Diverter system for livestock shed
By using tubular components with air holes and air supply devices in the livestock shunt system, providing cool air breezes, solving the problems of cow comfort and milk production in high temperature environments, improving livestock comfort and production Milk efficiency.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202380036609.1
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-04-26
- Filing Date
- 2023-04-20
- Publication Date
- 2024-12-20
AI Technical Summary
Existing livestock shunt systems are difficult to provide adequate comfort in high temperature environments, resulting in reduced milk production in cows in summer or warm areas.
A livestock shunt system is designed, using a tubular member with multiple air holes and connected to an air supply device, providing air flow through a manifold through the holes in the shunt member, ensuring that the animals can feel the cool air breeze.
It effectively improves the comfort and milk production of livestock, especially in high temperature environments, ensuring that cows can rest and produce under cool conditions.
Smart Images
Figure CN119173137A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a livestock stall diverter system for an idle stall barn, the system comprising a plurality of stall dividers arranged in one or more rows, the stall dividers comprising at least one vertical support member and at least one diverter member extending away from the support member.
[0002] The invention also relates to a spare stall and a method of providing air conditioning for animals in a spare stall. Background Art
[0003] Such stall diverter systems comprising a plurality of stall dividers positioned side by side are known from, for example, WO 2010 / 133226 A1. Such stall diverters comprise a pair of vertically oriented pillars arranged in a row from which diverter members extend, thereby forming compartments for the animals. Other examples of such herd handling systems for livestock idle stalls are known from US 6,467,434 B1 and US 6,318,297 B1.
[0004] In particular, the system disclosed in WO 2010 / 133226 A1 provides comfort and well-being for the animals, as the bendable and deflectable diverter reduces the risk of injury to the animals. However, it is recognized that although cows are in good condition when resting in the stalls and then produce more milk, there are still problems with comfort due to the temperature in the stalls. This is particularly a problem during the summer and in some warmer areas of the earth. If the temperature to which the cows are exposed exceeds about 20°C, the heat can cause discomfort and reduced milk production.
[0005] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a stall diverter system for an idle livestock stall that improves the comfort of the livestock being handled therein. Summary of the invention
[0006] In a first aspect of the present invention, the object is achieved by providing a livestock stable diverter system for an idle stall barn, the system comprising a plurality of stall dividers arranged in one or more rows, the stall dividers comprising at least one vertical support member and at least one diverter member extending away from the support member, wherein the at least one diverter member is provided with a tubular member having a plurality of air holes, and the tubular member is connected to an air supply device.
[0007] In a currently preferred embodiment, at least one tubular member is integrated into at least one diverter member, which is configured as an elongated tubular member having an inner hollow space and a plurality of air holes, and the hollow space is connected to the air supply.
[0008] In an alternative embodiment, at least one tubular member having a plurality of air holes is attached to at least one diverter member and connected to the air supply.
[0009] In a second aspect, the present invention also relates to an idle stall barn comprising a livestock stall diverter system, wherein at least a single row of supporting pillars are provided with diverter components pointing in the same direction, and a manifold is provided, which is arranged above the row and provides air supply to the diverter components of at least one row.
[0010] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a method for providing air conditioning for animals in a vacant stall, the method comprising the following steps:
[0011] A livestock stall diverter system of the type described in the first aspect is provided, the livestock stall diverter system comprising a plurality of stall dividers arranged in one or more rows, the stall dividers comprising at least one vertical support member and at least one diverter member extending away from the support member, wherein at least one diverter member is provided with a tubular member having a plurality of air holes, and the tubular member is connected to an air supply device, for example, the tubular member is incorporated in at least one diverter member, which is provided as an elongated tubular member having an internal hollow space and a plurality of air holes, and the hollow space is connected to the air supply device, and
[0012] providing gas flow through the apertures in the at least one diverter member by providing a manifold in fluid communication with the interior space of the at least one diverter member, and
[0013] Air is supplied to the manifold.
[0014] By means of the present invention, an air ventilation device integrated in a stall diverter is advantageously provided so that animals, in particular cows, can experience a comfortable cool air breeze when standing or lying in a compartment of an empty stall. The air flow through the holes in the diverter member cools the cows in the vicinity of the diverter member. The air is supplied to the inner hollow space of the diverter member having a plurality of air holes and the hollow space is connected to an air supply device. The air is preferably blown or sucked into the barn from the outside and provides a comfortable cooling effect for the cows in the stall compartments between the diverter members, as well as general ventilation of the empty stall.
[0015] This solution is advantageous because cattle tend to get heat stressed when the temperature exceeds about 20°C or so and the cows can seek a cooling effect when the animals need it simply by finding a place in a free stall next to the air ventilation diverter in the stall diverter system according to the invention. For the cows this results in considerable production losses, especially when dairy production is carried out in hot climates. Furthermore, it is advantageous that the livestock stall diverter system allows the cows to lie down when they are cool, since it is known that cows produce more milk when they lie down.
[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of diverter members extend away from at least one vertical support member. In particular, the plurality of diverter members comprise an upper diverter member and a lower diverter member, wherein at least the upper diverter member is provided with air holes. Thus, an advantageous design of a stall diverter system is achieved, which is comfortable for the animals and relatively simple to assemble in the barn. In a specific embodiment thereof, the upper diverter and the lower diverter form a single piece with a curved distal section, or are connected to each other by a curved section. Thus, a sharp distal end of the diverter can be avoided.
[0017] Preferably, the fence diverter system comprises at least one cross beam member extending perpendicularly to the plurality of diverter members, preferably arranged on the upper diverter member by being mounted on the upper diverter member. The at least one cross beam member may also be provided with holes and connected to the air supply.
[0018] In a preferred embodiment, at least one diverter member and / or at least one cross-beam member is provided with a coating of a soft or elastic material, such as rubber, polymer, etc. This ensures a soft surface texture and thereby increases the comfort of the animal.
[0019] At least one diverter member, at least one support member and / or at least one cross-beam member may be made of metal tubes, such as galvanized steel. This allows cost-effective manufacturing of the stall diverter system. Alternatively, at least one diverter member, at least one support member and / or at least one cross-beam member may be made of a bendable or deflectable material, such as plastic or fiberglass. This is an inexpensive material choice and allows for increased comfort and well-being of the animals in the stall diverter system according to the present invention.
[0020] Advantageously, the air supply arrangement comprises an air supply source and a manifold for supplying air to the plurality of diverter members. Furthermore, the manifold is preferably connected to a series of supply tubes for providing fluid communication between the manifold and each of the at least one diverter member. The supply tubes may be flexible hoses connected to more rigid connector tubes on the support struts and / or the diverter members and / or the cross member.
[0021] The manifold is advantageously connected to an air supply, such as a blower, for providing airflow in the manifold and into the at least one diverter member and out through the apertures therein. Preferably, the manifold is a flexible hose adapted to be mounted above the stall diverter. This arrangement of the air supply system facilitates installation in the barn as well as off-site manufacture as it allows compact storage and thus easy transport to the building in which it is to be installed.
[0022] Advantageously, the air supply source is a blower or an air suction supply, such as a compressor or an air suction pump, preferably arranged outside the barn, so that fresh air is sucked into the free stalls inside the barn. This ensures a comfortable air conditioning system for the animals in the stalls and air ventilation of the barn.
[0023] The airflow to the animals may be provided by a manifold disposed above the one or more rows of stall diverters. By providing a manifold above the stall diverter system, space in the stable or barn is efficiently utilized.
[0024] In some configurations of stall diverter systems, it has been found to be advantageous for the manifold to be common to at least two rows of stall diverters. This requires fewer assembly parts and makes efficient use of the space above the animals in the barn.
[0025] Supplying air to the manifold may be performed by blowing air into the manifold or by sucking air into the manifold. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] In the following, the invention is described in more detail with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0027] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of the present invention;
[0028] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of the present invention;
[0029] Figure 3 is in use Figure 2 A diagram of a second embodiment of the present invention;
[0030] Figure 4 is a schematic top view of a fence diverter system according to a second embodiment;
[0031] Figure 5 is a detailed schematic diagram of the air supply device of the present invention;
[0032] Figure 6 yes Figure 2 's illustration of a second embodiment of the present invention, with an example of air ventilation;
[0033] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 1. An illustration of a first embodiment of the present invention with an example of air ventilation;
[0034] Figure 8 yes Figure 4 's illustration of an embodiment of the present invention with an example of air ventilation;
[0035] Fig. 9 and Fig.10 is a perspective illustration of an example of a stall diverter system in an unoccupied stable according to the present invention.
[0036] Referring to the accompanying drawings, there are shown a first embodiment and a second embodiment of the fence diverter system according to the present invention, wherein Figure 1 and Figure 7 A single row of compartments is provided in Figure 2 and Figure 6 A second embodiment is shown in , in which two rows of compartments for the animals are provided.
[0037] The stall divider system comprises a vertical support member 1 extending downwardly into the ground or into the floor of a stable. The vertical support member 1 may alternatively be mounted on a support structure in the ground or in the floor. The support member 1 may be hollow or solid and made of a rigid material such as iron, steel, wood or similar material. The support member 1 may have any cross-sectional shape, preferably square or circular. The dimensions of the vertical support member 1 may depend on the intended use of the stall divider, such as the type and size of the animal.
[0038] The lower member 2 may be mounted on the vertical support member 1 close to the ground or floor. One end of the lower member 2 may be fixed to the vertical support member 1 at a specific position using a mounting fixture 3. The mounting fixture 3 may have a configuration that enables it to move upward or downward on the support member 1. The mounting fixture 3 may be attached to the lower member 2 and / or the vertical support member 1 using bolts, screws, or any other type of fastening device. Alternatively, the lower member 2 may be directly mounted on the support member 1 using any type of fastening device or by welding or any similar process.
[0039] The upper member 4 may be mounted on the vertical support member 1 at opposite ends. The upper member 4 is fixed to the vertical support member 1 at a specific position using a mounting clamp 5. The mounting clamp 5 may have a configuration that enables it to move up or down on the support member 1. The mounting clamp 5 may be attached to the upper member 4 and / or the vertical support member 1 using bolts, screws or any other type of fastening device. The position of the upper member 5 may be adjusted according to animals of different sizes. In a preferred embodiment, the mounting clamps 3, 5 may be identical.
[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the lower member 2 extends further than the upper member 4. The lower member 2 and / or the upper member 4 may also be moved in the longitudinal direction depending on the intended use of the stall divider and the size of the animals.
[0041] The lower member 2 may extend away from the support member 1 at a predetermined angle relative to the longitudinal direction of the support member. The upper member 4 may extend away from the support member 1 at a second predetermined angle (e.g., substantially perpendicular) relative to the longitudinal direction of the support member. The upper member 4 may be at a different angle relative to the support member 1, or at the same angle as the lower member 2. This enables the lower and upper members to be placed at an optimal angle relative to the size of the animal.
[0042] A cross member 6 is provided between the upper members 4. The cross member 6 acts as a neck rail in the idle stall setting.
[0043] In a currently preferred embodiment, at least the upper member 4 is hollow and made of a tubular material, such as a rigid material (such as iron or steel) or a bendable or deflectable material (such as fiberglass or a polymer material). Preferably, the lower member 2 is also hollow. The hollow diverter members 2, 4 are preferably closed at their distal ends (i.e. their ends opposite to the mounting fixtures 3, 5). At least one of the upper diverter member 2 and the lower diverter member 4 is provided with a hole 7 ( Figure 1 and Figure 2 Not shown, see Figure 6 and Figure 7 ), so that air can escape from the hollow interior space of the tubular members 2, 4 through these holes. The hollow interior space of the diverter members 2, 4 is connected to a supply pipe 8, which receives air from an air supply device and passes the air via flow connectors 8a and 8b and an intermediate supply pipe 8c.
[0044] Although not shown in the drawings, in some embodiments, the cross member 6 may also be provided with holes, or be a tubular member having air holes, and connected to an air supply device.
[0045] In addition to the supply tube 8 (which is preferably relatively rigid so that the animal cannot bend, twist or otherwise damage the tube), the air supply device also includes a connecting hose 9 connecting the supply tube 8 to a manifold 10, which is arranged in the one or more rows (see respectively) as shown in the figure. Figure 1 and Figure 2 ). Manifold 10 is preferably a large hose that can be mounted to hang from the roof of a barn (not shown) equipped with a barn diverter system. Manifold 10 is then connected to blower 12 (see, for example, Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 8-Figure 10 ).
[0046] Air flows from the manifold into the supply hoses and tubes 8, 9 and into the interior space of the diverter members 2, 4 and out through the holes 7, thereby creating an air breeze 17 in the vicinity of the diverter members 2, 4. Figure 3 As can be appreciated from the illustration of FIG. 1 , when the animals 14 are in a compartment between adjacent diverter members 2 , 4 in the stall diverter system, they will experience a cool breeze.
[0047] exist Figure 6-Figure 8 In FIG. 1 , a fence diverter system with an air supply device is shown. Figure 1-4 of an embodiment in which an air breeze 17 is indicated.
[0048] like Figure 4 , Figure 6 and Fig.10 As shown, the blower 12 can advantageously be positioned outside the barn, i.e. outside the barn's outer wall 13. This is advantageous because fresh air can then be delivered to the vacant stalls in the barn and then contribute to the ventilation of the barn and thereby increase the well-being and comfort of the animals therein.
[0049] exist Fig. 9 and Fig.10 In FIG. 1 , an example of a stall diverter system installed in an unoccupied stable building is shown, wherein the stall diverters are arranged in a single row, such as also shown in FIG. Figure 1 shown.
[0050] In this disclosure, the term "livestock" is intended to include all types of domesticated animals raised and / or farmed in an agricultural setting to provide labor and produce commodities.
[0051] Although the present invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments, it should not be interpreted as being limited in any way to the examples presented. The scope of the present invention is set forth by the appended claims. In the context of the claims, the terms "comprise" or "include" do not exclude other possible elements or steps. In addition, references such as "one" or "an" should not be interpreted as excluding multiple. The use of reference numerals in the claims regarding elements shown in the figures should also not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the present invention. In addition, the various features mentioned in different claims may be advantageously combined, and mentioning these features in different claims does not exclude that the combination of features is not possible and advantageous.
Claims
1. A livestock stall diverter system for an idle stall barn, the system comprising a plurality of stall dividers arranged in one or more rows, the stall dividers comprising at least one vertical support member and at least one diverter member extending away from the support member, wherein The at least one diverter member is provided with a tubular member having a plurality of air holes, and the tubular member is connected to an air supply device.
2. The livestock stall diverter system according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one tubular member is integrated in the at least one diverter member, which is configured as an elongated tubular member having an inner hollow space and having a plurality of air holes, and the hollow space is connected to an air supply device.
3. The livestock stall diverter system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: A plurality of diverter members extend away from the at least one vertical support member.
4. The livestock stall diverter system according to claim 3, wherein: The plurality of flow divider members include an upper flow divider member and a lower flow divider member, wherein at least the upper flow divider member is provided with air holes.
5. The livestock stall diverter system according to claim 4, wherein: The upper shunt and the lower shunt are formed as one single piece with a curved distal section or are connected to each other by a curved section.
6. A livestock stall diverter system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The fence diverter system comprises at least one cross-beam member extending perpendicularly to the plurality of diverter members, and preferably arranged on the upper diverter member by being mounted on the upper diverter member.
7. A livestock stall diverter system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The at least one diverter member and / or the at least one crossbeam member is provided with a coating of a soft or elastic material, such as rubber, polymer or the like.
8. A livestock stall diverter system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The at least one diverter member, the at least one support member and / or the at least one cross member are made of metal tubes, such as galvanized steel.
9. The livestock stall diverter system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The at least one diverter member, the at least one support member and / or the at least one cross-beam member are made of a bendable or deflectable material, such as plastic or fiberglass.
10. A livestock stall diverter system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The air supply device includes an air supply source and a manifold for supplying air to the plurality of tubular members of the diverter member.
11. The livestock stall diverter system of claim 10, wherein: The manifold is connected to a series of supply tubes for providing fluid communication between the manifold and each of the tubular members of the plurality of diverter members.
12. The livestock stall diverter system according to claim 10 or 11, wherein: The manifold is connected to an air supply, such as a blower, for providing air flow in the manifold and into the at least one tubular member of the at least one diverter member and out through the apertures therein.
13. The livestock stall diverter system according to any one of claims 10-12, wherein: The manifold is a flexible hose adapted to be mounted above the barn diverter.
14. The livestock stall diverter system according to any one of claims 10-13, wherein: The air supply source is an air blower or an air suction provider, such as a compressor or an air suction pump.
15. A livestock stall diverter system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The at least one tubular member having a plurality of air holes is attached to the at least one diverter member and connected to the air supply.
16. A free stall barn comprising a livestock stall diverter system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: At least a single row of support struts is provided with diverter members pointing in the same direction, and a manifold is provided which is arranged above the row and provides an air supply to the diverter members of at least one row.
17. A free stall stable according to claim 16, wherein: At least two rows of support struts are provided with diverter members pointing in opposite directions, and a common manifold is provided which is arranged above the rows and provides air supply to the diverter members of the at least two rows.
18. A method of providing air conditioning for animals in a vacant stall, the method comprising the steps of: A livestock stall diverter system is provided, such as a system according to any one of claims 1-16, the system comprising a plurality of stall dividers arranged in one or more rows, the stall dividers comprising at least one vertical support member and at least one diverter member extending away from the support member, wherein the at least one diverter member is provided with a tubular member having a plurality of air holes, and the tubular member is connected to an air supply device, for example, the tubular member is incorporated in the at least one diverter member, which is arranged to have an internal hollow space and a slender tubular member having a plurality of air holes, and the hollow space is connected to the air supply device, and providing gas flow through the apertures in the at least one diverter member by providing a manifold in fluid communication with the interior space of the at least one diverter member, and Air is supplied to the manifold.
19. The method according to claim 18, wherein: The air flow is provided by a manifold disposed above the one or more rows of pen diverters, and wherein the manifold is preferably common to at least two rows of pen diverters.
20. The method according to claim 18 or 19, wherein: Supplying air to the manifold is performed by blowing air into the manifold, or wherein supplying air to the manifold is performed by sucking air into the manifold.