Nose ring for ruminants

Abstract

The present invention relates to a nose ring for ruminants such as cattle, the nose ring comprising a ring body (1) having an extra-nasal portion (2) and intra-nasal portions (3) extending on either side of the extra-nasal portion (2), each of these intra-nasal portions (3) carrying a plate (4, 5) intended to bear against the nasal septum separating the nasal cavities of the ruminant, said support plates (4, 5) thus being placed at the ends of the nose ring. According to the invention, each support plate has an elongated shape and comprises opposite ends, at least one of which is wider than the central region of the support plate placed between said two ends, each plate being convex and having a front face intended to come into contact with the nasal wall of the animal, the surface area of this front face being at least equal to 500 mm 2 and preferably at least equal to 1500 mm 2 and even more preferentially at least equal to 2000 mm 2 Each support plate is thus able to maximize the contact surface with the nasal septum for different nasal morphologies, to ensure that the ring is held without harming the animal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a nose ring for ruminant animals such as cattle. Background Technology

[0002] It is known to attach devices with a ring or loop shape to or on the nasal septum of a cow for the purpose of administering substances, particularly veterinary products, or for remote monitoring of the animal.

[0003] Advantageously, the nose ring is placed in place by simply clamping the nasal septum of the cow with the end portion of the ring.

[0004] These end portions are typically spherical protrusions or disc-shaped heads.

[0005] However, it must be noted that these end portions are not typically designed with the shape of a cow's nose in mind, and more specifically, the conical appearance of the nostril inlets.

[0006] The appearance of damage caused by the distal portions of the ring in the nasal mucosa was then observed; these mucosa are fragile and highly vascularized, and the stress exerted by these distal portions is high (especially in the cranial portion, due to the conical appearance of the nose).

[0007] Furthermore, this type of ring, placed in the center of the animal's mouth and nose or on its upper lip, can hinder satisfactory cleaning of the mouth and nose.

[0008] However, it is known that this hairless area is necessary for animals and requires regular maintenance to ensure good hygiene.

[0009] On the other hand, the nose ring can also come into contact with the animal's feed, thus posing a potential source of contamination.

[0010] When a nose ring is placed in the center of an animal's snout or on its upper lip, the animal will also have difficulty using its snout to actuate the push-paddle drinker and drink properly.

[0011] Furthermore, it is known that the body of a nose ring can have an elliptical, circular, or even rectangular cross-section.

[0012] It can be seen that these types of rings are usually quite large.

[0013] However, the mouth and snout, along with its nostrils, constitute the basic elements of a cow's sensory and tactile perception, and are therefore often used specifically to explore or interact with the external environment.

[0014] These rings may then get stuck on the external components and be suddenly pulled out of the animal's nostrils.

[0015] Again, in such cases, damage can be observed, which allows many pathogens to enter.

[0016] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a nose ring for ruminants, whose original design enables the overcoming of the shortcomings of the aforementioned prior art.

[0017] The subject of this invention

[0018] The present invention aims to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art by proposing a nose ring that is simple in its design and operation, ensures its secure retention, and significantly reduces the risk of harming animals.

[0019] Another object of the present invention is a nose ring in which the risk of unintended tearing is limited.

[0020] Another subject of the invention is a ring that allows ruminants to eat and drink without difficulty.

[0021] Another subject of the invention is a nose ring that allows an animal to more easily clean its mouth and nose with its tongue.

[0022] Another subject of the invention is a nose ring for releasing at least one substance, such as a veterinary product or a non-therapeutic substance, into the nostrils of a ruminant. Summary of the Invention

[0023] Therefore, the present invention relates to a nose ring for ruminants such as cattle, sheep or goats, the nose ring comprising a ring body having an external nasal portion and an internal nasal portion extending on either side of the external nasal portion, each of these internal nasal portions being supported by a plate intended to abut against the nasal septum separating the nasal cavity from the ruminant, the plate being thus positioned at an end of the nose ring.

[0024] According to the present invention,

[0025] Each support plate has an elongated shape and includes opposing ends, at least one of which is wider than the central region located between the two ends.

[0026] - Each support plate is raised and has a front side designed to contact the animal's nasal wall, the surface area of ​​which is at least 500 mm². 2 Preferably, it is at least equal to 750mm 2 or even more preferably at least equal to 1500mm 2 And most preferably at least equal to 2000mm 2 Each support plate can thus maximize the contact surface with the nasal septum for different nasal shapes, so as to ensure that the ring is held in place without harming the animal.

[0027] Advantageously, the original design of the nose ring ensured that it was firmly held on the nasal septum of a ruminant, while minimizing local constriction of the nasal septum.

[0028] This objective is achieved by maximizing the contact surface between each support plate and the nasal septum, with the front of each support plate matching the shape of the nasal septum. This allows for the reduction of stress by distributing the force applied by clamping over a larger surface area.

[0029] The raised shape of the support plate ensures maximum contact surface with the nasal wall.

[0030] Furthermore, and advantageously, the edges of the support plate are rounded, eliminating the possibility of sharp angles that could harm the animal.

[0031] Tests have shown promising results that the risk of nasal mucosal damage is significantly reduced when ruminants wear this nose ring.

[0032] Advantageously, the ring is made of a material that can be elastically deformed.

[0033] By way of example only, the ring is made of injectable polymers such as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), or polyamide (PA).

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, these support plates are advantageously removable.

[0035] Because these support plates are functional, they can be easily modified by the operator to perform various functions.

[0036] By way of example, these support plates can be configured to release substances such as hormones into the nostrils of animals, or to remotely monitor parameters of animals, such as their temperature, their heart rate, etc.

[0037] In the latter case, each support plate includes a recess, allowing at least one such sensor to be integrated, which may or may not be flush with the front of the support plate.

[0038] The nose ring may advantageously include a central unit connected to an antenna to collect and transmit this data according to a wireless communication protocol.

[0039] Alternatively, the operator can also implement a non-functional support plate used solely to hold the nose ring.

[0040] According to another embodiment of this nose ring for ruminants, each support plate is fixed in place on the free end of the corresponding nasal portion in a clamping or screwing manner.

[0041] By way of example, each free end of the ring defines a curved arm that is shaped to extend parallel to or substantially parallel to the nasal septum, with a corresponding support plate intended to abut against the nasal septum.

[0042] Each support plate then includes one or more fasteners to ensure that each support plate is secured to its corresponding arm.

[0043] Advantageously, during the potential loss of the support plate, the free end of the corresponding ring body is kept parallel to or substantially parallel to the nasal septum so as not to damage the nasal septum.

[0044] According to another embodiment of such a nose ring for ruminants, the support plates of the nose ring are spaced apart from each other by a distance d, and the nose ring is stress-free or in its static configuration, i.e., not separated.

[0045] The distance d is advantageously between one (1) mm and ten (10) mm. Therefore, it ensures that the animal will not be injured.

[0046] According to another embodiment of this nose ring for ruminants, the central portion on the front corresponding to the central region includes the top of the support plate, while the central portion on the back corresponding to the central region is directly connected to the corresponding intranasal portion.

[0047] Advantageously, the top of the support plate, as a protrusion or even a curve, is placed in the central region of its front side, while the connection between the support plate and the end of the corresponding intranasal portion is made in the central region of its back side.

[0048] According to another embodiment of this nasal ring for ruminants, each support plate is typically bean-shaped to provide a recess designed to receive or engage the nasal floor protrusion corresponding to the nostril, so as to ensure the positioning of the front of the plate relative to the nasal septum.

[0049] Therefore, the support plate is wedged into a support position on the base of the nose so that its front is at a predetermined backward tilt angle to best fit the nasal wall.

[0050] Furthermore, the support plate's support at the base of the nose allows for less stress to be applied to the nasal wall, thus limiting discomfort in ruminants.

[0051] In another embodiment of this nose ring for ruminants, the support plate is different in order to take into account the symmetrical shape of the two nostrils of the ruminant's snout.

[0052] The two nostrils are actually mirror-symmetric with respect to a plane of symmetry passing through the nasal septum. Therefore, when the nose ring is worn by an animal, these support plates are symmetrical with respect to the central plane of the ring, or with respect to the nasal septum.

[0053] According to another embodiment of this nose ring for ruminants, each support plate has a apex angle of 140 + / - 5°, also known as a back tilt angle.

[0054] According to another embodiment of this nose ring for ruminants, the ring body includes a central covering portion and curved lateral branches, the central portion and the lateral branches defining a flattened U-shaped profile, the central portion intended to cover the animal's snout. Advantageously, the ring body is thus offset over the upper portion of the animal's snout to keep the snout open as much as possible. Upon release from the ring, the animal is again able to clean the area with its tongue for better hygiene.

[0055] In addition, ruminants can feed animals through their mouths and noses without feeling pressure, making it easier for them to eat and drink.

[0056] Preferably, the external nasal portion is symmetrical with respect to the plane passing through the nasal septum.

[0057] Advantageously, the middle part has a U-shaped or V-shaped shape, and when the nose ring is worn by a ruminant, the base of the U-shaped shape or the apex of the V-shaped shape points in the opposite direction to the animal's mouth and nose to keep the animal's mouth and nose as open as possible.

[0058] Advantageously, the lower end of the nose ring is defined by the end of one or more support plates, and the upper end of the nose ring is defined by the point of a lateral branch of the ring body intended to be placed outside the nostril. The distance between the lower and upper ends of the nose ring is less than or equal to 70 mm, and even more preferably 65 mm, such that when the nose ring is worn by a ruminant, the middle portion is close to or placed near the outer surface of the snout.

[0059] The nose ring of the present invention therefore has a lower likelihood of tearing because it is typically closer to the animal's mouth and nose.

[0060] According to another embodiment of this nose ring for ruminants, the end of the nasal portion, which is intended to be positioned in a straight line or substantially in a straight line with the entrance of the corresponding nostril, is separated from the center of the support plate supported by the nasal portion by a distance equal to 45 + / - 10 mm.

[0061] According to another embodiment of this nose ring for ruminants, at least one of the support plates is configured to allow the long-term release of at least one substance over a period of time.

[0062] This substance can be veterinary products (antiparasitic drugs, anti-infective drugs, etc.), hormones, or non-therapeutic substances such as vitamins or pheromones.

[0063] Preferably, at least one front surface of the support plate or each support plate is covered by the at least one substance to be applied, or the support plate or each support plate is impregnated with the at least one substance to be applied.

[0064] Advantageously, the support plate or each support plate is configured such that the dispensing rate of the at least one substance is based on the range of the contact surface between the support plate or each support plate and the nasal septum.

[0065] This substance can be a composition comprising:

[0066] - A polymer matrix comprising between 35% and 55% by weight a thermoplastic polymer having a Shore A hardness between 20 and 100 as measured by a Type A hardness tester according to ASTM D2240, and a melting point between 40°C and 200°C; and

[0067] - Progesterone between 30% and 55% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition.

[0068] This substance can be a composition comprising:

[0069] - A polymer matrix comprising a thermoplastic polymer having a Shore A hardness between 20 and 100 as measured by a Type A hardness tester according to ASTM D2240 standard, and a melting point between 40°C and 200°C; and

[0070] -Progesterone, wherein the weight ratio of progesterone to the polymer matrix is ​​between 0.5 and 2, preferably between 0.54 and 1.57, and even more preferably 1 or 1.28.

[0071] In another variation, this substance can be a composition comprising:

[0072] - A polymer matrix comprising a thermoplastic polymer having a Shore A hardness between 20 and 100 as measured by a Type A hardness tester according to ASTM D2240 standard, and a melting point between 40°C and 200°C; and

[0073] -Progesterone, wherein the areal density of progesterone in the polymer matrix is ​​20 mg / cm³. 2 and 100mg / cm 2 Between, preferably between 25 mg / cm 2 and 80mg / cm 2 between.

[0074] Advantageously, these polymer compositions concentrated with progesterone were observed to release hormones continuously and over time in a long-acting manner.

[0075] Preferably, the thermoplastic polymer is an EVA-type thermoplastic polymer or a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) polymer.

[0076] According to another embodiment of such a nose ring for ruminants, it includes one or more elements selected from the group consisting of accelerometers, gyroscopes, temperature sensors, heart rate sensors, humidity sensors, radar, devices for positioning such a ring near a waterer or feeder, and combinations of these elements.

[0077] These sensors advantageously enable the remote collection of information about ruminants: location, activity, feeding, drinking, and health status.

[0078] Some of these sensors, such as accelerometers, gyroscopes, or even positioning devices, can be integrated into or placed on the ring, for example, in its nasal portion.

[0079] Other sensors, such as heart rate sensors or temperature sensors, are designed to be housed in or placed on a support plate.

[0080] The present invention also relates to a computer-aided design method for a nose ring for ruminants, the method comprising at least the following steps:

[0081] - Obtain multiple images of at least a portion of the snout of multiple ruminants, said portion including the nostrils;

[0082] - For each ruminant, a three-dimensional virtual model of at least a portion of the snout is created from previously obtained images of that ruminant, the virtual model incorporating the nostrils;

[0083] - For each ruminant and for each nostril in the ruminants discussed:

[0084] The volume of the virtual support plate is positioned in the corresponding nostril of the virtual model, and relative to at least one reference anatomical marker of the corresponding nostril, so as to define at least two intersecting regions between the volume of the virtual support plate and the nostril, the at least two intersecting regions defining the cutting plane necessary to position the support plate against the nasal septum in the nostril and support it on the nasal floor.

[0085] Detect the contour of the intersection region;

[0086] Maximize the contact surface between the support plate and the nasal septum;

[0087] Defined as a support plate corresponding to the nostrils and the ruminant, the support plate having the previously detected contour, then...

[0088] - Different support plates are obtained therefrom, and a support plate is determined for each nostril, the shape, size, and angle of the support plate in the nostril are determined for different nostril morphologies to maximize the contact surface between the support plate and the nasal septum without harming the animal.

[0089] This design approach can be implemented to determine so-called universal support plates for nose rings used for a specific breed, or for different breeds of the same animal such as cattle, sheep or other animals.

[0090] Alternatively, it can be implemented by generating a support plate to be measured for a particular animal by taking at least two images of at least a portion of the snout of the animal, which includes the nostrils; and then creating a three-dimensional virtual model of at least a portion of the snout of the animal from the previously obtained images, which includes the nostrils. Attached Figure Description

[0091] Other advantages, objects, and specific features of the invention will become apparent from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are for illustrative purposes and not in any way limiting, wherein:

[0092] Figure 1

[0093] [ Figure 1 [This is a partial front view of the end of the snout of a cow wearing a nose ring according to a first embodiment of the present invention;]

[0094] Figure 2

[0095] [ Figure 2 ]yes Figure 1 A partial perspective view of the end of the muzzle of a cow shown.

[0096] Figure 3

[0097] [ Figure 3 ]yes Figure 1 First perspective view of the nose ring;

[0098] Figure 4

[0099] [ Figure 4 ]yes Figure 1 A second view of the nose ring;

[0100] Figure 5

[0101] [ Figure 5 ]yes Figure 1 A second view of the nose ring;

[0102] Figure 6

[0103] [ Figure 6 [Showing] by Figure 1 The back tilt angle formed by the support plate of the nose ring;

[0104] Figure 7

[0105] [ Figure 7 [Illustration 1] is a partial view of a nose ring according to a second embodiment of the invention, showing a system for attaching a support plate to the end of the nasal portion of the nose ring;

[0106] Figure 8

[0107] [ Figure 8 Is it like wearing Figure 7 A partial perspective view of the end of the nose of the cow shown in the nose ring.

[0108] Figure 9

[0109] [ Figure 9 Is it like wearing Figure 7 Another view of the end of the cow's snout shown with the nose ring; Detailed Implementation

[0110] The accompanying drawings and the following description essentially contain elements of a certain nature. Therefore, they are not only used to better understand the invention, but also, where appropriate, to help define the invention.

[0111] First, it should be noted that the accompanying drawings are not drawn to scale.

[0112] Figures 1 to 6 A nose ring for cattle according to a first embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown.

[0113] The nose ring includes a ring body 1 made of a flexible, elastically deformable material (such as a polymer), which allows the distance between the end points of the ring to be varied.

[0114] The ring 1 includes an external nasal portion 2 intended to be placed outside the snout of a cow and an internal nasal portion 3 extending on either side of the external nasal portion 2 and in its extension.

[0115] The support plates 4 and 5, which are designed to rest against the nasal septum that separates the nostrils of the cow, are supported by the inner part of the nose 3.

[0116] These two support plates 4 and 5 thus form the end of the nose ring.

[0117] When these support plates 4 and 5 are positioned in the animal's nostrils, they apply slight pressure to its nasal septum to ensure that the nose ring is held in place.

[0118] Each support plate 4, 5 has an elongated shape and includes opposing ends, at least one of which is wider than the central region between the two ends, where the widest end is intended to be placed at the furthest point inside the nasal cavity.

[0119] Each support plate 4, 5 is slightly raised, or even curved, with its top positioned at the center of its front side, which is designed to contact the nasal septum of the cow. The back side of each support plate 4, 5 is connected to the end of the corresponding intranasal portion.

[0120] The surface area of ​​the front of each support plate 4, 5 is advantageously at least 2000 mm for cattle. 2 3000mm here 2 This ensures that pressure is distributed over a larger surface area of ​​the nasal septum.

[0121] Each support plate 4, 5 is typically bean-shaped and has a recess 9 designed to receive or engage the natural protrusion 6 from the base of the nose of the corresponding nostril.

[0122] Therefore, these support plates 4, 5 are supported on the nasal floor and nasal septum of their corresponding nostrils, such that the pressure applied to the nasal septum to ensure that the nose ring is held in place is less than that of prior art rings.

[0123] Furthermore, this support of each support plate 4, 5 on the two anatomical intersection areas formed by the nasal base and the nasal septum ensures the stable positioning of each support plate.

[0124] like Figure 6 As shown, each support plate 4, 5 has an angle α, also known as the tilt angle, visible in the top view, which is defined as 140°, and the front of each support plate mates with the nasal wall. The approximately 45° mobility of each support plate around the end of the support allows for good adjustment of the tilt angle to the nasal mucosa.

[0125] More specifically, the ring body 1 includes a central covering portion 7 and curved lateral branches 8, the central portion 7 and these lateral branches 8 defining a flat U-shaped profile.

[0126] The middle portion 7, designed to cover the animal's mouth and nose, also has a U-shape, with the base of the U-shape pointing in the opposite direction to the animal's mouth and nose when the nose ring is worn by the cow.

[0127] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the main body of the nose ring extends beyond the top of the cow's snout and frees the animal's snout.

[0128] Advantageously, the distance d separating the lower and upper ends of the nose ring is equal to 65 mm here, so that when the nose ring is worn by the cow, the middle part 7 is positioned as close as possible to the outer surface of the muzzle.

[0129] This greatly reduces the risk of the nose ring getting stuck.

[0130] Furthermore, the distance between the end of the nasal inner portion 3, which is intended to be positioned in a straight line or substantially in a straight line with the entrance of the corresponding nostril, and the center of the support plates 4, 5 supported by the nasal inner portion, is equal to 45 mm.

[0131] Here, the ring has a straight section with a circular shape and a diameter of eight (8) mm. Alternatively, it may have a section with a diameter of six (6) mm or ten (10) mm.

[0132] Advantageously, it is noted that the nose ring of the present invention maximizes the health of cattle while significantly reducing the risk of injury.

[0133] Figures 7 to 9 A nose ring for cattle according to a first embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown.

[0134] Except for the nasal inner part 3, the nose ring 10 is the same as the nose ring 1 described above.

[0135] Each of these parts includes a curved arm 11, which is shaped to extend parallel to or substantially parallel to the nasal septum, and a support plate 12 supported by the corresponding intranasal portion is intended to abut against the nasal septum when the nasal ring is in place.

[0136] During the possible loss of the support plate 12, the free end corresponding to the intranasal portion is thus prevented from damaging the nasal septum.

[0137] Each support plate 12 includes a system on its outer surface 13 for fastening the support plate 12 to a corresponding nasal intranasal portion, the outer surface being designed to be positioned opposite the nasal septum of a ruminant.

[0138] The fastening system here includes two rings 14 through which a curved arm 11 extends when the support plate 12 is in the assembled position with the free end of the corresponding nasal portion 3. The free end of the curved arm 11 here includes a protrusion 15 to ensure that the curved arm 11 is clamped into the rings 14 of the support plate 12.

Claims

1. A nasal ring for ruminants, the nasal ring comprising a ring body (1) including an external nasal portion (2) and an internal nasal portion (3) extending on either side of the external nasal portion (2), each of these internal nasal portions (3) carrying a support plate (4, 5) intended to abut against a nasal septum separating the nasal cavity of the ruminant, the support plate (4, 5) thus being positioned at an end of the nasal ring, characterized in that... - Each support plate (4, 5) has an elongated shape and includes opposing ends, at least one of the opposing ends being wider than the central region of the support plate located between the two opposing ends. - Each support plate is raised and has a front surface designed to contact the nasal wall of the animal, the surface area of ​​which is at least 500 mm. 2 Each support plate can therefore maximize the contact surface with the nasal septum for different nose shapes, ensuring that the nose ring is retained without harming the animal.

2. The nose ring according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each support plate (4, 5) has a bean-shaped form to present a recess (9) for receiving a protrusion (6) of the nasal base corresponding to the nose, so as to ensure that the front of the support plate is positioned facing the nasal partition.

3. The nose ring according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support plates (4, 5) are different in order to take into account the symmetrical shape of the two nostrils of the ruminant's snout.

4. The nose ring according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each support plate (4, 5) has a apex angle of 140°±5°.

5. The nose ring according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ring (1) includes a central portion (7) and curved lateral branches (8), the central portion and the lateral branches defining a flat U-shaped profile, the central portion being intended to cover the glandular secretion sites of the animal.

6. The nose ring according to claim 5, characterized in that, The lower end of the nose ring is defined by the ends of one or more support plates (4,5), and the upper end of the nose ring is defined by the point of the lateral branch of the ring body (1) intended to be placed outside the nose line. The distance between the lower end and the upper end of the nose ring is less than or equal to 70 mm, such that when the nose ring is worn by a ruminant, the middle portion is close to the outer surface of the nose.

7. The nose ring according to claim 5, characterized in that, The middle portion (7) has a U-shaped or V-shaped form, and when the nose ring is worn by the ruminant, the base of the U-shaped form or the tip of the V-shaped form points in the opposite direction to the animal's mouth and nose to keep the animal's mouth and nose open.

8. The nose ring according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each free end of the ring (1) defines a curved arm, which is shaped to extend parallel to the corresponding support plate (4, 5) intended to abut against the nose partition, and each support plate (4, 5) includes one or more fasteners to ensure that each support plate is fastened to the corresponding curved arm.

9. The nose ring according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one of the support plates (4, 5) is configured to allow at least one substance to be continuously released over a period of time.

10. The nose ring according to claim 9, characterized in that, The support plate, or at least the front side of each support plate, is covered with at least one substance to be applied.

11. The nose ring according to claim 9, characterized in that, Each of the support plates is configured such that the dispensing rate of the at least one substance is based on the support plate or the range of the contact surface between each support plate and the nasal partition.

12. The nose ring according to claim 9, characterized in that, The substance is a composition, the composition comprising: - A polymer matrix comprising between 35% and 55% by weight a thermoplastic polymer having a Shore A hardness between 20 and 100 as measured by a Type A hardness tester according to ASTM D2240 and a melting point between 40°C and 200°C. and - Progesterone between 30% and 55% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition.

13. The nose ring according to claim 9, characterized in that, The substance is a composition, the composition comprising: - A polymer matrix comprising a thermoplastic polymer having a Shore A hardness between 20 and 100 as measured by a Type A hardness tester according to ASTM D2240, and a melting point between 40°C and 200°C. and -Progesterone, wherein the weight ratio of progesterone to the polymer matrix is ​​between 0.5 and 2.

14. The nose ring according to claim 9, characterized in that, The substance is a composition, the composition comprising: - A polymer matrix comprising a thermoplastic polymer having a Shore A hardness between 20 and 100 as measured by a Type A hardness tester according to ASTM D2240, and a melting point between 40°C and 200°C. and -Progesterone, wherein the basis weight of progesterone in the polymer matrix is ​​20 mg / cm³. 2 and 100mg / cm 2 between.

15. The nose ring according to claim 1, characterized in that, The nose ring includes one or more elements selected from the group consisting of accelerometers, gyroscopes, temperature sensors, heart rate sensors, humidity sensors, radar, means for positioning the nose ring near a water trough or feeder, and combinations of these elements.

16. The nose ring according to claim 1, characterized in that, The surface area of ​​the front is at least 1500 mm. 2 .

17. The nose ring according to claim 1, characterized in that, The surface area of ​​the front is at least 2000 mm. 2 .

18. The nose ring according to claim 6, characterized in that, The distance between the lower and upper ends of the nose ring is less than or equal to 65 mm, such that when the nose ring is worn by a ruminant, the middle portion is close to the outer surface of the nose.

19. The nose ring according to claim 9, characterized in that, The support plate or each support plate is impregnated with at least one substance to be applied.

Images