Animal entertainment device

Abstract

Animal entertainment device (1) comprising a tubular body (2), a support (3) passing through the tubular body (2) in its hollow part, allowing the device (1) to be attached to surfaces, and at least one retaining element (4) fixing the tubular body (2) to the support (3), the material of the tubular body (2) being a natural resin.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELDThe present invention relates to animal entertainment devices which promote stimulation and environmental augmentation, particularly to animal entertainment devices particularly suitable for animal stables.PRIOR ARTThe European animal habit guidelines define a number of standards and requirements intended to guarantee well-being and protection of the animals in different areas such as breeding, transport, slaughtering and use in trials. These policies are based on the recognition that animals are sensitive entities that can experience leid and food, and aims to ensure that they are treated prospectively and any form of unnecessary leid is minimized.In the context of materials used in the animal habit related industry, such as in the construction of infrastructure for housing animals or in the production of equipment for their care, the European guidelines impose certain requirements on the safety and quality of the materials. This includes, for example, that the materials used do not pose a risk to the health of the animals and do not cause injuries or unnecessary leide.In this sense, some devices used in the past may be considered to be unsuitable according to current animal habit standards. This may be due to several reasons, such as the use of materials which may be toxic to the animals, which may cause injury due to their design or composition, or which may prove unhealthy or unhygienic, which may impair the well-being and health of the animals, or which may not gain interest in the animals in the long term.Therefore, it would be convenient to have animal entertainment devices that meet the European animal habit standards. Preferably, animal entertainment devices useful for any animal animal animal to which other components may be optionally added that further enhance their applicability and effects for use on farm ovens should be available.The present invention provides a solution to this problem.DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIONThe invention relates to animal entertainment devices comprising a tubular body (2), a support (3) traversing the tubular body (2) in its hollow part, allowing the fixation of the device (1) to surfaces or elements, and at least one retaining element (4) fixing the tubular body (2) to the support (3), the material of the tubular body (2) being a natural resin.The arrangement of the various elements forming the animal entertainment device offers an integral solution which goes beyond merely offering entertainment. This design is expressed in a device that not only stimulates animals but also extends their natural environment, thus promoting more active and sedentuous behavior. In addition, by offering a variety of stimuli and interaction capabilities, the device promotes the physical and mental well-being of the animals, contributing to their general quality of life.It is important to note that the advantages of the device are not limited to stimulation and environmental augmentation. It is particularly useful in stall environments where the animals may be restricted in movement and access to natural stimuli. In this connection, the device provides a valuable area embodiment that helps combat the longwell, stress and other well-being problems associated with stable keeping. Moreover, offering additional physical and mental activity, it can contribute to improving the health and behaviour of the animals, creating a more satisfactory and healthy environment for their development, reproducing their animal instinct and reducing their aggressiveness. The device according to the invention is particularly suitable for use in pigs.Further features and advantages of the animal entertainment device subject of the present invention will become apparent from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment, which is illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the appended figures.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURESFig. 1 shows the animal entertainment device according to the invention, wherein the tubular body (2), a chain-shaped holder (3) and a retaining element (4) are shown.DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENTIn view of the figures mentioned and according to the numbering introduced, it is seen a preferred example of an embodiment of the invention comprising the parts and elements which will be detailed and described below.In Fig. 1 is shown the animal entertainment device (1) according to the invention, comprising a tubular body (2), a chain (3) traversing the tubular body (2) in its hollow part, and at least one retaining element (4) fixing the tubular body (2) to the chain (3), wherein the material of the tubular body (2) is a natural resin.The design of the tubular body (2) offers various configurations to suit the specific needs, including options such as, but not limited to, a cylindrical tube, a prismatic tube or an oval tube. Selection of material for the tubular body (2) is a critical aspect and is done carefully, prioritizing materials that are safe and appropriate for use with animals. In this sense, materials such as natural resins are chosen that meet the safety standards and are suitable for animals, ensuring the integrity and health of the animals interacting with the device. The natural resins used are selected, for example, from the group of natural rubber, gutta percha, colophony, terpene resins or mixtures thereof. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the natural resin is natural rubber. However, similar natural resins having the same properties as those mentioned above may be used.Moreover, it is important to emphasize that the material used for the tubular body (2) may contain flavours intended for animal nutrition and / or specific food supplements for satisfying the nutritional needs of the animals. These flavours and supplements are designed to improve the interaction of the animal with the device, resulting in a higher uptake capacity thereof. By incorporating these elements, it is aimed not only to draw the attention of the animals to the device, but also to promote their interest and active participation in the activities it offers. This approach not only extends the environment of the animals, but can also promote healthy behaviors and contribute to their general well-being.The flavors for animal food are selected from fruit flavors, citrus flavors, milk flavors, vanilla flavors, other food flavors or mixtures thereof. Fruit flavours provide a variety of sweet and refreshing flavours which can arouse the interest and appetite of the animals. Citrus flavours are themselves accepted for their stimulatory and revitalizing properties, while the milk flavours cause the familiarity and mood associated with the milk. Vanilla flavors with their soft and living scents can also be used to improve food acceptance and promote balanced nutrition. In addition to these individual options, personalized flavor mixtures can be generated to conform to the specific preferences of the animals and to optimize their food experience.There are various types of dietary supplements which can be used, including probiotics and prebiotics to maintain a healthy balance of intestinal bacteria, digestive enzymes to improve the digestive ability of the diet, vitamin supplements and minerals to provide full nutrition, essential fatty acids to promote cardiovascular health and quality of the meat, amino acids for muscle growth and antioxidants to protect cells from oxidative stress. Besides these individual options, food supplement mixtures can be created which can be used in the material of the tubular body (2).The tubular body (2) of the present invention can be produced by various industrial processes such as extrusion molding or single-mold molding. After its manufacture, the tubular body (2) can be subjected to various hardening processes to give it the desired properties. The design of the tubular body (2) must meet two important considerations: first, it must have a sufficiently small diameter to allow the animals to interact with it through bite, promoting their stimulation and environmental augmentation.The support (3) plays a bearing role in securing the tubular body (2) to a specific surface or structure. Its primary function is to ensure that the tubular body (2) remains accessible to the animals while securing the device to the desired surface, and can also allow some movement. This movement helps excite the interest and participation of the animals, thereby promoting their environmental enrichment and well-being. It is of decisive importance that the support (3) is sufficiently robust and resistant to withstand frequent use by the animals, thus ensuring the longevity and safety of the device in its environment. All in all, this component plays a bearing role in facilitating the interaction of the animals with the device, while at the same time providing a secure and reliable attachment.The at least one retaining element (4) plays a supporting role in securing the tubular body (2) to the holder (3), thus ensuring its stability and functionality. This component acts as a stop for the tubular body (2), enabling its movement without the risk of loosening. For example, in the case of a carabiner or other similar device, the retaining element (4) ensures that the tubular body (2) remains correctly fixed to the desired structure by means of the holder (3). The support (3) is selected from a chain, a cord, a metal tube or a metal profile. This configuration allows the tubular body (2) to move freely or swing freely, which can increase the interest and participation of the animals. All in all, the retaining element (4) plays a bearing role in the effective functioning of the device (1), ensuring that the tubular body (2) remains safe and stable, while allowing its proper movement for maintenance and stimulation of the animals.The details, shapes, dimensions and other related elements used in the animal entertainment device according to the invention may be suitably replaced by others which do not depart from the scope defined by the claims hereinafter incorporated.

Claims

Animal entertainment device (1) comprising a tubular body (2), a support (3) traversing the tubular body (2) in its hollow part, allowing the device (1) to be fixed to surfaces, and at least one retaining element (4) fixing the tubular body (2) to the support (3), wherein the material of the tubular body (2) is a natural resin.Animal entertainment device according to the preceding claim, wherein the natural resin of the material of the tubular body (2) is selected from natural rubber, gutta percha, colophony, terpene resins or mixtures thereof.Animal entertainment device according to the preceding claim, wherein the natural resin of the material of the tubular body (2) is natural rubber.Animal entertainment device according to claim 1, wherein the material of the tubular body (2) comprises flavours for animal food and / or dietary supplements for animal food.Animal entertainment device according to the preceding claim, wherein the flavours for the animal food are selected from fruit flavours, citrus flavours, milk flavours, vanilla flavours or mixtures thereof.Animal entertainment device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the tubular body (2) is a cylindrical tube, a prismatic tube or an oval tube.Animal entertainment device according to claim 1, wherein the holder (3) is selected from a chain, a cord, a metal tube or a metal profile.

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