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 for cattle restraint cages. Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for preferably backing cattle into a restraint means, for example a cage, a corridor or a tunnel, with the purpose of bringing the animal into a secure immobilization zone so that breeders and other personnel can safely provide care to the animal, while respecting the integrity of the animal. Previous context and techniques

[0002] Restraint methods such as cages, corridors, tunnels are used to immobilize a bovine or any other animals in livestock farms.

[0003] When it comes to providing care to the animal's rear end, 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 also presents inherent risks.

[0004] In some cases, to force animals to put their heads through a device called a restraint gate, it is necessary to restrain them when they do not want to move forward. This restraint causes stress and, in extreme cases, constitutes mistreatment.

[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 making cattle back up: US2015373943, US2017231186, CA2578663.

[0007] Patent CA2578663 describes a device for partially backing a bovine into a cage using physical restraint applied by mechanical means to the animal's neck and shoulders. It is external to the cage and does not fully insert the bovine into it.

[0008] US patent 2017231186 describes a device for backing up a cow in order to position and hold 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 feed trough towards it. If the cow wants to continue eating, it must maintain access to the trough by moving its muzzle back in time with the movement of the device. When the trough is under the animal's muzzle, it can no longer see it because it is in the shadow zone of its vision towards the ground. It is not the sight of the food moving under its muzzle that makes the animal back up, but its appetite. The animal uses The cow then uses its other senses to locate the food. The feeder is mobile on a support attached to the cage. The feeder is not designed to provide an exit for the cow to the front of the cage. The cow can only enter and exit laterally. This device can be used for milking cows, but it cannot be used for any treatment that requires restraining the animal lengthwise using a restraint device. Description of the invention

[0010] The present invention relates to a device for making cattle back into a restraint system 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, along 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 front field of vision of the animal, and in that it makes the animal back up 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 from it than to back up.

[0013] This method, which does not involve physical restraint, does not cause stress and therefore respects the animal's well-being. In the scientific community, this is referred to as the balance point for cattle (scientific references: Dr. Paul Rapnicki, Dr. Temple Grandin). This point corresponds to the point located at shoulder level, which can be observed by the fact that the animal will move backward if you are positioned in front of it, or forward if you are positioned 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 device backs away because the device is advancing towards it in its field of vision and represents a threat. It makes the animal back away by 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 when it has no other option to flee than to retreat.

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

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

[0018] According to one embodiment, the device includes an opening designed to allow the bovine's head 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 puts its head through the opening because the light passing through it stimulates the animal to do so.

[0019] According to one embodiment, said opening is equipped with means adjustable to all conformations of animals which totally or partially obstruct the environment around the opening, to prevent animals from passing all or part of their body (other than the head and neck) through it.

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

[0021] According to one embodiment, the device can laterally rotate around a vertical axis, on the means that support it, from its active position to an inactive position, all 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 operating mode, the device, by advancing in front of and towards the bovine, forces the bovine to come to rest at the zero point against the rear wall or the closed rear door. The device then moves the animal backward to press it against the rear wall or the rear door at the zero point, immobilizing it perfectly along the length of the restraint. This allows for safe intervention on the front parts of the animal (the animal does not pull back or slip in the cage) and also allows for safe intervention on the rear parts of the animal, without the animal being able to move or kick. These conditions are crucial for ensuring safe intervention. A well-restrained animal will allow most interventions to be carried out precisely, in the correct location on the animal, without risk of injury, stress, or unnecessary panic.This will be the case for administering injections, oral solutions, depositing products or vaccines in the nostrils, searching an animal, performing artificial insemination, ultrasounds, dehorning, tagging an animal (mandatory identification of 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 restraint means is adjustable according to the size of the animal which has entered the restraint means and it dispenses with the use of anti-recoil means to be put or operated on the rear of the animals.

[0024] According to one operating mode, in the initial phase, the device is positioned at the front of the restraint and provides sufficient length within the restraint to encourage the animal to move forward without feeling any pressure upon entry. Here, the device replaces the front gate of the restraint.

[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 operating mode, the opening of the device allows the bovine's head to pass through without the use of any gripping means to immobilize the head and without contact with the animal; it is a simple restraint. In this case, the animal's head is free to move. The aim of activating the device's movement is to move the animal back to the zero point without the device making contact with the animal, thus enabling interventions that do not require immobilizing the head.

[0027] According to one operating mode, the device can allow simple restraint up to the point of contact with the animal's neck. In this case, the device moves backward until it makes contact with the forelimbs (shoulders, end of the neck), and the rearward movement of the device moves the animal back to the zero point or rear gate for perfect restraint of the animal along the length of the restraint, thus allowing interventions that do not require immobilizing the head.

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

[0029] According to one embodiment, the device may be equipped with grasping means for immobilizing the animal's head. The grasping 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 puts its head through the opening because the light passing through it stimulates the animal to put its head through that opening.

[0030] Said device can retract until it comes into contact with the forelimbs (shoulders, end of the neck) so that the grasping means can perform their function and thus achieve perfect restraint of the animal lengthwise, the animal's head having passed through said opening of the device

[0031] According to one embodiment, the device will be equipped with a head-lifting grasping 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 that applies pressure to the neck to improve the restraint of the bovine's head. According to one operating mode, the position of the device along the length of the restraint can be preset to the desired length by the operator before the animal enters the restraint system to optimize its use.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the device is preferably operated manually to respect the welfare of the animal or automatically (with or without sensors that detect the position of the animal).

[0034] According to one embodiment, the device, with or without a means for immobilizing the animal's head, can be supplemented by a device facilitating the passage of the head, called a "slide," which guides the animal's head into the opening of the device and into the grasping means. Cattle tend to lower their heads defensively. As the device recoils, the bovine analyzes the source of the threat (referred to by those skilled in the art as pressure), that is, in this case, the recoiling movement of the device facing it. The animal will then try to direct its head into the only free space it sees. This free passage is the opening of the device because it has no way to escape when it is positioned at the zero point.This slide-like arrangement also helps to keep the animal's front legs behind the device to prevent it from passing through it, thus ensuring the safety of those involved.

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

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

[0037] On these drawings:

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

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

[0040] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a cattle restraint cage with an animal inside the restraint space and the rear door closed.

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

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

[0043] Figure 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 represents a profile 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 profile 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 lowered 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 represents 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] Figure 11 shows a front view of a cattle restraint cage, with an animal immobilized in the device (1)

[0049] Figure 12 shows a perspective view of the device (1) on these movement guides

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

[0051] Figure 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 represents 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 represents 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], one can see an overview of a restraint cage with the device (1).

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

[0056] Typically 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 for the passage of the bovine's head. The two elements (21, 22) of the wall may be solid, semi-solid or perforated.

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

[0059] The device (1) moves back and forth along all or part of the length of the restraint on four longitudinal supports (9, 10, 25, 26) [Fig. 12] and [Fig. 16] attached to the structure of the restraint. They are located approximately at the level of the upper level and the floor of the restraint. These longitudinal supports (9, 10, 25, 26) may correspond to the structure of the restraint for economic or technical reasons, but may also be part of a structure independent of the restraint. The longitudinal supports (9, 10, 25, 26) may be equipped with a 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 post (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 performing interventions on the animals (access to the head, neck - see [Fig. 5] and [Fig. 8]).

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

[0062] The device (1) will move on its support(s) (9, 10) by means such as hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders. In simpler 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 roller bearings (12) [Fig. 12] or casters, in order to reduce friction and noise. Other versions of the movement of the device (1) can be achieved with slides, for example: with two tubes, one fitting inside the other, with or without guide rollers or casters.

[0064] The ideal travel length of the device (1) on its supports (9, 10, 25, 26) will depend on the animals to be restrained. Dimensions will vary according to breed, country, and the type of behavior of the animals, depending on whether they are docile or quite wild, in order to have a sufficiently long restraint and encourage their movement or flight instinct.

[0065] According to [Fig. 2], the animal presents itself to enter the restraint device, the rear door being open. The animal can enter directly from the rear. of the restraint device or through a side entrance located in one of the walls of the restraint device. When the animal has entered the restraint device, 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) can be in its most forward position within the restraint or be located in an intermediate position. The objective is to leave sufficient distance to encourage an animal to enter the restraint without feeling oppressed. This safety distance will be adapted to the types of animals being handled. For small animals, the device (1) can be placed in a more rearward position within the restraint to avoid moving it over longer distances and to expedite the implementation of the invention.

[0067] Figure 4 schematically illustrates the recoil of the device (1) towards the animal. The device (1) is presented head-on to the animal, which will instinctively try to locate the danger. As the device (1) begins to move towards it, the animal will try to flee by backing away and will come to rest against the rear door (2), called the zero point of the device (1). The presence of the side walls of the restraint, containing the animal across its width (the side walls of the restraint are increasingly often adjustable in width to adapt to the morphology of the animals being restrained), prevents the animal from escaping. At this stage, the animal, unable to back away further while still being laterally restrained, has no other choice but to analyze the recoiling movement of the device (1) as it approaches it and to put 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 made easier when the elements (21, 22) of the wall fixed to the frame 13 and receiving the grasping means (3, 4) are solid or semi-solid, and when, consequently, the opening of the head passage in the wall of the device allows light to pass through, stimulating the animal to put its head through this opening. The frame (13) will preferably have a solid wall on its lower part (22) and a solid wall on its upper part (21) [Fig. 14].

[0069] The opening for the head to pass through the wall of the device may be fitted with width reduction means (18) [Fig. 12]. These width reduction means 18 prevent small animals from passing their bodies through the opening for the head to pass through the wall of the device.

[0070] The movement of the device (1) must stop at the end of the neck, resting on the animal's shoulders, to properly restrain it lengthwise and prevent any movement. This point is important for safely handling a bovine.

[0071] When properly restrained lengthwise, the animal will not be able to slip or pull back, thus preventing falls to the ground. This restraint method is suitable for all procedures performed on the front, rear, or sides of the animal being treated.

[0072] The present invention aims to guide an animal backward against a rear wall or door to the zero point, or in other words, the restraint is directed to the animal, thus avoiding forcing animals forward (which can lead to mistreatment in some cases). This configuration allows this new device to eliminate the need for anti-recoil devices. The absence of anti-recoil mechanisms makes it possible to design simpler restraint systems on the side walls or to avoid cluttering the upper level of the restraint system with pendulum-based anti-recoil systems centered within it. Sometimes, the deployment of anti-recoil devices can prove dangerous due to the sudden and unpredictable movements of animals.

[0073] Furthermore, the use of an anti-recoil system in conventional restraint methods forces animals to move forward or compress themselves forward, resulting in the rear parts of the animal being moved away from where intervention is required.

[0074] The elimination of the anti-recoil system made possible by the said invention provides easier access to the animals, which are less obstructed by such devices. Furthermore, since the animals are supported against a rear wall or door, at point zero, they are better restrained than when supported by a simple bar of a conventional anti-recoil device. The rear door, which is solid or semi-solid in its lower part, will act as a true barrier against kicks in the present invention, while leaving its upper part open or semi-open for interventions on the animals' rear ends. In the present invention, the person performing the intervention is positioned outside the restraint device and is free to move without risk of collision [Fig. 10].

[0075] The frame (13) pivots upwards about 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 stage of the restraint means, allows the frame (13) to be connected to the supports of the device's 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, or cams. A locking system (14) [Fig. 12] completes the assembly.

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

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

[0078] The receptacle for the head lifter (3) and the neck support (4) are fixed to 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 lifter receptacle (3) and the neck support (4) have an independent operation, each with its own guide (19,20) [Fig. 14].

[0080] To avoid injuring the animal, stops will prevent the head-lifting receptacle (3) and the neck support (4) from crushing it. Alternatively, a system with depth gauge sensors can be provided on the head-lifting receptacle (3) or on the neck support (4). Upon contact with each other, these sensors will stop the movement of the head-lifting receptacle (3) and the neck support (4). This latter arrangement will allow the head-lifting receptacle (3) or the neck support (4) to be raised or lowered interchangeably to bring the animal's head to the desired working height [Fig. 6] and [Fig. 7].

[0081] The frame (13) can be fitted with a locking mechanism (14) [Fig. 12] to secure the animal in the gripping means (3, 4). This locking mechanism (14) is fitted onto the uprights of the device (1). This locking mechanism (14) can be useful in the event of a failure of the means used to open or close the frame (13) on the device (1). This safety feature also makes it possible to resist the force exerted by the cattle, which, contained in the receptacle (3), raise their heads with full force in this posture and are supported against the rear wall without being able to slip.

[0082] The support on the neck (4) complements the head support provided 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 into 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 material and will have at least one inclined plane to center the animal's head and facilitate its insertion into the head lifter (3). This slide (5) is important because some cattle may refuse to lift their heads. In this case, the slide retrieves the animal's head from the bottom of the device (1) before the head lifter receptacle (3) begins to rise.

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

[0085] The operator has several options for releasing the animal from the restraint. An operator may decide to pivot the frame (13) upwards as soon as the head-lifting receptacle (3) and the neck support (4) no longer hold the animal's head [Fig. 15], without returning the device to the front of the restraint. In other cases, it will be preferable for the operator to return the device (1) to the front of the restraint sufficiently to create space for the animal and then activate the lifting mechanism of the frame (13) [Fig. 16]. All these configurations are possible thanks to the position of the axle (15) at the top of the restraint, which eliminates any vertical protrusions or supports on the frame (13) that would reduce the usable passage width for the animal or risk injuring it.

[0086] The other major advantage of this arrangement lies in the fact that its vertical recess in the ceiling of the restraint means that it is not necessary to open one of the restraint's side walls. Thus, the animal's exit is perfectly controlled regardless of the position of the device (1) within the restraint. A frame 13 that opened the passage for the animal like a conventional door would require either opening a side wall of the restraint to allow it to retract and leave the animal free to pass, or moving the frame (13) forward until it was completely removed from the restraint in order to open it.

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

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

[0089] The device (1) may not be equipped with grasping means (3, 4). In this case, the device comprises only a simple restraint allowing a passage for the animal's head through the device without immobilizing it. The animal is contained lengthwise, held backward against the zero point, and its head passes through the opening of the device (1) without being immobilized (head movements are possible up and down and laterally). The device (1) rests on the animal's shoulders, which is then only contained lengthwise. This type of immobilization is suitable only for operations on the rear or sides of the animal, while ensuring complete safety. Technical problems solved and advantages

[0090] The present invention is based on the observation of cattle behavior (ethology). We know that cattle will flee under the influence of a threat, also called pressure by those in the know. In this case, when pressure is applied to an animal restrained in a restraint, the animal will attempt to flee by backing away.

[0091] The device uses the animal's retreating behavior without requiring physical contact by creating pressure that moves the animal forward. This is the opposite of current cattle restraint methods where humans physically force the animals to move forward, sometimes resulting in mistreatment.

[0092] The technical problems solved and the resulting advantages are numerous: primarily, the device respects animal welfare because when the device moves towards the animal, the animal naturally retreats by instinct but without any physical constraint; it is easier to make an animal retreat using its natural behavior than to force it to move forward with rear means out of its field of vision; when the device is placed in front of the restraint means, it leaves enough space to encourage an animal to enter; the device makes the animal retreat to the rear wall or rear door of the restraint means, at which point it is immobilized in a restricted space along the length of the restraint means between the retreating device and the closed rear wall or door, and this prevents the animals from bolting or collapsing;The rear wall or rear door offers very good support which prevents the animal from slipping; interventions are easy and risk-free on the different parts of the animal; the handler is outside the restraint device and is free to move around; the presence of the anti-recoil system is no longer mandatory, thus eliminating its constraints and disadvantages, and all the risks due to its use for the handlers; the device is able, by moving along the length of the restraint device, to adapt to all sizes of animals, it is adjustable and pre-adjustable; the device can receive a head-lifting receptacle (3) and a neck support (4) which eliminate the disadvantages of a classic one- or double-leaf restraint door and do not compress the animal's neck laterally.

Claims

Demands

1. Device (1) for preferably backing up cattle, intended for use inside a restraint device (8) characterized: in that it comprises one or more opaque or semi-opaque elements (3, 4, 5, 13, 21, 22) which occupy all or part of the vertical section of the restraint device in such a way that they are in the animal's field of vision, in that it comprises means of movement (17), supports (9, 10, 25, 26), rolling means (12) or slides not shown, suitable for allowing the movement of said opaque or semi-opaque elements (3, 4, 5, 13, 21, 22) inside the restraint means, from front to back or from back to front of said restraint means, in all or part of the length of said restraint means, facing the animal, in the direction of the animal and in the animal's field of vision, in that said opaque or semi-opaque elements (3, 4, 5, 13, 21, 22) are capable of moving towards the animal and into its field of vision so as to make it retreat by instinct of flight, in that said device (1) comprises a horizontal axis of rotation (15) located at the top of the device (1) and at the level of the upper part of the restraint, and motor means (24) which cooperate to vertically raise said opaque or semi-opaque elements (3, 4, 5, 13, 21, 22) to a substantially horizontal position and substantially at the level of the upper part of the restraint, such that said opaque or semi-opaque elements (3, 4, 5, 13, 21, 22) no longer occupy, in whole or in part, the vertical section of the restraint (8), regardless of the position of the device (1) in all or part of the length of the restraint (8), so that said opaque or semi-opaque elements (3, 4, 5, 13, 21, 22) constitute an exit point at the front of the restraint (8) for the animal regardless of the position of the device (1) in all or part of the length of the restraint means (8).

2. Device (1) according to claim 1 characterized in that it has an independent structure not shown from the structure of the restraint means and in that its independent structure is suitable for being inserted into the structure of a restraint means.

3. Device (1) according to claim 1 characterized in that its structure is not independent of the structure of the restraint means (8) and in that it forms part of the structure of the restraint means.

4. Device (1) according to claim 2 characterized in that said supports not shown, capable of permitting the movement of said opaque or semi-opaque elements, are located substantially at the level of the upper stage of said restraint means and that said supports belong to the independent structure of said device.

5. Device (1) according to claim 3 characterized in that said supports (9, 10, 25, 26) suitable for allowing the movement of said opaque or semi-opaque elements (3, 4, 5, 13, 21, 22) are located substantially at the level of the upper floor of said restraint means and that said supports are fixed to the structure of said restraint means.

6. Device (1) according to claim 2 characterized in that said supports not shown, capable of permitting the movement of said opaque or semi-opaque elements, are located substantially at the level of the upper floor of said restraint means and substantially at the level of the floor of said restraint means, said supports belonging to the independent structure of said device.

7. Device (1) according to claim 3 characterized in that said supports (9, 10, 25, 26) suitable for allowing the movement of said opaque or semi-opaque elements (3, 4, 5, 13, 21, 22) are located substantially at the level of the upper floor of said restraint means and substantially at the level of the floor of said restraint means, said supports being fixed to the structure of said restraint means.

8. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that its movable structure is equipped with at least one vertical post 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 moves forward in the restraint means.

9. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that said front exit gate made up of said opaque or semi-opaque elements (3, 4, 5, 13, 21, 22) has an opening provided to allow the animal's head to pass freely.

10. Device (1) according to claim 9 characterized in that said front exit door made up of said opaque or semi-opaque elements (3, 4, 5, 13, 21, 22) 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 said opening provided to allow the animal's head to pass freely.

11. Device (1) according to claim 10 characterized in that said front exit gate made up of said opaque or semi-opaque elements (3, 4, 5, 13, 21, 22) comprises head grasping means (3, 4) suitable for allowing the passage of the animal's head through said opening provided to allow the animal's head to pass freely.

12. Device according to claim 11 characterized in that said head-gripping means comprise a head lifter (3).

13. Device (1) according to claim 12 characterized in that said head-gripping means comprise a support means (4) on the neck of the animal.

14. Device (1) according to claim 13 characterized in that the head lifter and the neck support means comprise means for moving and guiding them capable of operating independently of each other.

15. Device (1) according to claim 14 characterized in that said front exit door made up of said opaque or semi-opaque elements (3, 4, 5, 13, 21, 22) includes a slide (5).

16. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that the device is capable of being actuated with means for controlling the movements of manual mechanical elements or with means for controlling the movements of automatic mechanical elements.

17. Restraint means (8) comprising a device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

18. A method of implementing a restraint means (8) according to claim 17 characterized: • in that said opaque or semi-opaque elements (3, 4, 5, 13, 21, 22) of the device (1) are moved inside the restraint means (8) along all or part of its length, • and in that said opaque or semi-opaque elements (3, 4, 5, 13, 21, 22) of the device (1) are moved facing the animal in its direction and in its field of vision, obstructing all or part of the animal's field of vision, • and in that said opaque or semi-opaque elements (3, 4, 5, 13, 21, 22) of the device (1) are moved to make the animal retreat by flight instinct.

19. A method for implementing a restraint device (8) according to claim 18, characterized in that it comprises the following chronological steps: Initialization step: said front exit gate made up of the opaque or semi-opaque elements (3, 4, 5, 13, 21, 22) of the device (1) is positioned lengthwise along the restraint means (8) completely at the front of the restraint means, Step 1: The front exit door, consisting of the opaque or semi-opaque elements (3, 4, 5, 13, 21, 22), is closed. Step 2: The front exit gate, formed by the opaque or semi-opaque elements (3, 4, 5, 13, 21, 22), is positioned lengthwise along the restraint device (8) to adjust the clearance for the animal within the restraint device before the animal enters, taking into account the average size of the animals gathered for care or treatment. Step 3: The rear gate (2) of the restraint device is opened to allow an animal from the herd to enter. Step 4: Once the animal has entered, the rear gate (2) is closed, preventing the animal from backing out. step 5: said front exit gate formed by the opaque or semi-opaque elements (3, 4, 5, 13, 21, 22) of the device (1) is moved towards the animal, Step 6: The movement of said front exit gate, formed by the opaque or semi-opaque elements (3, 4, 5, 13, 21, 22) of the device (1), towards the animal is maintained until the animal is contained within the length of the restraint and the grasping means (3.4) can be applied to the animal; Step 7: Care or treatment is provided to the animal. step 9: the grasping means (3, 4) release the animal when the care or treatment is completed, step 10: said front exit gate formed by the opaque or semi-opaque elements (3, 4, 5, 13, 21, 22) is opened, Step 11: The animal exits the restraint device (8) through the front. Step 12: The front exit door, consisting of the opaque or semi-opaque elements (3, 4, 5, 13, 21, 22), is closed. Step 13: Return to step 2.

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