Feedback device, feedback system, feedback method, and program

Abstract

We will provide technology to implement appropriate feedback regarding livestock using BCS. [Solution] The feedback device comprises an acquisition unit that acquires a BCS evaluation value, which is an evaluation of the BCS value representing the body condition score of livestock, using a reference value for evaluating the BCS value, and a feedback unit that outputs feedback information about the livestock based on the acquired BCS evaluation value.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a feedback device, a feedback system, a feedback method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a management system that automatically estimates the weight of an animal individual based on the image information of the animal individual acquired by imaging means and the distance to the animal individual, and compares the estimated weight with a reference weight to guide and distribute the animal individual to a predetermined feeding area.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In a breeding system for breeding livestock such as cows, by performing feedback based on the weight of the livestock as in Patent Document 1, more appropriate livestock management reflecting the fatness degree of the livestock can be performed. Here, as a useful index for evaluating the fatness degree of livestock, a body condition score (BCS) is known. There is a need for a technology for performing appropriate feedback on livestock by utilizing BCS.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a feedback device is provided. The feedback device includes an acquisition unit that acquires a BCS evaluation value obtained by evaluating a BCS value representing a body condition score of livestock with a reference value for evaluating the BCS value, and a feedback unit that outputs feedback information regarding the livestock based on the acquired BCS evaluation value.

[0006] A second embodiment of the present disclosure provides a feedback system. This feedback system includes a BCS acquisition unit that acquires a BCS value representing the body condition score of livestock; a reference value acquisition unit that acquires a reference value for evaluating the BCS value; an evaluation value acquisition unit that acquires a BCS evaluation value obtained by evaluating the BCS value using the reference value; and a feedback unit that outputs feedback information regarding the livestock based on the acquired BCS evaluation value.

[0007] A third embodiment of this disclosure provides a feedback method. This feedback method obtains a BCS evaluation value, which is an evaluation of a BCS value representing the body condition score of livestock, by evaluating the BCS value using a reference value for evaluating the BCS value, and outputs feedback information regarding the livestock based on the obtained BCS evaluation value.

[0008] According to a fourth embodiment of this disclosure, a program is provided. This program enables a computer to perform the following functions: acquire a BCS evaluation value, which is an evaluation of a BCS value representing the body condition score of livestock, by evaluating the BCS value using a reference value for evaluating the BCS value; and output feedback information regarding the livestock based on the acquired BCS evaluation value. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is an explanatory diagram showing the schematic configuration of the rearing system in the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram of the feedback system in the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart of the feedback process in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart of the feedback process in the second embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart of the evaluation value acquisition process in the second embodiment. [Figure 6]It is an explanatory diagram showing the evaluation criteria of the BCS value in the second embodiment. [Figure 7] It is a flowchart of the feedback process in the third embodiment. [Figure 8] It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the associated data in the third embodiment. [Figure 9] It is a block diagram of the feedback system in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 10] It is a flowchart of the feedback process in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 11] It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the associated data in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 12] It is a diagram for explaining the associated data in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 13] It is an explanatory diagram showing the first example of the display information in the sixth embodiment. [Figure 14] It is an explanatory diagram showing the second example of the display information in the sixth embodiment. [Figure 15] It is an explanatory diagram showing the third example of the display information in the sixth embodiment. [Figure 16] It is an explanatory diagram showing the fourth example of the display information in the sixth embodiment. [Figure 17] It is an explanatory diagram showing the fifth example of the display information in the sixth embodiment. [Figure 18] It is an explanatory diagram showing the sixth example of the display information in the sixth embodiment. [Figure 19] It is an explanatory diagram showing the seventh example of the display information in the sixth embodiment. [Figure 20] It is an explanatory diagram showing the eighth example of the display information in the sixth embodiment.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] A. First Embodiment: FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a breeding system 50 in the first embodiment. The breeding system 50 is configured as a system for breeding cattle BA as livestock. In this embodiment, the cattle BA are dairy cows. In other embodiments, the cattle BA may be, for example, beef cattle. In other embodiments, the livestock may not be the cattle BA and may be any livestock such as pigs or goats. Also, in this embodiment, in the breeding system 50, a plurality of livestock individuals are bred. Hereinafter, a livestock individual will also be simply referred to as "livestock".

[0011] In this embodiment, the breeding system 50 is used in a livestock barn CB. The livestock barn CB includes a plurality of livestock stalls St for accommodating the cattle BA and one or more workplaces WP. In this embodiment, one cattle BA is assigned to one livestock stall St. A feeding bucket Bk for storing feed is installed in each livestock stall St. The feed in each feeding bucket Bk is eaten by each cattle BA. The workplace WP is a place for performing various operations related to the breeding of the cattle BA. The workplace WP in this embodiment includes, for example, a measurement place for performing measurements of the cattle BA, a treatment place for treating the excrement of the cattle BA, a milking place for performing milking of the cattle BA, and a preparation place for preparing feed. Note that, for example, at least a part of the livestock stall St may be used as a workplace.

[0012] The breeding system 50 includes a feedback system 70 including a feedback device 100 and one or more breeding devices 300. Further, the breeding system 50 in this embodiment includes one or more sensors 200.

[0013] The livestock feeding apparatus 300 is a device used for raising livestock. Figure 1 shows a feeder 301 as an example of the livestock feeding apparatus 300, which is used to feed cattle BA. The feeder 301 has a plurality of input sections 310 for introducing feed ingredients and a mixing section 320 for mixing the introduced ingredients. The input sections 310 are, for example, made up of hoppers. The mixing section 320 is, for example, made up of mixers that mix and blend the ingredients. The feeder 301 prepares feed by mixing each ingredient introduced into the input sections 310 with the mixing section 320, and sends the prepared feed to the feeding trough Bk. The ingredients may be pre-prepared feed, for example, commercially available feed. In other embodiments, the feeder 301 may be configured to perform only one of the following: preparing feed or providing feed to cattle BA. The feeder 301 may also be configured as, for example, a feeding robot. The feeding robot performs, for example, preparing and providing feed.

[0014] Sensor 200 is a sensor for monitoring cow BA. Sensor 200 is an example of a livestock device 300. Sensor 200 includes, for example, a sensor for acquiring the status of cow BA and a sensor for acquiring the livestock environment of cow BA. Sensor 200 also includes, for example, a camera, a weighing scale, a motion sensor, a microphone, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a photoelectric sensor, a spectrometer, a light meter, an anemometer, and a wind direction meter. Sensor 200 may be installed in various places in the barn CB, for example, or attached to cow BA. For example, a camera may be installed in the livestock pen St, inside the livestock device 300, near the livestock device 300, or in the work area WP. The camera may, for example, photograph cow BA, feed, cow BA's milk, or cow BA's excrement. The camera may, for example, be a stereo camera. A weighing scale may be installed in the work area WP to measure the weight of cow BA, the weight of milk, or the weight of excrement. Motion sensors may include, for example, an accelerometer or an angular velocity sensor. Motion sensors are attached to each cow BA, for example. Temperature sensors include, for example, thermometers for measuring the body temperature of cows BA and thermometers for measuring the ambient temperature of the barn CB. Temperature sensors may be configured as, for example, infrared cameras. Temperature sensors are installed at various locations in the cow BA and barn CB. Photoelectric sensors consist of, for example, infrared sensors that detect the presence or absence of objects by transmitting and receiving infrared radiation. Spectrometers are used to analyze various subjects such as feed, milk, and excrement using spectral analysis. Spectrometers may be configured as, for example, spectroscopic cameras.

[0015] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the feedback system 70 in the first embodiment. The feedback device 100 in this embodiment is composed of a computer comprising one or more processors 101, a storage unit 102 including ROM and RAM, an input / output interface 103, and an internal bus 104. The processors 101, the storage unit 102, and the input / output interface 103 are connected via the internal bus 104 so as to be able to communicate bidirectionally. An output device 105, an input device 106, and a communication device 107 are connected to the input / output interface 103. In this embodiment, the storage unit 102 stores a program 155, association data 160, and evaluation value history data 165. The processor 101 realizes various functions, including the functions of an acquisition unit 110 and a feedback unit 120, by executing the program 155 stored in the storage unit 102.

[0016] The input device 106 is comprised of, for example, a mouse or keyboard. The feedback device 100 receives various inputs from the user Ur via the input device 106.

[0017] The output device 105 is configured as a display device capable of outputting visual information, a speaker capable of outputting audio information, or a printing device capable of outputting information by printing onto a medium. The display device is configured, for example, as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel. The output device 105 as a display device may be configured, for example, as a touch panel capable of receiving touch operations from user Ur. In this case, the output device 105 may also function as, for example, an input device 106.

[0018] The communication device 107 is a device for communicating with external devices of the feedback device 100 via wireless or wired communication. In this embodiment, the communication device 107 is configured to communicate with each sensor 200 and the breeding device 300. The output device 105 and the communication device 107 may be configured, for example, to output various information stored in the storage unit 102 in response to a request from the user Ur.

[0019] The acquisition unit 110 acquires various information used in the feedback system 70. The acquisition unit 110 includes a BCS evaluation value acquisition unit 113. In this embodiment, the acquisition unit 110 further includes a BCS acquisition unit 111 and a reference value acquisition unit 112.

[0020] The BCS acquisition unit 111 acquires a BCS value representing the body condition score (BCS) of livestock. In this embodiment, the BCS acquisition unit 111 is configured to acquire a BCS value for each individual livestock being raised in the livestock system 50. In this embodiment, the BCS acquisition unit 111 acquires the BCS value using the detection result from the sensor 200. In this case, the BCS acquisition unit 111 acquires the BCS value using, for example, an image of the livestock captured by a camera as the sensor 200 and an estimation model for estimating the BCS value. The estimation model for estimating the BCS value is, for example, a machine learning model that has been trained to output the BCS with the captured image as input. In another embodiment, the BCS acquisition unit 111 may acquire a BCS value determined by a human. In this case, the determined BCS value is input to the feedback device 100 via, for example, the input device 106.

[0021] Machine learning models can include, for example, neural networks, support vector machines (SVMs), decision trees, random forests, linear regression analysis, linear discriminant analysis, reinforcement learning, and probabilistic models. The machine learning model may also be a deep learning model such as a convolutional neural network (CNN). Furthermore, the machine learning model may be trained using various learning algorithms, such as supervised learning, unsupervised learning, and reinforcement learning.

[0022] Furthermore, the BCS may be defined as a general numerical value ranging from 2.0 to 5.0 in increments of 0.25, or it may be defined in other ways. For example, in the embodiment where an estimation model is used to obtain the BCS value, it is easy to expand the numerical range of the BCS beyond the above, or to further reduce the range of increase or decrease in the BCS.

[0023] The reference value acquisition unit 112 acquires a reference value for evaluating the BCS value. The reference value acquisition unit 112 may acquire a reference value that has been pre-stored in the storage unit 102, for example, or it may acquire a reference value that has been input by the user Ur via the input device 106.

[0024] As reference values, different values ​​may be used depending on the age, lactation stage, and number of births of the livestock, or a constant value may be used regardless of age, lactation stage, and number of births. In this embodiment, reference values ​​corresponding to the lactation stage of dairy cows as livestock are used as reference values. The lactation stage corresponds to a period obtained by dividing the dairy cow's lactation cycle into multiple parts. The lactation stage may be expressed, for example, by a period representing the dairy cow's lactation cycle, by the elapsed time since the previous calving timing, or by the remaining time until the next calving timing. The elapsed time may be expressed, for example, by the number of days or months elapsed. The next calving timing is estimated, for example, based on the timing of successful artificial insemination of the livestock. The lactation cycle includes the early lactation stage, mid-lactation stage, late lactation stage, dry period, etc. The memory unit 102 may store reference value data that defines reference values ​​corresponding to these lactation stages. In this way, the reference value acquisition unit 112 can, for example, use livestock identification information to identify the lactation period of the livestock, and then, by referring to reference value data based on the identified lactation period, acquire a reference value corresponding to the lactation period of the livestock.

[0025] The BCS evaluation value acquisition unit 113 acquires a BCS evaluation value obtained by evaluating the BCS value against a reference value. In this embodiment, the BCS evaluation value acquisition unit 113 is configured to acquire a BCS evaluation value for each individual livestock raised in the rearing system 50. In this embodiment, the BCS evaluation value acquisition unit 113 can also acquire a BCS evaluation value by evaluating the BCS value acquired by the BCS acquisition unit 111 against a reference value acquired by the reference value acquisition unit 112 to determine a new BCS evaluation value. In this case, the BCS evaluation value acquisition unit 113 evaluates the BCS value by comparing the magnitude relationship between the BCS value and the reference value and acquires the BCS evaluation value. The BCS evaluation value acquisition unit 113 can also acquire BCS evaluation values ​​included in the evaluation value history data 165 stored in the storage unit 102. The evaluation value history data 165 includes one or more BCS evaluation values ​​acquired in the past. In this embodiment, when the BCS evaluation value acquisition unit 113 determines a new BCS evaluation value, it stores that BCS evaluation value in the storage unit 102 and adds that BCS evaluation value to the evaluation value history data 165. In other embodiments, the BCS evaluation value acquisition unit 113 may acquire the BCS evaluation value from, for example, a database located outside the breeding system 50, or it may acquire the BCS evaluation value entered by user Ur via the input device 106.

[0026] In this embodiment, the BCS evaluation values ​​include evaluation values ​​EV1 to EV6. Evaluation value EV1 represents "dangerously overweight". Evaluation value EV2 represents an evaluation value corresponding to "dangerously overweight". Evaluation value EV3 represents "slightly overweight, close to normal". Evaluation value EV4 represents "slightly underweight, close to normal". Evaluation value EV5 represents "dangerously underweight". Evaluation value EV6 represents "dangerously underweight". Evaluation values ​​EV1 to EV3 are obtained when the BCS value is greater than the standard value. The values ​​of each evaluation value EV3, EV2, and EV1 increase in that order. Evaluation values ​​EV4 to EV6 are obtained when the BCS value is less than the standard value. The values ​​of each evaluation value EV4, EV5, and EV6 decrease in that order. In this embodiment, evaluation value EV3 is also obtained when the BCS value is equal to the standard value. In other embodiments, if the BCS value is equal to the reference value, for example, an evaluation value EV4 may be obtained, or an evaluation value EV0 may be obtained that corresponds to the BCS value being equal to the reference value. In this case, evaluation value EV0 is a BCS evaluation value that is lower than evaluation value EV3 and higher than evaluation value EV4.

[0027] In the following, BCS evaluation values ​​that are higher than the standard value, such as evaluation values ​​EV1 to EV3, will also be referred to as "high-level" BCS evaluation values. Conversely, BCS evaluation values ​​that are lower than the standard value, such as evaluation values ​​EV4 to EV6, will also be referred to as "low-level" BCS evaluation values.

[0028] The feedback unit 120 outputs feedback information regarding livestock based on at least one BCS evaluation value acquired by the BCS evaluation value acquisition unit 113. More specifically, the feedback unit 120 provides feedback regarding livestock to at least one of the user Ur and the livestock device 300 shown in Figure 1. Hereinafter, feedback regarding livestock will also be referred to as livestock feedback FB. When the feedback unit 120 performs livestock feedback FB, it generates feedback information and outputs the generated feedback information. The feedback information is information for livestock feedback FB.

[0029] In this embodiment, the feedback unit 120 outputs feedback information to the output device 105, which acts as a display device, and displays display information based on the feedback information on the display screen of the display device, thereby performing livestock feedback FB for the user Ur. The feedback information may be, for example, information representing the BCS evaluation value, notification information based on the BCS evaluation value, or signals to various livestock devices 300 based on the BCS evaluation value. The notification information based on the BCS evaluation value may be, for example, information that clearly indicates whether the BCS value is appropriate or abnormal, or information that suggests measures that the user Ur should preferably take in accordance with the BCS evaluation value.

[0030] In this embodiment, the feedback unit 120 generates feedback information by referring to the association data 160 based on the BCS evaluation value acquired by the BCS evaluation value acquisition unit 113, and outputs the generated feedback information. The association data 160 is data that has been pre-associated with the BCS evaluation value and the feedback information. More specifically, the association data 160 includes the BCS evaluation value and various information such as messages and signals as feedback information associated with that BCS evaluation value. For example, in the association data 160, the evaluation value EV1 is associated with a message representing "dangerously overweight" or a message or signal to address "dangerously overweight". A method to address "dangerously overweight" is, for example, reducing the amount of feed given to livestock. Also, for example, in the association data 160, the evaluation value EV6 is associated with a message representing "dangerously underweight" or a message or signal to address "dangerously underweight". A method to address "dangerously underweight" is, for example, increasing the amount of feed given to livestock. Such association data 160 is represented, for example, in a tabular data format.

[0031] The feedback information may be output for each individual livestock, for example. Alternatively, the feedback information may be output for each group of multiple livestock. In this case, the BCS value and BCS evaluation value acquired by the acquisition unit 110 may be representative values ​​or statistical values ​​for multiple livestock. Statistical values ​​include, for example, the mean, median, maximum, minimum, and mode.

[0032] Figure 3 is a flowchart of the feedback process for implementing the feedback method in this embodiment. The feedback process is performed by the processor 101. The feedback process may be started, for example, at predetermined time intervals, or when a predetermined operation is performed by the user Ur via the input device 106.

[0033] In step S100 of Figure 3, the BCS acquisition unit 111 acquires the BCS value of the livestock. In step S200, the BCS acquisition unit 111 acquires a reference value for evaluating the BCS value acquired in step S100. In step S300, the BCS evaluation value acquisition unit 113 executes an evaluation value acquisition process to acquire a BCS evaluation value. In the evaluation value acquisition process in this embodiment, the BCS evaluation value acquisition unit 113 acquires a BCS evaluation value by evaluating the BCS value acquired in step S100 using the reference value acquired in step S200.

[0034] In step S400, the feedback unit 120 generates feedback information based on the BCS evaluation value acquired in step S300. In step S500, the feedback unit 120 outputs the feedback information generated in step S400.

[0035] As described above, the feedback device 100 in this embodiment outputs feedback information about livestock based on a BCS evaluation value obtained by evaluating the BCS value of livestock against a reference value. Therefore, compared to a form in which feedback information is output simply based on the weight of the livestock, for example, feedback information that more effectively reflects the degree of fatness or leanness of the livestock can be output. Furthermore, compared to a form in which feedback information is output simply based on the BCS value, the complexity of processing can be reduced. In particular, when providing livestock feedback FB to a user Ur, clearer feedback information can be easily provided that reduces the complexity of processing and the decision-making cost for the user Ur. Thus, according to this embodiment, appropriate livestock feedback FB can be performed by utilizing the BCS of livestock.

[0036] Furthermore, the appropriate BCS value for livestock can change depending on the animal's life cycle, such as age, lactation period, and number of births. In this embodiment, instead of a fixed value, different values ​​can be used as the reference value for evaluating the BCS value, depending on the animal's life cycle, such as age, lactation period, and number of births. Therefore, compared to a form in which feedback information is output based solely on the BCS value, it is possible to perform appropriate livestock feedback FB according to the animal's life cycle. Also, the perception of the magnitude of the BCS value, that is, the perception of fatness or leanness based on the BCS value, can vary from person to person. For example, in a form in which information representing only the BCS value is presented to the user Ur as feedback information, the evaluation of fatness or leanness based on the presented feedback information may differ among users Ur, and the content of subsequent treatments decided based on the evaluation of fatness or leanness may vary more. In contrast, in this embodiment, by presenting information representing the BCS evaluation value, which is evaluated by the reference value, as feedback information to the user Ur, it is possible to suppress the variation among users Ur in the evaluation of fatness or leanness based on the feedback information. Furthermore, this also helps to suppress variations in subsequent treatments caused by differences in the evaluation of fatness and leanness.

[0037] Furthermore, in this embodiment, feedback information is output by referencing association data 160 pre-stored in the storage unit 102 based on the BCS evaluation value. This allows livestock feedback FB to be performed using a simpler method. In this embodiment, for example, the association data 160 can be simplified compared to a form in which feedback information is output based solely on the BCS value. As a result, for example, the data capacity of the association data 160 can be reduced, and the ease of updating the association data 160 can be improved.

[0038] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the BCS evaluation value is obtained by comparing the magnitude relationship between the BCS value and the reference value. This allows for the acquisition of the BCS evaluation value by comparing the BCS value and the reference value using a simpler method.

[0039] B. Second Embodiment: Figure 4 is a flowchart of the feedback process in the second embodiment. In Figure 4, steps similar to those in Figure 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals as in Figure 3. In this embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the reference value acquisition unit 112 acquires multiple reference values ​​as reference values ​​for evaluating the BCS value. Also, in this embodiment, as will be described later, the content of the processing performed in the evaluation value acquisition process differs from that of the first embodiment. The rearing system 50, feedback system 70, and feedback device 100 in this embodiment are the same as in the first embodiment unless specifically described.

[0040] In step S200b of Figure 4, the reference value acquisition unit 112 acquires multiple reference values. In this embodiment, the reference values ​​acquired in step S200b include a lower limit, a standard value, and an upper limit. In other embodiments, the number of multiple reference values ​​may be, for example, two or four or more.

[0041] Figure 5 is a flowchart of the evaluation value acquisition process performed in step S300b of Figure 4. Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the evaluation criterion AC for the BCS value in the second embodiment. In this embodiment, in step S300b of Figure 4, the BCS evaluation value acquisition unit 113 executes the evaluation value acquisition process shown in Figure 5.

[0042] In step S301 of Figure 5, the BCS evaluation value acquisition unit 113 calculates an intermediate value for each reference value acquired in step S200b of Figure 4. The intermediate value is calculated as a value greater than the smaller of two numerically adjacent reference values ​​and less than the larger of two reference values. The intermediate value may be calculated, for example, as the average of two numerically adjacent reference values, or as a value smaller or larger than the average. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, the upper intermediate value UM, which is the intermediate value between the upper limit value UL and the standard value SV, and the lower intermediate value LM, which is the intermediate value between the lower limit value LL and the standard value SV, are calculated. Note that the upper intermediate value UM and the lower intermediate value LM may include two or more different values.

[0043] In step S302 of Figure 5, the BCS evaluation value acquisition unit 113 compares the acquired BCS value with each acquired reference value and the calculated median value. In step S302, the BCS evaluation value acquisition unit 113 performs the comparison according to the evaluation criterion AC shown in Figure 6. For example, if the BCS value acquired in step S100 of Figure 4 is greater than or equal to the upper limit value UL, in step S302, the BCS evaluation value acquisition unit 113 determines the BCS evaluation value to evaluation value EV1. Also, for example, if the acquired BCS value is less than the upper median value UM and greater than or equal to the standard value SV, in step S302, the BCS evaluation value acquisition unit 113 determines the BCS evaluation value to evaluation value EV2. In step S303, the BCS evaluation value acquisition unit 113 acquires the BCS evaluation value according to the comparison result in step S302. That is, in step S303, the BCS evaluation value acquisition unit 113 acquires the BCS evaluation value determined in step S302. Subsequently, in step S400 of Figure 4, feedback information is generated based on the BCS evaluation value obtained in step S303 of Figure 5.

[0044] According to the second embodiment described above, a BCS evaluation value is obtained by comparing the magnitude relationship between the BCS value and multiple reference values, and feedback information can be output based on the BCS evaluation value thus obtained. Therefore, a BCS evaluation value that evaluates the BCS value more precisely can be obtained using a simpler method.

[0045] Furthermore, in this embodiment, intermediate values ​​are used in addition to multiple reference values ​​when evaluating the BCS value, so a BCS evaluation value that evaluates the BCS value more precisely can be obtained. Also, in this embodiment, intermediate values ​​are automatically calculated by the BCS evaluation value acquisition unit 113, so the data capacity can be reduced compared to, for example, a configuration in which reference values ​​corresponding to intermediate values ​​are pre-stored in the storage unit 102. Also, compared to, for example, a configuration in which reference values ​​corresponding to intermediate values ​​are input by the user Ur, the effort required for user Ur to input can be reduced. Note that in other embodiments, intermediate values ​​may not be used in the output of feedback information, and for example, feedback information may be generated simply based on multiple reference values. In this case, intermediate values ​​may not be calculated.

[0046] C. Third Embodiment: Figure 7 is a flowchart of the feedback process in the third embodiment. In Figure 7, steps similar to those in Figures 3 and 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals as in Figures 3 and 5. In this embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the feedback unit 120 outputs feedback information based on the difference between the first BCS evaluation value, which evaluates the first BCS value, and the second BCS evaluation value, which evaluates the second BCS value. The rearing system 50, feedback system 70, and feedback device 100 in this embodiment are the same as in the second embodiment unless otherwise described.

[0047] The first BCS value and the second BCS value are BCS values ​​for the same livestock. The first BCS value is the BCS value for livestock in the first period. The second BCS value is the BCS value for livestock in the second period. The second period is earlier than the first period. In this embodiment, the second period is 7 days before the first period. The reference value used to evaluate the first BCS value and the reference value used to evaluate the second BCS value may be the same or different. In this embodiment, as described above, since reference values ​​corresponding to the lactation period are used, the reference value used to evaluate the first BCS value and the reference value used to evaluate the second BCS value may be different. The first BCS evaluation value and the second BCS evaluation value described above can also be said to be evaluation values ​​that evaluate livestock at different evaluation periods from the perspective of BCS value. Furthermore, the "evaluation period" of a certain BCS evaluation value can also be said to represent when the BCS value used to obtain that BCS evaluation value was measured. Furthermore, in cases where the BCS value is evaluated in real time, for example, it is possible to use the time when the BCS evaluation value was obtained as the evaluation period.

[0048] In step S100c of Figure 7, the BCS evaluation value acquisition unit 113 acquires the first BCS value, similar to how the BCS value is acquired in step S100 of Figure 3. In step S300c of Figure 7, the BCS evaluation value acquisition unit 113 acquires the first BCS evaluation value and the second BCS evaluation value. More specifically, in step S300c, the BCS evaluation value acquisition unit 113 acquires the first BCS evaluation value, similar to how the BCS evaluation value is acquired in step S300b of Figure 5. Also in step S300c, the BCS evaluation value acquisition unit 113 acquires the second BCS evaluation value corresponding to the first BCS evaluation value from the evaluation value history data 165 stored in the storage unit 102. More specifically, in this embodiment, the first BCS evaluation value is an evaluation value that assesses the current BCS value of the livestock, and the second BCS evaluation value is an evaluation value that assesses the BCS value from 7 days ago. Therefore, the BCS evaluation value acquisition unit 113 acquires the second BCS evaluation value obtained from the evaluation 7 days ago.

[0049] In step S400c, the feedback unit 120 generates feedback information based on the first BCS evaluation value and the second BCS evaluation value obtained in step S300c.

[0050] Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of association data 160c in the third embodiment. In step S400c of Figure 7, the feedback unit 120 generates feedback information using the association data 160c shown in Figure 8. The association data 160c is table data in which a combination of the first BCS evaluation value and the second BCS evaluation value is associated with the feedback information Fi.

[0051] As shown in Figure 8, in this embodiment, even if the first BCS evaluation values ​​are the same, if the second BCS evaluation values ​​are different, it is possible to output different feedback information Fi. For example, if both the first BCS evaluation value and the second BCS evaluation value are EV3, feedback information Fi1 is output. On the other hand, for example, if the first BCS evaluation value is also EV3 and the second BCS evaluation value is EV5, feedback information Fi2 is output.

[0052] More specifically, in this embodiment, feedback information Fi is output as feedback information that reflects the current situation, including the current state and state transitions over time. In Figure 8, the current situation reflected in the feedback information Fi is represented in the form of "Current State (State Transition)". The "Current State" is determined according to the first BCS evaluation value. In the example in Figure 8, if the first BCS evaluation values ​​are evaluation values ​​EV1, EV2, EV3, EV4, EV5, and EV6, the feedback information Fi reflects the current states of overweight, fat, ideal, ideal, lean, and underweight, respectively. The "State Transition" is determined according to the difference between the first BCS evaluation value and the second BCS evaluation value. For example, if the first BCS evaluation value is higher than the second BCS evaluation value, the state transition represents "fat," such as slightly overweight, rapidly gaining weight, or weight gain improvement. Also, if the first BCS evaluation value is lower than the second BCS evaluation value, the state transition represents "lean," such as slightly underweight, rapidly losing weight, or weight loss improvement. Furthermore, if the first BCS evaluation value and the second BCS evaluation value are the same, the state transition represents "continuation." In Figure 8, the feedback information Fi, which reflects the current "good" status, is hatched. "Good" represents a combination of the "ideal state" as the current state and the state transitions of "continuation," "slightly overweight," or "slightly underweight."

[0053] The content of the above-mentioned feedback information Fi1 and feedback information Fi2 can be made different to reflect the condition that the current state is the same but the state transition is different. For example, if the feedback information Fi outputs information representing the current situation, feedback information Fi1 can output information indicating that the ideal state is continuing, and feedback information Fi2 can output information indicating that the current ideal state has been reached due to rapid weight gain. Also, for example, if the feedback information Fi outputs information representing the amount of food given, the amount of food given by feedback information Fi2 can be made smaller than the amount of food given in feedback information Fi1.

[0054] According to the third embodiment described above, since feedback information is output based on the difference between the first BCS evaluation value and the second BCS evaluation value, the transition of the BCS evaluation value over time can be reflected in the feedback information, enabling more appropriate livestock feedback FB to be implemented.

[0055] In this embodiment, since feedback information is output based on the first BCS evaluation value and the second BCS evaluation value, the association data 160c tends to be more complex compared to the association data 160 in the first and second embodiments. However, in this embodiment as well, since feedback information is output based on the BCS evaluation value, similar to the first and second embodiments, the complexity of such association data can be suppressed compared to, for example, a form in which feedback information is output based on two BCS values ​​acquired at different times.

[0056] D. Fourth Embodiment: Figure 9 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the feedback system 70d in the fourth embodiment. In this embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the acquisition unit 110d further includes a state value acquisition unit 114 that acquires state values. The feedback unit 120 outputs feedback information based on the BCS evaluation value and the state value. In this embodiment, the rearing system 50, the feedback system 70d, and the feedback device 100d are the same as in the first embodiment unless otherwise described.

[0057] Status values ​​are values ​​related to the rearing status of livestock. Furthermore, status values ​​are different from BCS values ​​and represent different information than BCS. Status values ​​may be, for example, primary status values, which are primary information representing the rearing status, or secondary status values, which are secondary information. Primary status values ​​are, for example, raw data values ​​acquired by various sensors 200 or raw data values ​​input via the input device 106. Secondary status values ​​are status values ​​based on primary status values, such as corrected status values ​​obtained by adjusting primary status values, or evaluated status values ​​obtained by evaluating primary status values. Secondary status values ​​as evaluation values ​​are obtained, for example, by comparing the magnitude of primary status values ​​with predetermined reference values, similar to BCS evaluation values.

[0058] Status values ​​include, for example, at least one of the following: milk yield value, lactation period value, body size value, age value, calving count value, insemination count value, feed intake value, feed amount value, body temperature value, and disease status value. The milk yield value is a value relating to the milk yield of livestock. Milk yield is expressed as the weight or volume of milk produced by livestock per predetermined standard time. The standard time is, for example, one month, one week, one day, one minute, or one second. Milk yield may also be expressed as standard milk yield. Standard milk yield is the milk yield obtained by converting the measured milk yield value to the milk yield measured under the same conditions as the standard conditions. The standard conditions are "calving in Hokkaido from April to June, 120 days after calving of the second calving." By using standard milk yield as the milk yield, it is possible to evaluate milk yield while suppressing differences due to region, season, number of calvings, and lactation period. The calving period value is a value relating to the calving period of livestock. The body size value is a value relating to the body size of livestock. Body size values ​​include, for example, body height values ​​and body width values ​​related to the height of livestock. Age values ​​are values ​​related to the age of livestock. Birth count values ​​are values ​​related to the number of births of livestock. Birth count is also called "parity". Insemination count values ​​are values ​​related to the number of artificial inseminations of livestock. Feed intake values ​​are values ​​related to the amount of feed consumed by livestock. Feeding amount values ​​are values ​​related to the amount of feed given to livestock. Body temperature values ​​are values ​​related to the body temperature of livestock. Disease status values ​​are values ​​related to the disease status of livestock. More specifically, disease status values ​​include, for example, values ​​related to the type of disease that the livestock has contracted and values ​​related to the number of times the livestock has been affected. The number of times affected may be measured for each type of disease, or it may be measured as a number regardless of the type of disease. The status value acquisition unit 114 may acquire status values ​​using, for example, a sensor 200, or it may acquire status values ​​input by user Ur via the input device 106, or it may acquire status values ​​stored in the storage unit 102. For example, milk yield, feed intake, and feed amount may be obtained using a camera or weighing scale. Body measurements may also be obtained using a camera, for example.

[0059] In this embodiment, the status value acquisition unit 114 acquires the milk yield value as a status value. More specifically, the status value acquisition unit 114 acquires the milk yield value as a status evaluation value, that is, a milk yield evaluation value in which the milk yield has been evaluated, as a status value that forms the basis of the feedback information. In this embodiment, the status value acquisition unit 114 acquires the milk yield evaluation value by performing a binary evaluation of the milk yield using a predetermined milk yield standard value. As a result, the status value acquisition unit 114 acquires either a milk yield evaluation value MV1, which indicates that the milk yield value is equal to or greater than the milk yield standard value, or a milk yield evaluation value MV2, which indicates that the milk yield value is less than the milk yield standard value.

[0060] Figure 10 is a flowchart of the feedback process in the fourth embodiment. In Figure 10, steps similar to those in Figures 3 and 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals as in Figures 3 and 5. In step S350 of Figure 10, the state value acquisition unit 114 acquires a state value. In step S400d, the feedback unit 120 generates feedback information based on the evaluation value acquired in step S300b and the state value acquired in step S350.

[0061] Figure 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of association data 160d in the fourth embodiment. In step S400 of Figure 10, the feedback unit 120 generates feedback information using the association data 160d shown in Figure 11. The association data 160d is table data in which a combination of BCS evaluation value and milk yield evaluation value is associated with feedback information.

[0062] As shown in Figure 11, in this embodiment, even if the BCS evaluation values ​​are the same, different feedback information can be output if the status values ​​are different. In the example in Figure 11, for example, if the BCS evaluation value is EV1 and the milk yield evaluation value is MV1, the feedback information output will be information indicating "high cost, excessive feed". On the other hand, if the BCS evaluation value is similarly EV1 and the milk yield evaluation value is MV2, the feedback information output will be information indicating "low performance, candidate for culling". Also, for example, if the BCS evaluation value is EV6 and the milk yield evaluation value is MV1, the feedback information output will be information indicating "high performance, insufficient feed". On the other hand, if the BCS evaluation value is similarly EV6 and the milk yield evaluation value is MV2, the feedback information output will be information indicating "possible illness".

[0063] According to the fourth embodiment described above, since feedback information is output based on the BCS evaluation value and the status value, the status value can be reflected in the feedback information in addition to the BCS evaluation value, enabling more appropriate livestock feedback (FB). In particular, in this embodiment, since feedback information is output based on the BCS evaluation value and the milk yield value, more appropriate feedback information can be output, such as one that can improve milk yield while taking into account the BCS evaluation value of the livestock.

[0064] In other embodiments, the number of calvings and age may be obtained as status values. The milk yield of livestock cows (BA) tends to increase until the cow's age reaches a predetermined threshold, and then decline thereafter. Similarly, the milk yield of livestock cows (BA) tends to increase until the number of calvings reaches a predetermined threshold, and then decline once the number of calvings exceeds that threshold. Therefore, for example, even if measures are taken to improve milk yield for cows (BA) whose age or number of calvings exceeds a predetermined threshold, the likelihood of improvement in milk yield is smaller compared to when the same measures are taken for cows (BA) whose age or number of calvings is below the predetermined threshold. Thus, the number of calvings and age are useful indicators for judging the state of livestock in relation to milk yield. Therefore, by using these number of calvings and age values ​​as the basis for feedback information along with BCS evaluation values, it is possible to increase the likelihood of outputting more useful feedback information.

[0065] For example, in a system where the number of births is obtained as a status value, if the BCS evaluation value is EV1 and the number of births represents a relatively low number of births, feedback information indicating "high cost, excessive feed" can be output. On the other hand, in a system where the number of births is obtained as a status value, if the BCS evaluation value is EV1 and the number of births represents a relatively high number of births, feedback information indicating "low productivity, should be culled" can be output. Also, for example, in a system where the age is obtained as a status value, if the BCS evaluation value is EV1 and the age represents a relatively young age, feedback information indicating "high cost, excessive feed" can be output. On the other hand, in a system where the age is obtained as a status value, if the BCS evaluation value is EV1 and the age represents a relatively old age, feedback information indicating "low productivity, should be culled" can be output. Even in these systems, status values ​​can be reflected in the feedback information in addition to the BCS evaluation value, enabling more appropriate livestock feedback (FB) to be implemented.

[0066] E. Fifth Embodiment: Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating the association data 160e in the fifth embodiment. Unlike the association data 160d in the fourth embodiment, the association data 160e in this embodiment is table data in which a combination of BCS evaluation value, milk yield evaluation value, and body size evaluation value is associated with feedback information. The rearing system 50, feedback system 70d, and feedback device 100d in this embodiment are the same as in the fourth embodiment unless specifically described.

[0067] The body size evaluation value is the body size value as a state evaluation value, that is, an evaluation value in which the body size has been evaluated. In this embodiment, the state value acquisition unit 114 acquires the body size evaluation value as a state value that forms the basis of feedback information. More specifically, in this embodiment, the body size evaluation value is the height evaluation value in which the height of the livestock has been evaluated. The state value acquisition unit 114 also acquires the height evaluation value by performing a binary evaluation of the height using a predetermined height standard value. As a result, the state value acquisition unit 114 acquires either a height evaluation value HV1, which indicates that the height value is equal to or greater than the height standard value, or a height evaluation value HV2, which indicates that the height value is less than the height standard value, as the body size evaluation value. In the following, a state value used as the basis of feedback information in addition to the milk yield value, such as the body size evaluation value in this embodiment, will also be referred to as the "third value".

[0068] Generally, body dimensions such as height are useful indicators for determining whether livestock are small or large. In barn CBs, smaller livestock require less space compared to larger livestock. Also, if the milk yield of both smaller and larger livestock is the same, smaller livestock perform better in terms of efficient use of space. Furthermore, body dimensions are useful indicators for judging the growth rate of livestock. By using these body dimension values ​​as the basis for feedback information along with BCS evaluation values, it is possible to increase the likelihood of generating more useful feedback information.

[0069] As shown in Figure 12, in this embodiment, it is possible to output different feedback information depending on the combination of three values: BCS evaluation value, milk yield evaluation value, and body size evaluation value. In the example in Figure 12, for example, if the BCS evaluation value is EV1, the milk yield evaluation value is MV1, and the body size evaluation value is HV1, the feedback information output will be information indicating "overfeeding". On the other hand, if the BCS evaluation value and milk yield evaluation value are similarly EV1 and MV1, respectively, and the body size evaluation value is HV2, the feedback information output will be information indicating "high performance, overfeeding".

[0070] In the fifth embodiment described above, as in the fourth embodiment, feedback information is output based on the BCS evaluation value and the status value, so more appropriate livestock feedback FB can be performed. In particular, in this embodiment, feedback information is output based on the BCS evaluation value, the milk yield value and the body size value, so even more appropriate livestock feedback FB can be performed.

[0071] In the example in Figure 12, body size is used as the third value, but other status values ​​may also be used. For example, lactation period, age, number of births, number of inseminations, feed intake, feeding amount, body temperature, or disease status may be used as the third value.

[0072] In addition to the milk yield value, two or more status values ​​different from the milk yield value may be used as the basis for feedback information.

[0073] F. Sixth Embodiment: Figure 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a first example of display information in the sixth embodiment. In this embodiment, the feedback unit 120 outputs feedback information to the display device 400, which acts as an output device 105, so that the display information representing the feedback information is displayed on the display screen 401 of the display device 400 in the form of a graph such as a scatter plot, histogram, or bar graph. Figure 13 shows display information Di1 as an example of such display information. The display device 400 corresponds to the "display unit" in this disclosure. The rearing system 50, feedback system 70, and feedback device 100 in this embodiment are the same as in the fourth embodiment unless specifically described.

[0074] Display information Di1 is represented on the display screen 401 as a composite graph that combines a scatter plot Di1a representing the time-series change in BCS value and a bar graph Di1b representing the time-series change in milk yield for a single livestock individual. More specifically, display information Di1 is represented as a composite graph with the horizontal axis representing date, the first vertical axis representing BCS value, and the second vertical axis representing milk yield. In this embodiment, the BCS value in display information Di1 is a temporal statistical value of the BCS value. More specifically, the BCS value in display information Di1 is a moving average of BCS values ​​acquired over 7 days. Note that the BCS value in display information Di1 is not limited to 7 days, but may be a moving average of BCS values ​​over a period of any length. Furthermore, the length of this period may be configured to be arbitrarily selectable by the user, for example. In other embodiments, the BCS value in display information Di1 may be a temporal statistical value different from the moving average, or it may be raw BCS data, or it may be a corrected value obtained by correcting the raw BCS data.

[0075] In scatter plot Di1a, markers MK1a representing BCS values ​​and evaluation values ​​are arranged in chronological order. Each marker MK1a represents a BCS value based on its display position. More specifically, each marker MK1a represents a BCS value based on its position on the vertical axis in scatter plot Di1a. Additionally, each marker MK1a represents a BCS evaluation value based on the intensity of its color. The intensity of color is represented by at least one of the following: hue, saturation, lightness, or shade. In Figure 13, these differences in color intensity are represented by differences in hatching patterns. In the example in Figure 13, a green marker MK1a represents a "good" BCS evaluation value. A "good" BCS evaluation value represents either evaluation value EV3 or evaluation value EV4. A yellow marker MK1a represents a "caution" BCS evaluation value. A "caution" BCS evaluation value represents either evaluation value EV2 or evaluation value EV5. The red marker MK1a represents a "dangerous" BCS rating. A "dangerous" BCS rating represents either an EV1 or EV6 rating. Users can identify whether a marker MK1a represents a higher or lower BCS rating by checking its position and color.

[0076] In bar graph Di1b, the markers MK1b, which represent milk yield, are arranged in chronological order. The intensity of the color of the marker MK1b indicates the number of milkings. In the example in Figure 13, the orange marker MK1b represents the milk yield from the first milking. The ochre marker MK1b represents the milk yield from the second milking. Note that in Figure 13, some of the markers MK1b are omitted in the chronological sequence for illustrative purposes.

[0077] By viewing the displayed information Di1, user Ur can, for example, compare the increase or decrease in milk yield with the increase or decrease in BCS value to determine an appropriate BCS value for increasing milk yield. Furthermore, by checking the trend of BCS values ​​from the past to the present, user Ur can evaluate whether the livestock is healthy with relatively little change in body shape, or whether it is difficult to handle with relatively large changes in body shape. Note that in the displayed information Di1, lactation period values ​​such as days after calving may be used as the horizontal axis.

[0078] Figure 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a second example of display information in the sixth embodiment. Figure 14 shows display information Di2 as an example of display information. Display information Di2 is represented on the display screen 401 as a histogram representing the frequency distribution of multiple livestock individuals according to the BCS evaluation value. More specifically, display information Di2 is represented as a histogram with the horizontal axis being the BCS evaluation value and the vertical axis being the number of animals.

[0079] In the display information Di2, "Dangerously underweight," "Dangerously underweight," "Dangerously overweight," and "Dangerously overweight" correspond to evaluation values ​​EV6, EV5, EV2, and EV1, respectively. Furthermore, "Standard" in the display information Di2 corresponds to evaluation values ​​EV3 and EV4. In other embodiments, the frequency distribution may be displayed separately, for example, according to the lactation stage.

[0080] The horizontal axis of the histogram in the displayed information Di2 can be said to represent the degree of deviation from the standard. More specifically, in the histogram of the displayed information Di2, "Standard" is displayed in the center. Also, evaluation values ​​EV2 and EV1 are arranged to the right of "Standard" in that order. Also, evaluation values ​​EV5 and EV6 are arranged to the left of "Standard" in that order.

[0081] Figure 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a third example of display information in the sixth embodiment. Figure 15 shows display information Di3 as an example of display information. Display information Di3 is displayed as a histogram, similar to display information Di2. In display information Di3, the marker MK3, which corresponds to the bins representing the frequency distribution, represents the evaluation time by the degree of color. In the example in Figure 15, the blue marker MK3 represents evaluation time Pd1. The orange marker MK3 represents evaluation time Pd2, which is later than evaluation time Pd1. In Figure 15, these differences in the degree of color are expressed as differences in the hatching pattern.

[0082] Figure 16 is an explanatory diagram showing a fourth example of display information in the sixth embodiment. Figure 16 shows display information Di4 as an example of display information. Unlike display information Di1 to Di3, display information Di4 is not display information that represents feedback information based on BCS evaluation values, but rather display information based on BCS values. Display information Di4 is represented as a histogram, similar to display information Di2 and display information Di3. However, unlike display information Di2 and display information Di3, the histogram in display information Di4 represents the frequency distribution of multiple livestock individuals according to the BCS values. The feedback device 100 may be configured to display other display information such as display information Di4 in addition to display information that represents feedback information such as display information Di1 to Di3.

[0083] In the histograms of information displayed in Figures 14 to 16, any item, not limited to the BCS value, may be used as the horizontal axis item. For example, the horizontal axis may use items representing each feedback information Fi in the association data 160c shown in Figure 8, or it may use items representing other feedback information such as the degree of feed increase, the degree of feed decrease, or the degree of recommendation for culling cattle. These degrees may be defined as binary values, for example, corresponding to YES or NO.

[0084] Figure 17 is an explanatory diagram showing a fifth example of display information in the sixth embodiment. Figure 17 shows display information Di5 as an example of display information. Display information Di5 is represented on the display screen 401 as a scatter plot showing the correspondence between BCS evaluation value and status value for one or more livestock individuals. More specifically, display information Di5 is a scatter plot with the number of days since calving on the horizontal axis and the BCS value on the vertical axis. The number of days since calving corresponds to an example of the lactation period value. Display information Di5 includes a marker MK5 that represents the BCS evaluation value. Marker MK5 represents the BCS evaluation value for each livestock individual. In display information Di5, marker MK5 is displayed so that it is arranged according to the lactation period value. In this way, display information Di5 represents the correspondence between the BCS evaluation value and the lactation period value.

[0085] In the display information Di5, the labels "Fat Dangerous," "Fat," "Lean," and "Lean Dangerous" for marker MK5 correspond to evaluation values ​​EV1, EV2, EV5, and EV6, respectively. "Standard" corresponds to evaluation values ​​EV3 and EV4. Marker MK5 represents the BCS evaluation value through a combination of its shape and color. More specifically, a circular marker MK5 represents an evaluation value higher than the evaluation values ​​EV3 and EV4, which correspond to "Standard." The colors within the outline of marker MK5 representing evaluation values ​​EV1 and EV2 are red and yellow, respectively. A diamond-shaped marker MK5 represents an evaluation value lower than the evaluation values ​​EV3 and EV4, which correspond to "Standard." The colors within the outline of marker MK5 representing evaluation values ​​EV5 and EV6 are yellow and red, respectively. In other words, the color within the outline of marker MK5 changes from yellow to red as it deviates from the standard value. In particular, by representing markers MK1 and MK6, which are the evaluation values ​​EV1 and EV6 that are furthest from the standard value, with red, which evokes "danger" or "warning," the system can draw the user's attention to markers MK1 and MK6 and intuitively make the user understand that the BCS evaluation value represented by markers MK1 and MK6 is at a warning level. In Figure 17, the differences in the degree of color within the outline of marker MK5 and the differences in the degree of color of the display area AR5, which will be described later, are expressed as differences in the hatching pattern.

[0086] Furthermore, the marker MK5 indicates the number of births based on the intensity of the color of its outline. More specifically, a marker MK5 with a gray outline indicates one birth, while a marker MK5 with a black outline indicates two or more births. In Figure 17, the gray outline is schematically represented by a dashed line.

[0087] In the display information Di5, the display area AR5 where the marker MK5 is displayed is configured such that the intensity of the color of the display area AR5 differs according to the lactation stage of the livestock. More specifically, the background colors of the areas representing the early lactation stage, the mid-lactation stage, the late lactation stage, and the dry stage within the display area AR5 are represented by light blue, light bluish-purple, light reddish-purple, and light brown, respectively.

[0088] In the scatter plot of the displayed information Di5, auxiliary lines representing the BCS reference values ​​are displayed. In Figure 17, examples of auxiliary lines displayed in this way include an auxiliary line representing the upper limit of the BCS, an auxiliary line representing the standard value of the BCS, and an auxiliary line representing the lower limit of the BCS, which are shown as a thin dashed line, a thick dashed line, and a dotted line, respectively.

[0089] By viewing the displayed information Di5, users can instantly check the number of days since calving and the BCS (Body Condition Score) evaluation value for each individual livestock, making it easy to understand whether there is a surplus or shortage of feed, or whether there is a risk of disease.

[0090] Figure 18 is an explanatory diagram showing a sixth example of display information in the sixth embodiment. In Figure 18, display information Di6 is shown as an example of display information. Display information Di6 is represented on the display screen 401 as a scatter plot showing the correspondence between evaluation values ​​and status values. More specifically, display information Di6 is a scatter plot with the horizontal axis being the number of days after calving and the vertical axis being the milk yield. Marker MK6 in display information Di6 is the same as marker MK5. Also, similar to display information Di5, in display information Di6, the display area AR6 on which marker MK6 is displayed is configured such that the degree of color of the display area AR6 differs according to the lactation cycle of the livestock. In Figure 18, similar to Figure 17, the differences in the degree of color within the outline of marker MK6 and the differences in the degree of color of the display area AR6 are expressed as differences in the hatching pattern.

[0091] In the scatter plot of the displayed information Di6, auxiliary lines representing the milk yield standard values ​​are shown. In Figure 18, as examples of such auxiliary lines, auxiliary lines representing the milk yield standard values ​​for the first calving and the second calving are shown as thick dashed lines and thin dashed lines, respectively. Here, the first calving and second calving refer to the number of births, one and two, respectively.

[0092] The display information Di6 is shown on the display screen 401 so that livestock with high milk productivity are visualized. Here, "milk productivity" is not limited to the amount of milk produced, but may also refer to the level of performance related to milk production. Performance related to milk production may represent, for example, the amount of milk per unit cost of livestock or the amount of milk per unit occupied area of ​​livestock. The unit cost of a certain livestock may be evaluated based on, for example, the cost of the feed given to that livestock, the amount of feed given to that livestock, or the amount of feed intake given to that livestock. In this embodiment, "milk productivity" corresponds to the level of milk production per unit cost of livestock. More specifically, for example, the livestock individual represented by marker MK6H in Figure 18 is a livestock individual that is relatively lean and has a milk yield value that is relatively large above the standard milk yield value. Therefore, the livestock individual represented by marker MK6H is highly likely to be a livestock individual that produces a relatively large amount of milk relative to the cost incurred, and is a livestock individual with high milk productivity. Furthermore, the display information Di6 is shown on the display screen 401 so that livestock with low milk productivity are visualized. More specifically, for example, livestock represented by marker MK6L are livestock that are relatively fat and have a milk yield value below the standard milk yield value. Therefore, livestock represented by marker MK6L are highly likely to be livestock that produce relatively little milk relative to the cost incurred, and are livestock with low milk productivity. The display information Di5 visualizes livestock with high milk productivity and livestock with low milk productivity on the display screen 401 by representing the BCS evaluation value with marker MK6 and displaying auxiliary lines indicating the standard milk yield value. In other embodiments, livestock with high milk productivity and livestock with low milk productivity may be visualized, for example, by the degree of color, size, or shape of the marker.

[0093] By viewing the displayed information Di6, users can simultaneously check the BCS evaluation value and milk yield value, making it easy to evaluate the milk productivity of cows as livestock. For example, using the displayed information Di6, users can easily identify livestock with low milk productivity and consider culling those animals. Also, for example, using the displayed information Di6, users can easily identify livestock that are too thin and whose milk yield is below the standard value, making it easy to determine if those animals may be sick.

[0094] Figure 19 is an explanatory diagram showing a seventh example of display information in the sixth embodiment. Figure 19 shows display information Di7 as an example of display information. Display information Di7 is displayed on the display screen 401 as a graph representing the correspondence between evaluation values ​​and status values. More specifically, display information Di7 is a scatter plot with the horizontal axis representing the number of days after calving and the vertical axis representing the milk yield evaluation value. In the graph of display information Di7, "above standard" and "below standard" for the milk yield evaluation value correspond to milk yield evaluation value MV1 and milk yield evaluation value MV2, respectively. In addition, auxiliary lines representing the milk yield standard value are displayed in the graph of display information Di7. In Figure 19, these auxiliary lines are shown as dashed lines.

[0095] Display information Di7 includes marker MK7 and message MS7. Marker MK7, like markers MK5 and MK6, represents the BCS evaluation value for each individual livestock animal. Message MS7 is a message to user Ur regarding the livestock. Message MS7 is displayed on display screen 401 when a selection operation is performed to select marker MK7 on display screen 401. The selection operation may be, for example, an operation to hover the selection cursor over marker MK7 on display screen 401, or a click or tap operation. Message MS7 may be displayed on display screen 401, for example, as a balloon near marker MK7, as a pop-up, or in a predetermined message box placed alongside the graph in display information Di7. In addition, in display information Di7, for example, like display information Di5 and display information Di6, the display area where marker MK7 is displayed may be configured such that the degree of color of the display area differs according to the lactation cycle of the livestock.

[0096] In the example in Figure 19, for example, if marker MK7a is selected, message MS7a is displayed. Marker MK7a represents the evaluation value EV6, the milk yield evaluation value MV1, and the number of days since calving (approximately 180 days) based on its shape, color intensity, and display position. Message MS7a reflects the evaluation value EV6, milk yield evaluation value MV1, and number of days since calving represented by marker MK7a, stating, "The calf is too thin despite being in the later stages of postpartum (late lactation). Its appetite has not returned, and it may be ill." Also in the example in Figure 19, if marker MK7b is selected, message MS7b is displayed. Marker MK7b represents the evaluation value EV3, the milk yield evaluation value MV2, and the number of days since calving (approximately 160 days) based on its shape, color intensity, and display position. Message MS7b reflects the evaluation value EV3, milk yield evaluation value MV2, and days since calving represented by marker MK7b, and means, "The cow is overweight and its milk yield is below average. Due to its low performance, it is a candidate for culling." Also, in the example in Figure 19, if marker MK7c is selected, message MS7c is displayed. Marker MK7c represents the evaluation value EV6, milk yield evaluation value MV2, and days since calving (approximately 70 days) through its shape, color intensity, and display position. Message MS7c reflects the evaluation value EV6, milk yield evaluation value MV2, and days since calving represented by marker MK7c, and means, "The cow is underweight and below average. There is a possibility of illness."

[0097] In the display information Di7, the milk yield evaluation value is used as the milk yield value, so compared to cases where, for example, milk yield itself is used as the milk yield value, it is possible to visualize milk productivity more clearly. For example, a user Ur can use the display information Di7 to easily identify livestock that are overweight and have a milk yield below the standard value, and consider disposing of those livestock. Also, for example, a user Ur can use the display information Di7 to easily identify livestock that are underweight and have a milk yield below the standard value, and easily confirm that those livestock may be sick.

[0098] Figure 20 is an explanatory diagram showing an eighth example of display information in the sixth embodiment. Figure 20 shows display information Di8 as an example of display information. Display information Di8 is displayed on the display screen 401 as a graph representing the correspondence between evaluation values ​​and status values. More specifically, display information Di8 is a scatter plot with the horizontal axis being the BCS value and the vertical axis being the height evaluation value, which is an example of a body size evaluation value. Display information Di8 includes a marker MK8 and a message MS8, similar to display information Di7. Marker MK8, similar to markers MK5, MK6, and MK7, represents the BCS evaluation value for each individual livestock. Message MS8, similar to message MS7, is a message to user Ur regarding livestock and is displayed on the display screen 401 when a selection operation is performed to select marker MK8 on the display screen 401. In the graph of display information Di8, "greater than or equal to the standard value" and "less than the standard value" for the height evaluation value correspond to the height evaluation value HV1 and height evaluation value HV2, respectively. Furthermore, the graph in the display information Di8 shows auxiliary lines representing the standard height. In Figure 20, these auxiliary lines are shown as dashed lines.

[0099] In the example in Figure 20, for example, if marker MK8a is selected, message MS8a is displayed. Marker MK8a represents the evaluation value EV3, the height evaluation value HV1, and a BCS value of 4.0, based on its shape, color intensity, and display position. Message MS8a reflects the evaluation value EV3 and height evaluation value HV1 represented by marker MK8a and states, "Overweight with height above the standard value. It occupies a large area and eats too much, resulting in low performance." Also in the example in Figure 20, if marker MK8b is selected, message MS8b is displayed. Marker MK8b represents the evaluation value EV6, the height evaluation value HV2, and a BCS value of 2.5, based on its shape, color intensity, and display position. Message MS8b reflects the evaluation value EV6 and height evaluation value HV2 represented by marker MK8b and states, "Too thin with height below the standard value. There is a possibility of poor growth."

[0100] By viewing the displayed information Di8, users can simultaneously check the BCS evaluation value and body size, making it easy to understand the relationship between the BCS value and growth rate of individual livestock, as well as the performance of individual livestock. For example, using the displayed information Di8, users can easily identify livestock that are relatively large and overweight, and understand that these livestock are low-performing individuals that tend to accumulate unnecessary energy due to their large footprint. Also, using the displayed information Di8, users can easily identify livestock that are relatively small and underweight, and easily understand that these livestock may be suffering from poor growth or nutritional deficiencies.

[0101] According to the sixth embodiment described above, feedback information is output to the display device 400, which acts as a display unit, and display information representing the feedback information is displayed on the display screen 401 of the display device 400. Therefore, the feedback information can be provided to the user Ur as visual display information. In particular, in this embodiment, the display information is displayed in graph format such as scatter plots, histograms, and bar graphs, so that the feedback information as visual display information can be provided to the user Ur with better visibility.

[0102] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 13, 17, 18, and 19, feedback information representing the correspondence between the BCS evaluation value and status values ​​including milk yield is displayed as display information on the display screen 401. Therefore, feedback information representing the correspondence between the BCS evaluation value and milk yield can be provided to the user Ur as visual display information. As a result, the user Ur can effectively consider, for example, a BCS value suitable for improving milk yield by utilizing the provided feedback information.

[0103] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 18, display information is shown on the display screen 401 so that livestock with high milk production are visualized. Therefore, it is possible to effectively inform the user Ur about livestock with high milk production.

[0104] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 18, display information is shown on the display screen 401 so that livestock with low milk productivity are visualized. Therefore, the user Ur can be effectively informed about livestock with low milk productivity.

[0105] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 18 and 19, feedback information representing the correspondence between the BCS evaluation value and status values ​​including milk yield value and lactation timing value is displayed as display information on the display screen 401. In this configuration, user Ur can use the feedback information provided as display information to consider, for example, whether or not to implement measures to improve milk yield and what type of measures to implement, depending on the lactation timing of the livestock. In this configuration, the status values ​​may include, in place of or in addition to lactation timing value, body size value, age value, number of births value, number of inseminations value, feed intake value, feed amount value, body temperature value, and disease status value. Even in this case, user Ur can, in the same manner as above, consider, for example, whether or not to implement measures to improve milk yield and what type of measures to implement, depending on the height, age, number of births, number of inseminations, feed intake, feed amount, body temperature, and disease status of the livestock.

[0106] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the display information Di5 and Di6 shown in Figures 17 and 18 include markers representing the BCS evaluation value. In the display information Di5 and Di6, the markers are displayed in order according to the lactation period value. The display information Di5 and Di6 are displayed such that the intensity of the color of the display area where the markers are displayed differs according to the lactation period of the livestock. In this way, the relationship between the BCS evaluation value and the lactation period can be visually displayed in an easy-to-understand manner by utilizing the intensity of the color of the display area. As a result, the user Ur can appropriately manage the BCS of livestock according to the lactation period by utilizing the provided feedback information.

[0107] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the display information Di7 and Di8 shown in Figures 19 and 20 include a marker representing the BCS evaluation value and a message to the user Ur regarding the livestock. The message in the display information Di7 and Di8 is displayed on the display screen 401 when the marker is selected on the display screen 401. In this way, the BCS evaluation value can be visually shown to the user Ur by the marker, and a message can be effectively provided if the user Ur desires it. In addition, by displaying the message using balloon or pop-up displays, the display information can be displayed more compactly on the display screen 401.

[0108] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the display information Di1 shown in Figure 13 includes markers that are displayed in chronological order. The markers represent the BCS value by their display position and the BCS evaluation value by the intensity of their color. Therefore, by utilizing the display position and color intensity of the markers, the temporal changes in the BCS value and BCS evaluation value can be displayed with good visibility.

[0109] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the display information Di2 and Di3 shown in Figures 14 and 15 include histograms representing the frequency distribution of multiple livestock individuals according to their BCS evaluation values. Therefore, the histograms can be used to effectively allow user Ur to grasp the trends in BCS evaluation values ​​for multiple livestock individuals. In addition, user Ur can easily understand the trends in the body shape of livestock throughout the entire barn CB by using the histograms. As a result, user Ur can consider taking measures such as changing the type of feed or reducing the amount of feed if, for example, there are a relatively large number of overweight livestock individuals.

[0110] G. Other embodiments: (G-1) In each of the above embodiments, the livestock apparatus 300 is not limited to the feeder 301 or the sensor 200, but may be any apparatus used for raising livestock. For example, the livestock apparatus 300 may include, in place of the feeder 301 or the sensor 200, or in addition to them, at least one of the following: a milking machine for milking dairy cows as livestock, air conditioning equipment for air conditioning the barn CB, lighting equipment for illuminating the barn CB, and a movement control device for controlling the movement of livestock in the barn CB. The air conditioning equipment is configured, for example, as an apparatus for cooling the barn CB, an apparatus for heating the barn CB, an apparatus for humidifying the barn CB, or an apparatus for dehumidifying the barn CB. The movement control device includes, for example, various doors such as revolving doors and opening / closing doors installed in the barn CB, and stanchions capable of fixing the heads of livestock.

[0111] (G-2) In each of the above embodiments, the feedback information may be output to the rearing device 300. In this way, the rearing device 300 can be operated in accordance with the feedback information.

[0112] The feedback information for the rearing device 300 may be, for example, a control signal for controlling the rearing device 300. For example, if the BCS evaluation value is evaluation value EV5 or evaluation value EV6, the feedback unit 120 may output a control signal to the feeder 301, which is the rearing device 300, to increase the amount of feed given.

[0113] Furthermore, if the BCS evaluation value is EV5 or EV6, the feedback unit 120 may output a control signal to the milking machine, which is part of the livestock feeding device 300, to reduce the amount of milk produced. The control signal to reduce the amount of milk produced is, for example, a control signal to reduce the milking intensity of the milking machine or a control signal to reduce the milking frequency of the milking machine. In this way, for example, if the cause of the livestock's weight loss is a disease such as mastitis, it is possible to suppress the worsening of the disease in the livestock due to milking.

[0114] Furthermore, for example, if a livestock animal's BCS (Body Condition Score) is EV5 or EV6 during a period of relatively high temperatures, such as summer, the feedback unit 120 may output a control signal to the air conditioning equipment, which is part of the livestock rearing device 300, to improve the degree of cooling for that livestock. The control signal to improve the degree of cooling for the livestock may be, for example, a control signal to lower the set temperature of the air conditioner, or a control signal to adjust the airflow direction of the air conditioning equipment so that cool air is sent to the livestock more frequently or more strongly. In this way, for example, if the cause of the livestock's weight loss is heat exhaustion, the weight loss of the livestock can be improved.

[0115] Furthermore, for example, if a livestock animal's BCS evaluation value is EV5 or EV6, the feedback unit 120 may output a control signal to the lighting equipment, which is part of the rearing device 300, to reduce the stimulation caused by the lighting. The control signal to reduce the stimulation caused by the lighting may be, for example, a control signal to reduce the light intensity of the lighting or a control signal to reduce the frequency of lighting. In this way, for example, if the cause of the livestock's weight loss is stress caused by stimulation, the weight loss of the livestock can be improved.

[0116] Furthermore, for example, if a livestock's BCS evaluation value is EV1 or EV2, the feedback unit 120 may output a control signal to the movement control device, which is the livestock animal 300, to guide the livestock to a feeding restriction area to limit the livestock's intake of feed, or to keep the livestock in the feeding restriction area. In this way, for example, if the cause of overweight livestock is overfeeding, the overweight can be improved. Also, for example, if a livestock's BCS evaluation value is EV5 or EV6, the feedback unit 120 may output a control signal to the movement control device, which is the livestock animal 300, to guide the livestock to a feeding promotion area to promote the livestock's intake of feed, or to keep the livestock in the feeding promotion area. In this way, for example, if the cause of underweight livestock is insufficient feed intake, the underweight can be improved.

[0117] Furthermore, not only control signals but also various other information based on BCS evaluation values ​​may be output to the livestock device 300 as feedback information. For example, the BCS evaluation value may be output as feedback information to the sensor 200, which is part of the livestock device 300, and the sensor 200 may perform an analysis using the primary information it acquires and the feedback information output from the feedback device 100, and transmit secondary information corresponding to the analysis results to the feedback device 100 as a detection result. For example, if the sensor 200 is an estrus detection sensor that detects estrus in livestock, the sensor 200 may detect estrus in livestock by performing an analysis using the acceleration and angular velocity of the livestock as primary information it acquires and the feedback information, and transmit information indicating estrus to the feedback device 100 as a detection result.

[0118] (G-3) The feedback unit 120 may display the feedback information as display information on the display screen 401 in a format other than graph format. For example, the feedback unit 120 may display the display information as feedback information on the display screen 401 in list format. In this case, the display information may be a list in which information based on the BCS evaluation value is arranged vertically for each livestock individual identification information. In this case, in the list, in addition to the identification information and BCS evaluation value of each livestock individual, any information about each livestock individual, such as the age value and lactation period value of each livestock individual, may be displayed horizontally with the identification information and BCS evaluation value. The identification information here may be, for example, the name of the livestock individual or the identification number of the livestock individual. In this case, the feedback unit 120 may also display livestock individuals with higher importance higher up in the list, livestock individuals with lower importance lower down, or omit the display of livestock individuals with lower importance. "Livestock individuals of higher importance" refers to livestock individuals with BCS evaluation values ​​that are further from the standard value, such as evaluation values ​​EV1 or EV6. Conversely, "livestock individuals of lower importance" refers to livestock individuals with BCS evaluation values ​​that are closer to the standard, such as evaluation values ​​EV3, EV4, or EV0. The feedback unit 120 may also display information about livestock individuals of higher importance or information about livestock individuals of lower importance in the list in a different manner than the information about other livestock individuals. "Displaying in a different manner" means, for example, varying the degree of color of the characters representing the information, varying the size, boldness, or angle of the characters, or varying the degree of background color of the information.

[0119] (G-4) In each of the above embodiments, the feedback unit 120 outputs feedback information by referring to the associated data 160, but is not limited to this. For example, the feedback unit 120 may output feedback information by inputting the BCS evaluation value into a feedback model. The feedback model is a machine learning model that has been trained to output feedback information by taking the BCS evaluation value as input. For example, a machine learning model similar to the estimation model can be used as the feedback model.

[0120] (G-5) In each of the above embodiments, the acquisition unit 110 acquires the BCS evaluation value by comparing the magnitude relationship between the BCS value and the reference value, but is not limited to this. For example, the acquisition unit 110 may acquire the BCS evaluation value by inputting the BCS value and the reference value into an evaluation model. The evaluation model is a machine learning model that has been trained to take the BCS value and the reference value as input and output the BCS evaluation value. For example, a machine learning model similar to the estimation model can be used as the evaluation model.

[0121] (G-6) In each of the above embodiments, the feedback device 100 only needs to include at least an acquisition unit for acquiring BCS evaluation values ​​and a feedback unit 120. Therefore, the feedback device 100 does not need to include a BCS acquisition unit 111 or a reference value acquisition unit 112, and the BCS acquisition unit 111 and the reference value acquisition unit 112 may be provided in an external device of the feedback device 100 in the feedback system 70.

[0122] (G-7) In each of the above embodiments, the feedback unit 120 may output the feedback information as display information not only to the display device 400 as the output device 105, but also to the display unit of an external device located outside the feedback device 100. That is, the "display unit" in this disclosure may be located outside the feedback device 100. In this case, the external device may be any terminal device used by the user, such as a smartphone, tablet, or computer. Such an external device is connected to the feedback device 100, for example, by a wireless or wired connection. In this case, the feedback unit 120 outputs the feedback information to the external device, for example, using a communication device 107.

[0123] H. Other forms: This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various forms without departing from its spirit. For example, this disclosure can also be implemented in the following forms. The technical features in the embodiments described below that correspond to the technical features in each of the forms described below can be replaced or combined as appropriate in order to solve some or all of the problems of this disclosure, or to achieve some or all of the effects of this disclosure. Furthermore, if such technical features are not described as essential in this specification, they can be deleted as appropriate.

[0124] (1) According to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, a feedback device is provided. The feedback device comprises an acquisition unit that acquires a BCS value, which represents the body condition score of livestock, and a BCS evaluation value obtained by evaluating the BCS value using a reference value for evaluating the BCS value, and a feedback unit that outputs feedback information relating to the livestock based on the acquired BCS evaluation value. In this configuration, feedback information is output based on the BCS evaluation value, which is obtained by evaluating the BCS value of livestock. Therefore, appropriate feedback can be provided regarding livestock by utilizing their BCS.

[0125] (2) In the above configuration, the system may include a storage unit that stores association data in which the BCS evaluation value and the feedback information are pre-associated, and the feedback unit may output the feedback information by referring to the association data based on the acquired BCS evaluation value. This configuration allows feedback to be performed by a simpler method.

[0126] (3) In the above configuration, the acquisition unit may acquire the BCS evaluation value by comparing the magnitude relationship between the BCS value and the reference value. According to this configuration, the BCS evaluation value can be acquired by comparing the BCS value and the reference value using a simpler method.

[0127] (4) In the above configuration, the reference value may include a plurality of reference values, and the acquisition unit may acquire the BCS evaluation value by comparing the magnitude relationship between the BCS value and the plurality of reference values. According to this configuration, feedback information can be output based on the BCS evaluation value obtained by evaluating the BCS value with respect to the plurality of reference values.

[0128] (5) In the above configuration, the BCS value includes a first BCS value for the livestock in a first period and a second BCS value for the livestock in a second period earlier than the first period, and the BCS evaluation value includes a first BCS evaluation value for the first BCS value and a second BCS evaluation value for the second BCS value, and the feedback unit may output the feedback information based on the acquired first BCS evaluation value and the acquired second BCS evaluation value. According to this configuration, the temporal changes in the BCS evaluation value can be reflected in the feedback information, and more appropriate feedback can be provided.

[0129] (6) In the above configuration, the acquisition unit may further acquire a status value different from the BCS value, which relates to the livestock's rearing condition, and the feedback unit may output the feedback information based on the acquired BCS evaluation value and the acquired status value. In this configuration, the status value can be reflected in the feedback information in addition to the BCS evaluation value, enabling more appropriate feedback.

[0130] (7) In the above configuration, the feedback unit may output the feedback information to the display unit, thereby displaying display information representing the feedback information on the display screen of the display unit. This configuration allows the feedback information to be provided to the user as visual display information.

[0131] (8) In the above configuration, the acquisition unit further acquires a state value different from the BCS value, which relates to the livestock's rearing state, and the state value includes a milk yield value relating to the milk yield of the dairy cow as livestock, and the feedback unit outputs the feedback information based on the acquired BCS evaluation value and the acquired state value, and the feedback information may be information representing the correspondence between the BCS evaluation value and the state value. According to this configuration, feedback information representing the correspondence between the BCS evaluation value and the milk yield value can be provided to the user as visual display information. As a result, the user can use the provided feedback information to effectively consider, for example, a BCS value suitable for improving milk yield.

[0132] (9) In the above configuration, the feedback unit may display the display information on the display screen so that livestock with high milk production are visualized. This configuration allows the user to be effectively informed of livestock with high milk production.

[0133] (10) In the above configuration, the feedback unit may display the display information on the display screen so that livestock with low milk productivity are visualized. This configuration allows the user to be effectively informed of livestock with low milk productivity.

[0134] (11) In the above configuration, the status value may further include at least one of the following: a lactation period value relating to the lactation period of the livestock; a body size value relating to the body size of the livestock; an age value relating to the age of the livestock; a birth count value relating to the number of births of the livestock; an insemination count value relating to the number of artificial inseminations of the livestock; a feed intake value relating to the amount of feed consumed by the livestock; a feed amount value relating to the amount of feed given to the livestock; a body temperature value relating to the body temperature of the livestock; and a disease status value relating to the disease state of the livestock. In this configuration, the user can use the feedback information provided as display information to consider, for example, whether or not to implement measures to improve milk yield and what kind of measures to implement, depending on the lactation period, body size, age, number of births, number of inseminations, feed intake, amount of feed given, body temperature, and disease state of the livestock.

[0135] (12) In the above configuration, the acquisition unit further acquires a status value different from the BCS value, which relates to the rearing status of the livestock, and the status value includes a lactation period value relating to the lactation period of the livestock, and the feedback unit outputs the feedback information based on the acquired BCS evaluation value and the acquired status value, and the display information includes a marker representing the BCS evaluation value, which is displayed in order according to the lactation period value, and the feedback unit may display the display information on the display screen such that the degree of color of the display area where the marker is displayed on the display screen differs according to the lactation period. According to this configuration, the relationship between the BCS evaluation value and the lactation period can be visually displayed in an easy-to-understand manner by using the degree of color of the display area. As a result, by using the provided feedback information, the user can appropriately manage the BCS of the livestock according to the lactation period, for example.

[0136] (13) In the above configuration, the display information may include a marker representing the BCS evaluation value and a message to the user regarding the livestock, which is displayed on the display screen when the marker is selected on the display screen. In this configuration, the BCS evaluation value can be visually shown to the user by the marker, and a message can be effectively provided if the user desires it.

[0137] (14) In the above configuration, the acquisition unit further acquires the BCS value, and the feedback unit outputs the feedback information to the display unit based on the acquired BCS evaluation value and the acquired BCS value, thereby displaying the display information on the display screen, the display information includes markers representing the BCS value and the BCS evaluation value, which are displayed in chronological order, and the markers may represent the BCS value by their display position and the BCS evaluation value by the intensity of the marker's color. According to this configuration, the temporal changes between the BCS value and the BCS evaluation value can be displayed with good visibility by utilizing the display position and intensity of the marker's color.

[0138] (15) In the above configuration, the livestock includes multiple individual livestock, the acquisition unit acquires multiple BCS evaluation values ​​by assigning BCS evaluation values ​​to the multiple individual livestock, the feedback unit outputs the feedback information to the display unit based on the acquired multiple BCS evaluation values, thereby displaying the display information on the display screen, and the display information may include a histogram representing the frequency distribution of the multiple individual livestock according to the BCS evaluation values. With this configuration, the histogram can be used to effectively allow the user to grasp the trend of the BCS evaluation values ​​for multiple individual livestock.

[0139] (16) In the above embodiment, the feedback unit outputs the feedback information to the livestock rearing equipment used for raising the livestock, and the livestock rearing equipment may include at least one of the following: a feeder for feeding the livestock, a milking machine for milking the livestock, an air conditioning unit for air conditioning the livestock barn, a sensor for monitoring the livestock, an illumination unit for illuminating the barn, and a movement control device for controlling the movement of the livestock. According to this embodiment, by outputting the feedback information to various livestock rearing equipment, the livestock rearing equipment can be operated in accordance with the feedback information.

[0140] (17) A second embodiment of the present disclosure provides a feedback system. This feedback system includes a BCS acquisition unit that acquires a BCS value representing the body condition score of livestock; a reference value acquisition unit that acquires a reference value for evaluating the BCS value; an evaluation value acquisition unit that acquires a BCS evaluation value obtained by evaluating the BCS value using the reference value; and a feedback unit that outputs feedback information relating to the livestock based on the acquired BCS evaluation value.

[0141] (18) A third embodiment of the present disclosure provides a feedback method, which obtains a BCS value representing the body condition score of livestock, an evaluation value obtained by evaluating the BCS value using a reference value for evaluating the BCS value, and outputs feedback information relating to the livestock based on the obtained BCS evaluation value.

[0142] (19) According to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure, a program is provided which enables a computer to perform the following functions: acquire a BCS evaluation value which is an evaluation of a BCS value which represents the body condition score of livestock, by an evaluation of the BCS value which is an evaluation of the BCS value; and output feedback information about the livestock based on the acquired BCS evaluation value.

[0143] In addition to the above-described forms, this disclosure can also be implemented in other forms, such as a non-temporary recording medium on which a program is recorded, or a program product. The program product may be provided, for example, as a recording medium on which a program is recorded, or as a program product that can be distributed via a network. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0144] 50…Breeding system, 70, 70d…Feedback system, 100, 100d…Feedback device, 101…Processor, 102…Storage unit, 103…Input / output interface, 104…Internal bus, 105…Output device, 106…Input device, 107…Communication device, 110, 110d…Acquisition unit, 111…BCS acquisition unit, 112…Reference value acquisition unit, 113…BCS evaluation value acquisition unit, 114…Status value acquisition unit, 120…Feedback unit, 155…Program, 160, 160c, 160d, 160e…Association data, 165…Evaluation value history data, 200…Sensor, 300…Breeding device, 301…Feeder, 310…Feeding unit, 320…Mixing unit, 400…Display device, 401…Display screen

Claims

1. An acquisition unit that acquires a BCS evaluation value, which is an evaluation of the BCS value representing the body condition score of livestock, by evaluating the BCS value using a standard value for evaluating the BCS value, A feedback device comprising: a feedback unit that outputs feedback information regarding the livestock based on the acquired BCS evaluation value.

2. A feedback device according to claim 1, further, The system includes a storage unit that stores association data in which the BCS evaluation value and the feedback information are pre-associated. The feedback unit is a feedback device that outputs feedback information by referring to the associated data based on the acquired BCS evaluation value.

3. A feedback device according to claim 1, The acquisition unit is a feedback device that acquires the BCS evaluation value by comparing the magnitude relationship between the BCS value and the reference value.

4. A feedback device according to claim 3, The aforementioned reference value includes multiple reference values, The acquisition unit is a feedback device that acquires the BCS evaluation value by comparing the magnitude relationship between the BCS value and the plurality of reference values.

5. A feedback device according to claim 1, The BCS value includes a first BCS value for the livestock in the first period and a second BCS value for the livestock in a second period earlier than the first period. The BCS evaluation value includes a first BCS evaluation value for the first BCS value and a second BCS evaluation value for the second BCS value. The feedback unit is a feedback device that outputs the feedback information based on the acquired first BCS evaluation value and the acquired second BCS evaluation value.

6. A feedback device according to claim 1, The acquisition unit further acquires a state value different from the BCS value, which is a state value related to the livestock rearing state. The feedback unit is a feedback device that outputs the feedback information based on the acquired BCS evaluation value and the acquired state value.

7. A feedback device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The feedback unit is a feedback device that outputs the feedback information to the display unit, thereby displaying display information representing the feedback information on the display screen of the display unit.

8. A feedback device according to claim 7, The acquisition unit further acquires a state value different from the BCS value, which is a state value related to the livestock rearing state. The aforementioned state value includes the milk yield value related to the milk yield of the dairy cow as livestock, The feedback unit outputs the feedback information based on the acquired BCS evaluation value and the acquired status value. The feedback device is a feedback device in which the feedback information represents the correspondence between the BCS evaluation value and the state value.

9. A feedback device according to claim 8, The feedback unit is a feedback device that displays the display information on the display screen so that livestock with high milk production are visualized.

10. A feedback device according to claim 8, The feedback unit is a feedback device that displays the display information on the display screen so that livestock with low milk productivity are visualized.

11. A feedback device according to claim 8, A feedback device in which the status value further includes at least one of the following: a lactation period value relating to the lactation period of the livestock; a body size value relating to the body size of the livestock; an age value relating to the age of the livestock; a birth count value relating to the number of births of the livestock; an insemination count value relating to the number of artificial inseminations of the livestock; a feed intake value relating to the amount of feed consumed by the livestock; a feed amount value relating to the amount of feed given to the livestock; a body temperature value relating to the body temperature of the livestock; and a disease state value relating to the disease state of the livestock.

12. A feedback device according to claim 7, The acquisition unit further acquires a state value different from the BCS value, which is a state value related to the livestock rearing state. The aforementioned state value includes a lactation period value relating to the lactation period of the livestock, The feedback unit outputs the feedback information based on the acquired BCS evaluation value and the acquired status value. The aforementioned display information includes markers representing the BCS evaluation value, which are displayed in order according to the lactation period value. The feedback unit is a feedback device that displays the display information on the display screen such that the degree of color of the display area where the marker is displayed on the display screen differs according to the lactation stage.

13. A feedback device according to claim 7, The display information includes a marker representing the BCS evaluation value and a message to the user regarding the livestock, which is displayed on the display screen when the marker is selected on the display screen, in a feedback device.

14. A feedback device according to claim 7, The acquisition unit further acquires the BCS value, The feedback unit outputs the feedback information to the display unit based on the acquired BCS evaluation value and the acquired BCS value, thereby displaying the display information on the display screen. The display information includes markers representing the BCS value and the BCS evaluation value, which are displayed in chronological order. A feedback device in which the marker represents the BCS value by the display position of the marker, and represents the BCS evaluation value by the degree of the color of the marker.

15. A feedback device according to claim 7, The aforementioned livestock includes multiple individual livestock, The acquisition unit acquires multiple BCS evaluation values ​​by performing the BCS evaluation value for the multiple livestock individuals. The feedback unit outputs the feedback information to the display unit based on the acquired BCS evaluation values, thereby displaying the display information on the display screen. The display information includes a histogram representing the frequency distribution of the multiple livestock individuals according to the BCS evaluation value, in a feedback device.

16. A feedback device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The feedback unit outputs the feedback information to the livestock rearing device used for raising the livestock. The livestock feeding apparatus is a feedback device that includes at least one of the following: a feeder for feeding the livestock; a milking machine for milking the livestock; an air conditioning device for air conditioning the livestock barn; a sensor for monitoring the livestock; an illumination device for illuminating the barn; and a movement control device for controlling the movement of the livestock.

17. A BCS acquisition unit that acquires BCS values ​​representing the body condition score of livestock, A reference value acquisition unit that acquires a reference value for evaluating the BCS value, An evaluation value acquisition unit that acquires a BCS evaluation value obtained by evaluating the BCS value according to the reference value, A feedback system comprising: a feedback unit that outputs feedback information regarding livestock based on the acquired BCS evaluation value.

18. The BCS value, which represents the body condition score of livestock, is evaluated using a standard value for evaluating the BCS value to obtain a BCS evaluation value. A feedback method that outputs feedback information regarding livestock based on the acquired BCS evaluation value.

19. A function to obtain a BCS evaluation value, which is an evaluation of the BCS value representing the body condition score of livestock, using a standard value for evaluating the BCS value, A program that enables a computer to perform the function of outputting feedback information about the livestock based on the acquired BCS evaluation value.

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