Device for supplying feed to animals kept in confined spaces

Abstract

Device for supplying feed to animals kept in confined spaces (1 to 1.4) by means of at least one dispensing unit (4) arranged to be movable along the confined spaces with a dispensing element (9.1, 9.2), wherein a distance (a) between the dispensing element (9.1, 9.2) and the confined space (1 to 1.4) is variable, wherein the output element (9.1, 9.2) is arranged on a boom (8), characterized in that the boom (8) is horizontally extendable / telescopic and is assigned to the output unit (4).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for supplying animals kept in confined spaces with feed by means of at least one dispensing unit arranged to be movable along the confined spaces and connected to a central unit, with at least one dispensing element. State of the art

[0002] Animals kept in individual or group pens should be fed automatically several times a day. This applies, for example, to calves, which need to be fed milk 3-4 times during their first 14 days. In the case of liquid feed, such as milk, the feed should either be dispensed in buckets in the pens, or each pen should be equipped with an automatic feeder or teats connected to an automatic feeder. For example, such a system is described in DE 10 2008 050 715 A1.

[0003] Also known is a so-called "milkmobile" from DE 10 2006 044 721 A1, which transports milk from box to box and hands it over in appropriate dispensing units, for example in buckets. This is extremely time-consuming.

[0004] From DE 37 09 387 A1, a device is known in which a support and guide rail is provided, running along the arrangement of boxes and positioned above the front of each box. A trolley is mounted on this rail and is movable; the trolley has a support arm that rolls along the steel walkway. The trolley moves from box to box, dispensing liquid feed and / or water into corresponding containers. The entire system requires a considerable amount of space and is only suitable for supplying a single row of boxes.

[0005] German patent DE 36 13 887 A1 discloses a device for supplying animals with liquid feed, which can be drawn from an automatic drinking trough and fed to a suction point via a hose. This suction point moves along a guide rail, but this can only happen very close to or within the boxes themselves so that the animals can access the teat.

[0006] From DE 19 60 014 A a device for suckling calves is known, comprising a carriage that can be moved intermittently along a series of suckling stalls, wherein the carriage has, among other things, a storage container.

[0007] US Patent 3,421,484 A discloses an automatic feeding device for feeding suckling animals in barns. The device includes, among other things, a feeding nipple mechanism that retracts when the supply of liquid feed is exhausted, thus preventing air from being drawn in.

[0008] US Patent 3 204 607 A discloses a rail-mounted device for feeding animals, wherein the device comprises several feeding nipples.

[0009] From CH 497 831 A, a housing system for calf fattening with an automatic feeding device is known. This feeding device includes, among other things, a container system for the feed.

[0010] US Patent 4,981,107 A discloses a computer-controlled automatic feeding system that can deliver individualized rations. The system includes, among other things, a device that can visit multiple barns sequentially to deliver the individualized ration to the animal living in each barn. Object of the invention

[0011] The present invention is based on the objective of developing a device of the above-mentioned type with which many animals in many boxes can be supplied with feed several times a day in a time-saving manner, without this system having a substantially disruptive effect on the overall operation. Solution to the task

[0012] The solution to the problem lies in the subject matter of the independent claim. Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0013] Within the scope of the present invention, it is envisaged that rooms with group animals and rooms for individual animals are jointly supplied with feed from a central location.

[0014] For example, the central unit can be permanently assigned to rooms with group animals, while the mobile dispensing unit can be assigned to rooms with individual animals. The central unit can be positioned between and accessible from several rooms, ensuring that the dispensing elements are reachable by a large number of animals. The mobile dispensing elements, on the other hand, can reach even a large number of individually housed animals.

[0015] Another solution to the problem is to supply feed to opposite rooms from a central point. Here, too, the central point can be fixed in place, while the dispensing unit can be moved to serve the rooms – but this is not a limitation. The corresponding dispensing elements can reach even a large number of animals.

[0016] Feed handling systems could primarily consist of automatic feeding units, but also storage facilities or similar systems that prepare or temporarily store the feed. A direct connection to a milking robot is also conceivable, allowing, for example, a specific calf to drink milk directly from its own mother.

[0017] The dispensing elements for young animals are likely to be primarily teats. However, the invention also encompasses other dispensing elements, such as drinking bowls, troughs, buckets, or the like.

[0018] The entire system naturally includes a corresponding metering mechanism for the feed quantity. This is achieved, for example, via a peristaltic pump, a flow sensor with flow measurement, or similar devices, with the corresponding quantity then being assigned to the individual animal. For this purpose, an identification system, such as an RFID antenna, can be assigned to the teat or box, allowing the drinking animal to be identified, consumption to be documented, and, if necessary, limited. If, for example, a container is carried along in the intermediate hopper, a scale can also be installed there to determine the corresponding supply of feed. Fill level measurements in the dispensing element, such as a bucket, are also possible. The buckets are filled on the outbound journey and checked on the return journey. Many possibilities are conceivable here and are intended to be encompassed by the invention.

[0019] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the animals are to be monitored. This can be done in several ways. Firstly, a camera can photograph the animal while it is drinking. The camera can also determine the animal's activity level and, for example, issue an alarm if the activity falls below a certain level. The photograph can also provide information about the animal's weight and appearance, and thus its condition. Video sequences can also be created that show the animals' behavior.

[0020] The sucking speed can also be used to derive health parameters, as can the time it takes an animal to begin sucking after the teat has been positioned. Alarms can also be triggered if certain values ​​fall below a certain threshold, especially if the entire amount of food is not consumed. For example, the system tracks how long it takes the animal to approach the teat or whether it remains lying down and does not get up. A temperature reading can also be taken at the teat itself.

[0021] Above all, nipple disinfection plays a major role. Ideally, the dispensing unit can even be equipped with a "nipple revolver," allowing each animal to have its own nipple used only by that animal, or enabling the individual nipples to be cleaned after use before being used for the next animal.

[0022] Especially when keeping animals outdoors, the temperature of the feed should be controlled. For example, the feed can be warmed before being dispensed. For this purpose, the teat, dispensing unit, tubing system, and / or intermediate container are equipped with appropriate insulation or heating elements to maintain the feed at the necessary temperature.

[0023] A lure system should also be provided to indicate to the animal the possibility of feeding. This could be, for example, an acoustic or visual signal, particularly a light during darkness. Again, there are many possibilities that the invention is intended to cover.

[0024] The invention also includes a device for supplying animals kept in confined spaces with feed by means of at least one dispensing unit arranged to move along the confined spaces, with a dispensing element, wherein a distance between the dispensing element and the confined space is variable.

[0025] This means that the position of the teat relative to the animal can now be changed, and conversely, it can be removed from the rest of the work area if, for example, this work area is needed for other purposes. The technical design of this extension arm and the adjustment of the distance between the dispensing element and the confined space is of secondary importance. For example, the extension arm could be designed as a beam with a teat at each end. The beam could be extended horizontally to the left and right of the dispensing unit, allowing it to supply feed to both the left and right rows of pens on the rail. Alternatively, the extension arm could be telescopic, extending and retracting on one or both sides of the dispensing unit.

[0026] Another possibility is to design the boom to swivel or rotate approximately 180° relative to the dispensing unit, so that one box in the left row of boxes and one box in the right row of boxes can be supplied with feed, but that, on the other hand, if the space between the rows of boxes is to be used, the boom is placed vertically and thus out of the way.

[0027] It is also conceivable to have two or more extendable or swiveling booms on the right and / or left, to which several pumps for the feed can then be assigned.

[0028] The swiveling or extending motion can be motorized; telescoping is also conceivable, particularly pneumatically or hydraulically. However, purely mechanical deflection mechanisms are also possible, for example, via corresponding cams or types of disc controls or the like. All of this is intended to be encompassed by the invention.

[0029] The dispensing unit itself is preferably directly connected to a central unit, such as an automatic feeder or similar feed preparation station, a storage container, a milking robot, etc. A suction hose, which is carried along with the dispensing unit, can be used for this purpose. To bridge longer distances, a pump can be integrated into the suction hose to assist drinking. This can be controlled by a suction sensor.

[0030] It is also conceivable that the dispensing unit is assigned an intermediate container, preferably with several compartments for different types of feed, which can be moved together with the dispensing unit. This intermediate container is then connected to the corresponding preparation station or can be refilled at the preparation station.

[0031] In another embodiment of the invention, it is possible to fill water buckets in the boxes with water via a second system. A separate system can be provided for this purpose, but integration into the existing system is also possible by establishing a connection to the intermediate container / automatic feeder for supplying feed and, alternatively, a connection to a water source via appropriate valves. A similar procedure is used to clean the entire system and, in particular, the teats. The hose and the teat can be rinsed with water or a cleaning agent.

[0032] The design and placement of the rail are also of secondary importance. For example, it is conceivable that the rail itself could be integrated into a roof structure, so that the rail itself does not cause any disturbance. The dispensing unit would then hang from the rail into the pit lane and be mounted on the rail itself in the usual way, allowing it to move freely.

[0033] The overall setup allows for the automation of individual housing for animals younger than 14 days. When these animals are then introduced to the group, they are already familiar to the automatic waterer. The waterer is utilized more efficiently because the rail system draws water from its mixer. The subsequent feeding, in combination with a standard automatic waterer, is also advantageous when housing older animals in groups. Character description

[0034] Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments and from the drawing; this shows in Fig. 1 a schematic representation of part of a device according to the invention for supplying animals kept in confined spaces with feed in the operating position; Fig. 2 an enlarged side view of another embodiment of an output unit on a rail; Fig. 3 a schematic representation of another embodiment of a part of a device according to the invention for supplying animals kept in confined spaces with feed in the operating position;

[0035] According to Fig. In Figure 1, a series of boxes is designated as such, containing animals (not shown in detail) kept for rearing or fattening. In the present embodiment, two rows of boxes are arranged approximately parallel to each other, with a rail 3 running in a corresponding box aisle 2. A feed dispensing unit 4 is movable along the rail 3. This feed is prepared in an automatic feeder 5 and supplied via a line 6, hose, pipe, or the like, either directly to the dispensing unit 4 or to an intermediate container 7. If an intermediate container 7 is provided, it can also be movable along the rail 3. The intermediate container can, of course, also be integrated into the dispensing unit.

[0036] According to the invention, a cantilever 8 is associated with the dispensing unit 4, on which a pacifier 9.1 or 9.2 is located on each side of the dispensing unit 4. This cantilever 8 is arranged to be horizontally displaceable or telescopically extendable in the dispensing unit 4 along the double arrow X, so that the distance a between the pacifier and the box 1 can be changed. Fig. The dashed line indicates that the teat 9.1 was moved into a previous operating position close to box 1.1, allowing the animal(s) in box 1.1 to drink. The solid line then shows the current operating position of the dispensing unit 4, in which the teat 9.2 is extended towards box 1.2, allowing the animals in box 1.2 to drink. The entire process is monitored by a detection system 10.

[0037] According to Fig. Figure 2 indicates that instead of a telescopic boom 8, a swiveling boom 8.1 can also be assigned to the dispensing unit 4, which can be swiveled from left to right according to the double arrow Y. In this way, feed can be administered alternately to the animals in the left-hand row of boxes and then to the animals in the right-hand row of boxes.

[0038] A valve 11 can also be assigned to line 6, which makes it possible to connect to the automatic drinking device 5 and to a water supply 12. This allows, on the one hand, the rinsing of line 6 or the teats 9.1 and 9.2, and on the other hand, the filling of, for example, water stations in the individual boxes 1, whereby a corresponding dispensing element is provided instead of or next to the teats.

[0039] The functioning of the present invention is as follows: The dispensing unit 4 is connected via the hose 6 either directly to the automatic drinking unit 5 or via the intermediate container 7 to the automatic drinking unit 5, whereby in the latter case a connection between container 7 and automatic drinking unit 5 may be omitted, but then the intermediate container 7 is refilled at intervals.

[0040] Depending on requirements, the dispensing unit 4 is moved along the rail 3 and supplies the individual pens 1 with feed. The boom 8 is extended to the left or right of the dispensing unit 4, also depending on requirements, thus positioning the respective teat 9.1 or 9.2 near the animal to be fed. However, a portion of the pen aisle 2 always remains clear, which the user can access independently of the feeding process.

[0041] The same feeding option is of course also available with the swiveling boom 8.1 according to Fig. 2 possible. This also has the advantage that, if it is not needed, it can be positioned vertically, so that the user can walk unhindered from the boom on both sides of the rails or, for example, transport manure or the like.

[0042] The entire feeding system, including the teats 9.1 and 9.2, can then be cleaned via the water inlet 12. The water inlet 12 also allows for filling the water buckets in the individual boxes 1 with water for the animals. The process is similar to feeding the animals, but a different dispensing element is used instead of the teat, and, for example, the boom 8 is extended so that the corresponding dispensing unit is positioned above the water bucket. This is easily achievable from a control perspective.

[0043] According to Fig.3 is also designed to supply not only individual animals kept indoors with food, but also animals kept in groups. For this purpose, larger boxes 1.3, 1.4 are connected to the automatic waterer 5. Reference symbol list 1 box 1.1 Box 1.2 Box 2 Pit Lane 3 rail 4 output units 5 automatic drinking troughs 6 Line 7 intermediate containers 8 outriggers 8.1 Swiveling boom 9.1 Pacifier 9.2 Pacifiers 10 Recognition system 11 valve 12 Water supply X Double arrow a distance Y double arrow Z direction of travel

Claims

[1] Device for supplying feed to animals kept in confined spaces (1 to 1.4) by means of at least one dispensing unit (4) arranged to be movable along the confined spaces with a dispensing element (9.1, 9.2), wherein a distance (a) between the dispensing element (9.1, 9.2) and the confined space (1 to 1.4) is variable, wherein the output element (9.1, 9.2) is arranged on a boom (8), characterized by , that the boom (8) is horizontally extendable / telescopic and is assigned to the output unit (4). [2] Device according to claim 1, characterized by , that the output element (9.1, 9.2) is designed as a collection station or is connected via a line (6) to a preparation station (5) for the feed. [3] Device according to claim 2, characterized by that a pump is switched on in the hose. [4] Device according to claim 3, characterized bythat the pump and the pump itself are assigned a suction sensor. [5] Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a heating device is assigned to the output element (9.1, 9.2) or the hose (6). [6] Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the delivery element (9.1, 9.2) is connected via a line to a movable intermediate container (7). [7] Device according to claim 6, characterized by that the intermediate container (7) is thermally insulated and / or heated. [8] Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that via a corresponding valve control (11) another feed, water or any substance to be administered to the animal can be supplied to the dispensing element (9.1, 9.2) instead of the one feed. [9] Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the dispensing unit (4) or the dispensing element (9.1, 9.2) is assigned a second system for supplying the animals with additional feed and / or water. [10] Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that recognition systems (10) are provided for the animals. [11] Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the output unit (4) is arranged to be movable on or attached to a rail (3). [12] Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a locking system is assigned to the output element (9.1, 9.2) and / or the output unit (4). [13] Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the dispensing unit (4) is associated with a device for determining the quantity of feed withdrawn. [14] Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the output element (9.1, 9.2) has a cleaning device assigned to it.

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