Recoil device on cattle restraint cage

Abstract

Device for backing cattle into a restraint. The invention relates to a device for backing an animal into a restraint. This device (2) is characterized in that it receives a frame (13) which includes means for grasping the animal's head (3, 4), and moves along all or part of the length of the restraint. This device is positioned in front of and facing the animal that has entered the restraint. By backing the device (2), the natural flight instinct of a bovine is used, which forces it to press itself against the rear wall (2) of the restraint, without any physical contact.

Description

Title of the invention: Recoil device on a cattle restraint cage Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for preferably forcing cattle back into a means of restraint, for example a cage, a corridor or a tunnel, with the aim of bringing the animal into a secure immobilization zone so that breeders and workers can provide care to the animal in complete safety, while respecting the integrity of the animal. Background and previous technique

[0002] Means of restraint such as cages, corridors, tunnels are used to immobilize a bovine or any other animals in farms.

[0003] When it comes to providing care to the rear of the animal, cages, tunnels, and restraint corridors require the installation of an anti-recoil device. An anti-recoil device requires several pieces of equipment, therefore time to install, and it also presents inherent risks.

[0004] In some cases, to force animals to put their heads through a device called a restraining gate, they must be forced when they do not want to move forward. These constraints cause stress and, in extreme cases, abuse.

[0005] Patent WO8502994A1 proposes a device for moving cattle forward by pushing them with physical constraint using mechanical means.

[0006] The following patents propose devices for reversing cattle: US2015373943, US2017231186, CA2578663.

[0007] Patent CA2578663 describes a device for partially backwardly forcing a bovine into a cage with physical constraint using mechanical means on the animal's neck and shoulders. It is external to the cage and does not force the bovine completely into the cage.

[0008] Patent US2017231186 describes a device for backing up a cow in order to position and maintain it in a milking stall with physical constraint using mechanical means and the animal's shoulders.

[0009] Patent EP3245866 describes a device for making a cow back up by moving a feeder towards it. If the cow wants to continue eating, it must maintain access to the feeder by moving its nose back in time with the device. When the feeder is under the animal's nose, it no longer sees it because it is in the shadow zone of its vision towards the ground. It is not the sight of the food moving forward under it that makes the animal back up, it is its appetite. The animal then uses its other senses to locate food. The feeder is movable on a support attached to the cage. The installation of the feeder is not intended to provide an exit passage for the cattle to the front of the cage. The cow can only exit and enter laterally. This device can be used for milking cows but it cannot be used for care that requires the animal to be contained within the length of a restraint. Statement of the invention

[0010] The present invention relates to a device for forcing cattle back into a means of restraint while respecting animal welfare.

[0011] The restraint means may be a cage, a corridor or a tunnel or any other means comprising side walls, a rear wall or door which we refer to as the "zero point". The invention indirectly acts as a front wall.

[0012] The device is characterized by the fact that it moves inside the restraint means, in all or part of its length, facing the animal and in its direction, without any physical contact with it, in that it is opaque or semi-opaque and that it blocks all or part of the animal's front field of vision, and in the fact that it makes the animal back away using its natural behavior when it has detected a threat in front of it, also called pressure, which is coming towards it and it has no other possibility of fleeing it than to back away.

[0013] This method, without physical constraint, does not cause stress and therefore respects the animal's well-being. In the scientific community, we speak of the balance point for cattle (scientific references: Dr. Paul Rapnicki, Dr. Temple Grandin). This point corresponds to the spike located at shoulder level and is observed by the fact that the animal will move backward if you are located in front of it or forward if you are placed behind it.

[0014] In the initial phase, the device is located at the front of the restraint means and is configured in front of the bovine when the latter enters the restraint means.

[0015] The bovine that has entered the restraint means backs away because the device is moving towards it in its field of vision and represents a threat to it. It makes the animal back away using the animal's natural behavior when it has detected a threat in front of it, also called pressure by those skilled in the art, which is coming towards it and it has no other option to escape than to back away.

[0016] The device may be incorporated into a means of restraint developed specifically for this purpose, or into an existing means of restraint to improve its effectiveness.

[0017] According to embodiments, to induce the animal to recoil, the device comprises at least one opaque or semi-opaque element such as a wall made of solid, semi-solid or openwork materials which occupies all or part of the section vertical of the means of restraint.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the device comprises an opening provided to allow the head of the bovine to pass freely. The opening is equipped with opaque or semi-opaque means adjustable to all animal conformations which completely or partially obstruct the environment around the opening. The animal passes its head into the opening because the light passing through it stimulates the animal to pass its head through this location.

[0019] According to one embodiment, said opening is equipped with means adjustable to all animal conformations which completely or partially obstruct the environment which is around the opening, to prevent animals from being able to pass all or part of their body (other than the head and the neck) there.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the device can pivot around a horizontal axis, on the means which support it, from its active position to an inactive position, all of its equipment towards the upper level of the restraint means in order to leave the animal a free passage so that it can exit from the front of the restraint means.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the device can pivot laterally around a vertical axis, on the means which support it, from its active position to an inactive position, all of its equipment to the right or to the left of the restraint means in order to leave the animal a free passage so that it can exit from the front of the restraint means.

[0022] According to one mode of operation, the device, by advancing in front of and towards the bovine, forces the bovine to come and settle at the zero point on the rear wall or on the closed rear door. The device makes the animal move backward to press it against the rear wall or the rear door at the zero point, and immobilizes it perfectly in the length of the restraint. It allows intervention on the front parts of the animal in complete safety (the animal does not pull at the fox, does not skid in the cage) and it also allows intervention on the rear parts of the animal in complete safety, without the latter being able to move or kick. These conditions are crucial to ensure safe intervention conditions. A well-contained animal will allow the majority of interventions to be carried out precisely, in the right place on the animal without risk of injuring it, without generating stress or unnecessary panic.This will be the case for administering injections, oral solutions, for placing products or vaccines in the nostrils, for searching an animal, performing artificial insemination, ultrasounds, performing dehorning, collaring an animal (compulsory identification by the ears), shearing all or part of the animal, taking blood samples from the tail, etc.

[0023] According to one mode of operation, the position of the device in the length of the The restraint is adjustable according to the size of the animal that has entered the restraint and it eliminates the need for anti-recoil devices to be placed or activated on the rear of the animals.

[0024] According to one mode of operation, in the initial phase, the device is positioned at the front of the restraint means and offers sufficient space in length within the restraint means which encourages the animal to move forward without it feeling any pressure when entering. Here, the device replaces the front door of the restraint means.

[0025] According to one mode of operation, in the case of simple operations not requiring perfect immobilization of the animal, the device will not be activated, such as in weighing operations (animal contained in an enclosed space).

[0026] According to one mode of operation, said opening of the device allows the passage of the head of the bovine without using gripping means to immobilize the head and without contact with the animal, it is a simple hindrance. In this case, the head of the animal is free to move. The aim sought in activating the movement of the device is to obtain the recoil of the animal without contact of the device with the animal up to the zero point and to be able to carry out interventions not requiring blocking of the head.

[0027] According to one mode of operation, the device can allow a simple restraint until it touches the neck of the animal. The device moves back in this case until it comes into contact with the forelimbs (shoulders, end of the neck) and the backward movement of the device moves the animal back to the zero point or rear door for perfect restraint of the animal in the length of the restraint means and thus allow interventions not requiring the blocking of the head.

[0028] According to one embodiment, said opening of the device can be equipped with a means for gripping the head of the bovine commonly called a restraining gate in the trade.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the device may be equipped with gripping means for immobilizing the animal's head. The gripping means of the device for immobilizing the animal's head allow the animal's head to pass through the opening of the device. The animal passes its head through the opening because the light passing through it stimulates the animal to pass its head through this location.

[0030] Said device can move back until it comes into contact with the forelimbs (shoulders, end of the neck) so that the gripping means can fulfill their function and thus achieve perfect lengthwise restraint of the animal, the head of the animal having passed through said opening of the device.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the device will be provided with a head-lifting gripping means, which picks up the head of the bovine from the bottom of the device until it is raised sufficiently for ergonomic interventions while respecting animal welfare.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the device can be supplemented by a gripping means which presses on the neck to perfect the support of the bovine's head. According to one operating mode, the position of the device in the length of the restraint means can be pre-set to the length desired by the operator before the animal enters to optimize use.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the device is preferably operated manually to respect the well-being of the animal or automatically (with or without sensors which locate the position of the animal).

[0034] According to one embodiment, the device with or without means for immobilizing the animal's head can be supplemented by a device facilitating the passage of the head called a "slide", and which will allow the animal's head to be guided into said opening of the device and into the gripping means. Cattle tend to put their heads down as a defense. When the device recoils, the cattle analyzes where the threat comes from (called pressure by those in the trade), that is to say in this case the backward movement of the device facing it in its direction, the animal will try to direct its head into the only free space that it sees. This free passage is said opening of the device because it has no possibility of fleeing when it is set on the zero point.This slide arrangement also allows the animal's front legs to be kept behind the device to prevent it from passing them through the device and thus ensuring the safety of those involved.

[0035] Other means for containing the animal are conceivable, such as, for example, supports at the withers or shoulders, to prevent it from rearing up. Embodiments of said invention

[0036] Other objectives, advantages and characteristics of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings. Drawings given by way of example, not limitation.

[0037] In these drawings:

[0038] [Fig. 1] shows a perspective view of a cattle restraining cage, with an animal waiting to enter

[0039] [Fig. 2] shows a perspective view of a cattle restraining cage, with the rear door open and an animal waiting to enter.

[0040] [Fig. 3] shows a perspective view of a cattle restraining cage with an animal having entered the restraining space and the rear door closed.

[0041] [Fig.4] shows a perspective view of a cattle restraint cage, with an animal contained in the cage and the device (1) activated towards the rear.

[0042] [Fig.5] represents a side view of a cattle restraint cage, with the head of the animal passed through the device (1) but not immobilized

[0043] [Fig. 6] shows a side view of a cattle restraint cage, with the animal's head passed through the device (1) and received in the head lifter (3) at working height.

[0044] [Fig.7] shows a side view of a cattle restraint cage, with the animal's head passed through the device (1) received in the head lifter (3) at working height and with the neck support means (4) activated.

[0045] [Fig.8] represents a side view of a cattle restraint cage, with an animal immobilized in the device (1) and a view of the head guide (5) called "slide" in the low position.

[0046] [Fig.9] represents a perspective view of a cattle restraint cage, with an animal immobilized in the device (1) and resting on the zero point, i.e. the rear door of the cage.

[0047] [Fig. 10] shows a rear view of a cattle restraint cage, with an animal immobilized in the device (1) and resting on the zero point, i.e. the rear door of the cage.

[0048] [Fig. 11] shows a front view of a cattle restraint cage, with an animal immobilized in the device (1)

[0049] [Fig. 12] shows a perspective view of the device (1) on these displacement guides

[0050] [Fig. 13] shows a top view of the device (1) on these movement guides.

[0051] [Fig. 14] shows a detailed view of the frame (13) receiving a wall having two elements (21, 22) on either side of an opening provided to allow the head of the bovine to pass through

[0052] [Fig. 15] shows a perspective view of the device (1) in the raised position to release the animal and set back on these movement guides.

[0053] [Fig. 16] shows a perspective view of the device (1) raised to release the animal in an advanced position on these movement guides.

[0054] Referring to [Fig. 1], an overall view of a restraint cage with the device (1) can be seen.

[0055] The restraint means which receives said invention may be a cage, a corridor or a restraint tunnel.

[0056] In a standard manner, the device (1) can be adapted to existing means.

[0057] The device (1) comprises a frame (13) which serves as a support for a wall having two elements (21, 22) located on either side of an opening provided to allow the head of the bovine to pass through. The two elements (21, 22) of the wall can be solid, semi-solid or openwork.

[0058] The frame (13) also supports gripping means comprising a head-lift receptacle (3) and a neck support (4) as shown in [Fig.11] and [Fig.12].

[0059] The device (1) moves back and forth and vice versa along all or part of the length of the restraint means on four longitudinal supports (9,10,25,26) [Fig. 12] and [Fig. 16] attached to the structure of the restraint means. They are located substantially at the level of the upper floor and at the level of the floor of the restraint means. These longitudinal supports (9,10,25,26) may correspond to the structure of the restraint means for economic or technical reasons, but may be part of a structure independent of the restraint means. The longitudinal supports (9,10,25,26) may be equipped with a rolling track.

[0060] The upper (9, 25) and lower (10, 26) longitudinal supports are preferably necessary to ensure good guidance and resistance to significant impacts due to the mass of the cattle. This arrangement allows the device to preferably have a structure equipped with at least one vertical upright (11) on each left and right lateral side of the restraint means, which does not obstruct access to the front parts of the animal for the purpose of carrying out interventions on the animals (access to the head, neck - see [Fig.5] and [Fig.8]

[0061] It is possible to envisage having only upper longitudinal supports to allow the device 1 to move.

[0062] The device (1) will move on its support(s) (9, 10) by being activated by means such as hydraulic or pneumatic jacks. In simple versions the device can be moved manually by the operators, without assistance.

[0063] For mechanical reasons and ease of movement, the device (1) moves on supports (9, 10) with either rollers (12) [Fig.12] or casters, in order to reduce friction and the noise generated. Other versions of the movement of the device (1) can be done with slides for example: with two tubes, one entering the other, with or without guide rollers or casters.

[0064] The ideal length of movement of the device (1) on its supports (9, 10, 25, 26) will depend on the animals to be contained. Dimensions vary according to the breeds and countries and the type of behavior of the animals, depending on whether the latter are docile or quite wild, to have a means of restraint long enough and encourage their advancement or flight instinct.

[0065] According to [Fig.2], the animal presents itself to enter the restraint means, the rear door being open. The animal can enter directly from the rear of the restraint means or via a side entrance located in one of the walls of the restraint means. When the animal has entered the restraint means, the rear door is closed so that the device (1) can come into operation, as shown in [Fig.3].

[0066] At this stage, the device (1) may be located in its most forward position within the restraint means or be located in an intermediate position. The objective is to leave a sufficient distance to make an animal want to enter a restraint means without it feeling oppressed. This safety distance will be adapted to the types of animals to be treated. For small animals, it may be envisaged to place the device (1) in a rearward position within the restraint means, to avoid moving it over longer distances and for speed of execution of said invention.

[0067] [Fig.4] shows schematically the recoil of the device (1) on the animal. The device (1) is presented frontally on the animal, the latter will instinctively seek to identify the danger. At the moment when the device (1) begins to move to come towards it, the animal will try to flee by moving backwards and the animal comes to rest on the rear door (2), called zero point of the device (1). The presence of the side walls of the restraint containing the animal over its width (the side walls of the restraint are increasingly often adjustable in width to adapt to the morphology of the animals to be contained), prevents it from fleeing. At this stage, the animal, no longer able to move backwards, while being contained laterally, has no other choice but to analyze the recoil movement of the device (1) which is coming towards it and to pass its head through the opening and into the gripping means (3,4) of the device (1).

[0068] The passage of the animal's head through the opening is all the easier if the elements (21, 22) of the wall fixed to the frame 13 and receiving the gripping means (3, 4) are solid or semi-solid and that consequently, the opening of the passage of the head in the wall of the device lets light pass through which stimulates the animal to pass its head through this location. The frame (13) will preferably support a solid wall on its lower part (22) and a solid wall on its upper part (21) [Fig. 14].

[0069] The opening for the passage of the head in the wall of the device may receive width reduction means (18) [Fig. 12]. These width reduction means 18 allow small animals not to pass their body through the opening for the passage of the head in the wall of the device.

[0070] The stroke of the device (1) must stop at the end of the neck resting on the shoulders of the animal to properly contain it in length and prevent it from making any movement. This point is important for working safely on a bovine.

[0071] Well contained in length, the animal will not be able to slip or pull the fox, which will prevent falls to the ground. This restraint is valid for all interventions taking place on the front, rear or sides of the animal to be treated.

[0072] The present invention aims to make an animal back up on a wall or back door at the zero point, or in other words, it is the restraint which goes to the animal and this to avoid forcing the animals to move forward (risk of mistreatment in certain case). This configuration allows this new device to no longer have to resort to anti-recoil means. This absence of anti-recoil makes it possible to design simpler means of restraint at the level of the side walls or to not clutter the upper level of the means of restraint with pendulum anti-recoil systems centered in the latter. Sometimes, the installation of the anti-recoil can prove dangerous due to the sudden and unexpected movements of the animals.

[0073] Furthermore, the use of an anti-recoil system in conventional restraint means forces the animals to move forward or compress themselves forward, with the consequence of moving away the rear parts of the animal on which intervention is required.

[0074] The elimination of the anti-recoil system permitted by said invention provides easier access to the animals, less encumbered by these devices. In addition, the animals being supported on a wall or rear door, point zero, are better contained than being supported on a simple bar of a conventional anti-recoil. The rear door which is solid or semi-solid in the lower part will be a real bulwark against kicks in the present invention, while leaving its upper part open or semi-open for interventions on the rear of the animals. In the present invention, the operator is located outside the means of restraint, and free to move without risk of colliding [Fig. 10].

[0075] The frame (13) pivots upwards around an axis (15) [Fig. 13] with all the equipment of the device (1). The horizontal configuration of the axis (15), located at the top of the device at the level of the upper level of the restraint means, makes it possible to connect the frame (13) to the supports of the device movement means (1). The frame pivots under the action of a jack (24) or any other means such as a winch, rope or cable on pulleys, cams. A locking system (14) [Fig. 12] completes the assembly.

[0076] The device (1) also functions as a door. The frame pivots upwards at the upper level of the restraint and thus releases the animal towards the front of the restraint. The door thus formed also serves to contain the animal when it enters the restraint and to close this space.

[0077] In the case of the present invention, the frame (13) supports the receptacle of a head lifter (3) and a means of support on the neck (4). The receptacle of the head lifter (3) picks up the head of the animal from the bottom of the device to raise it to a height corresponding both to postures in ergonomic situations for the operators, while respecting the natural bearing of the animal's head [Fig.8]. The head lifter receptacle (3) and the support on the neck (4) move vertically in guides or rails (19,20) [Fig.14] fixed on the frame 13. These guides or rails (19,20) are equipped with bearings or rollers. The travel of the receptacle of the head lifter (3) and the support on the neck (4) may be limited by end stops.

[0078] The receptacle of the head lift (3) and the neck support (4) are fixed on the frame (13), [Fig.12] for reasons of space and cost. This arrangement allows for greater access to the front parts of the animal, including the neck, where care is administered [Fig.7].

[0079] The head lift receptacle (3) and the neck support (4) operate independently, each with its own guide (19,20) [Fig. 14].

[0080] To avoid injuring the animal, stops will prevent the head lift receptacle (3) and the neck support (4) from crushing it or in another version a system with sensors on a depth gauge can be provided on the head lift receptacle (3) or on the neck support (4) which, when coming into contact with the other, will stop the travel of the head lift receptacle (3) and the neck support (4). This latter assembly will make it possible to raise or lower the head lift receptacle (3) or the neck support (4) indifferently to bring the animal's head to the desired working height [Fig.6] and [Fig.7]

[0081] The frame (13) can receive a lock (14) [Fig.12] to secure the animal's position in the gripping means (3,4). This lock (14) is housed on the uprights of the device (1). This lock (14) can prove useful in the event of failure of the means used to operate the opening or closing of the frame (13) on the device (1). This safety feature also makes it possible to resist the thrust of the cattle, which are contained in the receptacle (3) head lift while having full force in this posture and being supported on the rear wall without being able to skid.

[0082] The support on the neck (4) completes the holding of the animal's head by the receptacle (3) of the head lifter. A bovine whose head is only contained in the receptacle of the head lifter (3) can still move it upwards and prove dangerous during interventions.

[0083] To facilitate the passage of the animal's head through the opening in the wall of the device (1) and for it to be housed in the receptacle (3) of the head lifter, a means called a "slide" (5) [Fig.5] and [Fig.8] can be added to the receptacle (3) of the head lifter. This slide (5) will preferably be made of solid materials and will have at least one inclined plane to center the animal's head and facilitate its introduction into the head lifter (3). This slide (5) is important because some cattle may refuse to lift their heads. In this case, the slide picks up the animal's head from the bottom of the device (1) before the head lifter receptacle (3) begins to lift.

[0084] The release of the animal from the head-lift receptacle (3) and the neck support (4) is done by lowering the head-lift receptacle (3) and raising the neck support (4) by actions on their respective jacks (16, 23) or respective controls. At this stage the animal's head is free but the animal is still contained lengthwise between the rear door (2) zero point and the device (1).

[0085] The operator has several possibilities for releasing the animal from the restraint. An operator can decide to pivot the frame (13) upwards as soon as the receptacle head lift (3) and the neck support (4) no longer hold the animal's head [Fig. 15] and without bringing the device to the front of the restraint. In other cases, it will be preferable for the operator to bring the device (1) towards the front of the restraint sufficiently to clear space for the animal and then activate the lifting of the frame (13) [Fig. 16]. All these configurations are permitted thanks to the position of the axis (15) located at the top of the restraint to have no restraint or protrusion located vertically on the uprights of the frame (13), and which would reduce the useful width of passage for the animal or risk injuring it.

[0086] The other major advantage of this arrangement lies in the fact that the height clearance in the ceiling of the restraint means there is no need to open one of the side walls of the restraint.Thus, the exit of the animal is perfectly channeled whatever the position of the device (1) within the means of restraint. A frame 13 which would open the passage to the animal like a conventional door would require the opening of a side wall of the means of restraint to allow it to move aside and leave the passage free for the animal or to advance the frame (13) until it is completely out of the means of restraint in order to be able to open it.

[0087] The lifting of the frame (13) up to the ceiling of the restraint means will be provided by assistance from a hydraulic jack (24) [Fig. 13], or pneumatic or by simple mechanical means (winch, cams, rope).

[0088] The actuation of the head lift receptacle (3) and the neck support (4) will be provided by assistance from hydraulic (16,23) [Fig. 13] or pneumatic cylinders or by simple mechanical means (winch, cams, rope, etc.).

[0089] The device (1) may not be equipped with gripping means (3, 4). In this case, the device only comprises a simple restraint leaving a passage for the animal's head in the device without immobilizing it. The animal is contained lengthwise, pressed backwards on the zero point and its head passed through the opening of the device (1) without being immobilized (head movements possible up, down and laterally). The device (1) rests on the shoulders of the animal which is then only contained lengthwise. This type of immobilization is only suitable for all operations on the rear or sides of the animal, while being completely safe. Technical problems solved and advantages

[0090] The present invention is based on the observation of the behavior of cattle (ethology). We know that they will flee under the action of a threat also called pressure by those in the trade. In this case, by presenting pressure in front of an animal contained in a means of restraint, the latter will try to flee by moving backwards.

[0091] The device uses the animal's backward behavior without needing physical contact with it by creating pressure that moves forward in front of it. It is the opposite current restraints for cattle where humans physically force the animals to move forward, sometimes resulting in mistreatment

[0092] The technical problems solved and the advantages induced are numerous: firstly, the device respects animal welfare because when the device advances towards the animal, the latter naturally backs away by instinct but without any physical constraint; it is easier to make an animal back away using its natural behavior than to force it to move forward with rear means outside its field of vision; when the device is placed in front of the restraint means, it leaves sufficient space to make an animal want to enter; the device makes the animal back up to the rear wall or the rear door of the restraint means, it is at this moment immobilized in a restricted space in the length of the restraint means between the backing device and the closed rear wall or door and this prevents the animals from shooting at the fox, or from collapsing;the rear wall or the rear door offers very good support which prevents the animal from slipping; interventions are easy and without risk on the different parts of the animal; the operator is located outside the means of restraint, he is free to move freely; the presence of the anti-recoil system is no longer obligatory, thus eliminating its constraints and disadvantages, and all the risks due to its use for the operators; the device is capable, by moving along the length of the means of restraint, of adapting to all sizes of animals, it is adjustable and pre-adjustable; the device can receive a head-lift receptacle (3) and a support on the neck (4) which make it possible to no longer have the disadvantages of a conventional restraint door with one or two leaves and which does not compress the neck of the animals laterally.;

Claims

Claims

1. Device (1) for preferably reversing cattle intended to be used inside a restraining means (8) characterized in that it is opaque or semi-opaque, and in that it comprises means (12, 9, 10, 17, 25, 26) for moving it inside the restraining means, and in that its means for moving it moves it in all or part of the length of the restraining means, and in that its means for moving it moves it facing the animal, in the direction of the animal and in the field of vision of the animal, and in that its means for moving it moves it to reverse the animal without any physical contact with the animal,

2. Device according to claim 1 characterized in that it has a structure independent of the structure of the means of containment and in that its independent structure is introduced into the structure of the means of containment.

3. Device according to claim 1 characterized in that its structure is not independent of the structure of the means of containment and in that it is part of the structure of the means of containment.

4. Device according to claim 2 characterized in that it comprises supports on which it moves while facing the animal in its direction and in its field of vision, said supports being located substantially at the level of the upper level of said means of restraint and said supports belonging to the independent structure of said device.

5. Device according to claim 3 characterized in that it comprises supports (9, 25) on which it moves while facing the animal in its direction and in its field of vision, said supports being located substantially at the level of the upper level of said means of restraint and said supports being fixed to the structure of said means of restraint.

6. Device according to claim 2 characterized in that it comprises supports on which it moves while facing the animal in its direction and in its field of vision, said supports being located substantially at the level of the upper level of said means of restraint as well as substantially at the level of the floor of said means of restraint, said supports belonging to the independent structure of said device.

7. Device according to claim 3 characterized in that it comprises supports (9, 10, 25, 26) on which it moves while facing the animal in its direction and in its field of vision, said supports being located substantially at the level of the upper floor of said means of restraint as well as substantially at the level of the floor of said means of restraint, said supports being fixed to the structure of said means of restraint.

8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that its mobile structure is equipped with at least one vertical upright on its right lateral side (27) and at least one vertical upright (11) on its left lateral side relative to the direction in which the animal advances in the restraint means.

9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has an opening provided to allow the animal's head to pass freely.

10. Device according to claim 9 characterized in that it comprises a frame (13) which supports an opaque or semi-opaque wall on its lower part (22) and an opaque or semi-opaque wall on its upper part (21) on either side of the opening of the device provided to allow the animal's head to pass freely.

11. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said opening is equipped with opaque or semi-opaque means adjustable to all animal conformations which totally or partially obstruct the passage of light in the environment of the opening of the device intended to allow the animal's head to pass freely.

12. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said opening is equipped with means adjustable to all animal conformations which totally or partially obstruct the passage for all or part of the animal's body other than the head and neck in the environment of the opening of the device intended to allow the animal's head to pass freely.

13. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises head gripping means which allow the animal's head to pass through the opening of the device provided to allow the animal's head to pass freely.

14. Device according to claim 13 characterized in that it comprises a head lifter (3).

15. Device according to claim 14 characterized in that it comprises a support means (4) on the neck of the animal.

16. Device according to claim 15 characterized in that the head lifter and the means of support on the neck are actuated independently of each other.

17. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a slide (5).

18. Device according to claims 1 to 13 characterized in that it comprises a containment door.

19. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means which make it pivot with all its equipment resting on the means which support it around a horizontal axis (15) from its active position to an inactive position towards the upper level of the restraint means.

20. Device according to one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that it comprises means which make it pivot laterally with all its equipment resting on the means which support it around a vertical axis from its active position to an inactive position towards its right lateral side or towards its left lateral side relative to the direction in which the animal advances in the restraint means.

21. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device is operated manually or automatically.

22. A restraining means (8) comprising a device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 21.

23. Method for implementing a restraining means (8) according to claim 22 characterized in that the device (1) moves inside the restraining means (8) in all or part of its length, and in that the device moves while facing the animal in its direction and in its field of vision by obstructing all or part of the animal's field of vision, and in that the device moves to make the animal move back without any physical contact with the animal

24. Method of implementing a restraint means according to claim 23 characterized in that the device causes the animal to move back until it stops at the zero point on the rear wall or on the closed rear door (2).

25. Method of implementing the restraint means according to claim 24 characterized in that the device completes the restraint of the restraint means with a simple hindrance after its movement has been stopped when the animal has passed its head into the opening of the device and before the device comes into contact with the animal's forelimbs.

26. Method of implementing the restraint means according to claim 24 characterized in that the device completes the restraint of the restraint means with a simple hindrance after the animal has passed its head into the opening of the device and after the movement of the device has been stopped when it has come into contact with the animal's forelimbs.

27. ​​Method of implementing the restraint means according to claim 24 characterized in that the device completes the restraint of the restraint means by holding the head of the animal from below after its movement has been stopped when the animal has passed its head into the opening of the device and before the device comes into contact with the forelimbs of the animal.

28. Method of implementing the restraint means according to claim 24 characterized in that the device completes the restraint of the restraint means by holding the head of the animal from below after the animal has passed its head into the opening of the device and after the movement of the device has been stopped when it has come into contact with the forelimbs of the animal.

29. Method of implementing the restraint means according to claim 24 or 27 characterized in that the device completes the restraint of the restraint means by holding the head of the animal from above after its movement has been stopped when the animal has passed its head into the opening of the device and before the device comes into contact with the forelimbs of the animal.

30. Method of implementing the restraint means according to claim 24 or 28 characterized in that the device completes the restraint of the restraint means by holding the head of the animal from above after the animal has passed its head into the opening of the device and after the movement of the device has been stopped when it has come into contact with the forelimbs of the animal.

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