Livestock birthing support device and livestock birthing method

Abstract

To provide a livestock birthing support device that can reduce the physical burden on caregivers assisting in the birthing of livestock. [Solution] The livestock birthing support device comprises a support body 10 having a lower body support section 11 for supporting the lower body of the caregiver and an upper body attachment section 12 for being attached to the upper body of the caregiver, and a powered traction means 20 attached to the support body 10 and wound with a pulling wire. The tip of the pulling wire extended forward from the powered traction means 20 is attached to the fetus inside the livestock mother's body, and the fetus can be removed from the mother's body by winding up the pulling wire.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a livestock parturition support device for assisting livestock parturition and a livestock parturition method using the same.

Background Art

[0002] Dairy cows have been bred to increase milk production, and their body sizes have become larger. As a result, there are some dairy cow breeds for which natural parturition has become difficult. For example, female Holsteins, which are representative dairy cow breeds, weigh 600 to 700 kg, and natural parturition has become almost impossible. Therefore, when a Holstein gives birth, artificial assistance by an assistant (such as a dairy farmer or veterinarian) is required.

[0003] Specifically, it is performed by an assistant putting a hand into the vagina of the cow to widen the birth canal and pulling out the calf while adjusting the posture of the calf. However, even a calf weighs about 40 kg, so a great deal of force is required for the operation of pulling it out. Moreover, Holstein cows often give birth while standing, and in that case, the assistant is forced to work while maintaining a semi-squatting posture. Thus, parturition of Holsteins and the like places a great physical burden on the assistant. In addition, since the work involves checking the safety of the calf and the cow, the mental burden is also extremely large.

[0004] In view of such a situation, instruments and devices for assisting livestock parturition have been proposed heretofore. For example, as shown in Fig. 1(a), an instrument using a chain (see, for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2), and as shown in Fig. 1(b), an instrument using a lever block (registered trademark) (see, for example, Patent Document 3) have been proposed. However, all of these instruments are designed to be operated using both hands. Therefore, when using these instruments during the parturition of the above-mentioned Holsteins, at least two assistants, one for pulling the calf and the other for adjusting the posture of the calf, are required.

[0005] Furthermore, devices have been proposed that allow calves to be removed from their mothers' wombs by using a powered reel to wind up a chain wrapped around the calf's legs (see, for example, Patent Document 3). With this type of device, there is no need for an assistant to pull out the calf. Therefore, unless there is a particularly difficult birth, one assistant to adjust the calf's position is sufficient. However, this assistant (the one adjusting the calf's position) must work from diagonally behind the calf so as not to interfere with the chain. In addition, if the mother cow gives birth while standing, the assistant will still need to assume a half-crouching position. Therefore, even if the number of assistants can be reduced by using this type of device, it does not reduce the physical burden on the remaining assistant. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 56-161045 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 62-295656 [Patent Document 4] Patent No. 6570154 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] This invention was made to solve the above problems and provides a livestock birthing support device that can reduce the physical burden on assistants who assist in the birthing of livestock. Another objective of this invention is to provide a method for livestock birthing using this livestock birthing support device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The above issues are, A support frame having a lower body support section for supporting the caregiver's lower body and an upper body attachment section for attaching to the caregiver's upper body (including the waist; the same applies hereinafter), A powered traction means attached to the support structure and with tension wires wound around it, Equipped with, A livestock birthing support device characterized by the ability to remove a fetus from the mother's womb by attaching the tip of a pulling wire extended forward from a powered traction means to the fetus inside the mother's womb and winding up the pulling wire. This is solved by providing [a solution].

[0009] The livestock birthing support device of the present invention is equipped with a powered traction means for pulling out the fetus (calf). Therefore, when using the livestock birthing support device of the present invention, the assistant does not need to perform the task of pulling out the fetus (calf), as in the case of using the device described in Reference Document 3 above. Consequently, the number of assistants attending to livestock births can be reduced.

[0010] In addition, the livestock calving support device of the present invention is equipped with a lower body support section that supports the lower body of the caregiver. The livestock calving support device of the present invention is a weight-relieving type, and the lower end of the lower body support section is in contact with the ground. Therefore, when the caregiver takes a crouching position, they can easily maintain that position without having to use much of their own muscle strength. In addition, a caregiver wearing the livestock calving support device of the present invention can stand on the side where the powered traction means winds up the pulling wire. Therefore, the caregiver can adjust the position of the fetus (calf) using both hands from directly behind the mother (cow). Thus, the physical burden on the caregiver assisting in livestock calving can be reduced.

[0011] However, in the livestock birthing support device of the present invention, when the powered traction means pulls the fetus backward, a forward force is applied to the support body as a reaction force. Therefore, if the caregiver wearing the livestock birthing support device does not brace themselves in place, they may gradually move closer to the mother, making it difficult to adjust the position of the fetus. Accordingly, it is preferable to adopt the following configuration in the livestock birthing support device of the present invention.

[0012] In other words, it is preferable to adopt a configuration that includes a bracing mechanism having a bracing rod that protrudes forward from the support frame and a maternal contact portion provided at the front end of the bracing rod for contacting the maternal body of livestock. This ensures that when the powered traction mechanism pulls the fetus backward, the bracing rod will brace itself (stretch) so that the caregiver's body does not get too close to the maternal body of livestock. As a result, the caregiver themselves does not need to brace themselves.

[0013] In the livestock calving support device of the present invention, the support body is not particularly limited as long as it makes it easier for the caregiver wearing it to maintain a crouched position, but the lower body support portion of the support body preferably has the following configuration.

[0014] In other words, it is preferable that the lower body support portion of the support frame includes a foot fixing member for fixing to the caregiver's feet, a lower leg member for aligning with the caregiver's lower leg, an upper leg member for aligning with the caregiver's upper leg, and a biasing member for biasing the upper leg member forward and upward relative to the lower leg member. The foot fixing member and the lower leg member, and the lower leg member and the upper leg member are connected via joint members.

[0015] When assuming a crouching position, the knees are extended forward and the upper thighs are lowered backward. As described above, by biasing the upper thigh member forward and upward with the biasing member, it becomes possible to easily assume such a position. In addition, by structuring the lower body support as described above, the caregiver can walk while wearing the livestock calving support device. This also improves the caregiver's work efficiency.

[0016] In the livestock delivery support device of the present invention, it is also preferable that the power traction means is provided with a back drive mechanism. This is because if the power traction means pulls the pulling wire too strongly, there is a risk that the legs of the fetus (calf) will break (when pulling out the calf, usually the tip of the pulling wire is tied to the front legs of the calf). In this regard, by making the power traction means have a back drive mechanism, when the power traction means pulls the pulling wire too strongly (when excessive tension is applied to the pulling wire), it becomes possible to loosen the pulling wire so that the fetus (calf) is not pulled too strongly.

Effects of the Invention

[0017] As described above, according to the present invention, it becomes possible to provide a livestock delivery support device that can reduce the physical burden on the assistants who support livestock delivery. It also becomes possible to provide a livestock delivery method using this livestock delivery support device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018] [Figure 1] It is a front perspective view showing the livestock delivery support device of the first embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a right side view showing the livestock delivery support device of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a front perspective view showing an assistant wearing the livestock delivery support device of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a right side view showing an assistant wearing the livestock delivery support device of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a perspective view showing an example of the power traction means. [Figure 6] It is a view showing an example of the back drive mechanism (planetary gear mechanism) incorporated in the power traction means. [Figure 7] It is a photograph showing a state where livestock delivery is being performed while wearing the livestock delivery support device. [Figure 8]This is a rear perspective view showing an assistant wearing the livestock calving support device of the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0019] Embodiments of the livestock calving support device of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0020] The livestock calving support device of the present invention is used to support the calving process of livestock such as dairy cows. Specifically, the work performed by a person (assistant) assisting in the calving of livestock can be broadly divided into the work of pulling the fetus (calf, etc.) out of the mother's body (mature cow, etc.) (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "pulling work") and the work of adjusting the position of the fetus (calf, etc.) as it is being pulled out of the mother's body (mature cow, etc.) (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "position adjustment work"). The livestock calving support device of the present invention reduces the number of assistants performing the pulling work by using power instead of human power. Furthermore, when performing the pulling work and position adjustment work, assistants sometimes have to assume a crouching position, but the device reduces the physical burden on assistants by making it easier for them to maintain a crouching position.

[0021] In the following, the livestock calving support device of the present invention will be described using two embodiments (the first embodiment and the second embodiment) as examples. However, these embodiments are merely preferred embodiments, and the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. The livestock calving support device of the present invention can be modified as appropriate without impairing the spirit of the invention.

[0022] 1. Livestock birthing support device according to the first embodiment First, the livestock calving support device of the first embodiment will be described. Figures 1 to 4 show the livestock calving support device of the first embodiment. Figure 1 is a front perspective view of the livestock calving support device, Figure 2 is a right side view of the livestock calving support device, Figure 3 is a front perspective view of an assistant wearing the livestock calving support device, and Figure 4 is a right side view of the assistant.

[0023] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the livestock birthing support device of the first embodiment comprises a support frame 10, a powered traction means 20, and a bracing means 30, and as shown in Figures 3 and 4, it is used by an assistant who wears it on their body.

[0024] 1.1 Support structure The support frame 10 consists of a lower body support section 11 and an upper body attachment section 12.

[0025] [Lower body support] The lower body support section 11 is positioned along both legs (left and right) of the caregiver so that it stands upright from the walking surface (ground or floor, etc.). This lower body support section 11 consists of a foot fixing member 11a fixed to the caregiver's feet, a lower leg member 11b positioned along the caregiver's lower leg, an upper leg member 11c positioned along the caregiver's upper leg, and a biasing member 11d. The foot fixing member 11a, lower leg member 11b, upper leg member 11c, and biasing member 11d are provided in pairs, one for the left leg (left foot) and one for the right leg (right foot). The lower end of the lower body support section 11 (the lower surface of the foot fixing member 11a) is in contact with the ground, and the load on the lower body support section 11 is received by the walking surface. The livestock calving support device is a load-relieving support device.

[0026] The foot fixing member 11a and the lower leg member 11b of each leg (foot) are connected via a joint member (hinge, etc.), so that the angle of the foot fixing member 11b relative to the lower leg member 11b changes in accordance with the movement of the caregiver's ankle. Similarly, the lower leg member 11b and the upper leg member 11c of each leg are also connected via a joint member (hinge, etc.), so that the angle of the lower leg member 11b relative to the upper leg member 11c changes in accordance with the movement of the caregiver's knee.

[0027] The foot fixing member 11a consists of a pedal portion positioned below the caregiver's toes and a belt portion positioned above the caregiver's instep. The pedal portion of the foot fixing member 11a is positioned between the sole of the caregiver's foot and the ground, and the underside of the pedal portion is in contact with the ground. By tightening the belt portion, the foot fixing member 11a can be secured to the caregiver's foot. Even if the caregiver's foot size changes, the length of the belt portion of the foot fixing member 11a can be adjusted to secure the foot with appropriate tightening force. When the foot is lifted upward, the foot fixing member 11a also lifts upward accordingly. The caregiver can walk even while wearing the livestock calving support device. This improves the efficiency of the caregiver's work when assisting livestock calving.

[0028] The lower leg member 11b is positioned approximately parallel to the caregiver's lower leg, and the upper leg member 11c is positioned approximately parallel to the caregiver's upper leg. In the livestock calving support device of the first embodiment, each lower leg member 11b is composed of a single rod-shaped member. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 2, the upper leg member 11c is composed of a front rod-shaped member 11c1, a rear rod-shaped member 11c2 positioned approximately parallel to the front rod-shaped member 11c1, a lower connecting member 11c3 that connects the lower ends of the front rod-shaped member 11c1 and the rear rod-shaped member 11c2, and an upper connecting member 11c4 that connects the upper ends of the front rod-shaped member 11c1 and the rear rod-shaped member 11c2.

[0029] The connection portion between the front rod-shaped member 11c1 and the lower connecting member 11c3, the connection portion between the lower connecting member 11c3 and the rear rod-shaped member 11c2, the connection portion between the rear rod-shaped member 11c2 and the upper connecting member 11c4, and the connection portion between the upper connecting member 11c4 and the front rod-shaped member 11c1 all have a hinge structure, and the front rod-shaped member 11c1 and the rear rod-shaped member 11c2, as well as the lower connecting member 11c3 and the upper connecting member 11c4, constitute a parallel link mechanism. The upper connecting member 11c4 on the left and the upper connecting member 11c4 on the right are connected to each other by a connecting frame 11c5 that extends in the left-right direction.

[0030] In the livestock calving support device of the first embodiment, the lengths of the lower leg member 11b and the upper leg member 11c are fixed, but the lower leg member 11b and the upper leg member 11c may be made expandable and retractable so that their lengths can be adjusted to match the length of the caregiver's lower leg and upper leg.

[0031] The biasing member 11d biases the upper leg member 11c forward and upward relative to the lower leg member 11b. In the livestock calving support device of the first embodiment, a coil spring is used as the biasing member 11d. A total of four coil springs are used, two for each lower body support section. As shown in Figure 2, the biasing member 11d (coil spring) is provided in a state that connects the front rod-shaped member 11c1 and the rear rod-shaped member 11c2.

[0032] These biasing members 11d (coil springs) are in an extended state beyond their natural length (tension springs) and are designed to contract from the state shown in Figure 2. As a result, a force is applied to the front rod-shaped member 11c1 and the rear rod-shaped member 11c2 in a direction that brings them closer together. When the front rod-shaped member 11c1 and the rear rod-shaped member 11c2 move closer to each other, the upper leg member 11c moves forward and upward due to the parallel link mechanism described above.

[0033] When an assistant wearing the livestock birthing support device attempts to assume a half-crouching position from a standing position, the upper leg member 11c attempts to move backward and downward relative to the lower leg member 11b. The biasing member 11d then applies a force to the upper leg member 11c that resists this movement. As a result, when the assistant assumes a half-crouching position, they are in a position as if they were sitting on the lower body support member 11, making it possible to maintain that position easily without using much of their own muscle strength.

[0034] [Upper body attachment part] The upper body attachment section 12 is designed to be attached to the caregiver's upper body. The upper body attachment section 12 is located above the lower body support section 11. As described above, the lower body support section 11 of the support body 10 is fixed to the caregiver's feet by the foot fixing member 11a located below it, while the upper body attachment section 12 fixes the upper part of the support body 10 to the caregiver's upper body. Therefore, the support body 10 can be attached to the caregiver's body in a stable manner.

[0035] In the livestock calving support device of the first embodiment, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the upper body attachment part 12 is a belt-like member that can be wrapped around the waist of the caregiver. By tightening this upper body attachment part 12 (belt-like member), the upper body attachment part 12 can be securely attached to the caregiver's upper body (waist). Even if the caregiver's waist size changes, this can be accommodated by adjusting the length of the upper body attachment part 12 (belt-like member).

[0036] 1.2 Powered traction means The powered towing means 20 uses power, rather than manual force, to reel in the pulling wire (not shown) that has been extended forward, thereby pulling the object (fetus of a calf, etc.) attached to the tip (front end) of the pulling wire backward. This eliminates the need for an assistant to perform the pulling work, making it possible to reduce the labor involved in livestock calving.

[0037] The powered traction means 20 is attached to the support frame 10 (usually the upper part of the lower body support section 11). In the livestock calving support device of the first embodiment, it is fixed to the front side of the upper connecting member 11c4 of the upper leg member 11c of the lower body support section 11. The powered traction means 20 is provided in pairs on the left and right sides, in a total of two locations, around the left and right sides of the caregiver's torso.

[0038] The power source that drives the powered towing means 20 is not particularly limited, but is usually electric. In the livestock calving support device of the first embodiment, the powered towing means 20 is also driven by electric power. Specifically, the powered towing means 20 is driven by electric power stored in a battery. The location where the battery is installed is not particularly limited. For example, the battery (see battery 40 in Figure 7 shown later) can be fixed to the back of the connecting frame 11c5 described above. The powered towing means 20 can be operated by operating operating means such as buttons or levers (not shown) provided thereon.

[0039] Figure 5 shows an example of a powered traction device 20. This powered traction device 20 comprises a motor 21 (electric motor, etc.), a first gear 22 provided on the tip side of the output shaft of the motor 21, a second gear 23 that meshes with the first gear 22, and a rotating drum 24 that rotates concentrically and integrally with the second gear 23. The above-mentioned traction wire is wound around the outer circumference of this rotating drum 24. When the motor 21 is rotated in the winding direction, the traction wire that was unwound forward from the rotating drum 24 is wound onto the rotating drum 24, and the object (fetus of a calf, etc.) attached to the tip (front end) of the traction wire is pulled backward.

[0040] The powered traction mechanism 20 in Figure 5 is provided with a back drive mechanism 25 between the output shaft of the motor 21 and the first gear 22. An example of the back drive mechanism 20 is shown in Figure 6. This back drive mechanism 20 is a planetary gear mechanism and consists of a sun gear 25a that rotates integrally with the output shaft of the motor 21, a plurality of planetary gears 25b that are externally tangent to the sun gear 25a, and an internal gear 25c in which the planetary gear 25 is internally tangent. The first gear 22 (Figure 5) is fixed to a planetary carrier (not shown) connected to the rotation axis of each planetary gear 25b. The planetary carrier is coaxial with the sun gear 25a and rotates at approximately the same rotational speed as the planetary gears 25b (rotational speed around the sun gear 25a).

[0041] As already mentioned, the tip (front end) of the traction wire wound up by the powered traction means 20 is attached to the fetus of a calf or the like. If the powered traction means 20 pulls the traction wire too hard, there is a risk of injuring the calf or the like. In this regard, by providing the powered traction means 20 with the back drive mechanism 25 described above, if the traction wire is pulled too hard (if excessive tension is applied to the traction wire), it becomes possible to loosen the traction wire and prevent the calf or the like from being pulled too hard.

[0042] 1.3 Supporting Methods The bracing mechanism 30 is designed to prevent the caregiver from moving forward and getting closer to the mother cow when the powered traction mechanism 20 pulls the fetus (calf, etc.) backward to remove it from the mother cow. In other words, when the powered traction mechanism 20 pulls the fetus backward, a forward force is applied to the support body 10 as a reaction force, so the caregiver needs to brace themselves in place to avoid moving forward. The bracing mechanism 30 braces between the mother cow, etc. and the caregiver, thereby maintaining a constant distance between them. As a result, even when the powered traction mechanism 20 is pulling the fetus, the caregiver does not need to brace themselves, and the physical burden on the caregiver is reduced.

[0043] In the livestock birthing support device of the first embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, the bracing means 30 is composed of a pair of left and right bracing rods 31 extending forward from the support body 10, and a mare contact portion 32 provided at the tip (front end) of each bracing rod 31.

[0044] The base (rear end) of each support rod 31 is attached to the support frame 10 near the powered traction means 20. The support rods 31 are pivotally supported on the support frame 10 so that they can rotate vertically. This allows the support rods 31 to be positioned horizontally forward when in use, and downward or upward when not in use, so that they do not interfere with work.

[0045] The distance between the mother (mature cow, etc.) and the caregiver is maintained by the total length (front-to-back length) of the support rod 31. In the livestock calving support device of the first embodiment, the total length (front-to-back length) of the support rod 31 is constant, but it is also possible to make the support rod 31 extendable and adjustable. This makes it possible to change the total length (front-to-back length) of the support rod 31 according to the caregiver's physique (arm length).

[0046] The maternal contact portion 32 is the part that presses against the rear side (buttocks, etc.) of the maternal body (cow, etc.). This prevents localized force from being applied to the maternal body (cow, etc.) from the bracing means 30 when it is in a state of tension between the maternal body (cow, etc.) and the caregiver, thus preventing the maternal body (cow, etc.) from feeling pain.

[0047] As shown in Figure 7 below, the maternal contact portion 31 may be a common component for both the left and right support rods 31 (the tip of the left support rod 31 and the tip of the right support rod 31 may be attached to the same component (maternal contact portion 31)). However, in the livestock calving support device of the first embodiment, the left support rod 31 and the right support rod 31 are each provided with independent maternal contact portions 31. Each maternal contact portion 31 is curved in a convex shape towards the rear so as to conform to the hindquarters of the mother (cow, etc.).

[0048] 1.4 How to use a livestock calving support device Figure 7 shows a photograph of livestock giving birth using a livestock birthing support device. The birthing process can be carried out, for example, by following steps 1 to 5 below.

[0049] [Process 1] An assistant wearing a livestock calving support device stands behind the mother (cow, etc.). At this time, the support rod 31 of the support means 30 is in a downward or upward position. [Process 2] Pulling wires (not shown) are pulled forward from the powered traction means 20 on both sides, and the ends (front ends) of each pulling wire are tied to the forelegs of the fetus (calf, etc.) inside the uterus of the mother (mare cow, etc.). [Process 3] Position the support rod 31 facing forward and place the maternal contact portion 32 against the hindquarters of the maternal body (mare cow, etc.). [Step 4] The powered traction device 20 is driven, and the pulling wire that had been pulled forward is rewound onto the rotating drum 24 (Figure 5) of the powered traction device 20. This pulls the fetus (calf, etc.) in the uterus backward, causing it to gradually emerge from the uterus. During this time, the caregiver uses both hands to adjust the position of the fetus (calf, etc.) to ensure that it emerges smoothly from the uterus. [Step 5] Once the fetus (calf, etc.) has completely emerged from the uterus, the necessary procedures are performed on the fetus (calf, etc.), and the delivery process is completed.

[0050] As can be seen from steps 1 to 5 above, when using the livestock calving support device of the present invention, the calving process can be completed by a single assistant, unless there is a particularly difficult birth. Furthermore, the task of pulling out the fetus (calf, etc.) is performed by a machine (powered traction means 20). This reduces the physical burden on the assistant. In addition, an assistant wearing the livestock calving support device can concentrate on adjusting the position of the fetus (calf, etc.). Since an assistant wearing the livestock calving support device can use both hands, the position adjustment work can be performed easily.

[0051] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, when a calf is delivered from a standing cow, the assistant needs to be in a half-crouching position. However, the biasing force of the biasing member 11d (Figure 2) allows the assistant to sit on the support body 10, making it easier to maintain a half-crouching posture. In this respect as well, the physical burden on the assistant can be reduced.

[0052] 2. Livestock calving support device according to the second embodiment Next, the second embodiment of the livestock calving support device will be described. The second embodiment of the livestock calving support device will be described mainly focusing on the configurations that differ from the first embodiment of the livestock calving support device. Configurations of the second embodiment of the livestock calving support device that are not specifically mentioned can be substantially the same as those described for the first embodiment of the livestock calving support device.

[0053] Figure 8 is a rear perspective view showing an assistant wearing the livestock calving support device of the second embodiment. In Figure 8, the powered traction means 20 and the bracing means 30 in the livestock calving support device are not shown (the livestock calving support device of the second embodiment is also provided with a powered traction means 20 and a bracing means 30 that are substantially the same as those in the livestock calving support device of the first embodiment).

[0054] In the first embodiment of the livestock calving support device, as shown in Figure 3, the lower leg member 11b and the upper leg member 11c of the lower body support section 11 are positioned to the sides (outside) of the caregiver's legs. In contrast, in the second embodiment of the livestock calving support device, as shown in Figure 8, the lower leg member 11b and the upper leg member 11c of the lower body support section 11 are positioned to the back (rear) of the caregiver's legs.

[0055] If the lower leg member 11b and the upper leg member 11c are located on the outside of the caregiver's legs, there is a risk that the lower leg member 11b and the upper leg member 11c may hit a wall or object when the caregiver walks. However, by positioning the lower leg member 11b and the upper leg member 11c behind the caregiver's legs, it becomes less likely that the lower leg member 11b and the upper leg member 11c will hit a wall or object.

[0056] Furthermore, in the first embodiment of the livestock calving support device shown in Figure 3, a parallel link mechanism is employed in the upper leg member 11c of the lower body support section 11, and a coil spring is used as the biasing member 11d. In contrast, in the second embodiment of the livestock calving support device shown in Figure 8, a parallel link mechanism is not employed in the upper leg member 11c, and the upper leg member 11c is connected to the lower leg member 11b by a simple hinge structure, with attachments 11e and 11f attached to the lower leg member 11b and upper leg member 11c, respectively. In addition, a gas spring is used as the biasing member 11d (not shown) instead of a coil spring. The upper end of the gas spring is attached to the attachment 11f on the upper leg member 11c side, and the lower end of the gas spring is attached to the attachment 11e on the lower leg member 11b side. This gas spring biases the upper leg member 11c to push forward and upward relative to the lower leg member 11b.

[0057] If a coil spring is used as the biasing member 11d, there is a risk that the caregiver's clothing or other items may get caught in the coil spring. However, by using a gas spring as the biasing member 11d, it is possible to prevent clothing from getting caught in the biasing member 11d. Furthermore, it becomes possible to adjust the biasing force of the biasing member 11d. The same effect can be obtained by using a hydraulic spring or the like instead of a gas spring.

[0058] Furthermore, in the first embodiment of the livestock calving support device shown in Figure 3, the upper body attachment part 12 was a belt-like member that was wrapped around the caregiver's waist. In contrast, in the second embodiment of the livestock calving support device shown in Figure 8, the upper body attachment part 12 is a pair of left and right arm-like members that rise from the upper part of the lower body support part 11. Each arm-like member is pivotally supported on the lower body support part 11 so that it can swing up and down. A U-shaped member is fixed to the tip (upper end) of the arm-like member, and by tucking this U-shaped member under the armpit, the upper part of the support body 10 is fixed to the caregiver's body. The arm-like members are extendable and retractable, so that the total length of the arm-like members can be adjusted according to the caregiver's physique, etc.

[0059] If the upper body attachment part 12 is a belt-like member, it would be time-consuming to attach, but by making the upper body attachment part 12 something that can be tucked under the armpits, it becomes possible to attach it easily.

[0060] 3.Applications The livestock calving support device of the present invention can be used when performing calving operations in various types of livestock. In particular, it can be suitably used for calving in quadrupedal livestock such as cattle and horses. It can be especially suitably used for calving in dairy cattle, particularly Holstein cattle. [Explanation of symbols]

[0061] 10 Supporting frame 11 Lower body support part 11a Foot fixing member 11b Lower leg member 11c Upper leg member 11c1 Front rod member 11c2 Rear rod-shaped member 11c3 Lower connecting member 11c4 Upper connecting member 11c5 connecting frame 11d Biasing member 11e Attachment 11f Attachment 12 Upper body attachment part 20 Powered traction means 21 Motor 22 First gear 23 Second gear 24-rpm drum 25. Back drive mechanism (planetary gear mechanism) 25a Sun gear 25b Planetary gear 25c internal gear 30. Bracing methods 31 Tension rod 32 Mother body contact part 40 batteries 50 Drive Circuit

Claims

1. A support frame having a lower body support section for supporting the caregiver's lower body and an upper body attachment section for attaching to the caregiver's upper body, A powered traction means attached to the support structure and with tension wires wound around it, Equipped with, A livestock birthing support device characterized by the ability to remove a fetus from the mother's body by attaching the tip of a pulling wire extended forward from a powered traction means to the fetus inside the mother's body and winding up the pulling wire.

2. A support rod is installed protruding forward from the supporting structure, A body contact portion is provided at the front end of the tension rod for contacting the animal's body. A livestock birthing support device according to claim 1, comprising a bracing means having the following:

3. The lower body support section of the support structure, A foot fixing member for securing to the caregiver's feet, A lower leg member to conform to the lower leg of the caregiver, An upper leg member to be fitted along the upper leg of the caregiver, A biasing member that biases the upper leg member forward and upward relative to the lower leg member, A livestock calving support device according to claim 1, having the following:

4. The livestock calving support device according to claim 1, wherein the powered towing means is equipped with a back drive mechanism.

5. A method for livestock delivery, comprising delivering a fetus from the mother of livestock using a livestock delivery support device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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