Livestock-specific controlled barn equipment system

Abstract

Livestock-specific controlled barn equipment system (2), with - a receiving unit (12) which is configured to receive behavioral data and / or status data (VD) from a sensor and transmission device (6) assigned to a farm animal, in particular an ear tag (8), - an evaluation unit (10) which is designed to determine a behavior or condition (V) of the farm animal based on the received behavioral data and / or condition data (VD), - a control device (18) which is designed to control a stable device (4) in an animal-specific manner based on the specific behavior or condition (V) of the farm animal.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a livestock-specific controlled barn equipment system. Basic approaches to controlling barn equipment are known from the prior art, which are based on triggering a corresponding control process with regard to the barn equipment based on manually defined criteria, such as a time or a date.

[0002] Furthermore, US patent 8,132,538 B1 discloses the ability to attach an RFID transponder to a farm animal and identify the animal based on this transponder. If the presence of such an RFID transponder—and thus of the farm animal—is detected in a barn area, a barn fixture, such as a gate, can be controlled depending on the presence of the respective animal. More comprehensive control approaches for barn fixtures are not yet widespread.

[0003] More recently, the technology for monitoring livestock has been continuously developed in parallel. An approach that uses sensors located in the barn area is known from DE 10 2014 017 435 A1. Furthermore, electronic ear tags, as known from DE 20 2021 000 191 U1, offer health monitoring functions, GPS tracking of the ear tag, and wireless data transmission capabilities. The collected data can be analyzed, and attempts can be made to estimate, for example, a sow's due date from the available information. Another system for estimating the birthing process is known from WO 2009 / 074153 A1.

[0004] The collected data is made available to veterinarians or stable staff. For example, if an approaching due date is determined, the animal is prepared accordingly, using stable equipment such as a restraint system to secure the animal for birth. This restraint system is operated manually by the staff.

[0005] Even when livestock monitoring technology is used in a barn, the need for constant staff availability to operate the equipment—for example, to restrain an animal—prevents optimal use of the barn facilities. In practice, therefore, even with livestock monitoring technology, optimal use of the barn facilities cannot always be guaranteed for practical and logistical reasons. The same applies, for example, to restraining animals during estrus, when a sow can become pregnant. Here, too, optimizing restraint times—and thus optimizing the use of the barn facilities—is desirable.

[0006] Against this background, the invention was based on the objective of further developing a livestock-specific controlled barn equipment system of the type mentioned above in such a way as to eliminate the disadvantages found in the prior art as far as possible. In particular, a system was to be provided that enables improved control of barn equipment and an increase in animal welfare.

[0007] The invention solves the problem described above by providing the barn equipment system with a receiving unit which is configured to receive behavioral and / or status data from a sensor and transmission device assigned to a farm animal, in particular an ear tag, an evaluation unit which is configured to determine a behavior or a status of the farm animal based on the received behavioral and / or status data, and a control unit which is configured to control a barn equipment in an animal-specific manner based on the determined behavior or status of the farm animal.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the stable equipment system has at least one sensor and transmission device which is configured to determine behavioral data and / or condition data of the farm animal and to send the determined behavioral data and / or condition data to the receiving unit, wherein the sensor and transmission device can be arranged on the body of a farm animal and uniquely identifies the farm animal, in particular wherein the sensor and transmission device has an accelerometer and / or a temperature sensor.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the controlled stable equipment is at least one of the following: access system to a pen or stall, for example an isolation pen or a sick pen, marking device for marking a farm animal, restraint device for restraining the farm animal, feeding system, stable climate control device, in particular ventilation device, cooling system and / or heating system.

[0010] The marking device preferably allows for the marking of farm animals. The marking device facilitates the easier location of a farm animal and enables, for example, its rapid isolation, such as from piglets or other members of the same species.

[0011] The barn climate control system is preferably designed and configured to control the barn climate based on the measured body temperature of one or more farm animals. For example, if the animals' body temperature rises, particularly as detected by ear tags, the cooling system can be activated, which can be especially advantageous during the summer months. Similarly, a drop in the animals' body temperature can indicate an insufficient barn temperature, in which case the heating system can be activated.

[0012] The system according to the invention utilizes the fact that behavioral and / or condition data of the farm animal can be determined via the sensor and transmission device on the animal's body. Based on the determined behavioral and / or condition data, a behavior or condition of the farm animal can then be determined, for example, an estimation regarding an impending farrowing of the sow. Subsequently, one or more barn systems can be controlled in a farm animal-specific manner based on the determined behavior or condition of the farm animal.

[0013] For example, based on the collected behavioral and / or condition data, a rolling probability of birth can be estimated for each animal. This probability can be based on a classification of nest-building behavior, the detection of other signs of birth, the detection of disease-related signs, or the detection of other important physiological states, such as estrus.

[0014] If a high probability of imminent farrowing has been determined, a pen or a restraint device in the form of a farrowing crate can be controlled so that it closes automatically after the sow enters. In this way, the sow can be automatically restrained using the restraint device once the time of imminent farrowing has been estimated. This prevents the sow from being restrained too early and thus positively impacts animal welfare. The restraint process is independent of staff availability and intervention.

[0015] This reduction of restraint time to the absolute minimum is therefore advantageous because, in preparation for farrowing, it has been common practice to restrain farm animals for a relatively long period during the critical period of birth to avoid potential complications. However, this practice leads to a number of negative effects on the animals' welfare. Early restraint, often days before the actual birth, forces pregnant sows into a restricted environment that severely limits their natural behaviors. This restriction can lead to stress, anxiety, fear, and physical discomfort in the animals. Furthermore, the restricted movement prevents the sows from fulfilling their natural nesting instinct, an important behavior that occurs immediately before farrowing.Prolonged confinement can also lead to health problems, such as muscle atrophy and joint problems due to lack of movement. Furthermore, isolation from other animals can cause social tension and additional stress. These factors contribute to a reduction in overall animal welfare. Therefore, it is desirable to use confinement only when and for as long as absolutely necessary, which is achieved with the system according to the invention.

[0016] As explained, the system is not limited to the birthing process, but generally allows the farm animal-specific control of one or more stable facilities based on a specific behavior or condition of the farm animal.

[0017] A livestock-specific control system for a barn system, as defined in this application, refers to the control of a barn system based on the specific behavior or condition of the livestock. In other words, such a control system differs from systems where only an RFID tag is assigned to a livestock animal and, for example, gates are opened and closed individually for each animal. According to the system according to the invention, the process always includes the acquisition of behavioral and / or condition data, the determination of the livestock's behavior or condition based on this behavioral and / or condition data, and the subsequent animal-specific control of the control device based on this behavior or condition.

[0018] The system is further developed by the fact that the controlled stable equipment includes: access system to a pen or stall, in particular an isolation pen or a sick pen, marking device for marking the farm animal, restraint device for restraining the farm animal, in particular in a farrowing pen or in a farrowing crate, stable climate control device, in particular ventilation device, cooling system and / or heating system, feeding system, in particular feed quantity and / or feed mass flow and / or feed volume flow and / or feed mixture.

[0019] Preferably, controlling the barn equipment involves moving a movable element of the barn equipment using an actuator. This could be a door, a flap, an arm, an access system, a guidance system for directing livestock to a specific area, or the like. Overall, this enables universal control of any peripheral barn equipment.

[0020] The barn equipment is preferably controlled automatically. This eliminates the need for on-site personnel to operate the equipment.

[0021] Controlled housing systems can generally grant or deny access to a pen or stall. Furthermore, they can include marking devices and restraint devices, such as those used to restrain sows during farrowing. Additionally, the system is designed to incorporate a feeding system as controlled housing equipment, allowing for the individual control of feed quantity, feed mass, feed flow rate, and feed mixture (also referred to as feed composition) based on specific animal behavior or condition. Control of the feed mixture can also include the ability to control the addition of feed additives.

[0022] Furthermore, a controlled barn system can be provided, including a barn climate control system. This can comprise ventilation equipment or cooling and heating systems.

[0023] According to one embodiment, if the animal's behavior or condition is interpreted as indicating that it is giving birth or is about to give birth, a restraint device in the farrowing pen or farrowing crate is activated. This prevents the sow from leaving the farrowing pen or crate on her own once she has entered it. In this way, the sow is effectively restrained.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the sensor and transmission device is integrated into an ear tag that is attached to the farm animal. This ensures that the sensor data is always recorded individually for each animal and directly on the farm animal.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the determination of a farm animal's behavior or condition is based on the acquired behavioral and / or condition data using at least one of the following methods: pattern recognition, machine learning, algorithm, lookup table, neural network, or statistical analysis. For example, an algorithm or lookup table can be used that directly relates the behavioral and / or condition data to a specific behavior or condition of the farm animal. Thus, based on certain acceleration data, a nest-building behavior of a particular animal could be detected, or an impending birth could be identified based on changes in body temperature. Such correlations can also be established using known pattern recognition methods or machine learning. Neural networks can also be employed in this context.

[0026] A neural network is a machine learning program or model that makes decisions similarly to the human brain by using processes that mimic how biological neurons work together to identify phenomena, weigh options, and draw conclusions. Such a neural network preferably consists of layers of nodes or artificial neurons—an input layer, one or more hidden layers, and an output layer. The neural network preferably relies on training data to learn and improve its accuracy over time. Evaluation can then be supported or performed using machine learning to enable the detection of nonlinear patterns indicative of the described behaviors.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the behavioral and / or state data includes at least one of the following: acceleration, in particular the acceleration profile over a period of time, the animal's body temperature, the ear tag temperature, and the animal's position. The described data have proven particularly suitable for estimating, for example, the timeframe for an impending farrowing in a sow. From specific acceleration and body temperature profiles, a probability of an impending farrowing can be determined. This determination can also be performed on a farm-specific basis by using acceleration and temperature profiles from previous farrowings as training data for the neural network. Patterns can preferably be identified from the training data and / or historical data, based on which farrowing probabilities can be determined.The temperature of the ear tag allows conclusions to be drawn about the animal's body temperature. Furthermore, the sensor and transmission device can be located relative to the receiver unit, thus determining the animal's position.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the behavior or condition of the farm animal includes the time of estrus, an indication of an impending or ongoing birth, nesting behavior, or aggressive behavior. Such aggressive behavior can be characterized, for example, by a high body temperature or comparatively high acceleration values.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the behavior or condition of the farm animal may also include a physiological disease state, wherein the physiological disease state includes: lameness, fever, injury, and other symptoms of illness. For example, if a physiological disease state is detected, then barn access systems can be switched accordingly so that the farm animal can be moved, for example, to an isolation area.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the behavior or condition of the farm animal can relate to its feeding behavior. This is characterized, for example, by the duration and / or frequency of feeding. According to another embodiment, the behavior or condition of the farm animal can relate to successful artificial or natural insemination, with these conditions being characterized by specific animal behavior.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the behavior or condition of the farm animal is determined in one, several, or all of the following barn areas: farrowing pen, breeding area, and gestation pen. It is clear that the system is applicable in different areas and barn sections. In each area, a different event is relevant. For example, in the farrowing area, it could be birth; in the breeding area, estrus; and in the gestation pen, illness, injury, or aggressive behavior. The corresponding events can be combined and are not limited to the described location. Subsequently, a measure, such as the control or regulation of barn equipment, is taken depending on the respective area. For example, such a measure could be the temporary isolation or marking of the animal, for instance, to protect piglets or to facilitate the animals' location.

[0032] According to one embodiment, if a sow is detected as being in heat, a restraint device is activated. This device is designed to restrain the sow, and sows not detected as being in heat are not restrained. Such a method could be used, for example, in a breeding center. If insemination is taking place in a free-range system, the animals can be restrained as soon as heat is detected. Sows that have already been inseminated would be excluded, making it easy for the farmer to identify which sows still need to be inseminated.

[0033] According to one embodiment, if a sow is found to exhibit aggressive behavior or condition, she is kept or restrained in an individual pen, particularly with the piglets born to her being given access to group housing. In the case of a clearly aggressive sow or an inexperienced gilt, the sow can either be kept in the individual pen for a longer period for the benefit of the piglets or restrained again in the individual pen, while the piglets are already given access to group housing.

[0034] According to one embodiment, if the behavior or condition of the farm animal is determined to be a physiological disease state, the farm animal is guided into a disease pen by means of stable equipment, which has an access control system that allows or blocks access to the disease pen depending on the physiological disease state.

[0035] Animal-specific control of barn equipment can, for example, be achieved generally via a relay that is switched based on the animal's behavior or condition. This enables universal control of any peripheral barn equipment.

[0036] The invention is described in more detail below with reference to preferred embodiments and the accompanying figures.

[0037] This shows: Fig. 1 a block diagram of a method carried out by the control device according to the invention; and Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a livestock-specific controlled barn equipment system.

[0038] Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows a method 100 for the livestock-specific control of a in Fig. 2 schematically represented stable equipment 4. The procedure 100 is executed by the control unit 18. The procedure 100 comprises the following steps: 102 providing a sensor and transmission device 6 to the carcass of a farm animal, wherein the sensor and transmission device 6 uniquely identifies the farm animal, 104 determining behavioral data and / or state data VD of the farm animal using the sensor and transmission device 6, 106 determining a behavior or state V of the farm animal based on the determined behavioral data and / or state data VD, 108 controlling one or more stable devices 4 in a farm animal-specific manner, based on the determined behavior or state V of the farm animal.

[0039] Fig. Figure 2 schematically shows a livestock-specific controlled barn equipment system 2. The livestock-specific controlled barn equipment system 2 comprises a receiver unit 12, a database 20, an evaluation unit 10, and at least one control unit 18. Furthermore, the barn equipment system 2 comprises at least one sensor and transmission unit 6. The receiver unit 12 is configured to receive behavioral data and / or status data VD from a sensor and transmission unit 6 assigned to a livestock animal, in particular an ear tag 8. The evaluation unit 10 is configured to determine a behavior or status V of the livestock based on the received behavioral data and / or status data VD. For this purpose, the evaluation unit 10 is connected to a database 20, in which, for example, patterns or historical data may be stored.The evaluation unit 10 can use machine learning and / or pattern recognition to determine the animal's state V from behavioral and / or condition data VD. The control unit 18 is configured to control a stable system 4 in an animal-specific manner based on the animal's specific behavior or condition V.

[0040] The sensor and transmission device 6 is configured to acquire behavioral and / or status data VD of the farm animal and to transmit the acquired behavioral and / or status data to the receiving unit 12. The sensor and transmission device 6 is arranged on the animal's body and uniquely identifies it. The sensor and transmission device 6 can, for example, include an accelerometer 14 and a temperature sensor 16. As shown in Fig.As shown in Figure 2 by way of example, each control device 18 preferably controls one stable device 4, for example a relay or an actuator of a stable device 4. The stable device 4 can be, for example, an access system to a pen or a stall, a marking device for marking a farm animal, a restraint device for restraining the farm animal or a feeding system. Reference symbol list 2 Stable equipment system 4 Stable equipment 6 Sensor and transmission equipment 8 ear tags 10 Evaluation unit 12 receiver units 14 Accelerometer 16 Temperature sensor 18 Control unit 20 database 100 methods for controlling stable equipment 102 Provision of a sensor and transmission device 104 Determining behavioral and / or condition data of the farm animal 106 Determining a behavior or condition of the farm animal 108 Taxes of one or more stable facilities VD behavioral data and / or status data V Livestock behavior or livestock condition QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 8,132,538 B1

[0002] DE 10 2014 017 435 A1

[0003] DE 20 2021 000 191 U1

[0003] WO 2009 / 074153 A1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Livestock-specific controlled housing system (2), with - a receiving unit (12) which is configured to receive behavioral data and / or status data (VD) from a sensor and transmission device (6) assigned to a farm animal, in particular an ear tag (8), - an evaluation unit (10) which is designed to determine a behavior or condition (V) of the farm animal based on the received behavioral data and / or condition data (VD), - a control device (18) which is designed to control a stable device (4) in an animal-specific manner based on the specific behavior or condition (V) of the farm animal. [2] Stall equipment system (2) according to claim 1, wherein the stall equipment system (2) comprises at least one sensor and transmission device (6) which is configured to determine behavioral data and / or status data (VD) of the farm animal and to send the determined behavioral data and / or status data (VD) to the receiving unit (12), wherein the sensor and transmission device (6) can be arranged on the body of a farm animal and uniquely identifies the farm animal, in particular wherein the sensor and transmission device (6) comprises an acceleration sensor (14) and / or a temperature sensor (16). [3] Stall equipment system (2) according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the controlled stall equipment (4) is at least one of the following: - Access system to a pen or stall, for example an isolation pen or sick pen, - Marking device for marking the farm animal, - Restraint device for restraining the farm animal, - Feeding system, - Barn climate control equipment, in particular ventilation equipment, cooling system and / or heating system. [4] Stall equipment system (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, in the event that the behavior or condition (V) of the farm animal is assessed as giving birth or an imminent birth, a restraint device of a farrowing pen or a farrowing crate is activated as stall equipment (4), wherein the restraint device is configured to restrain the sow. [5] Stall equipment system (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the determination (106) of a behavior or condition (V) of the farm animal on the basis of the determined behavioral data and / or condition data (VD) is carried out on the basis of at least one of the following: - Pattern recognition, - machine learning, - Algorithm, - Look-up table, - neural network, - statistical analysis. [6] Stall equipment system (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the behavioral data and / or status data (VD) comprise at least one of the following: - Acceleration, in particular the acceleration profile over a period of time, - Body temperature of the farm animal, - Temperature of the ear tag (8), - Position of the farm animal. [7] Stall equipment system (2) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising the behavior or condition (V) of the farm animal: - Noise time, - Estimation regarding impending birth or ongoing labor process, - Nest building behavior, - aggressive behavior, - Feeding behavior, in particular feeding duration and / or feeding frequency, - successful artificial insemination, - successful natural fertilization. [8] Stall equipment system (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the behavior or condition (V) of the farm animal comprises a physiological disease state, and wherein the physiological disease state comprises: - Lameness, - Fever, - Injury, - further symptoms of illness. [9] Stall equipment system (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the determination of the behavior or condition (V) of the farm animal takes place in one, several or all of the following stall areas: - Farrowing pen, - Deck equipment, - Waiting stall. [10] Stall equipment system (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the event that estrus, in particular in a breeding facility, is determined as the behavior or condition (V) of the farm animal, a restraint device is activated as the stall equipment (4) which is designed to restrain the sow, in particular wherein sows in which estrus is not determined as the behavior or condition of the farm animal are not restrained by the restraint device. [11] Stall equipment system (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the event that aggressive behavior is determined to be the behavior or condition (V) of the farm animal, the sow is kept or confined in a single pen, in particular wherein the piglets born to the sow are given access to group housing. [12] Stall equipment system (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, in the event that a physiological disease state is determined as the behavior or condition (V) of the farm animal, the farm animal is guided into a sick pen by means of stall equipment (4), which, in particular as a further stall equipment (4), has an access control system which allows or blocks access to the sick pen depending on the physiological disease state.

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