Livestock animal bucket apparatus and method

Abstract

A livestock animal bucket apparatus 100 configured to facilitate humane relocation of a livestock animal comprising a bucket 102 configured to accommodate the livestock animal and a manually operable

Description

Animal welfare is of paramount importance to livestock farmers. When a livestock animal becomes sick or injured, a farmer’s top priority may be to move the animal to a location where the animal may be examined and monitored, and veterinary treatment may be provided. A livestock animal immobilised by illness or injury is commonly known as a ‘down’ or ‘downer’ animal. When these animals are unable to move themselves, farmers may face a challenge to relocate the animal, particularly for large species such as cows or water buffalo which may weigh hundreds of kilograms. Typically, a cow may become a down cow due to metabolic issues such as hypocalcaemia, toxicity issues such as mastitis or metritis, or trauma such as fractures or injuries to the legs or pelvis or nerve and / or ligament damage following a difficult calving or a fall. In any case, treating a down animal is an urgent matter as immobility can be an indicator of a serious issue. Also, once down for over 24 hours animals can start to develop muscle and nerve damage to the back legs, reducing chances of successful recovery. The environment a down animal is nursed in, particularly the surface and bedding on which the animal is resting, can have a significant impact on outcome. Deep and soft bedding can cushion the animal, reducing a risk of injury, e.g., due to reduced blood flow to the hind limbs caused by compression while down. In general, quick relocation is correlated with higher survival and recovery rates. Existing relocation solutions require three, four or more people to load the down animal into a bucket or onto a net, such as a telehandler bucket or a cargo net connectable to a telehandler, so that the animal to be relocated. The buckets may not be well suited to receiving and transporting sick animals; sharp edges and hard metal surfaces can lead to injuries to both the animal and the farmers. Similarly, the nets may not provide adequate support to the animal during relocation; becoming entangled in the animals legs and feet during loading, transit or unloading and digging into the animal causing bruising and lacerations. Further, assembling the manpower required for these solutions can cause serious delays as the farmer’s employees may be distributed throughout a large area on the farm / ranch or the farmer may need to call on friends and neighbours to make up numbers. Other options include lifting devices comprising hip and / or shoulder hoists. These devices can cause severe bruising if used to move animal any distance due to the small contact area of the hoist strap or bar supporting the entire weight of the animal. As such, they are poorly suited to animal relocation tasks. Accordingly, there is an urgent need for equipment to enable farmers to quickly, safely and humanely move down livestock animals to appropriate locations for recuperation. Summary of the Invention At its most general, the present invention provides a manually operable livestock animal relocation bucket. The bucket may be couplable to a lifting vehicle, e.g., a telehandler, to facilitate relocation. The bucket is fitted with a winch mechanism configured to draw or haul a livestock animal into the bucket. The winch mechanism is adapted for manual operation by provision of a ratchet mechanism and a handle. In particular, the ratchet mechanism inhibits rotation of the bar in an unwinding direction so that operator strength is not required to avoid unwinding. The ratchet may be dis-engageable to permit unwinding, e.g., to release the livestock animal. According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a livestock animal bucket apparatus configured to facilitate humane relocation of a livestock animal, the apparatus comprising: a bucket configured to accommodate the livestock animal; and a manually operable winch mechanism configured to haul the livestock animal into the bucket, the mechanism comprising: a bar configured to receive a rope connected to the livestock animal, the bar being configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the bar; a handle operable to rotate the bar in a first direction to wind in any rope attached thereto and any connected livestock animal; and a ratchet mechanism configured to inhibit rotation of the bar in a second direction, the second direction being opposite the first direction, to enable manual operation of the winch mechanism. By comprising a ratchet mechanism, the winch mechanism is inhibited from unwinding. In this way, operator strength is not required to prevent unwinding, i.e., to resist the animal’s weight during relocation, and the winch mechanism is manually operable by one operator. Further in this way, delays in relocating a livestock animal may be reduced as only one or two people may be required to operate the apparatus. In addition, by being manually operable, the winch mechanism may be finely controlled by the farmer. For example, when compared with a hydraulic or pneumatic winch mechanism, the farmer may have more control over the manually operated winch of the present invention. Accordingly, the farmer may respond to changing circumstances, such as the animal rolling or writhing unexpectedly, changing the preferable winch set up. The manual winch may allow the farmer to haul the animal into the bucket slowly, which may be less likely to injure the animal or the farmer. Further, the farmer may also operate the winch responsive to animal discomfort, e.g., pausing to adjust a strap or rope, more easily than with a motorised winch. When the handle of the manual winch is notoperated, e.g., it is released or dropped, the winch mechanism remains static, not continuing to wind in automatically or permitting unwinding. In this way, the manually operable winch mechanism promotes safety as inattention to the mechanism should not result in movement of the animal. While the apparatus facilitates the humane relocation of a down livestock animal for treatment and recuperation, it may also be suitable to relocate a dead livestock animal for collection and disposal. In some embodiments, the handle comprises one or more of a crank handle and a hand wheel. In this way, the handle may be simple and intuitive to operate. In some embodiments, the handle is connected to an end of the bar. Accordingly, the winch mechanism may be conveniently arranged. In other embodiments, the handle may be connected to a gear configured to mesh with a gear arranged on the bar. By providing a gear ratio between the handle and the bar, the winch mechanism may offer a mechanical advantage to the operator so that hauling in a livestock animal requires less torque from the operator. In some embodiments, the handle comprises a first handle disposed at a first end of the bar and a second handle disposed at a second end of the bar, the second end being opposite the first end. In this way, the winch mechanism may be operated from either or both ends of the bar. In particular, by providing two handles disposed at either end of the bar, two operators may work together to haul the livestock animal into the bucket by operating one handle each. In this way, a torque required per operator to operate the winch mechanism may be halved. In some embodiments, the bar is configured to be arranged substantially horizontally in use. For example, the bar may be arranged to extend substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the bucket. In this way, the bar may be arranged substantially parallel to a down livestock animal, e.g., substantially parallel to a spine of a recumbent livestock animal, when the apparatus is arranged near the down animal ready to haul in the animal, and when the bucket accommodates the animal. Accordingly, the animal may be conveniently connected to the bar by ropes or straps as the bar. The bar may extend along substantially a whole length of the bucket. A length of the bar may be substantially identical to a length of the bucket. In this way, the bar may provide a substantial length for receiving rope. The bar may be arranged above the bucket. The bar may be arranged substantially centrally above the bucket. In this way, the winch mechanism may be compact and conveniently located with respect to the bucket. Further, any ropes or straps connected to the bar may extend generally upwards from the livestock animal to the bar to avoid the livestock animal rolling or being pulled onto the ropes or straps which may complicate the relocation. Compared with a vertical bar, ropes or straps may be less likely to slide down or fall off a horizontal bar under gravity. In some embodiments, the bar comprises an attachment protrusion configured to receive a rope. The attachment protrusion may comprise an eye to which the rope is tied. In this way, the rope may be securely attached to the bar. In some embodiments, the attachment protrusion is substantially T-shaped and connected to the bar by a base of the T-shape. In this way, a bar of the T-shape may be substantially parallel to the bar of the winch mechanism. The T-shaped protrusion may be configured to receive a rope wrapped around the bar of the T-shape and tied off to itself. In some embodiments, the attachment protrusion is translatable along the bar. In this way, a point at which the rope is attached to the bar may be translated along the bar. Accordingly, the point at which the livestock animal is connected to the bar via the rope or strap may be translated to adapt the apparatus to the situation. For example, the attachment protrusion may be translated to suit the size of the animal, or the extraction or extrication circumstances. In some embodiments, the attachment protrusion is translatable along the bar between predetermined positions. For example, the attachment protrusion may comprise a collar configured to slide along the bar. The collar may be securable by a bolt or pin configured to pass through the collar and the bar at predetermined positions of the bar where a through hole is found. In this way, the attachment protrusion may be securely connected to the bar. Alternatively, the attachment protrusion is translatable along the bar between a continuous range of positions. In other words, the attachment protrusion may be secured with respect to the bar in substantially any position along the bar. For example, the collar may be securable to the bar via a grub screw configured to engage with a thread in the collar and an outer surface of the bar. In this way, a position of the attachment protrusion along the bar may be finely adjusted. In some embodiments, the bar comprises a plurality of attachment protrusions each configured to receive a respective rope. In this way, a plurality of ropes may be attached to the bar at the plurality of attachment protrusions such that the ropes. For example, one rope may be connected to the forelegs of the livestock animal while a second rope may be connected to the hindlegs of the livestock animal. The head of the animal may be connected via a halter to either of the first or second ropes. The first rope may be received on a first attachment protrusion and the second rope may be received on a second attachment protrusion. In this way, the first and second ropes may urge the forequarters and the hindquarters of the livestock animal towards the bucket simultaneously so that the livestock animal remains aligned with the bucket during loading. For example, the spine of the recumbent livestock animal may remain substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bucket during loading. Accordingly, the livestock animal may be conveniently received in the bucket. In some embodiments, the ratchet mechanism is dis-engageable to permit rotation of the bar in the second direction. The ratchet mechanism may be manually dis-engageable, for example, by pulling and / or holding a lever. In this way, release of the livestock animal from the bucket is simplified. In some embodiments, the bucket is a telehandler bucket. In other words, the bucket may be suitable for attachment to a telehandler arm, or boom. Accordingly, the bucket may include attachment points for a telehandler arm, for example, a pair of ribs each comprising a hook arranged substantially above an eye. In some embodiments, the bucket comprises a lining configured to cushion any livestock animal accommodated in the bucket. In this way, a hard surface of the bucket may be covered with a softer material such that a risk of injury to the livestock animal may be reduced. In some embodiments, the lining comprises an elastomeric material. Accordingly, the lining may be non-metallic so not cold to the touch. Further the lining may be elastically deformable. Accordingly, the lining may compress, i.e., squash, under the livestock animal and provide a relatively soft surface to support the livestock animal. In some embodiments, the lining is disposed to substantially cover an internal surface of a side plate of the bucket. In this way, a side of the bucket may be cushioned. As a livestock animal is pulled into the bucket, its spine may be substantially parallel with a longitudinal axis of the bucket. Accordingly, the animals head and neck may be arranged at a first side of the bucket, while the animals udder and rump may be arranged at a second side. By providing a lining disposed to substantially cover an internal surface of a side plate of the bucket, the animals head and neck, and / or udder and rump may be protected and a risk of injury reduced. It may be a particular priority to protect from injury these parts of the livestock animal due to the delicate nature of those parts and a potential severity of any injury sustained there. In some embodiments, the lining is configured to protrude beyond an opening of the bucket to cushion an edge of the side plate. By protruding past the edge of the side of the bucket, the lining may engage with the livestock animal before the side of the bucket. In this way, the lining may protect the animal from a side edge of the bucket, e.g., any sharp or jagged portion of the edge. Further, a protruding portion of the lining may be folded or bent on engagement with the livestock animal around the side edge to cover the edge of the side of the bucket. In some embodiments, the lining is disposed to substantially cover an internal surface of a rear plate of the bucket. When the livestock animal is loaded into the bucket and the bucket is lifted and tipped up, e.g., by a telehandler, the animal may slide back into the rear of the bucket. By providing a lining to cover an internal surface of a rear plate of the bucket, a risk of injury due to impact with the rear plate is reduced. In some embodiments, the bucket comprises a leading edge over which a livestock animal passes when hauled into the bucket, the leading edge comprising a rounded profile. For example, the leading edge may comprise a round bar or tube affixed to the bucket, e.g., via welding. In this way, the leading edge may be rounded to ease transit of the animal over the edge. Further, the edge may comprise no sharp portions that may injure an animal hauled over the edge. In some embodiments, an internal surface of the bucket is painted to promote hygiene. In this way the interior of the bucket may be easy to clean. The painted surfaces may also repel bacteria, fungi and other pathogens to promote hygiene. Where the interior of the bucket is painted a colour configured to contrast with dirt and debris, e.g., white, it may be easy to visually assess a cleanliness of the painted surface. Further, the bucket may be inhibited from rusting by paint, thereby improving a longevity and sanitariness of the bucket. In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a storage box configured to store one or more of: a rope, a strap, a halter. The storage box may be removeably retained on a rear of the bucket. In this way, accessories of the apparatus may be retained with the apparatus for ease of access. When urgently relocating a down animal, the storage box containing all the required accessories for using the apparatus may save valuable time. According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of loading a livestock animal into a livestock animal bucket apparatus according to any preceding claim, the method comprising: locating the livestock animal bucket apparatus proximate the livestock animal; connecting a first end of a rope to the livestock animal; connecting a second end of the rope to the bar of the apparatus, the second end being opposite the first end; and operating the handle of the apparatus to rotate the bar to wind in the rope such that the connected livestock animal is hauled in to the bucket of the apparatus. Accordingly, the apparatus may be used to load a livestock animal into the bucket for relocation, e.g., by telehandler. The apparatus may comprise training literature configured to explain and teach the method. The apparatus may comprise a barcode, e.g., a quick response (QR) code, directing an operator to digital training materials relating to the method. Brief Description of the Drawings Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic isometric view of a livestock animal bucket apparatus according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention; Figure 2 is a further schematic isometric view of the livestock animal bucket apparatus of Fig. 1; Figure 3 is a schematic detail view of the livestock animal bucket apparatus of Fig. 1; Figure 4 is a schematic instructional view of the livestock animal bucket apparatus of Fig. 1 in use; and Figure 5 is a flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of the second aspect of the invention. Detailed Description With reference to Figure 1, there is illustrated a livestock animal bucket apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention. The livestock animal bucket apparatus 100 of Fig. 1 is configured to facilitate humane relocation of a livestock animal. The apparatus 100 comprises a bucket 102. The bucket 102 is configured to accommodate the livestock animal. In particular, a floor 103 of the bucket 102 may be configured to support a recumbent livestock animal. The bucket 102 may be sized appropriately to accommodate a livestock animal. In some cases, the bucket 102 may have a volume of around 2 m3. The bucket 102 may be formed predominantly of steel to provide a strong and robust livestock accommodating means. The bucket 102 may be a telehandler bucket, that is, a bucket suitable to be lifted and relocated by a telehandler. A side 105, e.g., side plate, of the bucket 102 may have a substantially triangular shape and, in some cases, a substantially equilateral triangle shape. In this way, a highest point of the bucket 102 may be arranged substantially above a centre of each side 105, and thereby above a centre of gravity, of the empty bucket 102 when the floor 103 is arranged horizontally, e.g., on a level ground surface. A rear corner 107 of the bucket 102 may be chamfered, radiused or otherwise cropped to avoid providing an interior volume of the bucket 102 with a tight corner which may trap and retain dirt and debris, compromising the hygiene of the bucket 102. Internal surfaces of the bucket 102, e.g., the floor 103, may be painted, e.g., painted white, to promote hygiene. An indicator of the purpose of the bucket 102 as an item of rescue equipment, e.g., an equal-armed cross, may be painted onto surfaces of the bucket 102 to discourage misuse, i.e., use other than as a livestock animal relocation bucket. The apparatus 100 of Fig. 1 further comprises a manually operable winch mechanism 104. The winch mechanism 104 is configured to haul the livestock animal into the bucket 102. In Fig. 1, the winch mechanism 104 comprises a bar 106. The bar 106 is configured to receive a rope connected to the livestock animal. The bar 106 is configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis 101 of the bar 106. As it rotates, the bar 106 winds onto itself any ropes received on or around the bar 106. In this way, the bar 106 is operable to haul into the bucket a livestock animal via ropes. The bar 106 may be formed of steel. The bar may be a tubular bar but is preferably a solid bar for compactness. The bar may have a substantial diameter configured to react tension forces applied by the ropes during use, i.e., while a ~500kg animal is hauled towards the bar 106 by operation of the winch mechanism 104. For example, the bar may be around 40 mm in diameter. The bar may be chrome plated to inhibit rusting. As shown in Fig. 1, the bar 106 may be attached to an upper surface or a top surface of the bucket 102. The bar 106 extends along substantially an entire length of the bucket 102 and is configured to be arranged substantially horizontally in use. The bar 106 may be attached to the bucket 102 by brackets 109. The brackets 109 may each comprise a collar through which the bar 106 is passed and at least one leg connecting the collar to the bucket 102. Preferably each bracket 109 comprises two legs. Each collar may comprise a bearing, e.g., a plain bearing, configured to permit rotation of the bar 106 with respect to the collar. A plurality of brackets 109 may be provided to secure the bar 106 to the bucket 102 at a plurality of points. The brackets 109 may be formed of steel and connected to the bucket 102 via respective welded joints. The winch mechanism 104 further comprises a handle 108. The handle 108 is operable to rotate the bar 106 in a first direction, indicated by arrow 110, to wind in any rope attached to the bar 106 and any connected livestock animal. In Fig. 1, the handle 108 is a crank handle. In other cases, the handle may be a hand wheel. As shown in Fig. 1, the handle 108 is connected to an end 111 of the bar 106. In some cases, the winch mechanism may comprise two handles, a first handle disposed at a first end of the bar and a second handle disposed at a second, opposite, end of the bar 106 to allow the winch mechanism 104 to be operated from either end of the bar 106, or from both ends of the bar 106 simultaneously. A length of the handle 108, e.g., a length of a crank arm 113 of the crank 04 02 25 handle 108 or a radius of a hand wheel, may be selected to adjust a moment arm provided to the operator, thereby adjusting an ease of operation of the winch mechanism 104. Specifically, a longer crank arm 113 may reduce a torque required to haul a given livestock animal into the bucket 102. However, a very long crank arm 113 may be unergonomic and 5 hard to use, e.g., may exceed a comfortable range of motion of an operator’s arm. Accordingly a crank arm length between 350 mm and 450 mm is preferred. The winch mechanism 104 further comprises a ratchet mechanism 112. The ratchet mechanism 112 is configured to inhibit rotation of the bar 106 in a second direction, indicated 10 by arrow 114. The second direction 114 is substantially opposite the first direction 110. The ratchet mechanism 112 is configured to inhibit rotation of the bar 106 in the second direction 114 to enable manual operation of the winch mechanism 104. The ratchet mechanism 112 is described in detail with reference to Fig. 3. 15 In Fig. 1, the bucket 102 comprises a lining 116 configured to cushion any livestock animal accommodated in the bucket. The lining 116 may be secured to an internal surface of the bucket 102 by fasteners 118. The fasteners 118 may comprise smooth, rounded heads in order to avoid presenting any sharp corners or rough surfaces inside the bucket 102. 20 The lining 116 may comprise an elastomeric material. For example, the lining 116 may be formed of a rubber or synthetic rubber material. The lining may have a thickness sufficient to substantially cushion the livestock animal. For example, the lining may be between 30 mm and 40 mm thick. The lining 116 is substantially flexible to compress under the weight of a livestock animal and conform to the animal’s body. 25 In Fig. 1, the lining 116 is disposed to substantially cover an internal surface of a side plate 105 of the bucket 102. Further, in Fig. 1, a portion 119 of the lining 116 protrudes beyond an opening of the bucket 102 to cushion an edge 120 of the side plate 105. The protruding portion 119 of the lining 116 may be flexible to bend around the edge 120 of the side plate 105. In 30 this way, when a livestock animal is pulled towards the bucket 102, the protruding portion 119 of the lining 116 may bend on contact with the animal (e.g., the animals head / neck or udder / rump) to cover, i.e., wrap at least partially around, the edge 120 of the side plate 105. The lining 116 may also substantially cover an internal surface of a rear plate of the bucket 35 102 (not shown in Fig. 1). The bucket of Fig. 1 comprises a leading edge 122 over which a livestock animal passes when hauled into the bucket 102. The leading edge 122 has a rounded profile to avoid injury to the livestock animal. In other words, a cross section of the leading edge 112 taken perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the leading edge 122 may comprise a rounded shape. The leading edge 122 may comprise a round bar connected to the floor 103 by a welded joint. Before connecting the round bar, the floor 103 may have comprised a square or sharp edge. As well as connecting the round bar to the square or sharp edge, the welded joint may fill any gaps left therebetween to provide a substantially smooth surface between the round bar and the upper surface of the floor 103. While a larger diameter bar more effectively dulls any sharpness of the leading edge 122, it is not desirable to introduce a high threshold to the bucket 102 over which a livestock animal must be hauled. Accordingly, a round bar having a diameter of around 20 mm is preferred for the leading edge 122. With reference to Figure 2, there is illustrated a rear view of the livestock animal bucket apparatus 100 of Fig. 1. Features of Fig. 2 shared with Fig. 1 are provided with like reference numerals and not described in detail again. On a rear surface 124 of the bucket 102, there is provided a mounting plate 126. The mounting plate 126 is configured to receive a storage box (not shown). The mounting plate 126 comprises four holes configured to receive fasteners of the storage box for securement of the storage box to the mounting plate 126. The mounting plate comprises a substantially II-shaped formation and is connected, e.g., by welding, to the rear surface 124 of the bucket 102 by an open end of the U-shape. In this way, an inside of the plate is manually accessible, e.g., to permit securing a nut to any fastener of any connected storage box. The mounting plate 126 is conveniently provided for the storage of straps, ropes, halters etc. for use with the apparatus in a storage box. In Fig. 2, the rear surface 124 of the bucket 102 further comprises a handle holder 128. The handle 108 may be removeable from the bar 106 and may be stored on the rear surface 124 of the bucket 102 by connection to the handle holder 128. In this way, the apparatus 100 may be configured for convenient and compact storage. Further, the handle 108 may be unlikely to be become lost or damaged, impeding use of the apparatus 100, because it has a designated storage location on the handle holder 128. The handle 108 may be secured on the bar 106 or the handle holder 128 by a shaft locking pin. The shaft locking pin may mitigate accidental detachment of the handle 108 from the apparatus 100, mitigating loss of the handle 108. As shown in Fig. 2, the bar 106 comprises two attachment protrusions 130. Each attachment protrusion 130 is configured to receive a rope. Each attachment protrusion 130 is substantially T-shaped and connected to the bar 106 by a base of the T-shape. In use, a rope may be wrapped around each T-shaped attachment protrusion 130 and tied off to another portion of the rope. Alternatively, a rope may be tied around a trunk of each T-shaped attachment protrusion 130 to secure the ropes to the attachment protrusions 130. The attachment protrusions 130 exist to securely attach the ropes to the bar 106. This may be achieved by tying the ropes to the attachment protrusions 130 or merely by engaging the ropes with the attachment protrusions 130 such that sufficient friction exists therebetween to secure the ropes to the bar 106. In Fig. 2, each attachment protrusion 130 is translatable along the bar 106. In other words, each attachment protrusion 130 is slidable along the bar. In Fig. 2, the attachment protrusions 130 are slidable along the bar between predetermined positions. Each attachment protrusion 130 may be mounted on a collar 132 configured to engage with the bar 106. The collars 132 of the attachment protrusions 130 may be securely fastened to the bar 106 so that each collar 132 and each attachment protrusion 130 is rotated when the bar 106 is rotated. For example, each collar 132 may comprise a bolt configured to pass through the collar 132 and into the bar 106. The bolt may be further configured to pass out of the bar 106 and the collar 132 and receive a nut. When the attachment protrusion 130 is translated along the bar 106, the bolt may be removed, the collar 130 may be slid along to bar 106 to another position where the bar 106 comprises a through hole suitable to receive the bolt, and the bolt may be replaced to secure the attachment protraction 130 to the bar 106. In an alternative embodiment, the attachment protrusions 130 may be slidable along the bar 106 and securable to the bar 106 in substantially any position along the bar 106. For example, the collar 132 may be configured to be secured to the bar 106 via a grub screw configured to engage with an outer surface of the 106. Fasteners 134 may secure the lining 116 to an internal surface of a rear plate of the bucket 102. The lining 116 may be provided in a plurality of sheets. For example a first sheet may be provided to cover an internal surface of a first side plate 105 of the bucket 102, a second sheet may be provided to cover an internal surface of a second side plate 105 of the bucket 102 and a third sheet may be provided to cover an internal surface of a rear plate of the bucket 102. With reference to Figure 3, there is illustrated the winch mechanism 104 of the livestock animal bucket apparatus 100 of Fig. 1. Features of Fig. 3 shared with Figs. 1 and 2 are provided with like reference numerals and not described in detail again. The winch mechanism 104 is a manually operable winch mechanism configured to haul a livestock animal into the bucket 102. The winch mechanism comprises the bar 106, the handle 108 and the ratchet mechanism 112. The bar 106 is configured to receive a rope connected to the livestock animal. The bar 106 is rotated in a first direction 110 about its longitudinal axis 101 on operation of the handle 108 to wind in the rope and the livestock animal. The ratchet mechanism 112 is configured to inhibit rotation of the bar in a second, opposite, direction 114. As shown in Fig. 3, the ratchet mechanism 112 comprises a saw-toothed wheel 136 and a pawl 138. The wheel 136 is fixed to the bar 106 such that the wheel 136 rotates with rotation of the bar 106. The pawl 138 is pivotably connected to the bucket 102 at pivot point 137 by a bracket 139. A first end of the pawl 138 is biased into engagement with the saw-toothed wheel by a spring 140. The spring 140 is connected to the pawl 138 proximate a second end 142 of the pawl and on an opposite side of the pivot point 137 from the first end of the pawl 138. When the pawl 138 is engaged with the wheel 136, the spring 140 may be under tension to urge the second end 142 of the pawl 138 downwards such that, due to the pivot 137, the first end of the pawl 138 is urged upwards and into secure engagement with the wheel 136. When the bar 106 rotates in the first direction 110, the wheel 136 rotates in the first direction 110. In that direction, due to the asymmetrical shape of each tooth of the saw-toothed wheel 136, the pawl 138 is displaced by, and does not engage with, each tooth of the wheel 136 so that the pawl 138 does not inhibit motion of the wheel 136 and the bar 106 in the first direction. When the bar is urged to rotate in the second direction 114, the wheel 136 is urged to rotate in the second direction 114. In that direction, due to the asymmetrical shape of each tooth of the saw-toothed wheel 136, the pawl 138 engages with a tooth of the wheel 136 and inhibits rotation of the wheel 136 in the second direction 114. In other embodiments, the pawl 138 may be biased into engagement with the wheel 136 by gravity or by any other suitable biasing means. The ratchet mechanism 112 is dis-engageable to permit rotation of the bar 106 in the second direction 114. To release, or disengage, the ratchet 112 and permit rotation of the wheel 136 and the bar 106 in the second direction 114, the second end 142 of the pawl 138, which may comprise a handle 142, is lifted. This may be performed manually. On lifting the handle 142, the pawl 138 may rotate about the pivot point 137 so that the first end of the pawl 138 drops. In this way, the first end of the pawl 138 may be dropped out of engagement with the wheel 136. At that point, the handle 108 may be operated to rotate the bar 106 and wheel 136 in the second direction 114. Due to the spring, as soon as the handle 142 is released, the pawl 138 may be biased back into engagement with the wheel 136 to inhibit rotation in the second direction 114. In this way, a safety of the mechanism 112 is promoted as release of the handle 142 automatically leads to re-engagement of the ratchet mechanism 122 in a similar manner to a dead man’s switch. With reference to Figure 4, there is illustrated an instructional view of the livestock animal bucket apparatus 100 of Fig. 1 in use. Features of Fig. 4 shared with Figs. 1 to 3 are provided with like reference numerals and not described in detail again. Fig. 4 shows a livestock animal, a cow, 400 connected by a halter 402, straps 404 and ropes 406 to the bar 106 of the apparatus 100. Rope turns 410 shows how the ropes 406 have begun to be wound onto the bar 106. The ratchet mechanism 112 has been omitted for simplicity. A human operator, or farmer, 408 is shown turning the handle 108 in the first direction 110. As shown in Fig. 4, the farmer 408 is well placed to observe the cow 400 while turning the handle 108. So, the farmer 408, may operate the apparatus sensitively with respect to the cow 400. Further, the position of the farmer 408 at the side of the apparatus promotes a safety of the farmer 408 as the farmer 408 is clear of a loading area during loading and unloading. The bucket 102 is connected to a telehandler 412. Once the centre of gravity of the cow 400 is over the leading edge 122 of the bucket 102, the telehandler may be operated to lift the bucket 102 and rotate the bucket 102 in the first direction 110 to urge the cow 400 further into the bucket 102. The cow 400 may slide or roll into the bucket 102 during operation of the apparatus 100 or operation of the telehandler 412. With reference to Figure 5, there is illustrated a method 500 of loading a livestock animal into the livestock animal bucket apparatus 100 of Figs. 1 to 4 according to an embodiment of the second aspect of the invention. The method 500 starts at Start 502. At step 504, the method 500 comprises locating the livestock animal bucket apparatus 100 proximate the livestock animal (e.g., the cow 400 of Fig. 4). Ideally, the apparatus 100 should be located proximate the animal such that the animal may be rolled into the bucket 102 of the apparatus 100 by rolling the animal over on its back. So, the bucket 102 should be arranged at a side of the animal and substantially parallel to the spine of the animal. Next, the method comprises, at step 506, connecting a first end of a rope (e.g., the rope 406 of Fig. 4) to the livestock animal. Connecting the rope to the animal may comprise fitting a halter to the animal and / or fitting one or more straps to one or more legs of the animal respectively. The halter may be tied to one of the straps, e.g., by a rope, to keep the animal’s head and legs tucked together. The halter may be tied to a strap so that the head and legs of the animal are generally arranged on an opposite side of the animal to the bucket 102. In this way, the animal may be manipulated into a loose crescent shape. This position can be seen in Fig. 4. At step 508, the method 500 comprises connecting a second end of the rope to the bar 106 of the apparatus 100 wherein the second end is opposite the first end. In some cases, the rope may be tied to an attachment protrusion of the bar, in others the rope may be connected to the bar 106 by friction, e.g., friction of a plurality of turns of rope around the bar 106. Preferably, and as shown in Fig. 4, the animal is connected to the bar 106 in two places. In some cases, this is achieved by using two separate ropes, as shown in Fig. 4. In some cases, the animal may be connected to the bar 106 by both ends of one rope, for example, a central portion of the rope may secured to the bucket 102, e.g., at an eye disposed centrally on an upper surface of the bucket 102, the rope may be received on the bar on both sides of the central portion, such that the rope forms an M or W shape. Then both ends of the rope may be connected to the livestock animal. In this way, only one rope may be required to secure the livestock animal to the bar 106 in two places, as is preferential. Finally, at step 510, the method 500 comprises operating the handle 108 of the apparatus 100 to rotate the bar 106 to wind in the rope such that the connected livestock animal is hauled in to the bucket 102 of the apparatus 100. Accordingly, once the apparatus 100 is well set up, operation is simple, quick and effective. The method 500 ends at End 512. The present invention is not limited to the specific examples or structures illustrated. Further embodiments within the scope of the present invention may be envisaged that have not been described above, for example, the livestock animal bucket apparatus may comprise a greater or lesser number of components than are illustrated in the figures. The apparatus may be formed of any suitable materials and using any suitable manufacturing methods. Various parts of the apparatus may be integrally formed with one another or formed separately and assembled together by any suitable method. The bucket may have any suitable size or shape, be made of any suitable material(s) and be attached to the winch mechanism in any suitable manner. The bar of the winch mechanism may have any suitable size or shape, be made of any suitable material(s) and be manually rotatable via the handle in any suitable manner. The apparatus of the present invention has been described with reference to livestock animals, however it may also be suitable for use in any other suitable type of animal husbandry. For example, the apparatus may be used for relocation of domestic animals, e.g., horses, and captive animals, e.g., zoo animals, as well as for ecological uses, e.g., translocation of wildlife. To provide safe, quick and humane relocation of a down or dead livestock animal, an innovative livestock animal bucket apparatus configured to be manually operable by one person is required. Reducing the number of operators required may significantly cut waiting time, improving health outcomes. The apparatus of the present invention provides an innovative solution involving a winch mechanism comprising a ratchet mechanism enabling manual operation, which is considered more humane than motorised methods and not significantly slower. The present invention further provides substantial improvements in bucket safety and comfort without compromising on utility. Accordingly, there has been herein described a livestock animal bucket apparatus configured to facilitate humane relocation of a livestock animal, the apparatus comprising: a bucket configured to accommodate the livestock animal; and a manually operable winch mechanism configured to haul the livestock animal into the bucket, the mechanism comprising: a bar configured to receive a rope connected to the livestock animal, the bar being configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the bar; a handle operable to rotate the bar in a first direction to wind in any rope attached thereto and any connected livestock animal; and a ratchet mechanism configured to inhibit rotation of the bar in a second direction, the second direction being opposite the first direction, to enable manual operation of the winch mechanism. There is also herein described a method of loading a livestock animal into the livestock animal bucket apparatus.

Claims

1. A livestock animal bucket apparatus configured to facilitate humane relocation of a livestock animal, the apparatus comprising:a bucket configured to accommodate the livestock animal; anda manually operable winch mechanism configured to haul the livestock animal into the bucket, the mechanism comprising:a bar configured to receive a rope connected to the livestock animal, the bar being configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the bar;a handle operable to rotate the bar in a first direction to wind in any rope attached thereto and any connected livestock animal; anda ratchet mechanism configured to inhibit rotation of the bar in a second direction, the second direction being opposite the first direction, to enable manual operation of the winch mechanism.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the handle comprises one or more of a crank handle and a hand wheel.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the handle is connected to an end of the bar.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the handle comprises a first handle disposed at a first end of the bar and a second handle disposed at a second end of the bar, the second end being opposite the first end.

5. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the bar is configured to be arranged substantially horizontally in use.

6. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the bar comprises an attachment protrusion configured to receive a rope.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the attachment protrusion is substantially T-shapedand connected to the bar by a base of the T-shape.

8. The apparatus of claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the attachment protrusion is translatable along the bar.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the attachment protrusion is translatable along the bar between predetermined positions.

10. The apparatus of any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the bar comprises a plurality of attachment protrusions each configured to receive a respective rope.

11. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the ratchet mechanism is disengageable to permit rotation of the bar in the second direction.

12. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the bucket is a telehandler bucket.

13. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the bucket comprises a lining configured to cushion any livestock animal accommodated in the bucket.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the lining comprises an elastomeric material.

15. The apparatus of claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the lining is disposed to substantiallycover an internal surface of a side plate of the bucket.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the lining is configured to protrude beyond an opening of the bucket to cushion an edge of the side plate.

17. The apparatus of any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the lining is disposed to substantially cover an internal surface of a rear plate of the bucket.

18. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the bucket comprises a leading edge over which a livestock animal passes when hauled into the bucket, the leading edge comprising a rounded profile.

19. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein an internal surface of the bucket is painted to promote hygiene.

20. The apparatus of any preceding claim, further comprising a storage box configured to store one or more of: a rope, a strap, a halter.

21. A method of loading a livestock animal into a livestock animal bucket apparatus according to any preceding claim, the method comprising:locating the livestock animal bucket apparatus proximate the livestock animal;connecting a first end of a rope to the livestock animal;connecting a second end of the rope to the bar of the apparatus, the second end being opposite the first end; andoperating the handle of the apparatus to rotate the bar to wind in the rope such that the connected livestock animal is hauled in to the bucket of the apparatus.s

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