets (51 ). In this version it is only possible to define the weaning moment by feed/concentrate consumption.

[034] The feeder module (2), the feeder module of the breastfeeding bucket (3), the feeder module of the liquid bucket (4) are equipped with load cells (6) that configure weighing scales, preferably 20kg, inserted at its top. The connection is provided by the entry of screws from the stop (25) with hinges (20), also used as a point of attachment of the load cells (6). [035] Each load cell (6) of the scale is connected to a converter/amplifier, responsible for amplifying the voltage difference generated by the load variation in the cell itself into a digital signal. The bottle feeding module (5) comprises a single load cell (6), preferably of 20 kg, inserted in the rotating support (17). [036] These modules (2, 3, 4, 5) comprise independent devices, easily removable from the waitings (25) for cleaning and replacement when necessary, making it practical and with low risk of damage, all connectable to the electronic module (28 ). [037] The tube (1) has a pivoting cover (T) protecting the concentrate feed, handling handle (18) to facilitate its movement and cleaning, a hatch (13) for adjusting the feed/concentrate flow and edge (52 ) at the end to avoid wastage of the input. The tube (1) of the feeder module (2) has no sticking points for feed/concentrate.

[038] The second section (29), calf weighing module (30), comprises at least four load cells (31), preferably 50kg, positioned at the corners of the base (47) under the removable floors (48). The weighing structure, as it is independent, becomes optional in the assembly of the system. Each load cell (31) is connected to a load cell converter/amplifier, responsible for amplifying the voltage difference generated by the load variation in the cell itself into a digital signal.

[039] The beacon module (27), installed at the extreme rear side of the first section (10), will define the status of the feeder module (2), the feeder bucket module (3), the liquid bucket feeder module (4 ) and the bottle feeder module (5), being driven by a servo motor (53) that radially moves a cylindrical body with slot (54) in relation to a second fixed concentric cylindrical body (55), in which four relative stages are indicated to the aforementioned status. The flag module (27) operates independently of the mobile application, allowing the handler, without the use of the device, to identify and execute an action.

[040] The solar module (33) consists of the solar panel (56), preferably 10w 18v, controllers and batteries. The solar panel (56) is located on the outside of the shelter, on the back side adjacent to the tilting roof module (35), and the other components are grouped together with the electronic module components (28). Optionally, 110 or 220V energy can be used instead of the solar panel (36) for charging the battery and operating the entire electronic module (28).

[041] The electronic module (28) is located on the back of the first section (10) at a corner of the quadrangular structure (11) above the quadrant (14), and is composed of the main board with processor (57), transceiver LoRa® (compatible with LoRa® WAN), voltage regulation and protection connectors and components (voltage regulator step down voltage which reduces the voltage from 8.4v of the batteries to 3.3v used in the main board and BMS 2s board which serves to protect the batteries from overcharging and discharging). The main part of the electronic module (28) is the ESP32 microcontroller responsible for the WiFi connection, communication between the server (58) to send and receive commands. ESP32 has GPIOs, which are basically input and output data pins, some of which are intended for reading load cell amplifiers, activating servo motors and reading sensors. Attached to this is a LoRa® transceiver (compatible with LoRa® WAN) that receives information and transmits it to the ESP8266® processor. The processor converts the protocol sending the information to the internet (Long Range Wireless Power Transmission Technology). The information is sent to the server (58) at the specified times according to the battery level (every minute if the battery is full or every hour if it is below capacity). The commands and readings of weights, heights, slope, temperature and humidity are executed/collected by the ESP32 and transmitted via the internet via the MQTT protocol to a server that will process the data and command the Systech Feeder. There is no use of wires for transmitting information. Information is sent every 24 hours. The flow of information captured by the sensors is transmitted from the ESP32 microcontroller and published on the MQTT broker channel.

[042] Subsequently, the MQTT broker notifies the API, hosted in the cloud and developed in Java, that new information has arrived and it inserts the data into the Postgres database. An application with a friendly interface allows viewing reports of zootechnical variables, performance and feed/concentrate consumption. The humidity (43) and temperature (42) sensors integrate the same data collection routine (every minute if the battery is charged or every hour if it is below capacity) and are used to calculate the composite index of temperature and humidity. (ITU) that reflect aspects of welfare for the animal. The electronic module (28) can be powered by the solar energy module (33) or the electrical network (110/220V). Connection 1 between the electronics module (28) and the balance of the feeder module (2) and sensors will use the connector MIKE8. Connection 2 will be with the calf's weighing module (30) using the same connector.

[043] The operating logic of the monitoring system can be divided, as illustrated in the flowcharts of figures 27 to 30, in checking the amount of feed/concentrate in the tube (1) of the feeder module (2); verification of feed/concentrate consumption by the calf, measurement of weight and height of the calf and the weaning routine.

[044] The steps for the weaning criterion using at least two subsequent weighings whether feed/concentrate are identical.

[045] As illustrated in the flowchart of figure 27, in a way of making the invention feasible with the monitoring system applied in a tropical house (7), the verification of the amount of feed/concentrate in the tube (1) of the feeder module (2) has beginning (I) with the verification of the fixed tare of the tube (1 ) where in a first step (E1) the scale of the tube (1) of the feeder module (2) is calibrated in a weight “O”, for in a second step (E2) said tube (1) being supplied with feed/concentrate. In a third stage (E3) the flow checks if there are heifers (16) in the shelter (1) and in a fourth stage (E4) to ask if there are heifers (16) in the tropical house (7). If so (S) the flow returns to the third stage (E3) and if not (N) in a fifth stage (E5) the scale measures the tube load (1) and in a sixth stage (E6) sends the data to the server that performs the calculations. In the seventh step (E7) it is considered whether the amount of feed/concentrate is greater than or equal to the minimum amount stipulated, if so (S) the verification of the amount of feed/concentrate in the tube (1) of the module is ended (F) feeder (2) and if not (N) in an eighth stage (E8) the signaling module (27) is activated and placed in the status of condition “x” indicating lack of feed/concentrate so the flow returns to the second stage (E2) in which the tube (1 ) must be replenished with feed/concentrate. Differences between two consecutive weighings may indicate that there is an adequate amount of feed in the tube (1) of the feeder module (2) or that the amount of feed available is inadequate.

[046] As illustrated in the flowchart of figure 28, in this way of making the invention feasible for a tropical house (7), the verification of feed/concentrate consumption in the tube (1 ) of the feeder module (2) starts (I) with the verification of the fixed tare of the tube (1) where in a ninth step (E9) the scale of the tube (1 ) of the feeder module (2) is calibrated in a weight “O”, for in a tenth stage (E10) said tube (1) to be supplied with feed/concentrate. In an eleventh stage (E11) the flow checks if there is a heifer (16) in the tropical house (7) and in a twelfth stage (E12) it asks if there is a heifer (16) in the tropical house (7). If so (S) the flow returns to the eleventh stage (E11 ) and if not (N) it goes to the thirteenth stage (E13) in which it reads the feeder module (2) every minute. In verifying the presence of the animal in the tropical house (7), the distance sensor (41 ) is a key piece every minute. Only in the absence of the animal in the tropical house (7) (in order to prevent interference in the measurement), the feeding module (2) is weighed. In the fourteenth step (E14) the data is sent to the server that performs the calculations. In the fifteenth stage (E15) based on the calculations, it asks whether there was a reduction in feed/concentrate consumption compared to the measurement of the previous three days, if so (S) in the sixteenth stage (E16) the signaling module (27) is activated and placed in the status of condition “y” indicating a drop in feed/concentrate consumption proceeding to the end (F) and if not (N) in a seventeenth step (E17) informs the application of the result and proceeds to the end (F).

[047] As illustrated in the flowchart of Figure 29, in this way of making the invention feasible for a tropical house (7), the measurement of weight and height of the calf (16) begins (I) and in an eighteenth stage (E18) it is verified if the presence of the animal in the shelter with the distance sensor (41 ), stops in the nineteenth step (E19) to ask if there is a calf (16) in the tropical house (7). If not (N) the flow in a twentieth stage (E20) checks the scale every hour and resets it when it has a load below 10 kg and then returns to the eighteenth stage (E18). If so (S) follows the twenty-first stage (E21 ) where the height and weight of the animal are read at least thirty times, informing the average value. In the twenty-second stage (E22) it waits for the signal from the distance sensor (41) and in the twenty-third stage (E23) it asks if there is a calf (16) in the shelter, if so (S) the flow returns to the twenty-second stage (E22) and if not (N) it goes to the twenty-fourth stage (E24) in which it sends information to the server (58) and the application stops in a twenty-fifth stage (E25) to question whether the calf (16) has reached at least less than twice the birth weight. If not (N) it returns to the eighteenth stage (E18) and if so (S) it goes to the end (F).

[048] As illustrated in the flowchart of figure 30, in this way of making the invention feasible for a tropical house (7), weaning begins (I) with the evaluation of the server's goal (58) in a twenty-sixth step (E26) both verification weight and height of the heifer (16) in a twenty-seventh stage (E27) and of feed consumption in a twenty-eighth stage (E28). In a twenty-ninth step (29) it asks if the goal has been reached. If so (S), for both variables, in a thirtieth step (E30) it signals both to the application and to the signaling module (27) that drives the servo motor (53), placing it in the status of condition “z” which indicates withdrawal. [049] If not, in the thirty-first stage (E31) informs that the calf (16) is not ready for weaning.

[050] As illustrated in Figure 31, the architecture of the complete system for real-time monitoring of milk, feed/concentrate consumption and performance for calves in the suckling phase is composed of a processor (57), a LoRa communicator (59), which enables communication via the internet with the server (58), both in the electronic module (28). Complementing the architecture of the invention, the feeder module (2), the feeder module of the breastfeeding bucket (3), the feeder module of the bucket of liquids (4), the feeder module of the bottle (5), these modules with the respective scales , the signaling module (27), the sensor module, temperature sensor (39), humidity sensor (40), distance sensor (41) and accelerometer (42), the solar module (33) and the roof (35) tilting.

Claims

22

1) REAL-TIME MONITORING SYSTEM OF THE CONSUMPTION OF MILK, WATER, FEED/CONCENTRATE AND PERFORMANCE FOR CALVES IN THE LETTING PHASE RAISED IN INDIVIDUAL HOUSINGS, INDIVIDUAL HOUSINGS ON SHOES, SHEDS AND CONGENERATIONS, characterized by a system to verify the moment of weaning of calves (16) by weight or feed/concentrate consumption, which is composed of four sections (10, 29, 32, 34) and ten modules (2, 3, 4, 5, 26, 27, 28, 30 , 33, 35), applicable, according to the management of the calves (16) to housing type tropical house (7) Argentine calf (8) or indoor (9); the criterion for weaning by weight is when the calf reaches a certain weight related to its birth weight and the criterion for consumption of feed/concentrate is when two subsequent measurements of the feeder module (2,) are carried out, it indicates that there was consumption similar to or greater than pre-set goal.

2) REAL-TIME MONITORING SYSTEM OF THE CONSUMPTION OF MILK, WATER, FEED/CONCENTRATE AND PERFORMANCE FOR CALVES IN THE LACTATION PHASE RAISED IN INDIVIDUAL HOUSINGS, INDIVIDUAL HOUSINGS ON SHOES, SHEDS AND CONGENERATIONS, according to claim 1 characterized by the first module be formed by a quadrangular structure (11) that includes a feeder module (2) with tube (1) for packaging feed/concentrate, and, in a quadrant (14) with an automated sliding lid (15), a feeder module for a breast-feeding bucket (3), a liquid bucket feeder module and a bottle feeder bucket (5).

3) REAL-TIME MONITORING SYSTEM OF THE CONSUMPTION OF MILK, WATER, FEED/CONCENTRATE AND PERFORMANCE FOR CALVES IN THE LETTING PHASE RAISED IN INDIVIDUAL HOUSINGS, INDIVIDUAL HOUSINGS ON SHOES, SHEDS AND CONGENERATIONS, according to claims 1 and 2, characterized by first section (10) being complemented by the rod (26) with sensor modules (41, 42, 43, 44); four-stage (x, y, w, z) signal module (27), electronic module (28); a pacifier-type drinking fountain (21 ) in which the flow sensor (19) completes the monitoring and the solenoid valve (24) controls the water opening.

4) REAL-TIME MONITORING SYSTEM OF THE CONSUMPTION OF MILK, WATER, FEED/CONCENTRATE AND PERFORMANCE FOR LETTING PHASE CALVES RAISED IN INDIVIDUAL HOUSINGS, according to claim 1 characterized by the second section (29) being the weighing module ( 30) of calves (16).

5) REAL-TIME MONITORING SYSTEM OF THE CONSUMPTION OF MILK, WATER, FEED/CONCENTRATE AND PERFORMANCE FOR CALVES IN THE LETTING PHASE BREEDED IN INDIVIDUAL HOUSINGS, INDIVIDUAL HOUSINGS ON SHOES, according to claim 1 characterized by the third section (32) being the solar module (33) with the 10w 18v solar panel (56), in addition to controllers and batteries.

6) REAL-TIME MONITORING SYSTEM OF THE CONSUMPTION OF MILK, WATER, FEED/CONCENTRATE AND PERFORMANCE FOR CALVES IN THE LUFFERING PHASE RAISED IN INDIVIDUAL HOUSINGS, INDIVIDUAL HOUSINGS ON SHOES, according to claim 1 characterized by the fourth section (34) being the tilting roof module (35) with thermo-acoustic coating (38), hydraulic cylinders (36) and handling handles (37).

7) REAL-TIME MONITORING SYSTEM OF THE CONSUMPTION OF MILK, WATER, FEED/CONCENTRATE AND PERFORMANCE FOR CALVES IN THE LETTING PHASE RAISED IN INDIVIDUAL HOUSINGS, INDIVIDUAL HOUSINGS ON SHOES, SHEDS AND CONGENERATIONS, according to claims 1 and 2, characterized by first section (10) being complemented by the rod (26) with sensor modules (41, 42, 43, 44); four-stage (x, y, w, z) signal module (27) and electronic module.

8) REAL-TIME MONITORING SYSTEM OF THE CONSUMPTION OF MILK, WATER, FEED/CONCENTRATE AND PERFORMANCE FOR CALVES IN THE LETTING PHASE RAISED IN INDIVIDUAL HOUSINGS, INDIVIDUAL HOUSINGS ON SHOES, SHEDS AND CONGENERATIONS, in accordance with the claims 1, 2 and 3, characterized in that the feeder module (2), the feeder module of the sucker bucket (3), the feeder module of the bucket of liquids (4) rest on stops (25) with hinges (20) also used as a point attachment of load cells (6) that configure weighing scales that send measurements to the server (58).

9) REAL-TIME MONITORING SYSTEM OF THE CONSUMPTION OF MILK, WATER, FEED/CONCENTRATE AND PERFORMANCE FOR CALVES IN THE LETTING PHASE RAISED IN INDIVIDUAL HOUSINGS, INDIVIDUAL HOUSINGS ON SHOES, SHEDS AND CONGENERATIONS, according to claims 1, 2 and 3 characterized in that the bottle feeder module (5) comprises a single load cell (6) inserted in the rotating support (17) that sends the measurements to the server (58).

10) REAL-TIME MONITORING SYSTEM OF THE CONSUMPTION OF MILK, WATER, FEED/CONCENTRATE AND PERFORMANCE FOR CALVES IN THE LETTING PHASE RAISED IN INDIVIDUAL HOUSINGS, INDIVIDUAL HOUSINGS ON SHOES, SHEDS AND CONGENERATIONS, according to claims 1, 2 and 3 characterized by the signaling module (27) when in stage (x) the input is below the minimum level defined in a given feeder module and must be completed; in stage (y) it indicates that there was a drop in the daily consumption of concentrate/feed based on an average of a predetermined period; in stage (w), subsequent, it indicates the exact moment of weaning and in stage (z) that there was no change of status.

11 ) REAL-TIME MONITORING SYSTEM OF THE CONSUMPTION OF MILK, WATER, FEED/CONCENTRATE AND PERFORMANCE FOR CALVES IN THE LETTING PHASE RAISED IN INDIVIDUAL HOUSINGS, INDIVIDUAL HOUSINGS ON SHOES, SHEDS AND CONGENERATIONS, according to claims 1, 2 and 3 characterized by the electronic module (28) being located on the back of the first section (10) at a corner of the quadrangular structure (11) above the quadrant (14), composed of the main board with processor (57), LoRa® transceiver ( 59) (LoRa® WAN compatible), connectors and 25 voltage regulation and protection; a LoRa® transceiver (compatible with LoRa® WAN) receives information and transmits it to the processor (57) which converts the protocol, sending the information to the internet.

12) REAL-TIME MONITORING SYSTEM OF THE CONSUMPTION OF MILK, WATER, FEED/CONCENTRATE AND PERFORMANCE FOR CALVES IN THE LETTING PHASE BREEDED IN INDIVIDUAL HOUSINGS, INDIVIDUAL HOUSINGS ON SHOES, SHEDS AND CONGENERATIONS, according to claims 1, 2 and 3 characterized in that the tube (1) of the feeder module (2) is formed by a cylindrical body (22), a lower end at 90 ^s (12), an edge (52) and has a pivoting cover (T), in addition to a handling (18); a hatch (13) operated by a pin (23) regulates the flow of feed/concentrate.

13) REAL-TIME MONITORING SYSTEM OF THE CONSUMPTION OF MILK, WATER, FEED/CONCENTRATE AND PERFORMANCE FOR CALVES IN THE LETTING PHASE RAISED IN INDIVIDUAL HOUSING, according to claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, characterized in that in tropical house (7) to use the four sections (10, 29, 32, 34) and ten modules (2, 3, 4, 5, 26, 27, 28, 30, 33, 35) being possible to carry out the weaning by the criteria of calf weight and feed/concentrate consumption.

14) REAL-TIME MONITORING SYSTEM OF THE CONSUMPTION OF MILK, WATER, FEED/CONCENTRATE AND PERFORMANCE FOR CALVES IN THE LETTING PHASE RAISED IN INDIVIDUAL HOUSINGS, according to claim 13 characterized by the coupling of the first section (10) on the rear face of the receptacle (39), the second section (29), weighing module (30) of the calf (16), on the rods (49) of reinforcements at the base (47); the third section (32), solar module (33) and solar panel (56), at the rear end and the fourth section (34), roof module (35) tilting above the receptacle (39).

15) REAL-TIME MONITORING SYSTEM OF THE CONSUMPTION OF MILK, WATER, FEED/CONCENTRATE AND PERFORMANCE FOR LETTING PHASE CALVES BREAKED IN INDIVIDUAL HOUSINGS, in accordance with the Claim 14, characterized in that the weighing module has four load cells (31) at the corners of the base (47).

16) REAL-TIME MONITORING SYSTEM OF THE CONSUMPTION OF MILK, WATER, FEED/CONCENTRATE AND PERFORMANCE FOR CALVES IN THE LETTING PHASE BREEDED IN INDIVIDUAL HOUSINGS, according to claim 15, characterized by the fact that the weighing structure, being independent, makes optional when assembling the tropical house (7).

17) REAL-TIME MONITORING SYSTEM OF THE CONSUMPTION OF MILK, WATER, FEED/CONCENTRATE AND PERFORMANCE FOR CALVES IN THE LETTING PHASE BREEDED IN INDIVIDUAL ACCOMMODATION ON SHOES, according to claims 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6, characterized by no Argentine calf (8), supported on shoes (50), using the sections (10, 33, 34) and modules (2, 3, 4, 5, 26, 27, 28, 33, 35) and weaning by calf weight criteria and feed/concentrate consumption.

18) REAL-TIME MONITORING SYSTEM OF THE CONSUMPTION OF MILK, WATER, FEED/CONCENTRATE AND PERFORMANCE FOR CALVES IN THE LETTING PHASE BREEDED IN INDIVIDUAL ACCOMMODATION ON SHOES, according to claim 17 characterized by the tilting roof module (35) using angle brackets (51) to rest on the frame (11) of the first section (10).

19) REAL-TIME MONITORING SYSTEM OF THE CONSUMPTION OF MILK, WATER, FEED/CONCENTRATE AND PERFORMANCE FOR CALVES IN THE LETTING PHASE BREEDED IN SHEDS AND CONGENERATIONS, according to claims 1, 2, and 3, characterized in that the indoor housing uses the first section (10) and modules (2, 3, 4, 5, 27, 28).