Systems and methods

Abstract

To provide a system capable of moving a plurality of breeding devices every time a predetermined period of time elapses. [Solution] The system is installed in a livestock barn and includes multiple breeding apparatuses capable of feeding and / or watering livestock animals and housing and raising them. In the system, the multiple breeding apparatuses are lined up along a predetermined path, and each breeding apparatus moves along the predetermined path so as to approach a predetermined area as each predetermined period passes. The predetermined period is based on the difference in age in days, weeks, or months between the livestock animals in adjacent breeding apparatuses, or the predetermined period is based on the difference in age in days, weeks, or months between a predetermined breeding period and the livestock animals in a reference breeding apparatus.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a system and method. [Background technology]

[0002] When shipping livestock animals such as chickens and pigs for livestock farming, the animals must be collected and moved from the barn. After the animals are moved from the barn, the excrement and urine must be collected and the barn must be cleaned. These tasks are hard work for humans and place a heavy burden on the workers.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a poultry farming system that aims to improve rearing efficiency by allowing chickens to be collected all at once before shipping. The poultry farming system in Patent Document 1 comprises rearing rooms, which are elongated movable floors on which bedding is laid and which can move along the longitudinal direction, and a cover that covers the movable floor and has an outlet at one longitudinal end through which chickens can be discharged together with the bedding as the movable floor moves. The poultry farming system also comprises rearing rooms stacked in multiple tiers to form rearing buildings, which are arranged in multiple rows on the floor at predetermined intervals. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-186712 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] At least one object of the present invention is to provide a system or method that can move a plurality of breeding devices every time a predetermined period of time elapses. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The object of the present invention is to [1] A system comprising a plurality of rearing devices that are installed in a livestock barn and are capable of feeding and / or watering livestock animals and housing and rearing the livestock animals, the plurality of rearing devices being lined up along a predetermined path, and each rearing device moving along the predetermined path so as to approach a predetermined area every time a predetermined period of time passes, the predetermined period being a period based on the difference in age in days, weeks or months of the livestock animals in adjacent rearing devices, or the predetermined period being a period based on the difference in age in days, weeks or months between a predetermined rearing period and the livestock animals in a reference rearing device; [2] The system according to [1], wherein each time the predetermined period elapses, the rearing apparatuses move closer to the predetermined area, starting with the rearing apparatus that is closest to the predetermined area on the predetermined route; [3] The system according to [1] or [2], wherein each rearing apparatus moves a predetermined distance so as to approach the predetermined area every time the predetermined period elapses, and the predetermined distance is a distance based on the number of rearing apparatuses in which the difference in age of livestock animals in days, weeks, or months is within a predetermined range. [4] The system according to any one of [1] to [3] above, further comprising a moving device for moving the rearing devices, wherein one moving device moves a plurality of rearing devices; [5] The system according to any one of [1] to [4] above, wherein the rearing device includes a floor portion, and a sheet or film is placed on the floor portion; [6] The system according to any one of [1] to [5] above, comprising a feeder installed in the rearing apparatus and / or a waterer installed in the rearing apparatus, wherein the feeder includes a feeding control unit that controls the amount of food supplied to the feeder in the rearing apparatus, and / or the waterer includes a water supply control unit that controls the amount of water supplied to the waterer in the rearing apparatus; [7] The system according to any one of [1] to [6] above, comprising at least one computer device and a detection device that detects the status of livestock animals in the breeding device and / or the status of the breeding device or the vicinity thereof, and comprising a storage means for storing, for each breeding device, the status of the livestock animals and / or the status of the breeding device or the vicinity thereof detected by the detection device; [8] A method to be carried out in a system that is installed in a livestock barn and that is capable of feeding and / or watering livestock animals and that is capable of housing and raising livestock animals, wherein the multiple livestock animals are lined up along a predetermined path, and the method includes a step of moving each livestock animal along the predetermined path so as to approach a predetermined area every time a predetermined period of time passes, wherein the predetermined period of time is based on the difference in age in days, weeks, or months between the livestock animals in adjacent livestock animals, or the predetermined period of time is based on the difference in age in days, weeks, or months between the livestock animals in a reference livestock animal; [9] The method according to [8], further comprising the step of recovering livestock animals from a rearing device close to the predetermined area at each predetermined period; This can be achieved by: [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a system or method that can move a plurality of breeding devices every time a predetermined period of time has passed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a livestock barn according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a livestock barn according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a rearing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a movement device and a movement assist unit according to an embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments unless it is contrary to the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, the description of the effects is one aspect of the effects of the embodiments of the present invention, and is not limited to those described here. In the drawings described below, the same or corresponding components are assigned the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0010] In the following, the longitudinal direction of the livestock barn 1 is defined as the front-to-rear direction. The up-to-down direction means the direction of gravity. The front-to-rear direction is perpendicular to the up-to-down direction. The direction perpendicular to the front-to-rear and up-to-down directions is defined as the left-to-right direction. The left-to-right and front-to-rear directions are directions defined for the convenience of explanation. Therefore, the left-to-right and front-to-rear directions do not have to coincide with the left-to-right and front-to-rear directions of the livestock barn 1. The left direction and the right direction may be interchanged, and the front direction and the rear direction may be interchanged.

[0011] In this embodiment, the system 10 can be used in the business of raising livestock animals. In this embodiment, the livestock animals are not particularly limited as long as they are animals for livestock farming. Livestock animals include, for example, poultry such as broilers, pigs, cows, etc.

[0012] 1 and 2 are schematic diagrams showing an example of a livestock barn 1 to which a system 10 according to the present embodiment is applied. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the livestock barn 1 viewed from the upper left to the lower right. Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of the livestock barn 1 viewed from above to below.

[0013] The livestock barn 1 comprises an entrance area 2 and an exit area 3 (see Figures 1 and 2). The entrance area 2 is the starting point of a predetermined route described below. The entrance area 2 may be an area for bringing livestock animals that are young in days, weeks, or months (hereinafter referred to as "day age, etc.") into the livestock barn 1. The entrance area 2 may be an area through which the youngest livestock animal in the system 10 passes, among the livestock animals that are on the predetermined route described below.

[0014] The discharge area 3 is an area that is the end point of a predetermined route described below. The discharge area 3 may be an area for discharging livestock animals that have been raised for a predetermined period from the barn 1. The discharge area 3 may also be an area for removing and recovering livestock animals from the breeding device 100 described below. The discharge area 3 may be an area through which the oldest livestock animal present in the system 10, for example, of the livestock animals present on the predetermined route described below, passes. The discharge area 3 is an example of a predetermined area.

[0015] In this embodiment, the loading area 2 and the unloading area 3 are located near the front end of the livestock house 1. The loading area 2 and the unloading area 3 are preferably located near the entrance and exit of the livestock house 1. The loading area 2 and the unloading area 3 are also aligned in the left-right direction. Note that the loading area 2 and the unloading area 3 may be areas that partially or entirely overlap each other.

[0016] As shown in Fig. 2, predetermined routes (routes L1 to L3) are set in advance in the livestock barn 1. The predetermined routes start from the carry-in area 2 and end at the carry-out area 3. The predetermined routes are one continuous route.

[0017] The predetermined path may be a straight path, a curved path, a broken path that alternately bends forward and backward or left and right, or a path that is a combination of a plurality of these paths. For example, the predetermined path shown in FIG. 2 is composed of a straight path L1 that extends backward, a curved path L2 that extends leftward, and a straight path L3 that extends forward. The paths L1, L2, and L3 are one continuous path. Note that the curved path L2 may also be a straight path.

[0018] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the system 10 includes a plurality of breeding apparatuses 100 (for example, breeding apparatuses 100a to 100h). The breeding apparatuses 100 are capable of feeding and / or watering livestock animals. The breeding apparatuses 100 are also capable of housing and breeding livestock animals. Note that in FIGS. 1 and 2, reference numerals are omitted for breeding apparatuses 100 other than the breeding apparatuses 100a to 100h.

[0019] The breeding apparatus 100 is installed in a livestock pen 1. As shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of breeding apparatuses 100 are arranged in two rows in the left-right direction in the livestock pen 1, aligned in the front-to-back direction. The position, range, and number of breeding apparatuses 100 installed in the livestock pen 1 are not particularly limited. The position, range, and number of breeding apparatuses 100 installed in the livestock pen 1 can be changed as appropriate depending on the size of the livestock pen 1. The configuration of the breeding apparatus 100 will be described in detail below.

[0020] A plurality of breeding apparatuses 100 are lined up along a predetermined path. The predetermined path is a path along which the breeding apparatuses 100 move. The breeding apparatuses 100 are along the predetermined path means that the breeding apparatuses 100 overlap the predetermined path when viewed from above. Furthermore, the breeding apparatuses 100 are lined up along the predetermined path means that the breeding apparatuses 100 are lined up in a row on the path. When a plurality of breeding apparatuses 100 are lined up along the predetermined path, the breeding apparatuses 100 may be lined up at predetermined intervals or may be lined up randomly. Furthermore, it is not necessary for a breeding apparatus 100 to be present in a certain section of the predetermined path. The breeding apparatus 100 can move to a predetermined area (exit area 3) along the predetermined path (paths L1 to L3).

[0021] The system 10 may include a moving device 200 and a movement assisting unit 300. The system 10 may include a plurality of moving devices 200 (for example, moving devices 200a to 200d). As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a livestock barn 1 is provided with a plurality of moving devices 200.

[0022] The moving device 200 moves the breeding devices 100. In this embodiment, one moving device 200 can move a plurality of breeding devices 100. For example, after the moving device 200a moves the breeding device 100h, the moving device 200a can move the breeding device 100e. The configuration of the moving device 200 will be described in detail later.

[0023] The movement assistance unit 300 functions to allow the movement device 200 to move along a predetermined route. The movement assistance unit 300 is installed on the floor of the barn 1 along the predetermined route. As shown in FIG. 2, the position of the movement assistance unit 300 coincides with the location of the predetermined route. The movement assistance units 300 may be installed to cover the entire predetermined route, or may be installed at predetermined intervals on the predetermined route.

[0024] The movement assist unit 300 is, for example, a guideline, a predetermined mark, and / or a rail. The guideline may be, for example, a magnetic tape, a vinyl tape, or a tape of a predetermined color. The predetermined mark may be, for example, a two-dimensional code, an AR marker, or a combination of predetermined colors and illustrations.

[0025] The system 10 may also include a feeder 110, a waterer 120, and a heater 130. The feeder 110 is installed within the breeding apparatus 100. The waterer 120 is also installed within the breeding apparatus 100. Therefore, the breeding apparatus 100 can provide feed and / or water to the livestock animals. Details of the feeder 110 and the waterer 120 will be described later.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 1, the heater 130 is installed corresponding to the breeding apparatus 100. The heater 130 may be installed on the ceiling of the barn 1, or may be installed in a specific breeding apparatus 100 (for example, breeding apparatuses 100a to 100c). The heater 130 is preferably installed corresponding to the position of the breeding apparatus 100 where livestock animals of a predetermined age or the like are raised. The function of the heater 130 makes it possible to control the temperature of the breeding apparatus 100 according to the age or the like of the livestock animals in the breeding apparatus 100.

[0027] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of a breeding apparatus 100 (100a, 100h) according to this embodiment. In the following, the structure of breeding apparatus 100a will be described as the structure of breeding apparatus 100. Breeding apparatus 100h has a structure obtained by rotating breeding apparatus 100a by 180° around a central axis extending in the vertical direction, except that it does not include a heater 130, which will be described later. Therefore, a description of breeding apparatus 100h will be omitted.

[0028] As shown in Fig. 3, the breeding apparatus 100 includes a floor 101. The floor 101 has a plate shape. When viewed from above, the floor 101 has a rectangular shape. The floor 101 may be a so-called pallet.

[0029] Also, a sheet or film may be placed on the floor portion 101. In Fig. 3, a sheet 102 is placed on the floor portion 101. The sheet or film covers the upper surface of the floor portion 101. The sheet or film may be a biodegradable sheet or film.

[0030] The sheet or film may also be made of a slippery material. Alternatively, at least the lower surface of the sheet or film may have slipperiness. For example, the upper and / or lower surfaces of the sheet or film may be coated with a coating agent that can impart slipperiness, or a resin with good slipperiness may be laminated on the upper and / or lower surfaces of the sheet or film. This allows the sheet or film to be easily removed from the breeding apparatus 100. Furthermore, feces and urine of livestock animals that have accumulated on the sheet or film can be easily removed from the sheet or film.

[0031] Furthermore, at least the upper surface of the floor 101 may be slippery. For example, the upper surface of the floor 101 may be coated with a coating agent that can impart slipperiness, or a resin with good slipperiness may be laminated on the upper surface of the floor 101. This allows the sheet or film to be easily removed from the breeding apparatus 100. Furthermore, the excrement and urine of livestock animals that have accumulated on the breeding apparatus 100 can be easily removed from the breeding apparatus 100.

[0032] The breeding apparatus 100 may also include a net 103, a plurality of poles 104, and wheels 105. The net 103 forms the side of the breeding apparatus 100. The net 103 may be made of, for example, nylon, polyester, polyethylene, metal, or the like. The height of the net 103 is not particularly limited as long as it is a height that prevents livestock animals from escaping from the breeding apparatus 100. The height of the net 103 is preferably 40 cm to 140 cm, and more preferably 80 cm to 120 cm.

[0033] The poles 104 are members that extend in the vertical direction and are inserted into the right, front, left, and rear sides of the floor 101. The poles 104 can be removed from the floor 101. An operator can assemble the breeding apparatus 100 by inserting the poles 104 into the floor 101 and attaching the net 103.

[0034] The wheels 105 are attached to the floor portion 101. The wheels 105 provide a gap between the floor portion 101 and the floor of the barn 1. This gap is large enough to allow the moving device 200 to enter.

[0035] The breeding apparatus 100 may include a feeder 110. The feeder 110 includes a feeder main body 111, a conveying pipe 112, and a feeding control unit 113. Food conveyed from the conveying pipe 112 drops into the feeder main body 111. The conveying pipe 112 extends in the front-to-rear direction. Known feeders can be used for the feeder main body 111 and the conveying pipe 112. The feeder 110 may include a tank in which food is stored. The tank is installed in the breeding apparatus 100. The food in the tank may be conveyed to the conveying pipe 112. The feeding control unit 113 controls the amount of food supplied to the feeder 110 in the breeding apparatus 100 in which the feeder 110 is installed.

[0036] The feeding control unit 113 is attached to the conveying pipe 112, for example. The feeding control unit 113 may be located at the front end or rear end of the breeding apparatus 100. The feeding control unit 113 may include, for example, a valve that changes the diameter of the conveying pipe 112. By changing the diameter of the conveying pipe 112, the feeding control unit 113 can adjust the amount of food conveyed into the conveying pipe 112. Alternatively, the feeding control unit 113 may include, for example, an auxiliary unit that assists in the supply of food into the conveying pipe 112. By driving the auxiliary unit, the feeding control unit 113 can adjust the amount of food conveyed into the conveying pipe 112.

[0037] A feeding control unit 113 is attached to each breeding apparatus 100. Therefore, by functioning the feeding control unit 113, the amount of feed supplied to the feeder 110 can be controlled according to the age of the livestock animals in the breeding apparatus 100, etc.

[0038] The breeding apparatus 100 may include a water supply device 120. The water supply device 120 includes a water supply device main body 121, a water supply pipe 122, and a water supply control unit 123. Water supplied from the water supply pipe 122 is supplied to the water supply device main body 121. The water supply pipe 122 extends in the front-to-rear direction. A known water supply device can be used for the water supply device main body 121 and the water supply pipe 122. The water supply device 120 may include a tank in which water is stored. The tank is installed in the breeding apparatus 100. The water in the tank may be supplied to the water supply pipe 122. The water supply control unit 123 controls the amount of water supplied to the water supply device 120 in the breeding apparatus 100 in which the water supply device 120 is installed.

[0039] The water supply control unit 123 is attached to the water supply pipe 122, for example. The water supply control unit 123 may be located at the front end or rear end of the breeding apparatus 100. The water supply control unit 123 may include, for example, a valve that changes the diameter of the water supply pipe 122. By changing the diameter of the water supply pipe 122, the water supply control unit 123 can adjust the amount of water supplied into the water supply pipe 122. Alternatively, the water supply control unit 123 may include, for example, an auxiliary unit that assists in the supply of water into the water supply pipe 122. By driving the auxiliary unit, the water supply control unit 123 can adjust the amount of water supplied into the water supply pipe 122.

[0040] The water supply control unit 123 is attached to each breeding apparatus 100. Therefore, by functioning the water supply control unit 123, the amount of water supplied to the water supply device 120 can be controlled according to the age of the livestock animals in the breeding apparatus 100, etc.

[0041] The feeding control unit 113 and / or the water supply control unit 123 may include, for example, a control unit. The control unit is configured, for example, by a microcomputer including a CPU and ROM (not shown). The control unit may include a communication unit. When the communication unit receives a signal from another computer device, the control unit drives a valve or auxiliary unit to adjust the amount of food or water. Alternatively, the control unit may adjust the amount of food or water by driving a valve or auxiliary unit in response to an operator's operation of the feeding control unit 113 and / or the water supply control unit 123.

[0042] Here, the system 10 may include a detection device 140. The detection device 140 may be installed in the breeding apparatus 100 (see FIG. 3). The detection device 140 detects the status of the livestock animals in the breeding apparatus 100 and / or the status of the breeding apparatus 100 or the vicinity of the breeding apparatus 100. The detection device 140 may be, for example, a camera 141 or a sensor 142.

[0043] 3, the detection device 140 may be installed for each breeding apparatus 100, or may be installed on a wall or ceiling of the barn 1. When the detection device 140 is installed on a wall or ceiling of the barn 1, the detection device 140 may detect the status of the livestock animals in the multiple breeding apparatuses 100 and / or the status of the multiple breeding apparatuses 100 or the vicinity of the multiple breeding apparatuses 100.

[0044] The camera 141 can acquire images or videos of the livestock animals. The sensor 142 can detect temperature, humidity, thermal images, sound, etc. in the breeding apparatus 100 or in the vicinity of the breeding apparatus 100. The sensor 142 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a temperature sensor, humidity sensor, infrared sensor, sound sensor, etc.

[0045] The system 10 may include an administrator terminal 4 and / or a server device (not shown). The administrator terminal 4 and the server device are examples of computer devices. The administrator terminal 4 or the server device may include a CPU, RAM (main memory), a storage unit, and a communication unit. The CPU executes programs stored in the storage unit and controls the administrator terminal 4 or the server device. The storage unit is a memory area for saving programs and data. In this embodiment, the administrator terminal 4 and the server device can be connected to each other via a communication network. The administrator terminal 4 and the server device can also be connected to the feeding control unit 113, the water supply control unit 123, the detection device 140, and the mobile device 200 (described later) via the communication network.

[0046] The information detected by the detection device 140 may be transmitted to the manager terminal 4 or the server device. Furthermore, the system 10 may identify the status of the livestock animals and / or the status of the breeding device 100 or the vicinity of the breeding device 100 in a computer device such as the manager terminal 4 or the server device based on the information acquired by the camera 141 or the sensor 142. The system 10 can store, for each breeding device 100, the status of the livestock animals and / or the status of the breeding device or the vicinity of the breeding device detected by the detection device 140. Information regarding the status detected by the detection device 140 or information regarding the status identified from the information detected by the detection device 140 may be stored in a storage unit of the manager terminal 4 or the server device.

[0047] Furthermore, the control information of the feeding control unit 113 and / or the water supply control unit 123 may be transmitted to the administrator terminal 4 or the server device. The system 10 can specify the amount of feed or water to be supplied for each breeding device 100 using the control information of the feeding control unit 113 and / or the water supply control unit 123. Information regarding the amount of feed or water to be supplied may be stored in the storage unit of the administrator terminal 4 or the server device.

[0048] Furthermore, the system 10 may control the feeding control unit 113, the water supply control unit 123, and / or the heater 130 based on information about the situation detected by the detection device 140, information about the situation identified from the information detected by the detection device 140, or information about the amount of feed or water supplied. For example, when the size of a livestock animal captured by the camera 141 is smaller than the average size, the system 10 may control the feeding control unit 113 to increase the amount of feed supplied to the feeder 110. For example, when the temperature captured by the sensor 142 is higher than the normal temperature, the system 10 may control the water supply control unit 123 to increase the amount of water supplied to the waterer 120. The control of the feeding control unit 113, the water supply control unit 123, and / or the heater 130 may be performed in response to an operation of the manager terminal 4.

[0049] 4 is a perspective view showing an example of a moving device 200 and a movement assist unit 300 according to this embodiment. The moving device 200 includes a main body 201, a control device 202, wheels 203 (wheels 203a and 203b), a detection unit 210, and a contact unit 220 (contact units 220a and 220b). The moving device 200 may also include a connecting unit 221 and an emergency stop button 230.

[0050] The main body 201 is provided with a control device 202, wheels 203, a detection unit 210, a contact unit 220, a connection unit 221, and an emergency stop button 230. The control device 202 controls the mobile device 200. The control device 202 may include a CPU, a RAM (main memory), a storage unit, and a communication unit. The CPU executes programs stored in the storage unit and controls the mobile device 200 based on information detected by the detection unit 210. The storage unit is a memory area for saving programs and data. The wheel 203a is provided on the right side of the main body 201, and the wheel 203b is provided on the left side of the main body 201. The mobile device 200 stops when the emergency stop button 230 is pressed.

[0051] The detection unit 210 detects the movement assist unit 300. The detection unit 210 is provided, for example, on the underside of the main body 201. For example, if the movement assist unit 300 is a magnetic tape, the detection unit 210 is a magnetic sensor that detects a magnetic field. If the movement assist unit 300 is a vinyl tape, the detection unit 210 is an optical sensor that detects light reflection. If the movement assist unit 300 is a predetermined mark, the detection unit 210 is a camera that detects the predetermined mark.

[0052] The contact portion 220 is a portion that comes into contact with the underside of the breeding apparatus 100. The contact portion 220a is attached to the upper right end portion of the moving apparatus 200, and the contact portion 220b is attached to the upper left end portion of the moving apparatus 200. When the moving apparatus 200 moves below the breeding apparatus 100, the moving apparatus 200 moves the main body 201 and / or the contact portions 220a, 220b upward, bringing the breeding apparatus 100 into contact with the contact portions 220a, 220b. At this time, a connecting portion 221 that protrudes upward from the top surface of the main body 201 engages with a connecting portion provided on the underside of the breeding apparatus 100, thereby connecting the two.

[0053] [System Operation] Next, the operation of the system 10 according to this embodiment will be described. In the system 10, each breeding apparatus 100 houses livestock animals whose ages, etc. are within a predetermined range (for example, within 3 days). Furthermore, multiple breeding apparatuses 100, each housing livestock animals of different ages, etc., are lined up on a predetermined route. Furthermore, the breeding apparatuses 100 are lined up toward the discharge area 3 so that the ages, etc., of the livestock animals increase.

[0054] Furthermore, multiple breeding apparatuses 100 containing livestock animals whose ages in days, etc. are within a predetermined range may be lined up consecutively on a predetermined route. The number of consecutive breeding apparatuses 100 whose ages in days, etc. are within a predetermined range on the predetermined route may be the same for all breeding apparatuses 100 on the predetermined route, or may be different for each month of age, etc. Furthermore, if there is a difference in the ages of livestock animals in adjacent breeding apparatuses 100, the magnitude of the difference in age may be the same for all breeding apparatuses 100 on the predetermined route, or may be different.

[0055] Using the system 10, an operator can ship livestock animals that will be shipped after a predetermined breeding period at predetermined intervals. The livestock animals are housed in the breeding apparatus 100 and are raised within the breeding apparatus 100. First, the operator houses livestock animals of the same age, etc., in one breeding apparatus 100 in the receiving area 2. The livestock animals to be brought in may be, for example, chicken chicks, piglets, calves, etc. The livestock animals to be brought in may be livestock animals that have grown to a certain extent, or may be livestock animals in the fattening period, for example. Next, the operator installs the breeding apparatus 100 at the position of the breeding apparatus 100a. At this time, the operator may use the moving device 200 to move the breeding apparatus 100. After a predetermined period has elapsed since the breeding apparatus 100 was installed at the position of the breeding apparatus 100a, the multiple breeding apparatuses 100 are moved while housing the livestock animals. The breeding device 100 moves along the paths L1 to L3 every time a predetermined period of time has passed, and moves to the unloading area 3 when the predetermined breeding period has ended.

[0056] In this embodiment, the breeding apparatus 100 is movable along predetermined paths (paths L1 to L3) to a predetermined area (exit area 3). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2, the breeding apparatus 100a that has passed through the entrance area 2 moves backward along path L1 to the position of breeding apparatus 100d. Furthermore, the breeding apparatus 100a moves leftward from the position of breeding apparatus 100d along path L2. Then, the breeding apparatus 100a moves forward from the position of breeding apparatus 100e to the exit area 3 along path L3. The breeding apparatus 100 is movable in at least one traveling direction.

[0057] Here, in the system 10, each breeding apparatus 100 can move along a predetermined path so as to approach the carry-out area 3 every time a predetermined period of time has passed. For example, in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2, breeding apparatus 100h moves to the carry-out area 3 after a predetermined period of time has passed. Furthermore, the other breeding apparatuses 100 move to positions of adjacent breeding apparatuses 100 that are closer to the carry-out area 3 on the paths L1 to L3. For example, breeding apparatus 100a moves to the position of breeding apparatus 100b, and breeding apparatus 100g moves to the position of breeding apparatus 100h. "Close to the carry-out area 3" means that the length of the predetermined path to the carry-out area 3 is the shortest.

[0058] The "predetermined period" during which the breeding apparatus 100 is moved is, for example, a period based on the difference in age, etc., of the livestock animals housed in adjacent breeding apparatuses 100. In this case, the difference in age, etc., between the livestock animals housed in one breeding apparatus 100 (e.g., breeding apparatus 100h) and the livestock animals housed in an adjacent breeding apparatus 100 (e.g., breeding apparatus 100g) corresponds to the predetermined period. The term "period" encompasses years, months, weeks, days, or hours. The predetermined periods may be of the same length or may be of different lengths. For example, the system 10 may move the breeding apparatus 100 every day, every week, or every month. The system 10 may also move the breeding apparatus 100 every time a different period, such as one day, three days, or two days, has elapsed.

[0059] Adjacent breeding apparatuses 100 refer to breeding apparatuses 100 that are lined up next to each other on a predetermined route. Therefore, in Fig. 2, breeding apparatuses 100a and 100b are adjacent to each other, but breeding apparatuses 100a and 100h are not adjacent to each other. Note that if there is no difference in the age of livestock animals residing in adjacent breeding apparatuses 100 (for example, if the difference in age is 0 days), the predetermined period may be a period based on the difference in the age of livestock animals residing in the adjacent breeding apparatuses 100.

[0060] The "predetermined period" may be a period based on the difference between a predetermined breeding period and the age, etc., of the livestock animals housed in the reference breeding apparatus 100. The reference breeding apparatus 100 is preferably the breeding apparatus 100 (breeding apparatus 100h) with the shortest length along the predetermined path to the unloading area 3. In this case, the difference between the predetermined breeding period and the age, etc., of the livestock animals housed in the reference breeding apparatus 100 (e.g., breeding apparatus 100h) corresponds to the predetermined period. For example, if at a certain point in time the difference between the determined breeding period and the age, etc., of the livestock animals housed in the breeding apparatus 100h is one day, the predetermined period is one day. In this case, when one day has passed from the certain point in time, the breeding apparatus 100h moves to the unloading area 3. Furthermore, the other breeding apparatuses 100 move closer to the unloading area 3.

[0061] Furthermore, the system 10 can move each of the breeding apparatuses 100 a predetermined distance along a predetermined route so as to approach the unloading area 3 every time a predetermined period of time elapses. The "predetermined distance" that each breeding apparatus 100 moves is determined by the number of breeding apparatuses 100 that move to the unloading area 3. The "predetermined distance" is a distance based on the number of breeding apparatuses 100 whose ages, etc., differ from those of the livestock animals in a reference breeding apparatus 100 within a predetermined range (e.g., within two days). The predetermined distance corresponds to the number of breeding apparatuses 100 whose ages, etc., differ from those of the livestock animals housed in a reference breeding apparatus 100 (e.g., breeding apparatus 100h) within a predetermined range. The reference breeding apparatus 100 is preferably the breeding apparatus 100 (breeding apparatus 100h) that has the shortest length on the predetermined route to the unloading area 3.

[0062] For example, if the range of the difference in age, etc., required to determine the predetermined distance is within 0 days, the predetermined distance is determined as follows: If the difference in age, etc., between the livestock animals in breeding apparatus 100h and the livestock animals in breeding apparatus 100g is 0 days, and the difference in age, etc., between the livestock animals in breeding apparatus 100h and the livestock animals in breeding apparatus 100f is 2 days, then the number of breeding apparatuses 100 whose difference in age, etc., falls within the predetermined range is 1. In this case, because breeding apparatuses 100h and 100g are targeted for movement to the discharge area 3, the predetermined distance is the distance traveled by two breeding apparatuses 100.

[0063] Furthermore, the system 10 can move each of the breeding apparatuses 100 so that, after each predetermined period of time, the breeding apparatuses 100 move closer to the unloading area 3, starting with the breeding apparatus 100 with the shortest length on the predetermined path to the unloading area 3. The length on the predetermined path to the unloading area 3 is the length corresponding to the predetermined path connecting the unloading area 3 to the position of the breeding apparatus 100.

[0064] Specifically, the rearing apparatuses 100 move in order from the shortest length on the predetermined paths L1 to L3 to the carry-out area 3 so as to approach the carry-out area 3. Therefore, for example, in FIG. 2, the rearing apparatus 100h moves to the carry-out area 3 first, then the rearing apparatus 100g moves on the path L3, and then the rearing apparatus 100g moves on the path L3.

[0065] The movement of multiple breeding apparatuses 100 is performed as follows. The moving device 200 stores information about the breeding apparatus 100 to be moved, the distance the breeding apparatus 100 will be moved, and the route. First, the moving device 200a moves below the breeding apparatus 100h. The moving device 200a connects the connecting portion 221 to the connecting portion of the breeding apparatus 100h. The moving device 200a also moves the contact portion 220 upward. This fixes the breeding apparatus 100h to the moving device 200a. The moving device 200a then moves forward along the route L3 by the stored distance while detecting the movement assisting portion 300 with the detection unit 210. This allows the moving device 200 to move along the predetermined route, and the breeding apparatus 100 integrated with the moving device 200 moves along the predetermined route.

[0066] Similarly, the movement devices 200b to 200d each move a designated breeding apparatus 100. Note that the movement of a plurality of breeding apparatuses 100 may be such that some or all of the breeding apparatuses 100 move simultaneously, or such that each breeding apparatus 100 moves one by one.

[0067] The worker collects the livestock animals from the breeding apparatus 100 that has been moved to the unloading area 3. That is, the worker can collect the livestock animals from the breeding apparatus 100 that is closest to a predetermined area at predetermined intervals. The method for collecting the livestock animals is not particularly limited. For example, the livestock animals may be collected by only partially opening the net 103 of the breeding apparatus 100. The worker places the livestock animals that have been moved to the unloading area 3 in a cage or the like, and loads the livestock animals onto a truck.

[0068] The worker may collect the livestock animals in the discharge area 3, or may further move the breeding apparatus 100 that has been moved to the discharge area 3 to collect the livestock animals. Alternatively, the breeding apparatus 100 that has been moved to the discharge area 3 may be moved to another system (for example, a different livestock barn) while still housing the livestock animals.

[0069] After collecting the livestock animals from the breeding apparatus 100, the worker collects the sheet or film placed on the floor 101. Manure excreted by the livestock animals and bedding such as sawdust are piled up on the sheet or film. By collecting the sheet or film in this manner, the worker can collect the manure and the like. Furthermore, it becomes easy to separate the floor 101 of the breeding apparatus 100 from the manure excreted on the floor 101. The worker may also dispose of the manure together by burying the collected sheet or film in the ground, for example. Alternatively, the worker may use the collected sheet or film for a predetermined purpose such as composting or power generation. The worker may also separate and collect the manure and bedding from the collected sheet or film.

[0070] [Other embodiments] The system 10 according to the present invention is not limited to the above and can be modified within the scope of the gist thereof. The structure of the system 10 described above and the following structure may be combined in any manner.

[0071] The loading area 2 and the unloading area 3 do not have to be aligned in the left-right direction. For example, in Fig. 2, the loading area 2 may be located near the front end of the livestock house 1, and the unloading area 3 may be located near the rear end of the livestock house 1. In this case, the predetermined route may be only route L1, or two routes may be provided: route L1 and a route that is oriented in the opposite direction to route L3.

[0072] The system 10 may have multiple predetermined paths, and multiple breeding apparatuses 100 lined up on each path may be moved together. For example, paths α and β extending from the rear to the front of the livestock barn 1 may be provided, and the ages of the livestock animals in the breeding apparatuses 100 lined up on each path may be within a predetermined range, and the breeding apparatuses 100 may be installed so that there is a difference in the ages of the livestock animals in the breeding apparatuses 100 between paths α and β. After a predetermined period of time has passed, all of the breeding apparatuses 100 on path α may be moved, and after another predetermined period of time has passed, all of the breeding apparatuses 100 on path β may be moved.

[0073] Although the above description has been given of a configuration in which the feeder 110 and the waterer 120 are provided for each rearing apparatus 100, the feeder 110 and / or the waterer 120 may be shared among multiple rearing apparatuses 100. For example, the system 10 may include feeders 110 and waterers 120 extending in the front-to-rear direction along paths L1 and L3 in the livestock barn 1. In this case, when multiple rearing apparatuses 100 are moved, the feeders 110 and waterers 120 are moved upward. Then, after the movement of the multiple rearing apparatuses 100 is completed, the feeders 110 and waterers 120 are moved downward. In this case, slits may be provided in the net 103 so that the transport pipe 112 and the water supply pipe 122 extending in the front-to-rear direction can be installed within the rearing apparatus 100.

[0074] A movable floor that moves in the front-to-rear direction may be formed on the floor 101. The movable floor may be configured, for example, by a belt conveyor. When the breeding apparatus 100 is moved to the discharge area 3 and the livestock animals are removed from the breeding apparatus 100, the movable floor may be moved to assist in the recovery of the livestock animals. When a sheet or film is placed on the floor 101, the sheet or film may be placed on the movable floor. The system 10 may be provided with a weight sensor on the floor 101 to detect the weight of the livestock animals.

[0075] The breeding apparatus 100 does not necessarily have to include the wheels 105. In this case, instead of the wheels 105, a member for providing a gap between the floor 101 and the floor of the livestock house 1 is attached to the floor 101.

[0076] Although the above describes a configuration in which the breeding apparatus 100 can be moved by the moving device 200, the method by which the breeding apparatus 100 moves is not particularly limited. For example, the breeding apparatus 100 may be equipped with a control unit and a drive unit that drives the wheels 105, so that the breeding apparatus 100 can move independently. Furthermore, for example, the breeding apparatus 100 may be moved by an operator pushing or pulling the breeding apparatus 100.

[0077] Although the above describes a configuration in which the moving device 200 moves below the breeding apparatus 100 to move the breeding apparatus 100, the moving device 200 may also move left and right or front and back of the breeding apparatus 100 to lift and move the breeding apparatus 100. The moving device 200 may have a shape similar to that of a forklift, for example.

[0078] In this way, the system includes a plurality of breeding apparatuses installed in a livestock barn, capable of feeding and / or watering livestock animals, and capable of housing and raising the livestock animals, the plurality of breeding apparatuses being lined up along a predetermined path, and each breeding apparatus moving along the predetermined path so as to approach a predetermined area every time a predetermined period of time passes, the predetermined period being a period based on the difference in age in days, weeks, or months between the livestock animals in adjacent breeding apparatuses, or the difference in age in days, weeks, or months between a predetermined breeding period and the livestock animals in a reference breeding apparatus, thereby allowing the breeding apparatuses housing the livestock animals to be moved every time a predetermined period of time passes. This allows the work of preparing for the arrival of livestock animals and the work of recovering livestock animals to be divided into multiple schedules, thereby leveling out the work of preparing for the arrival of livestock animals and the work of recovering livestock animals. This reduces the burden associated with the work of preparing for the arrival of livestock animals and the work of recovering livestock animals.

[0079] Furthermore, as the predetermined period elapses, each breeding apparatus moves closer to the predetermined area, starting with the breeding apparatus with the shortest length along the predetermined path to the predetermined area, allowing the breeding apparatuses to be moved in order from closest to the predetermined area. Furthermore, since the breeding apparatuses housing livestock animals that are older in days or months can be moved closer to the predetermined area, the work of recovering the livestock animals becomes easier. Furthermore, as the predetermined period elapses, each breeding apparatus moves a predetermined distance to approach the predetermined area, and the predetermined distance is based on the number of breeding apparatuses whose livestock animals in a reference breeding apparatus have ages that fall within a predetermined range. Therefore, the breeding apparatuses in the system can be moved according to the number of breeding apparatuses to be removed from the system.

[0080] Furthermore, in this way, the system is equipped with a moving device that moves the breeding devices, and one moving device moves multiple breeding devices, so that the system can move multiple moving devices even if there are not the same number of moving devices as the total number of breeding devices.

[0081] Furthermore, since the rearing apparatus includes a floor portion and a sheet or film is placed on the floor portion, after the livestock animals are collected from the rearing apparatus, the worker can remove the sawdust and excrement discharged by the livestock animals from the rearing apparatus simply by removing the sheet or film. Furthermore, since the sheet or film placed on the floor portion is biodegradable, the worker can bury the collected sheet or film in the ground, where it will decompose along with the excrement and sawdust accumulated on it.

[0082] Furthermore, in this way, the system comprises a feeder installed in the breeding apparatus and / or a waterer installed in the breeding apparatus, and the feeder includes a feeding control unit in the breeding apparatus that controls the amount of feed supplied to the feeder, and / or the waterer includes a water supply control unit in the breeding apparatus that controls the amount of water supplied to the waterer, thereby making it possible to adjust the amount of feed and / or water according to the age of the livestock animals in the breeding apparatus, etc. Furthermore, in this way, the system comprises at least one computer device and a detection device that detects the status of the livestock animals in the breeding apparatus and / or the status of the breeding apparatus or the vicinity thereof, and comprises storage means that stores the status of the livestock animals and / or the status of the breeding apparatus or the vicinity thereof detected by the detection device for each breeding apparatus, thereby making it possible to store the status of the livestock animals and / or the status of the breeding apparatus or the vicinity thereof for each breeding apparatus. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 10 Systems 1. Livestock barn 2. Loading area 3. Loading area 4. Manager terminal 100 Rearing Device 101 floor portion 102 sheet 103 net 104 pole 105 wheel 110 Feeder 111 Feeder body 112 Conveyor pipe 113 Feeding control unit 120 water supply device 121 water supply device body 122 water supply pipe 123 water supply control unit 130 Heating 140 detection device 141 camera 142 sensor 200 Moving device 201 Main body 202 Control device 203 Wheel 210 detection unit 220 contact unit 221 connection unit 230 emergency stop button 300 Mobility Support Department

Claims

1. a plurality of rearing devices installed in the livestock barn, capable of feeding and / or watering the livestock animals, and capable of housing and rearing the livestock animals; A plurality of rearing devices are arranged along a predetermined path, each time a predetermined period of time elapses, each rearing apparatus moves along the predetermined path so as to approach a predetermined area; The predetermined period is based on the difference in age in days, weeks, or months of the livestock animals in adjacent farming units; or A system in which the specified period is a period based on the difference between a predetermined rearing period and the age in days, weeks, or months of the livestock animals in a reference rearing device.

2. The system described in claim 1, wherein each time the predetermined period elapses, each breeding apparatus moves closer to the predetermined area, starting with the breeding apparatus that is the shortest on the predetermined route to the predetermined area.

3. each time the predetermined period elapses, each rearing apparatus moves a predetermined distance so as to approach the predetermined area; 3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined distance is based on the number of breeding units in which the difference in age of livestock animals in days, weeks or months within a reference breeding unit is within a predetermined range.

4. A moving device for moving the rearing device is provided, The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein one moving device moves a plurality of breeding devices.

5. the housing apparatus includes a floor; 3. The system according to claim 1, wherein a sheet or film is placed on the floor.

6. a feeder and / or a waterer installed in the rearing device; Equipped with The feeder includes a feeding control unit in the rearing apparatus that controls the amount of food supplied to the feeder; and / or The water supply device includes a water supply control unit that controls the amount of water supplied to the water supply device in the rearing apparatus.

3. The system according to claim 1 or 2.

7. at least one computer device; a detection device for detecting the status of the livestock animals in the breeding device and / or the status of the breeding device or the vicinity of the breeding device; Equipped with A storage means for storing, for each breeding apparatus, the state of the livestock animals detected by the detection device and / or the state of the breeding apparatus or the vicinity of the breeding apparatus. The system according to claim 1 or 2, comprising:

8. A method carried out in a system including a plurality of rearing devices installed in a livestock barn, capable of feeding and / or watering livestock animals, and capable of housing and rearing the livestock animals, comprising: A plurality of rearing devices are arranged along a predetermined path, a step of moving each of the breeding apparatuses along the predetermined path so as to approach the predetermined area every time a predetermined period of time elapses; and The predetermined period is based on the difference in age in days, weeks, or months of the livestock animals in adjacent farming units; or A method in which the specified period is a period based on the difference between a predetermined rearing period and the age in days, weeks, or months of the livestock animals in a reference rearing device.

9. and collecting livestock animals from rearing devices close to the predetermined area at each predetermined time period.

9. The method of claim 8, comprising:

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