Pregnancy to reduce stress-related behavior in pets

Abstract

The present invention relates to an enclosure, such as a pen or livestock trailer, defining an area suitable for housing domestic animals, in which said enclosure comprises one or more fog-generating units for generating fog from a composition containing pheromones suitable for calming said domestic animals, each fog-generating unit being configured to generate droplets having an average diameter of less than 50 µm, and in which said or at least one of said fog-generating units is disposed inside or near the enclosure such that, within a coverage area of ​​said corresponding unit, the fog is emitted from a minimum emission height relative to the ground of said area to allow said fog to reach the face of each of said domestic animals placed within its coverage area, regardless of their posture. [Fig. 1]

Description

Title of the invention: Enclosure for reducing stress-related behavior in domestic animals. Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to an enclosure whose original design makes it possible to reduce stress, anxiety and aggression in domestic animals. Previous technique

[0002] Pig production is one of the most important sectors of livestock farming.

[0003] Pork meat represents about one third of world meat production.

[0004] Even though per capita meat consumption tends to decrease in high-income countries, global demand continues to grow.

[0005] Thus, in order to meet consumer demand for animal protein, most pigs are raised under intensive conditions.

[0006] Overall, current pig production systems perform well in terms of animal health, but animal welfare can still be improved.

[0007] For example, smaller piglets at weaning require extra attention and care as they may have difficulty adjusting to weaning.

[0008] Piglets in fattening facilities are kept indoors and raised in pens.

[0009] As a general rule, several piglets are housed in the same pen, with feeders and water placed in separate areas of the pen to encourage the pigs to exercise.

[0010] However, the piglets are raised in smaller spaces than they would normally occupy if left in the wild.

[0011] In addition, artificial groups of piglets are created and it is not uncommon for piglets to be mixed at different stages of production.

[0012] This can have a negative influence on social interactions and cause anxiety and stress in piglets, leading to aggression within the group.

[0013] Different types of aggressive behavior have been reported.

[0014] For example, a piglet may bite a small piece of flesh off another piglet, including the tail (behavior known as aggressive biting), or may chase another piglet which may then adopt a flight behavior (behavior known as aggressive chasing), or even, may headbutt another piglet (behavior known as aggressive headbutting).

[0015] These aggressive behaviors can all be found together when two piglets fight, as well as a production of high-pitched vocalizations.

[0016] The tasks of the establishment's staff, or other humans, are also made more complex because piglets are generally not used to new experiences and, in particular, to human handling.

[0017] Anxiety and stress in piglets must therefore be taken into account to improve their welfare.

[0018] Their food consumption will therefore also increase.

[0019] The same applies to ruminants.

[0020] The prior art allows the use of pheromone compositions to reduce stress and anxiety in animals.

[0021] By definition, pheromones are chemical substances released by a living body that send information and thus cause a predictable reaction in another individual of the same species.

[0022] This pheromone composition can be implemented in different ways depending on the animal whose behavior one wishes to modify.

[0023] For example, it can be applied to an object such as a mat, a portable device such as a collar,... or simply applied directly to the animal's fur or skin, for example in the form of a gel, lotion, shampoo or cream.

[0024] Administration can also be carried out by diffusion of the pheromone composition or by spraying in the facial region or on the head of the animal.

[0025] Although likely to give good results, it should be noted that, to the applicant's knowledge, the said known methods of administering a pheromone composition are intended for the treatment of only one animal.

[0026] However, the known methods are clearly not suitable for calming a plurality of domestic animals such as pigs or piglets.

[0027] There is therefore an urgent need for an enclosure of original design that can effectively alleviate stress-related symptoms in a large number of domestic animals. Object of the invention

[0028] The present invention aims to mitigate the drawbacks of the prior art by proposing an enclosure to reduce stress-related behavior in a plurality of domestic animals, which is simple in its design and mode of operation, reliable and capable of simultaneously administering an effective amount of a pheromone composition having a calming effect on said domestic animals.

[0029] Another object of the present invention is to provide such an enclosure which is capable of accompanying part of the growth of said domestic animals if necessary or to work with pets that are not of a predefined average size.

[0030] Another object of the present invention is to propose a method of raising domestic animals in stalls, which improves their well-being by effectively reducing their stress and anxiety throughout their stay in said stalls.

[0031] The present invention makes it possible to achieve these objectives and others, as shown in the brief description of the invention, the description of preferred embodiments and the claims. Description of the invention

[0032] To this end, the invention relates to a method for reducing stress-related behavior in domestic animals housed in animal housing such as an enclosure, stall or livestock vehicle. According to the invention, the following steps are carried out: - production of at least one fog of a composition comprising pheromones suitable for calming said domestic animals, at least one fog comprising droplets having an average diameter of less than fifty (50) pm, and preferably between five (5) and ten (10) pm, - said at least one fog being directed in at least one direction to cover at least one area of ​​said dwelling and at least part of said at least one fog or at least one of said fogs being emitted from a minimum emission height relative to the floor of said animal dwelling, enabling said at least one fog to reach the face of each of said domestic animals, regardless of its position.

[0033] The domestic animal may be in a standing, lying down or moving position.

[0034] Advantageously, it is sought that these droplets reach, directly or by fall, the face (the nasal cavities and the mouth) of said domestic animal so that the droplets reach the vomeronasal organ of said domestic animal by inhalation.

[0035] By way of example, a first fog can be emitted from a minimum emission height relative to the floor of said animal housing, the fog-generating unit emitting said first fog being elevated above the floor of said animal housing and arranged so as to be placed above any domestic animal positioned in said animal housing, so that the droplets of said first fog reach, directly or by fall, the face of each of these domestic animals, regardless of its position. A second fog can be emitted from another fog-generating unit positioned relative to said floor at a maximum height between the level of the ground and said minimum emission height and directed towards the eyes and nose of said domestic animals. The combination of the two mists makes it possible to treat all domestic animals present in said dwelling.

[0036] Of course, these fog production units can be replaced by a single fog production unit emitting fog having at least two fog components.

[0037] Of course, a single fog can be sufficient to treat all the domestic animals present in said accommodation, depending on the power of the fog generation unit.

[0038] The present method can be used for any domestic animal, but it is desirable for calming domestic animals advantageously chosen from the group consisting of pigs, piglets, cows, horses, cats, dogs,...

[0039] It should be noted that the present method is particularly effective in calming a plurality of domestic animals at the same time, and thus in reducing the stress and anxiety that result from intensive farming.

[0040] The term "pheromone" as used herein refers to any compound that mimics certain natural pheromones having a behavioral impact, such as a calming or soothing effect, on animals. It includes all natural pheromones, these natural pheromones being one or more compounds secreted by an organism of a specific species that elicit a predictable response (such as a calming effect) toward another animal of the same or a different species. As stated above, pheromones will be used here in a broad sense, that is, any natural or artificial compound having a behavioral impact on non-human animals.

[0041] According to an advantageous embodiment of this method of reducing stress-related behaviors in domestic animals, said or at least one fog is generated by a fog-generating unit which is supported by, or attached to, a building element or a rigid support structure adapted to bear a load.

[0042] This building element or rigid support structure may be part of the animal housing or be placed in the immediate vicinity of said animal housing.

[0043] By way of illustration, said building element or rigid support structure may be selected from the group comprising a wall, a partition wall, a ceiling,... or be an elongated structural element designed to support a load such as a mast, a pillar or a column,...

[0044] Of course, said or at least one of said fog production units may be supported by a rigid support element such as a frame linked or attached to that construction element or rigid support structure.

[0045] In other words, each fog-generating unit is not carried directly by an animal, which ensures that the fog or said plurality of fogs can reach the faces of all domestic animals placed in the animal housing, regardless of their position.

[0046] According to an advantageous embodiment of this method of reducing stress-related behaviors in domestic animals, the average height of the domestic animal with a high head posture being H, the minimum emission height is at least 1.2 H, and preferably at least 1.5 H, and even more preferably at least 2.5 H, relative to the floor of said animal housing.

[0047] This ensures that domestic animals located within the range of the fog-generating unit all receive an appropriate dose of pheromones at the same time per drop.

[0048] Moreover, since these domestic animals are not disturbed by, or in contact with, any physical jet, they do not suffer additional stress.

[0049] By way of example, said fog or at least one of the fogs is emitted at a height of at least 1.2 H, and preferably at a height of at least 1.5 H, and even more preferably at a height of at least 2.5 H, from the floor of said animal housing.

[0050] Preferably, this minimum emission height can be adjusted, for example, to take into account one or more animals that are larger than average or the growth of said animals during their stay in said accommodation.

[0051] For example, the fog-generating unit emitting said fog or one of the fogs can be mounted on a rail and be vertically adjustable within said rail to allow adjustment of the minimum emission height relative to the floor of the animal housing. This change in height can be controlled remotely.

[0052] According to another advantageous embodiment of this method of reducing stress-related behaviors in domestic animals, the faces of these domestic animals inside the livestock building are directly subjected, either immediately or by fallout, to these droplets.

[0053] In other words, the faces of these domestic animals inside the animal housing are directly exposed to the droplets of said mist or at least one of these mists, either immediately or by falling back onto their faces, but before said droplets have touched the ground or the floor of said animal housing by falling back.

[0054] According to another advantageous embodiment of this method of reducing stress-related behaviors in domestic animals, at least one fog covers the entire animal housing.

[0055] According to another advantageous embodiment of this method of reducing stress-related behaviors in domestic animals, at least one fog covers an angular sector of the animal housing between 0° and 360°.

[0056] According to an advantageous embodiment of this method for reducing stress-related behaviors in domestic animals, at least one fog is accelerated so as to increase its projection range inside said dwelling.

[0057] According to another advantageous embodiment of this method of reducing stress-related behaviors in domestic animals, at least one fog is generated by nebulization using one or more nebulizers.

[0058] Preferably, at least one mist is generated by one or more humidifiers, each including a fan.

[0059] According to another advantageous embodiment of this method of reducing stress-related behavior in domestic animals, at least one fog comprises 50 to 80% by weight of droplets having an average diameter of less than 50 pm, the remainder of said droplets having an average diameter between fifty (50) and one hundred (100) micrometers.

[0060] Alternatively, the at least one fog comprises 50 to 80% by weight of droplets having an average diameter of less than ten (10) pm, the remainder of said droplets having an average diameter between ten (10) and one hundred (100) micrometers.

[0061] According to another advantageous embodiment of this method for reducing stress-related behaviors in domestic animals, the following additional steps are carried out: - detection of the position of said domestic animals in said animal housing, and - generation of said at least one fog in the direction of the position of domestic animals.

[0062] This targeting helps to limit the loss of pheromone composition.

[0063] According to another advantageous embodiment of this method for reducing stress-related behaviors in domestic animals, said at least one fog is emitted at time t0 and for a duration T, which ends before a later time ti at which an action is scheduled, such as a visit from an operator. It was thus observed that the domestic animals were not disturbed by the operator's intervention.

[0064] According to another advantageous embodiment of this method of reducing stress-related behaviors in domestic animals, the generation frequency fog of at least one fog every hour, or preferably every thirty (30) minutes.

[0065] This disclosure also relates to a method of raising domestic animals, comprising the following steps: - provide animal housing comprising multiple zones such as enclosures, sized according to the needs of raising said domestic animals, - place several pets in each of these areas, - to produce at least one fog in the animal housing from a composition comprising pheromones suitable for calming said domestic animals, at least one fog comprising droplets having an average diameter of less than 50 µm, and preferably between 5 and 10 µm, and - emitting at least part of said at least one fog or at least one of said fogs from a minimum emission height relative to the ground of the corresponding areas to enable said at least one fog to reach the face of each of said domestic animals within said areas, regardless of its posture.

[0066] By way of example, said domestic animals are a predetermined number of days old after weaning.

[0067] The method for raising domestic animals comprises the following steps: - the provision of animal housing comprising several zones, such as enclosures, sized according to the needs of raising said domestic animals, - the placement of several domestic animals in each of these areas, and - the steps of the method for reducing stress-related behaviors in domestic animals housed in animal accommodation as described above.

[0068] According to an advantageous embodiment of the present method of raising domestic animals, each fog is emitted so as to cover the entire surface of the corresponding area.

[0069] By way of example, this area may be an enclosed space.

[0070] According to another advantageous embodiment of said method of raising domestic animals, the average height of the domestic animal having a high head posture being H, the minimum emission height is at least 1.2 H, and preferably at least 1.5 H, and more preferably at least 2.5 H, from the ground of said corresponding areas.

[0071] By way of example, said fog or at least one of said fogs is emitted at a height of at least 1.2 H and preferably of at least 1.5 H and even more preferably of at least 2.5 H relative to the ground of said corresponding areas.

[0072] According to another advantageous embodiment of the present method of raising domestic animals, the frequency of fog generation in each zone is every hour, or preferably every thirty (30) minutes.

[0073] According to another advantageous embodiment of the present method of raising domestic animals, the light, temperature and / or noise in said enclosed spaces are controlled in order to contribute to the reduction of stress-related behaviors in said domestic animals.

[0074] This disclosure also relates to an enclosure, such as a pen or livestock trailer, defining an area capable of housing domestic animals. According to the present invention, - said enclosure includes one or more fog-generating units for generating fog from a composition containing pheromones capable of calming said domestic animals, - each fog generation unit being configured to generate droplets with an average diameter of less than 50 pm, and preferably between 5 and 10 pm, and - said or at least one of said fog-generating units is disposed inside or near the enclosure in such a way that, within a coverage area of ​​said corresponding unit, the fog is emitted from a minimum emission height relative to the ground of said area to enable said fog to reach the face of each of said domestic animals placed within its coverage area, regardless of their posture.

[0075] The number of fog-generating units required depends on the unit's field of action, as well as the type of domestic animals whose behavior one wishes to modify.

[0076] Advantageously, each fog-generating unit must be capable of delivering a sufficient quantity of pheromone to calm domestic animals placed within its area of ​​effect. If a greater quantity of pheromone per animal is required at any given time, this can be achieved by adjusting the concentration in the fog-generating unit.

[0077] According to an advantageous embodiment of said enclosure, said or at least one of said fog-generating units is supported by, or attached to, a structural element or rigid support structure suitable for supporting a load.

[0078] This construction element or rigid support structure may be part of the enclosure or be placed in the immediate vicinity of the enclosure.

[0079] By way of illustration, said building element or rigid support structure may be selected from the group comprising a wall, a partition wall, a ceiling,... or be an elongated structural element designed to support a load, such as a mast, a pillar or a column,...

[0080] Of course, said or at least one of said fog production units may be supported by a rigid support element such as a frame linked or attached to that construction element or rigid support structure.

[0081] According to an advantageous embodiment, the enclosure includes a configurable management unit to control each fog generation unit.

[0082] Preferably, said management unit is configured to activate each fog-generating unit at a regular time interval. For example, the fog-generating frequency in the enclosure is every hour, or preferably every thirty (30) minutes.

[0083] According to another advantageous embodiment of said enclosure, the average height of the domestic animal with a high head posture being H, each fog production unit is placed at a height of at least 1.2 H and preferably at least 1.5 H and even more preferably at least 2.5 H relative to the floor of the enclosure. Advantageously, this height is adjustable. If it is adjustable, the height of the fog generation unit can advantageously be controlled remotely.

[0084] Thus, said fog or at least one of the fogs is emitted over said domestic animals and falls towards the ground, or the floor of said area, while covering a predetermined coverage area.

[0085] According to another advantageous embodiment of said enclosure, at least one of the fog-generating units is a nebulizer and, preferably, a humidifier comprising a fan.

[0086] According to another advantageous embodiment of said enclosure, the fog generation unit may include a pulsed gas jet emitter, such as a fan, in order to project the fog. The fog generation unit may include a pulsed gas jet temperature controller. Brief description of the drawings

[0087] Other advantages, purposes, and special features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, given for the purpose of explanation and not limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1

[0088] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of an enclosure according to a particular embodiment of the present invention, said enclosure housing a plurality of piglets; Fig. 2

[0089] Fig. 2 is a partial view of the enclosure illustrated in Fig. 1, showing the fog generation unit positioned inside said enclosure and the coverage area of ​​the generated fog; Fig. 3

[0090] Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of an enclosure according to another particular embodiment of the present invention; Description of the implementation methods

[0091] The drawings and description below mostly contain elements of a definite nature. They may therefore not only serve to better understand the present invention, but also contribute to its definition, if necessary.

[0092] First of all, it should be noted that the figures are not to scale.

[0093] An enclosure 10, such as a pen, intended for raising a plurality of piglets 11 according to a particular embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0094] This enclosure 10 includes a floor 12, side walls, for example, constructed rigidly. The enclosure may include a front wall which preferably takes the form of a sliding door (not shown).

[0095] The enclosure 10 is rectangular. The size of the enclosure 10 is sufficient to allow for the definition of distinct zones 10' for feeding, sleeping, and defecation. The distinct zones 10' may be adjacent.

[0096] This enclosure 10 contains a single fog generation unit 13 for generating fog by nebulization of a composition containing pheromones capable of calming said piglets 11.

[0097] The fog generation unit 13 is positioned above the piglets 11 in the enclosure 10 and is supported by the ceiling of the enclosure.

[0098] The fog generation unit 13 has a field of action 14 covering the entire area delimited by the enclosure 10 in order to administer the pheromones simultaneously to each piglet 11 placed in the enclosure 10.

[0099] The mist generation unit 13 is here a humidifier comprising a fan, and more preferably a centrifugal fan. The humidifier operates with a rotating disc that sprays the composition without the need for nozzles.

[0100] The fog generation unit 13 can also be an ultrasonic nebulizer, including for example a piezoelectric device.

[0101] From this composition, the fog generation unit 13 produces a fog 15 comprising droplets whose average diameter is less than 50 pm.

[0102] The average height of piglets with a high head posture being H, the fog generation unit 13 is raised relative to the floor 12 of the enclosure 10 so that the fog 15 is emitted at a height of approximately L = 3 H relative to the floor 12. The height L here is on the order of 2.5 m above the floor.

[0103] The mist 15 is therefore emitted at a height L relative to the ground of said enclosure which allows said droplets to reach by fall the face of each of said domestic piglets placed in its coverage area, regardless of its posture.

[0104] Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of an enclosure according to another particular embodiment of the present invention.

[0105] The elements illustrated in [Fig.3] having the same references as those illustrated in figures 1 and 2 represent the same objects, which will not be described again below.

[0106] The fog generation unit 13 shown in [Fig.3] differs from that shown in Figures 1 and 2 in that it comprises two fans, aligned vertically, and each producing a main component 16, 17 of the fog 15.

[0107] The fog 15 which is emitted by said fog generation unit 13, is therefore the result of the combination of these two main fog components 16, 17 which are inclined.

[0108] A first principal component 16 is oriented such that part of the mist 15 propagates, before falling, above a minimum emission height of 1.5 H relative to the ground level 12 of the enclosure 10 and the second principal component 17 propagates essentially below this minimum emission height but is oriented towards the eyes and nose of the plurality of piglets contained in the enclosure 10.

Claims

Demands

1. An enclosure such as a pen or livestock trailer, defining an area (10') suitable for housing domestic animals, in which - said enclosure comprises one or more fog-generating units (13) for generating fog (15) from a composition containing pheromones suitable for calming said domestic animals, - each fog-generating unit (13) being configured to generate droplets having an average diameter of less than 50 µm, and preferably between 5 and 10 µm, and in which - said or at least one of said fog-generating units (13) is disposed inside or near the enclosure such that, within a coverage area of ​​said corresponding unit,The fog (15) is emitted from a minimum emission height above the ground (12) of said area (10') to enable said fog (15) to reach the face of each of said domestic animals placed within its coverage area, regardless of their posture.

2. . Enclosure according to claim 1, wherein said or at least one of said fog-generating units is supported by, or attached to, a structural element or rigid support structure adapted to bear a load.

3. . Enclosure according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein at least one of said fog-generating units (13) is a nebulizer and preferably a humidifier comprising a fan.

4. . Enclosure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the average size of the domestic animal having a head-up posture being H, each fog-generating unit (13) is placed at a height of at least 1.2 H and preferably at least 1.5 H and even more preferably at least 2.5 H relative to the floor (12) of said enclosure.

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