Water supply device in slaughter system

Abstract

A slaughtering system (1) comprising a plurality of bins (2), each bin (2) configured to contain one or more slaughtered animals, a bin loading area (5) for loading the animals into the bin (2), and a slaughtering facility (7) comprising a livestock shed system (20) comprising a livestock shed area (30) for temporarily storing the animals prior to slaughtering, and an anesthesia section (40), the invention relates to a slaughtering system (1) comprising an anesthesia section (40) for anesthetizing animals prior to slaughtering, in which a bin (2) containing one or more animals is transported and / or temporarily stored in at least a portion of the slaughtering system (1), and in which the slaughtering system (1) comprises one or more water supply means (100) configured to supply drinking water to the bin, and in which the one or more animals are transported and / or temporarily stored in at least a portion of the slaughtering system (1). The tank and the water supply device (100) are configured to be coupled to supply drinking water to the animal when the animal is contained in the tank (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a slaughtering system in which animals to be slaughtered are moved and stored in boxes during at least a part of the process prior to slaughtering. Background Art

[0002] In slaughter facilities such as slaughterhouses, at least in some countries, it is a legal requirement to provide a water supply at least when animals are held for more than a predetermined period of time.

[0003] In slaughter facilities, particularly those configured for processing four-legged slaughter animals such as ungulates, after the animals are received at the slaughter facility, the animals are typically held in pens in barns for a period of time to allow the animals to rest prior to processing.

[0004] When the animals are kept in pens in a barn, water is provided at the pens.

[0005] US7717773 discloses a system for stunning poultry, wherein the stunning station is provided with a sprinkler for dispersing water droplets to prevent the poultry from experiencing a dry throat reaction.

[0006] To improve animal welfare, animals need to be provided with drinking water throughout the system from the farm to where the animals are anesthetized prior to slaughter, or at least at the slaughter facility until the animals are anesthetized. Summary of the invention

[0007] It has been recognised that the welfare of animals being slaughtered may be improved if the animals are transported in boxes designed to house one or more animals. Animals may be calmer where they are held in boxes, such as at a slaughterhouse, relative to systems where the animals walk to an anesthetic section / anesthetic equipment.

[0008] In a first aspect, the objects of the invention are achieved by a slaughtering system comprising:

[0009] - a plurality of boxes, each box being configured to accommodate one or more slaughter animals;

[0010] - a crate loading area for loading animals into crates; and

[0011] - a slaughterhouse facility, the slaughterhouse facility comprising:

[0012] o A barn system that includes barn areas for temporary storage of animals prior to slaughter;

[0013] o Anesthesia section, which is used to anesthetize animals before slaughter;

[0014] wherein boxes containing one or more animals are transported and / or temporarily stored in at least a part of the slaughtering system, and

[0015] Wherein the slaughter system comprises one or more water supplies configured to supply drinking water to the box, and wherein the box and the water supplies are configured to be coupled to supply drinking water to the animals while they are contained in the box.

[0016] The box forming part of the present invention may be used for the following purposes:

[0017] Transporting animals from farms to slaughter facilities, and / or

[0018] Keeping animals in stables at slaughter facilities, and / or

[0019] - Transporting animals within a slaughter facility, for example between and / or into workstations of a slaughter facility, such as an anesthesia section.

[0020] The slaughtering system according to the invention is particularly suitable for slaughtering four-legged animals, in particular ungulates.

[0021] For the purposes of the present application, four-legged animals, in particular ungulates, refer in particular to pigs, cattle, sheep and equines / equids.

[0022] Sucrine animals are pigs / swine. Bovine animals are a diverse group of medium to large ungulates comprising 10 genera, including cattle, bison, African buffalo, water buffalo, and four-horned and spiral-horned antelopes. Ovine animals are goats and sheep. Equine / equids are horses, donkeys, and zebras. Bovine animals and goats: Bovidae (lat.). Bovidae is a biological family comprising even-toed ruminant mammals, including cattle, bison, buffalo, antelopes, and goat-antelopes. Members of this family are called bovids.

[0023] In some embodiments, the box loading area may be located at a farm where animals are raised, and one or more animals are loaded into each box at the box loading area and transported to a slaughter facility in the box. In this case, the transport vehicle, such as a truck, may be equipped with one or more water supplies for connecting to one or more boxes on the transport vehicle.

[0024] The box can be used to transport and store animals from the farm to the anesthesia section of the slaughter facility and into the anesthesia section of the slaughter facility. In yet other embodiments, the animals can be loaded into the box at a box loading area provided at the slaughter facility.

[0025] In any case, the slaughter system may be provided with one or more water supplies configured to supply drinking water to the tanks (and hence to the animals) anywhere along the anesthesia section from the farm to the slaughter facility.

[0026] In one embodiment, the slaughter system includes a first transport device configured to transport animals in boxes along a first transport path from a livestock barn area to an anesthesia section, wherein the first transport path includes one or more water supplies configured to be connected to the box.

[0027] In this case, animals may be loaded into crates at the crate loading areas located at:

[0028] On the farm,

[0029] at a receiving section for receiving animals to be slaughtered from a transport vehicle, the receiving section forming part of a slaughtering facility, or

[0030] In livestock sheds at slaughter facilities.

[0031] In further embodiments of the water supply device, the water supply device is configured to move to a selected tank which is located at a position along said first transport path or which is moved along said first transport path.

[0032] For example, this may be achieved by a robot comprising a drinking water tank, which robot may be configured to move along said first transport path and may be further configured to be coupled to a water inlet located on a tank of the slaughtering system.

[0033] Such a robot can be connected to an electronic positioning system that provides information about the location of the tank and the location of the water inlet on the tank to be coupled to the robot's water outlet. In other embodiments, the location of the water inlet on the tank can be located by a vision system.

[0034] Such a robot may be a wheeled robot capable of positioning itself adjacent to a tank to provide water to the tank. In other embodiments, the robot may be fixed in position along the first transport path and include a robot arm carrying a water outlet capable of reaching a water inlet of the tank within a section of the first transport path.

[0035] In such an embodiment, wherein the water supply is configured to move to a selected box that is located at a position along the first transport path, or the selected box moves along the first transport path, the boxes (and thereby the animals) can each be provided with drinking water at a position along the first transport path, wherein the box is stopped, or water can be provided to the box as it moves along the first transport path.

[0036] Alternatively or additionally, the first transport path includes one or more crate retention stations, which are arranged at positions along the first transport path, at which crates can stop during transportation, and wherein the crate retention stations are provided with water supply devices configured to supply drinking water to animals contained in the crates at the crate retention stations.

[0037] In a simple embodiment of the invention, a water outlet may be provided at each tank retention station, which outlet is connected to a common water supply of the slaughter facility, for example via a pipe system, so that a water supply can be coupled to the tanks to provide drinking water to the tanks.

[0038] In an embodiment of the present invention, alternatively or additionally, the slaughtering system may include one or more box retention stations arranged adjacent to the entrance area of ​​the anesthesia section, and wherein one or more box retention stations include a water supply device configured to supply drinking water to the animals contained in the boxes at the box retention station.

[0039] Thus, for example, if the anaesthesia process in the anaesthesia section is delayed for some reason, drinking water can be provided to the animals in the boxes which may be queued at the entrance to the anaesthesia section.

[0040] In another embodiment, the slaughtering system may further include:

[0041] a relaxation section disposed upstream of and adjacent to the anesthesia section, and wherein the relaxation section is configured to receive the animal in the box from the barn area, and wherein the relaxation section is configured to calm the animal inside the box immediately before the animal enters the anesthesia section, and

[0042] Therein, the relaxation section comprises at least one cage retention station, the cage retention station comprising a water supply device configured to supply drinking water to animals accommodated in the cages at the cage retention station.

[0043] In some embodiments, the first transport device may be a vehicle, such as a forklift or a wheeled robot, configured to transport the box.

[0044] However, in a preferred embodiment, each box detention station may form part of or be connected to the first transport means.

[0045] In an embodiment, the first transport device is a conveyor.

[0046] In further embodiments of any of the foregoing embodiments, the livestock barn area can be configured to store animals in boxes and can include one or more water supplies configured to supply drinking water to the boxes, and the boxes and water supplies can be configured to be coupled to supply drinking water to the animals while the animals are housed in the boxes.

[0047] In this case, the animals can be loaded into the crates of the slaughter system at the crate loading area located at:

[0048] On a farm, or

[0049] - At a receiving section for receiving animals to be slaughtered from transport vehicles, the receiving section forming part of a slaughtering facility.

[0050] In the former case, the receiving section may be configured to receive animals from an external source in boxes. In the latter case, the receiving section is configured to receive animals in groups (from a transport from a farm to a slaughter facility) and to sort the animals into the boxes in subgroups suitable for being accommodated in one box. This may depend on the type of animal and the size of the box. In particular when the slaughter animals are pigs, 1-15 pigs, such as 7-8 pigs, or 3-4 pigs may be arranged in each box.

[0051] In embodiments, the water supply may be configured to be moved and coupled to a selected tank located at a location within the barn area, or to be coupled to a tank that is moved within the barn area.

[0052] For example, this may be achieved by one or more robots comprising or connected to a drinking water tank, which robots may be configured to move within the livestock barn area and may be further configured to connect to a water inlet located on a tank of the slaughter system.

[0053] Such a robot may be connected to an electronic positioning system which provides the robot with information about the location of the box in the barn area and the location of the water inlet on the box to be coupled to the robot's water outlet. In other embodiments, the location of the water inlet on the box may be located by a vision system.

[0054] Such a robot may be a wheeled robot that is capable of positioning itself adjacent to the box to provide water to the box. In other embodiments, the robot may be fixed in position in the barn and include a robot arm carrying a water outlet that is capable of reaching the water inlet of the box within a section of a transport path in the barn area as the box moves in the barn area.

[0055] In such an embodiment, wherein the water supply is configured to move to and connect to a selected box located at a position in the livestock barn area, or to connect to a box that moves in the livestock barn area, the box (and thus the animals) can be provided with drinking water at a position in the livestock barn area, wherein the box is stopped or water can be provided to the box as it moves in the livestock barn area.

[0056] Alternatively or additionally, in an embodiment, the livestock barn area may include a plurality of box retention stations, wherein each box retention station is configured as a storage box, and wherein at least a portion of the plurality of box retention stations are configured with a water supply configured to supply drinking water to animals contained in the boxes at the box retention stations.

[0057] In an embodiment, the barn system includes a second transport device, such as a conveyor system, for moving boxes within the barn area.

[0058] Preferably, and in embodiments where the first transport device in the first transport path is a conveyor, the second transport device is connected to the conveyor of the first transport device.

[0059] In an embodiment, each box retention station in the barn area forms part of or is connected to a second transport means.

[0060] In some embodiments, where the slaughtering system includes one or more crate retention stations, the crate retention station may include a platform for supporting crates.

[0061] In an embodiment of the invention, a water supply may be connected to the platform.

[0062] In an embodiment of the present invention, the water supply device may include a water supply pipe that is movable relative to the platform, and the water supply pipe may be configured to be coupled to a tank of the slaughtering system to supply drinking water into the tank.

[0063] In an embodiment of the invention, the water supply conduit may be arranged on an arm of the water supply device, the arm being movably connected to the platform. This allows the tank to be inserted into and removed from the platform when the arm has been moved away from the connection position. In one embodiment, the arm is pivotally connected to the platform. In other embodiments, the arm is configured to move linearly relative to the platform so as to couple with the platform to supply drinking water.

[0064] In an embodiment, the water supply conduit includes a distal end that can be inserted into a box retained on the platform. Thus, when the distal end is inserted into the box, drinking water can be supplied to the box. The distal end can be provided with a drinking spout so that an animal contained in the box can drink water from the spout. Alternatively, water can be supplied to a drinking tank or trough from which the animal can drink water.

[0065] In these embodiments, the tank may be provided with an opening through, for example, a side wall, the opening being positioned to mate with a distal end of the water supply.

[0066] Alternatively, in an embodiment, the water supply conduit comprises a distal end connectable to a tube connection provided in the box. Thus, the box may be provided with a mating component for receiving drinking water from the water supply. The tube connection provided in the box may be provided with a drinking spout so that an animal housed in the box can drink from the spout. Alternatively, water may be supplied via a tube to a tank or trough from which the animal can drink.

[0067] In a further embodiment, at least a subset of the plurality of boxes of the slaughter system are provided with a water reservoir from which drinking water can be provided to the animals while they are in the boxes.

[0068] Such a water storage tank may be arranged in the bottom portion of the box. In such an embodiment, the box may be provided with a component configured to pressurize the tank. Alternatively, such a water storage tank may be arranged in the top or frame of the box. Alternatively, such a water storage tank may be arranged within the internal volume of the box.

[0069] In a second aspect of the invention, the objects of the invention are achieved by a box for containing one or more live slaughtered animals prior to slaughter and for use in a slaughtering system according to any of the above-described embodiments of the first aspect of the invention.

[0070] Therefore, the tank is provided with components for connection to a drinking water supply outside the tank.

[0071] In an embodiment, the tank comprises a pipe connection having a distal end extending into the tank and a proximal end extending out of the tank, wherein the distal end is provided with a drinking spout or trough and the proximal end is provided with a connection component configured to connect a pipe to an external drinking water supply.

[0072] In a further embodiment, the connecting duct is arranged through a water supply opening which passes through a rod arranged in the wall of the tank.

[0073] In further embodiments, the tank comprises a water pitcher integrated into the tank, and wherein the water pitcher can be connected to a drinking water supply external to the tank and to a drinking spout or trough internal to the tank.

[0074] In further embodiments, the water pitcher is positioned above the back height of the type of animal for which the tank is intended.

[0075] In further embodiments, the drinking spout is positioned above the back height of the type of animal for which the box is intended.

[0076] In further embodiments, the box is configured to accommodate one or more four-legged live slaughter animals, particularly ungulates.

[0077] It should be emphasized that the terms "comprises / comprising / comprised of", when used in this specification, are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0078] In the following, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. It should be emphasized that the embodiments shown are only for illustrative purposes and should not be used to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0079] Figure 1 An embodiment of a slaughtering system according to an embodiment of the invention is shown in schematic form, wherein animals are loaded into boxes at the farm and are kept in the boxes throughout the slaughtering system, i.e. until the animals are anesthetized, the slaughtering system comprising water supplies at multiple locations in the slaughtering system;

[0080] Figure 2 A tank according to an aspect of the invention is shown in a perspective view, the tank being located on a platform of a tank retention station, the tank retention station comprising a drinking water supply coupled to a pipe connection of the tank; and

[0081] Figure 3 Shown is a detail of an opening into the tank for inserting a part of a drinking water supply according to an embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0082] Figure 1 An embodiment of a slaughtering system 1 according to the invention is disclosed.

[0083] Typically, a slaughtering system 1 comprises:

[0084] - a plurality of boxes 2;

[0085] a box loading area 5 for loading animals into the box 2, and

[0086] - Slaughterhouse facilities7.

[0087] The box loading area 5 may also be referred to as a box loading station 5 .

[0088] Each box 2 of the slaughtering system 1 is configured to accommodate one or more slaughtered animals 4 which are loaded into the box at a box loading station 5. Figure 1 In the figure, the box of the slaughtering system 1 is indicated by B. In the following, for the sake of simplicity, the slaughtered animals will be simply referred to as animals. The slaughtering system 1 according to the invention is particularly suitable for handling slaughtered animals such as four-legged animals, in particular ungulates.

[0089] In general, slaughter facilities7 include:

[0090] - a barn system 20 comprising a barn area 30 for temporary storage of animals 4; and

[0091] - Anesthesia zone 40.

[0092] The anesthesia section 40 is configured to anesthetize the animal prior to slaughter.

[0093] The barn area 30 is configured to temporarily store animals 4 so that the animals can rest in the receiving section 10 of the slaughter facility 7 after being received from a transport, for example from the farm 3 .

[0094] The box 2 forming part of the slaughtering system 1 may be used for the following purposes:

[0095] transporting animals 4 from farms to slaughter facilities 7, and / or

[0096] Keeping animals in a barn area 30 at a slaughter facility 7, and / or

[0097] Transporting the animals 4 within the slaughter facility 7 , for example between and / or into workstations of the slaughter facility 7 , such as the anesthesia section 40 .

[0098] In some embodiments, and as Figure 1 As shown, the box loading area 5 can be located at a farm 3 where animals 4 are kept, and the box 2 can be used to transport and store animals from the farm 3 to and from the anesthesia section 40 of the slaughter facility 7, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 As shown, the Figure 1 The path of a box 2 through a slaughtering system 1 is shown according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0099] In other embodiments, the animals 4 may be reloaded along the road or path. In still other embodiments, the animals 4 may be loaded into the boxes 2 at a box loading area / box loading station provided in the slaughter facility 7.

[0100] like Figure 1 As shown, one or more animals 4 can be loaded into the box 2 at the box loading area 5, such as Figure 1 Then, as shown by arrow 75 in FIG. 70 , the box 2 containing one or more animals is loaded onto the transport 6 and Figure 1 As shown by the arrow 80 in , it is transported to the slaughter facility 7. The transport vehicle 6 can be a truck, for example. Typically, a plurality of such boxes 2 will be transported to the slaughter facility 7 by the transport vehicle 6 at the same time.

[0101] like Figure 1 As shown, upon arrival at the slaughter facility 7 , the boxes 2 containing one or more animals 4 are unloaded into a receiving section 10 of the slaughter facility 7 .

[0102] As indicated by arrow 90 , boxes 2 containing one or more animals 4 are transferred from the receiving section 10 to the barn area 30 of the barn system 20 .

[0103] exist Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the barn area 30 is configured to store animals in boxes 2. It should be appreciated that the barn area 30 is configured to store a plurality of boxes 2, each containing one or more animals 4.

[0104] If the animals have left via the transport means 80 or are in a state of stress due to the transport means 80 and are being reloaded in the receiving section 10, after a rest in the stable area 30, preferably at least long enough for the animals to calm down, the box 2 containing one or more animals 4 is transported along the first transport path 150 to the relaxation section 45.

[0105] The relaxation section 45 is optional. Furthermore, the relaxation section 45 may be arranged upstream of and adjacent to the anesthesia section 40 , so that the tank 2 containing the one or more animals 4 will pass through the relaxation section 45 immediately before entering the anesthesia section 40 .

[0106] The release section 45 is configured to receive animals in boxes from the barn area 30 .

[0107] Furthermore, the relaxation section 45 is configured to calm the animal inside the tank 2 immediately before the animal enters the anesthesia section 40. Calming the animal in the relaxation section 45 may include using one or more of the following measures:

[0108] Light with wavelengths known to calm animals;

[0109] Sounds known to calm animals, such as panpipe music;

[0110] Provides reduced oxygen levels and / or CO 2 Levels are increased without causing the animal to become anesthetized.

[0111] In addition, other measures can be taken.

[0112] After passing through the relaxation section 45 , the box 2 containing the animal or animals 4 is transported via the last section 150 ′ of the first transport path 150 into the anesthesia section 40 .

[0113] In the anesthesia section 40, for example by using an anesthesia system with increased CO 2 The animal 4 is housed in the anesthesia box 2 with an atmosphere of the content.

[0114] When all animals in the box 2 have been anesthetized, in the anesthesia section 40, the box (not shown) is removed from the anesthesia section 40 and the animals are taken out of the box 2 for slaughter, ie, piercing, bleeding, etc.

[0115] According to the present invention, the slaughtering system 1 comprises one or more water supply devices 100, which are configured to supply water to a tank 2 (such as Figure 2 In addition, the box 2 and the water supply device 100 are configured to be connected so as to supply drinking water to the animals when the animals are accommodated in the box.

[0116] like Figure 1 As shown, such a water supply device 100 can be arranged along the entire path through the slaughtering system 1 until anesthesia. The slaughtering system 1 according to various embodiments of the present invention can be provided with one or more water supply devices 100, which are arranged at Figure 1 The position shown and is configured as described in further detail below.

[0117] In any case, the slaughtering system 1 can be provided with one or more water supply devices 100, which are configured to supply drinking water to the tank 2 (and thereby to the animals) at any location along the anesthesia section 40 from the farm 3 to the slaughtering facility 1.

[0118] In one embodiment, one or more animals are loaded into a box 2 at a box loading station 5 provided at a farm 3, such as Figure 1 As shown, a vehicle 6 , such as a truck, may be equipped with one or more water supply devices 100 for connection to one or more tanks on the vehicle 6 .

[0119] In principle, and if Figure 1 As shown, the water supply device 100 can be located at the tank loading station 5 at the farm 3.

[0120] Likewise Figure 1As shown, one or more water supply devices 100 may be provided at the receiving section 10 of the slaughter facility 7 .

[0121] In addition, if Figure 1 As shown, in an embodiment where animals are transported in boxes 2 from the receiving section to the livestock barn area 30, one or more water supply devices 100 may be provided in the path 90 from the receiving section 10 of the slaughter facility 7 to the livestock barn area 30. In the case where animals are loaded into boxes at the box loading area 5 at the farm 3, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 or in an embodiment (not shown) where the animals 4 are loaded into the box 2 at the box loading area 5 provided at the receiving section 10 of the slaughter facility 7, this is the case.

[0122] In addition, if Figure 1 As shown, one or more water supply devices 100 may be provided in the barn area 30 of the slaughter facility 7 .

[0123] In addition, if Figure 1 As shown, one or more water supply devices 100 can be arranged in the first transport path 150 between the livestock shed area 30 and the anesthesia section 40 of the slaughtering facility 7, or in an embodiment where the slaughtering system 1 includes such a relaxation section 45 located upstream of the anesthesia section 40, one or more water supply devices 100 can be arranged in the first transport path 150 between the livestock shed area 30 and the relaxation section 45.

[0124] In an embodiment where the slaughtering system 1 comprises such a relaxation section 45 upstream of the anesthesia section 40, Figure 1 As shown, one or more water supply devices 100 may be provided in the relaxation section 45 .

[0125] It should be understood that the slaughtering system 1 according to various embodiments may include a water supply device 100 at any or all of the above-mentioned locations. Figure 1 In the figure, it is shown that the slaughtering system 1 can also include a box retention station 60 at each location where one or more water supply devices 100 are provided, and the box retention station 60 will be described in further detail below. However, one or more water supply devices 100 can supply water to the box in other ways without using these box retention stations 60. Such an embodiment will also be described below.

[0126] In one embodiment, the slaughtering system 1 includes a first transport device 50, which is configured to transport animals in a box along a first transport path 150 from the livestock barn area 30 to the anesthesia section 40, wherein the first transport path 150 includes one or more water supply devices 100, which are configured to be connected to the box 2.

[0127] In this embodiment, animals may be loaded into crates 2 at crate loading areas 5 located at any of the following locations:

[0128] · At 3 farms,

[0129] At receiving section 10, or

[0130] · 30 in the barn area of ​​slaughter facilities.

[0131] In one embodiment of the water supply device 100, one or more water supply devices 100 are configured to move to a selected box located at a position along the first transport path 150, or to move along the first transport path 150 with the box 2 when the box 2 moves along the first transport path 150.

[0132] For example, this can be achieved by one or more robots (not shown) comprising a drinking water tank or a device connected to a supply of drinking water, which robot can be configured to move along at least a portion of the first transport path 150 and can be further configured to be connected to a water inlet located on the box 2 of the slaughter system 1.

[0133] Such a robot may be a wheeled robot (not shown) capable of positioning itself adjacent to the box 2 to provide water to the box 2. In other embodiments, the robot may be fixed at each of one or more locations along the first transport path 150 and include a robot arm carrying a water outlet capable of reaching the water inlet of the box 2 within a section / portion of the first transport path 150.

[0134] Alternatively or additionally, as described above, the first transport path 150 may include one or more box retention stations 60. These box retention stations 60 may be arranged at positions along the first transport path 150. The boxes 2 passing through during transport may stop at the box retention stations 60 for the following combination: Figure 2 and Figure 3 One of the approaches discussed provides water to the tank.

[0135] Preferably, the cage retention station is provided with a water supply device 100 configured to supply drinking water to the animals accommodated in the cage 2 when the cage 2 is located at the cage retention station 60 .

[0136] For example, in a simple embodiment, this can be provided by connecting the water outlet of the water supply device 100 to a public water supply device (not shown) of the slaughter facility 7 via a pipe system (not shown), so that the water supply device 100 can be connected to the tank 2 to provide drinking water to the tank 2.

[0137] In further embodiments, the slaughter system 1 may, alternatively or additionally, include a relaxation section 45, as briefly described above. The relaxation section may include at least one box retention station 60. The box retention station 60 may include a water supply 100 configured to supply drinking water to animals contained in the box 2 when the box 2 is located in the box retention station 60 in the relaxation section 45.

[0138] In some embodiments, the first transport device 50 may be a vehicle, such as a fork lift or a wheeled robot, configured to transport the box 2. Such a vehicle may then stop at a box retention station to provide drinking water to the box 2. However, in other embodiments, each box retention station 60 may form part of or be connected to a first transport device, such as a conveyor configured to transport the box along a first transport path.

[0139] In further embodiments of any of the foregoing embodiments, the barn area 30 may be configured to store animals in boxes 2. In this case, the animals 4 may be loaded into boxes 2 of the slaughter system 1 at the box loading area 5 located at:

[0140] · In 3 farms, such as Figure 1 as shown, or

[0141] At receiving section 10.

[0142] In these embodiments, the barn area 30 includes a water supply 100 configured to supply drinking water to the box 2, and the box 2 and water supply 100 are configured to be coupled to supply drinking water to the animals while they are housed in the box.

[0143] This can be accomplished in a variety of ways. In one embodiment, the water supply 100 can be configured to move to and connect to a selected box 2 located at a position in the livestock barn area 30, or to connect to a box 2 moving in the livestock barn area 30. Alternatively or additionally, in an embodiment, the livestock barn area 30 can include a plurality of box retention stations 60, wherein each box retention station 60 is configured to store the box 2, and wherein at least a portion of the plurality of box retention stations 60 are configured with a water supply 100 configured to supply drinking water to the animals 4 contained in the box 2 when the box 2 is located at the box retention station 60.

[0144] An embodiment in which the water supply 100 is configured to be mobile can, for example, be obtained by one or more robots (not shown) comprising or connected to a drinking water tank, the robot being configured to move in the livestock shed area 30 and being further configured to be connected to a water inlet located on a box 2 of the slaughtering system 1.

[0145] Such a robot may be a wheeled robot (not shown) that is capable of positioning itself adjacent to the box 2 to provide water to the box 2. In other embodiments (not shown), one or more robots may be fixed in position in the barn area 30. In this case, each of the one or more robots may include a robot arm carrying a water outlet that is capable of reaching the water inlet of the box 2 within a section of the transport path in the barn area 30 as the box 2 moves in the barn area 30.

[0146] In an embodiment, the barn system 20 may include a second transport device 55 , such as a conveyor system, for moving boxes within the barn area 30 .

[0147] Preferably, in embodiments where the first transport device 50 in the first transport path 150 is a conveyor, the second transport device 55, preferably in the form of a conveyor, is connected to the conveyor of the first transport device 50. Furthermore, in embodiments including box retention stations 60, each such box retention station 60 in the barn area 30 may form a part of or be connected to the second transport device 55, such as a conveyor.

[0148] Now go to Figure 2 , first a box 2 which can be used in the slaughtering system 1 will be described in more detail. Figure 2 An embodiment of such a box 2 is shown, which includes a square bottom portion 210, an inlet 230, an end wall 240, and two side walls 220, where the bottom portion 210 is a rectangular bottom portion 210, the inlet 230 includes an inlet door 235, and the end wall 240 may include an end wall door 245. The bottom portion 210 includes an upwardly facing surface 211. The bottom portion 210, the side walls 220, the inlet and the end walls 240 define an internal volume 250 between them. In an embodiment not shown, the box 2 may also include a top (not shown). Any of the side walls 220, the inlet door 235 and the end walls 240 / end wall doors 245 may include rods, such as vertically arranged and spaced rods 290 to increase ventilation of the box 2.

[0149] The lower surface (not shown) of the bottom portion 210 of the box 2 can preferably be configured to cooperate, for example, with the box retention station 60 and with a device for moving the box, such as a conveyor, such as the conveyors of the first transport device 50 and the second transport device 55 as described above.

[0150] exist Figure 2 In the figure, it can be seen that the box 2 is shown located on a platform 61, which forms part of a box retention station 60, for example a part of the box retention station 60 described above. The box retention station may also include a conveying member (not shown) for moving the box 2 onto the platform 61 of the box retention station 60 or moving the box 2 away from the platform 61 of the box retention station 60. The box retention station 60 may be associated with a conveyor forming part of the above-mentioned first transport device 50, which is arranged between the livestock shed area 30 and the anesthesia section 40. Alternatively or additionally, as Figure 2 The box retention station 60 shown may be associated with a conveyor forming part of the above-mentioned second transport device 55 which is arranged in the livestock barn area 30.

[0151] The tank retention station 60 also includes an embodiment of a water supply 100. The illustrated water supply 100 includes a water supply pipe 101. The water supply pipe 101 has a distal end 102 that can be coupled to a proximal end 122 of a pipe connector 120 disposed on the tank 2 and extending through the side wall 220 of the tank 2.

[0152] The pipe connector 120 disposed on the tank 2 includes a distal end extending into the tank 2 and a proximal end extending out of the tank 2. The proximal end 122 of the pipe connector 120 is configured to be coupled to the distal end 102 of the supply pipe 101.

[0153] The illustrated water supply device 100 may further include an arm 110 configured to move the distal end 102 of the supply pipe 101 of the water supply device 100 toward and away from the proximal end 122 of the pipe connector 120 so as to couple with or decouple from the proximal end 122 of the pipe connector 120. Figure 2 In the embodiment shown, this can be provided by connecting the arm 110 to an actuator 130. The actuator 130 is connected to the platform 61 of the tank retention station 60. The actuator 130 is configured to swing or pivot the arm 110 of the water supply device 100 to couple or decouple the distal end 102 of the supply pipe 101 with the proximal end 122 of the pipe connector 120.

[0154] Thus, the supply conduit 101 may be made movable relative to the platform 61 and may be configured to be coupled to a tank of a slaughtering system to supply drinking water into the tank.

[0155] By having the arm 110 of the water supply device 100 movably connected to the platform 61 , it is further achieved that the tank 2 can be inserted into and removed from the platform 62 when the arm 110 has been moved away from the coupling position.

[0156] In combination Figure 2 In the depicted embodiment, the arm 110 is pivotally connected to the platform 61. However, it should be understood that in other embodiments (not shown), the arm 110 may alternatively be configured to move linearly or in any other manner relative to the platform 61 so as to couple with the platform 61 to supply drinking water.

[0157] The distal end 121 of the pipe connection 120 disposed in the box 2 may be provided with a drinking spout 140 from which the animal 4 housed in the box 2 can drink water. However, in other embodiments, alternatively, the distal end 121 of the pipe connection 120 may be arranged to fill a trough disposed in the box and from which the animal 4 can drink water. In still other alternative embodiments (not shown), the distal end 121 of the pipe connection 120 may be connected to a water storage tank disposed in the box, see below.

[0158] The legs 62 may be connected to the platform 61 of the box retention station 60 .

[0159] Now go to Figure 3 , Figure 3 An embodiment is shown in which the water supply pipe 101 of the water supply device 100 includes a distal end 102, which can be inserted into the box 2 when the box is detained on the platform 61 of the box detention station 60. Thus, when the distal end 102 of the water supply pipe 101 is inserted into the box, drinking water can be supplied to the box 2. The distal end may be provided with a drinking spout 140 so that the animals accommodated in the box 2 can drink water from the drinking spout 140. Alternatively, water may be supplied to a drinking tank (not shown) or a trough (not shown) provided in the box 2, and the animals can drink water from the drinking tank or trough.

[0160] In these embodiments, the tank 2 may be provided with an opening 260 through a wall of the tank 2, such as the side wall 220. The opening through the wall is positioned to cooperate with the distal end 102 of the water supply 100.

[0161] In the following embodiments, the water supply pipe 101 of the water supply device 100 may be combined with Figure 2 The platform 61 is movable relative to the housing 62 in the same manner as described.

[0162] In a further embodiment, at least a subset of the plurality of boxes 2 of the slaughter system 1 are provided with a water storage tank (not shown) from which drinking water can be provided to the animals 4 while they are in the boxes 2 .

[0163] Such a water storage tank may be arranged in the bottom part of the box. Alternatively, such a water storage tank may be arranged in the frame of the box. Alternatively, such a water storage tank may be arranged in the inner volume of the box.

[0164] It should be noted that the drawings and the above description illustrate exemplary embodiments in a simplified and schematic manner. Many specific mechanical details have not been shown because those skilled in the art should be familiar with these details and these details would only unnecessarily complicate the description.

[0165] Reference numerals list

[0166] 1Slaughtering system

[0167] 2. A box for housing one or more animals

[0168] 3. Farm

[0169] 4 Animals

[0170] 5 box loading areas / box loading stations

[0171] 6 Transportation from farm to slaughter facility

[0172] 7 Slaughter facilities

[0173] 10 Receive segment

[0174] 20 Livestock Shed Systems

[0175] 30 Livestock Shed Area

[0176] 40 Anesthesia Zone

[0177] 41 Entrance to the anesthesia section

[0178] 45 Relaxation Zone

[0179] 50 First transport device (transporting animals in boxes from the livestock shed area to the anesthesia section)

[0180] 55 Second transport device (transportation in the livestock shed)

[0181] 60 Box Detention Station

[0182] 61 Platform of container detention station

[0183] 62 Legs connected to the platform of the box retention station

[0184] 70 Arrows representing the loading of boxes into transport from farm to slaughter facility

[0185] 75 Arrows for loading animals into boxes

[0186] 80 Arrows representing the transportation of animals in crates from farms to slaughter facilities

[0187] 90 represents the arrow for transporting animals in boxes from the receiving section of the slaughter facility to the livestock shed

[0188] 100 Water supply device

[0189] 101 Water supply pipeline

[0190] 102 Far end of water supply pipe

[0191] 103 Near end of water supply pipe

[0192] 110 Water supply arm

[0193] 120 Pipeline connector provided in the box

[0194] 121 Far end of pipe connector

[0195] 122 Near end of pipe connection

[0196] 130 Actuator for moving an arm of a water supply device

[0197] 140 Drinking spout

[0198] 150 First transport path from the livestock shed area to the anesthesia section

[0199] 210 bottom part of the box

[0200] 211 Bottom surface of box / upward facing surface of bottom portion of box

[0201] 220 Side wall of box

[0202] 230 Box entrance end

[0203] Entrance door formed at the entrance end of box 235

[0204] 240 end wall

[0205] 245 End wall door

[0206] 250 box internal volume

[0207] 260 Opening through the wall of the box

[0208] 290 Wall Rod

Claims

1. A slaughtering system (1), comprising: - a plurality of boxes (2), each box (2) being configured to accommodate one or more slaughter animals; - a box loading area (5) for loading animals into the box (2); and - a slaughtering facility (7), said slaughtering facility (7) comprising: o a barn system (20), the barn system (20) comprising a barn area (30) for temporarily storing the animals prior to slaughter; o an anesthesia section (40), the anesthesia section (40) being used to anesthetize the animal before slaughter; wherein boxes (2) containing one or more animals are transported and / or temporarily stored in at least a part of the slaughtering system (1), and Wherein, the slaughtering system (1) comprises one or more water supply devices (100), wherein the water supply devices (100) are configured to supply drinking water to the box, and wherein the box and the water supply devices (100) are configured to be connected to supply drinking water to the animals when the animals are accommodated in the box (2).

2. The slaughtering system (1) according to claim 1, comprising: A first transport device (50) is configured to transport animals in a box (2) from the livestock barn area (30) to the anesthesia section (40) along a first transport path (150), wherein the first transport path (150) includes one or more water supply devices (100) configured to be connected to the box (2).

3. The slaughtering system (1) according to claim 2, wherein: The water supply device (100) is configured to move to a selected tank (2) that is located at a position along the first transport path or that is moved along the first transport path.

4. The slaughtering system (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: The first transport path (150) includes one or more box retention stations (60), which are arranged at positions along the first transport path (150), and the boxes (2) can stop at the box retention stations (60) during transportation, and wherein the box retention stations (60) are provided with water supply devices (100), and the water supply devices (100) are configured to supply drinking water to the animals contained in the boxes (2) at the box retention stations (60).

5. The slaughtering system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising one or more box retention stations (60) arranged adjacent to the entrance (41) of the anesthesia section (40), and wherein, The one or more box retention stations (60) include a water supply device (100) configured to supply drinking water to the animals contained in the box (2) at the box retention station (60).

6. Slaughtering system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, in, The relaxation section (45) is arranged upstream of the anesthesia section (40) and adjacent to the anesthesia section (40), wherein the relaxation section (45) is configured to receive animals in boxes (2) from the barn area (30), wherein the relaxation section (45) is configured to calm the animal inside the box (2) immediately before the animal enters the anesthesia section (40), and The relaxation section (45) includes at least one box retention station (60), and the box retention station (60) includes a water supply device (100), and the water supply device (100) is configured to supply drinking water to the animals accommodated in the box (2) at the box retention station (60).

7. The slaughtering system (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein: Each box retention station (60) forms part of or is connected to the first transport means (50).

8. The slaughtering system (1) according to claim 7, wherein: The first transport device (50) is a conveyor.

9. Slaughtering system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, in, The barn area (30) is configured to store the animals in the boxes (2), wherein the livestock shed area (30) comprises a water supply device (100) configured to supply drinking water to the tank, and The box and the water supply device (100) are configured to be coupled to supply drinking water to the animal when the animal is accommodated in the box (2).

10. The slaughtering system (1) according to claim 9, wherein: At least one water supply (100) is configured to move to and couple to a selected tank (2) located at a location in the barn area (30), or to couple to a tank that moves within the barn area (30).

11. The slaughtering system (1) according to claim 9, in, The barn area (30) includes a plurality of bin retention stations (60), wherein each box retention station (60) is configured to store boxes (2), and At least a portion of the plurality of box retention stations (60) are provided with a water supply device (100), and the water supply device (100) is configured to supply drinking water to the animals accommodated in the box (2) at the box retention station (60).

12. The slaughtering system (1) according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein: The barn system (20) includes a second transport device (55) for moving the boxes within the barn area (30).

13. The slaughtering system (1) according to claim 12, wherein: The second transport device (50) comprises a conveyor.

14. The slaughtering system (1) according to claim 13, wherein: Each box retention station (60) forms part of or is connected to the second transport means (55).

15. Slaughtering system (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 8 or 11 to 14, wherein: The box retention station (60) comprises a platform (61) for supporting the box (2).

16. The slaughtering system (1) according to claim 15, wherein: A water supply device (100) is connected to the platform (61).

17. The slaughtering system (1) according to claim 16, wherein: The water supply device (100) includes a water supply pipe (101), which is movable relative to the platform (61) and is configured to be connected to the tank (2) of the slaughtering system (1) to supply drinking water to the tank (20).

18. The slaughtering system (1) according to claim 17, wherein: The water supply pipe (101) is arranged on an arm (110) of the water supply device (100), and the arm (110) is movably connected to the platform (61).

19. The slaughtering system (1) according to claim 18, wherein: The water supply conduit (101) comprises a distal end (102) which can be inserted into the tank (20) when the tank (20) is resting on the platform (61).

20. The slaughtering system (1) according to claim 18, wherein: The water supply pipe (81) comprises a distal end (102) connectable to a pipe connection (120) provided in the tank (2).

21. The slaughtering system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein: At least a subset of the plurality of boxes (2) are provided with a water reservoir from which drinking water can be provided to the animals while they are in the boxes.

22. The slaughtering system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein: The box (2) is configured to accommodate one or more four-legged live animals for slaughter, in particular ungulates.

23. A box (2) for containing one or more live slaughtered animals prior to slaughter and for use in a slaughtering system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 20.

24. Tank (2) according to claim 23, wherein The tank (2) is provided with components for connection to a drinking water supply (100) outside the tank (2).

25. Tank (2) according to claim 24, wherein The tank (2) comprises a pipe connector (120) having a distal end (121) extending into the tank (1) and a proximal end (122) extending out of the tank (1), wherein the distal end (121) is provided with a drinking spout (140) and the proximal end (122) is provided with a connecting component configured to connect a pipe to an external drinking water supply device (100).

26. Tank (2) according to claim 25, wherein The connection pipe (120) is arranged to pass through a water supply opening which passes through a rod (290) arranged in the wall of the tank (2).

27. Tank (2) according to claim 25 or 26, wherein The tank (2) comprises a water tank integrally formed in the tank (2), and wherein the water tank is connectable to the drinking water supply device (100) outside the tank (2) and to a drinking spout (140) inside the tank (20).

28. Tank (2) according to any one of claims 25 to 27, wherein The water tank is arranged above the back height of the type of animal for which the tank (1) is intended.

29. Tank (2) according to any one of claims 25 to 28, wherein The drinking spout (140) is arranged above the back height of the type of animal for which the tank (1) is intended.

30. Tank (2) according to any one of claims 23 to 29, wherein The box (2) is configured to accommodate one or more four-legged live animals for slaughter, in particular ungulates.

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