Cow growth state estimation system and estimation method

Abstract

To provide a system and method for easily estimating cow growth state.SOLUTION: A cattle growth state estimation system includes: measuring means 12 for measuring methane gas concentration in cow exhalation; and estimation part 40 for calculating an estimated value indicating cow's growth status from the methane gas concentration. The estimation part 40 applies the methane gas concentration to a predetermined relationship formula to obtain an estimated value indicating cow growth status. By measuring the methane gas concentration in cow exhalation, it is possible to easily estimate growth state of a cow.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a system and method for estimating the growth status of cattle. [Background technology]

[0002] In livestock and dairy farming, in order to raise high-quality beef cattle, it is necessary to constantly monitor the growth status of the cattle throughout the rearing and fattening period and to properly manage their feeding. Conventionally, measurements of body weight, chest circumference, abdominal circumference, etc. (Non-Patent Document 1) and blood tests (Non-Patent Document 2) have been carried out to determine the growth status of cattle. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0003] [Non-Patent Document 1] "Growth Indicators for Wagyu Calves That Can Be Easily Checked with Just a Tape Measure," Agricultural New Techniques, No. 105 (2013), Aichi Prefectural Agricultural Research Center (https: / / www.pref.aichi.jp / nososi / seika / singijutu / singijiyutu105.pdf) [Non-patent document 2] Kentaro Ikuta and five others, "Relationship between Growth, Blood Components, and Lactation Capacity in Dairy Heifers," Hyogo Prefectural Agricultural Technology Center Research Report, Livestock Section, No. 37, pp. 29-36 (2001-03) (https: / / agriknowledge.affrc.go.jp / RN / 2030631137.pdf) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, physical measurements have disadvantages such as difficulty in restraining the cow, being time-consuming, and being subject to significant error depending on the person taking the measurements. Furthermore, it is difficult to determine the development of internal organs such as the rumen or the state of feed intake from physical measurements. On the other hand, blood sampling can obtain information that cannot be obtained from physical measurements, such as the development of internal organs, but has disadvantages such as requiring a veterinarian, being highly invasive, causing pain to the cow, and being difficult to restrain.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a system and method that can easily estimate the growth status of cattle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] As a result of research and development conducted to solve the above-mentioned problems, the inventors discovered that the concentration of methane gas contained in cows' breath is related to various indicators of the growth status of cows, and continued further development, leading to the completion of the present invention.

[0007] That is, the above-mentioned problems are solved by the invention having the following configuration. [1] A system for estimating the growth status of cattle, comprising: a means for measuring the concentration of methane gas in the breath of cattle; and an estimation unit that calculates an estimate of an index showing the growth status of cattle from the methane gas concentration, wherein the estimation unit applies the methane gas concentration to a predetermined relational equation to obtain an estimate of the index showing the growth status of cattle. [2] The system for estimating the growth status of cattle described in [1], characterized in that the indicators include at least one selected from age in days, chest circumference, abdominal circumference, body weight, feed intake, blood GLU concentration, blood GPT concentration, and blood BHB concentration. [3] A method for estimating the growth status of cattle, which involves measuring the methane gas concentration in the breath of cattle and applying the methane gas concentration to a predetermined relational equation to obtain an estimate of an index showing the growth status of the cattle. [4] The method for estimating the growth status of cattle described in [3], characterized in that the indicators include at least one selected from age in days, chest circumference, abdominal circumference, body weight, feed intake, blood GLU concentration, blood GPT concentration, and blood BHB concentration. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, a system and method can be provided that can easily estimate the growth status of cattle through measurement of the methane gas concentration in the cattle's breath. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a configuration diagram of a system according to the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of installation of a means for measuring methane gas concentration in the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a graph showing the relationship between the methane gas concentration in the breath and the age in days and the amount of roughage intake in an example. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between the methane gas concentration in exhaled breath and the results of physical measurement in an example. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a graph showing the relationship between the methane gas concentration in the exhaled breath and the blood test results in an example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present invention can easily obtain estimated values ​​for various indicators showing the growth status of cattle. It can obtain estimated values ​​not only for indicators such as body size, but also for indicators related to the growth of the cattle's rumen. The present invention is particularly suitable for use in the feeding and management of calves.

[0011] (Growth Status Estimation System) As shown in Figure 1, the cattle growth status estimation system 10 of the present invention comprises a means 12 for measuring the methane gas concentration in the breath of a cattle 50, and an estimation unit 40 for calculating an estimated value of an index indicating the growth status of the cattle 50 from the methane gas concentration.

[0012] (measurement means) The measurement means 12 in the system of the present invention measures the concentration of methane gas in the breath of cows. There are no particular limitations on the measurement means 12 as long as it is capable of measuring the concentration of methane gas in the breath of cows, and various means such as known gas sensors, gas detection tubes, and gas chromatography can be used. Among these, gas sensors are preferred from the standpoint of simplicity, and various gas sensors such as semiconductor, electrochemical, and infrared types can be used.

[0013] When a gas sensor is used as the measurement means 12, it is preferable for simplicity that the gas sensor 12 be equipped with a communication interface and be communicatively connected to the estimation unit 40. The connection may be wireless or wired, and various networks such as wireless LAN or the Internet, or cables such as a USB cable can be used. Figure 1 shows an example in which the measurement means (gas sensor) 12 is attached near the muzzle of a cow 50, and the measurement means 12 and the estimation unit 40 are connected via wireless communication and the Internet N.

[0014] The gas sensor is preferably installed in a location where it can directly measure the cow's breath. For example, as shown in Figures 1 and 2(a), a gas sensor 12 is installed on the cow's bridle 14 or bridle-like holder 14 at a position near the cow's muzzle 52, and this is then attached to the cow 50. FIG. 2(b) shows an example of installing the gas sensor 12 in an automatic feeding device 60. The automatic feeding device 60 has a nipple 68, which the calf holds in its mouth to suck milk, connected to a milk tank 62 via a liquid supply tube 64 (see, for example, JP 2002-283314 A). The gas sensor 12 is installed near the nipple 68 on a frame 66 that secures the nipple 68. This configuration is extremely useful because it allows for estimation of the calf's growth status during daily feeding. Furthermore, the positional relationship between the gas sensor 12 and the calf's muzzle is constant, allowing for highly stable measurements without deviation in the measurement position. This is also true for feeding devices other than automatic feeding devices, such as baby bottles and baby buckets. Installing a gas sensor near the nipple allows for efficient measurement of methane gas in the calf's breath. In addition to the above, the gas sensor may be installed in a feeding box or the like (not shown), allowing for efficient measurement of the methane gas concentration in the breath during feeding. Regardless of the installation method, it is preferable to install the gas sensor 12 so that the distance between the muzzle and the cow during measurement is approximately 30 cm or less. Furthermore, a relational equation that allows for more accurate estimation of the methane gas concentration in the breath can be obtained by using an average value over a certain period of time, such as a daily average value.

[0015] When a detector tube or gas chromatograph is used as a measurement means, or when a gas sensor is used without being attached to the cow, the cow's breath is collected and measured. There are no particular restrictions on the collection method, but the mask method, in which the muzzle of the cow is covered with a mask and the gas around the muzzle is inhaled, is preferably used.

[0016] (Estimation Department) The estimation unit 40 applies the concentration of methane gas in the breath obtained by the measurement means 12 to a preset relational expression to obtain an estimated value of an index showing the growth status of the cow.

[0017] The estimation unit 40 can be configured as a general-purpose computer, and for example, the hardware configuration includes a processor such as a CPU or GPU, a main memory such as RAM, an auxiliary memory such as a hard disk, and an input / output interface (display, keyboard, mouse, touch panel, etc.). The estimation unit 40 can also be configured as a small general-purpose computer such as a microcomputer or single-board computer, and installed on the bridle 14 as shown in FIG. 2(a). The estimation unit 40 is equipped with wired / wireless communication means for communicating with the measurement means 12. The estimation value calculation function of the estimation unit 40, which will be described below, can be implemented by software.

[0018] (Relationship) The relational equation used in the estimation unit is a relational equation determined in advance by measuring the relationship between the methane gas concentration contained in the cow's breath and an index value showing the growth status of the cow. The indexes that are the subject of the present invention include age in days, chest circumference, abdominal circumference, body weight, feed intake, blood GLU (glucose) concentration, blood GPT (aspartate aminotransferase) concentration, and blood BHB (beta-hydroxybutyrate) concentration.

[0019] The relational equation is determined by measuring the breath methane gas concentration and each index value in advance and performing a regression analysis of the relationship. Specifically, on the same day as the measurement of the breath methane gas concentration, physical measurements, blood sampling, and measurements of feed intake are performed, and the relationship between the breath methane gas concentration and each measured index value is subjected to a simple regression analysis to obtain a simple regression line equation. The obtained linear equation is the relational equation used in the present invention, and is stored in the estimation unit and used to calculate estimated values.

[0020] The relational equation is determined for each measurement method used. For example, when the measurement method is to attach a gas sensor near the cow's muzzle, or when a gas sensor is provided near the nipple of an automatic feeding device, a relational equation is created for each measurement method. Note that if the measurement method is constant, the correlation between the methane gas concentration in the breath and the index value is not greatly affected by the individual cow. Therefore, it is not necessary to determine the relational equation for each individual cow; it is sufficient to determine it at least once for each measurement method.

[0021] The relational expression is not limited to a linear expression, and various model expressions such as polynomials can be used. Also, a learning model created by machine learning from the relationship between the methane gas concentration in breath and the index value may be used as the relational expression.

[0022] (Estimation method) Next, the operation and estimation method of the system of the present invention will be explained. First, the methane gas concentration in the cow's breath is measured by the measuring means. Next, the measured methane gas concentration in the breath is sent to the estimation unit. The estimation unit applies the obtained methane gas concentration in the breath to a preset relational equation to calculate an estimated value. The estimated value may be displayed as is, or may be displayed in multiple ranks according to the growth status. For example, the estimated value may be compared with a normal index value and displayed as "poor," "normal," or "good."

[0023] As described above, the system and method of the present invention allow for the acquisition of an index value relating to the growth status of a cow from the methane gas concentration in the cow's breath, making it possible to easily estimate the growth status of the cow. The present invention eliminates the need for conventional procedures such as body measurements and blood tests. Furthermore, the present invention allows for the estimation of blood BHB concentration, which serves as an index of the degree of rumen development, without the need for blood sampling. Therefore, the present invention is particularly useful for the feeding and management of calves, for which it is important to understand the development status of the rumen. [Example]

[0024] The present invention will be specifically explained below with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples.

[0025] The relationship between indicators of calf growth status and methane gas concentration in exhaled breath was confirmed as follows. (Test Method) Test animals Eight calves aged 2 to 467 days were used as test animals. Timothy hay and compound feed were designed based on the Japanese Feeding Standards (Independent Administrative Institution, Tokachi Farm Operations Division, Calf and Rearing Team: Calf Nursing and Rearing Manual, Revised 3rd Edition, 2008), and they were fed twice a day at 9am and 4pm.

[0026] Measurement of methane gas concentration in breath Methane gas concentrations in the calves' breath were measured using the mask method. A mask was placed over the cow's muzzle to inhale gas near the muzzle, and the methane gas concentration was measured using a semiconductor gas sensor (ThermoniMethane CO2 Plus, Livestock Japan Co., Ltd.). This measurement was performed twice a day, 30 minutes and 2 hours after feeding (a total of four times per day). Each measurement lasted 10 minutes, with the gas sensor measuring at 2-second intervals. The background was subtracted from the obtained time-series data of methane gas concentration, and the average value for one day (four measurements) was calculated, which was used as the breath methane gas concentration on the measurement day. Breath methane gas concentration measurements were performed every other week for 12 weeks, a total of six times.

[0027] Body measurements and food intake measurements On the same day as measuring the methane gas concentration in the breath, chest and abdominal circumferences were measured, and estimated body weight was calculated using a weight estimation scale (KM type Japanese Black calf weight estimation scale, Fujidaira Kogyo Co., Ltd.). Furthermore, remaining feed was collected on the same day, and feed intake for that day (roughage intake, compound feed intake) was measured.

[0028] Blood tests Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein on the same day as the measurement of exhaled methane gas concentrations. The blood was collected using a vacuum blood collection tube and plasma separated using a refrigerated centrifuge (4°C, 3500 rpm x 15 min). The plasma was stored at -80°C until measurement. Ten general blood biochemical parameters were measured using a clinical chemistry analyzer (Fuji DryChem NX500V, Fujifilm Corporation): glucose (GLU), total cholesterol (TCHO), triglycerides (TG), total protein (TP), urea nitrogen (BUN), albumin (ALB), aspartate aminotransferase (GPT), alanine aminotransferase (GOT), calcium (Ca), and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB).

[0029] (Test results) The results of various measurements and tests for the methane gas concentration in the breath are shown in Figures 3 to 5. Figure 3 shows (a) age in days and (b) roughage intake. Figure 4 shows the results of body measurements, namely (a) chest circumference, (b) abdominal circumference, and (c) estimated body weight. Figure 5 shows the results of blood tests, namely (a) blood GLU concentration, (b) blood GPT concentration, and (c) blood BHB concentration.

[0030] A simple regression analysis was performed on the breath methane gas concentration and various measurement and blood test results (age in days, roughage intake, chest circumference, abdominal circumference, estimated body weight, blood GLU concentration, blood GPT concentration, and blood BHB concentration). The correlation coefficient, p-value, and the slope and intercept of the simple regression line (Y = aX + b, where X is the various measurement and blood test results, and Y is the breath methane gas concentration) are shown in Table 1. Note that the results of the simple regression analysis and their equations are also shown in some of Figures 3 to 5.

[0031] [Table 1]

[0032] The results of Figures 3-5 and Table 1 show a strong, significant positive correlation between breath methane concentration and age in days, chest circumference, abdominal circumference, estimated body weight, roughage intake, and formulated feed intake. A significant relationship was also observed between breath methane concentration and blood GLU and blood GPT concentrations. Furthermore, a significant positive correlation was observed between breath methane concentration and blood BHB concentration. Regarding blood test results (TCHO, TG, BUN, TP, ALB, GOT and Ca) not shown in the table, no correlation was found with the methane gas concentration in the exhaled breath.

[0033] These results clearly demonstrated a correlation between the methane gas concentration in the cow's breath and the indicators of growth status (age in days, chest circumference, abdominal circumference, estimated body weight, roughage intake, compound feed intake, blood GLU concentration, blood GPT concentration, and blood BHB concentration). Furthermore, it was confirmed that the growth status indicators could be estimated from the simple regression line (or its modified form: X = (Yb) / a) obtained by regression analysis of each indicator value and the measured methane gas concentration in the breath.

[0034] As described above, according to the present invention, by measuring the methane gas concentration in exhaled breath, it is possible to easily obtain an estimate of an index showing the growth status of cattle, thereby significantly reducing the effort required for feeding and management. Furthermore, since the present invention can estimate the developmental state of the rumen, which has previously been difficult to determine, it is particularly useful for feeding and management of calves. [Explanation of symbols]

[0035] 10 Growth status estimation system 12 Measuring means (gas sensor) 40 Estimation part 50 cows

Claims

1. A means for measuring the concentration of methane gas in the breath of cows; an estimation unit that calculates an estimated value of an index showing the growth status of cattle from the methane gas concentration, The system for estimating the growth status of cattle is characterized in that the estimation unit applies the methane gas concentration to a predetermined relational equation to obtain an estimated value of an index indicating the growth status of the cattle.

2. The system for estimating the growth status of cattle described in claim 2, characterized in that the indicators include at least one selected from age in days, chest circumference, abdominal circumference, body weight, feed intake, blood GLU concentration, blood GPT concentration, and blood BHB concentration.

3. A method for estimating the growth status of cattle, which comprises measuring the methane gas concentration in the breath of cattle and applying the methane gas concentration to a predetermined relational equation to obtain an estimated value of an index showing the growth status of the cattle.

4. 4. The method for estimating the growth status of cattle according to claim 3, wherein the indicators include at least one selected from age in days, chest circumference, abdominal circumference, body weight, feed intake, blood GLU concentration, blood GPT concentration, and blood BHB concentration.

Images