Rearing methods and rearing systems
The rearing method and system automate the rearing and spawning processes for organisms like crickets by using a spawning bed with laid eggs in a rearing capsule, reducing labor and enhancing productivity through automated control devices.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- JTEKT CORP
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-27
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-09
Smart Images
Figure 2026115192000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a breeding method and a breeding system.
Background Art
[0002] Patent Document 1 below describes a method for breeding cricket for feed. In the breeding container used in this breeding method, an egg-laying container, a water supply means, and a petri dish containing feed are arranged. An appropriate number of male and female cricket adults are placed in this breeding container. Then, the egg-laying container in which eggs have been laid is taken out of the breeding container and transferred to another breeding container, and at the same time, a new egg-laying container is placed in the original breeding container to continue egg-laying. The cricket adults hatched from the eggs and bred in another breeding container are collected and used as breeding crickets for egg-laying.
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0003]
Patent Document 1
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0004] In the above breeding method, in order to collect the breeding crickets for egg-laying from the breeding container, steps such as transferring and moving the breeding crickets are required. Therefore, this breeding method has a problem that the work of breeding crickets is laborious.
[0005] The present invention aims to provide a technique effective for reducing the labor of breeding organisms such as insects and improving productivity.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0006] One aspect of the present invention is a breeding step of breeding an organism, an egg-laying step of laying eggs by the organism, It has, In the aforementioned rearing process, a spawning bed with eggs already laid is placed in the rearing capsule, and the larvae of the organism that hatched in the spawning bed are reared until they become adults. In the spawning process, the spawning bed, which is in an unspawned state, is set in a rearing capsule containing the adult organism, and the spawning bed is removed from the rearing capsule in an spawned state after the adult has laid eggs. How to raise them, It is located there.
[0007] Another aspect of the present invention is: A rearing system for carrying out a rearing process for raising organisms and a spawning process for causing said organisms to lay eggs, Work equipment and A control device for controlling the aforementioned work device, Equipped with, The control device, in the rearing process, sets a spawning bed in the rearing capsule using the work device, and rears the larvae of the organism that hatched in the spawning bed using the work device until they become adults. The control device, in the spawning process, sets an unspawned spawning bed in the rearing capsule containing the adult using the work device, and removes the spawning bed from the rearing capsule in an spawned state using the work device after the adult has spawned. Breeding system, It is located there. [Effects of the Invention]
[0008] In the rearing method described above, during the rearing process, a spawning bed with eggs already laid is set in a rearing capsule, and the larvae of the organism that hatch in this spawning bed are reared until they become adults. During the spawning process, a spawning bed without eggs is set in a rearing capsule containing adult organisms, and this spawning bed is removed from the rearing capsule with eggs already laid after the adults have laid eggs. With this rearing method, it is not necessary to retrieve adult organisms for spawning from the rearing capsule, and the rearing process and the spawning process can be carried out using rearing capsules of the same structure. Therefore, this rearing method reduces the effort required for rearing organisms and improves productivity.
[0009] In the above-described rearing system, during the rearing process, a control device controls a work device to set a spawning bed that has already laid eggs in a rearing capsule, and the larvae of organisms that hatch in this spawning bed are reared until they become adults. In addition, in this rearing system, during the spawning process, the control device controls a work device to set an spawning bed that has not yet laid eggs in a rearing capsule containing adults, and this spawning bed is removed from the rearing capsule in an egg-laid state after the adults have laid eggs. With this rearing system, it is not necessary to retrieve adults for spawning from the rearing capsule, and the rearing process and the spawning process can be carried out using rearing capsules of the same structure. Furthermore, each of the rearing process and the spawning process can be automated using work devices and control devices without human intervention. Therefore, this rearing system reduces the effort required for rearing organisms and improves productivity.
[0010] According to the above-described embodiments, productivity can be improved by reducing the effort required for raising insects and other organisms. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0011] [Figure 1] A diagram showing the overall configuration of the breeding system of Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] Figure 1 shows the structure of the storage warehouse, integrated station, and spawning bed storage facility for the rearing system. [Figure 3]Perspective view of the breeding device of Embodiment 1 as seen from above and obliquely upward. [Figure 4] Front view of the breeding device in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] Cross-sectional view taken along the line V-V in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] Flowchart of the breeding method of Embodiment 1. [Figure 7] Diagram schematically showing the state of the breeding process in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] Diagram schematically showing the state of the egg-laying process in FIG. 6. [Figure 9] Diagram showing a 3D map representing the relationship among the amount of soil, the amount of moisture, and the number of eggs laid. [Figure 10] Diagram schematically showing the state of the harvesting process in FIG. 6. [Figure 11] Diagram showing a 3D map representing the relationship among temperature, humidity, and the number of larvae. [Figure 12] Perspective view showing the state of the first step during the collection process for the breeding device of Embodiment 1. [Figure 13] Perspective view showing the state of the second step during the collection process for the breeding device of Embodiment 1. [Figure 14] Side view of the harvesting device of Embodiment 1. [Figure 15] Perspective view of a part of the harvesting device in FIG. 14 as seen from above and obliquely upward. [Figure 16] Side view of the periphery of the leveling member of the harvesting device in FIG. 14. [Figure 17] Side view of the periphery of the dam member of the harvesting device in FIG. 14.
Mode for Carrying Out the Invention
[0012] Hereinafter, the above aspects will be described with reference to the drawings using specific examples.
[0013] (Embodiment 1) 1. Breeding Target In this configuration, the organisms to be raised are small organisms such as arthropods. The organisms to be raised are, for example, those used for food, animal feed, or research. For example, insects such as crickets, grasshoppers, and locusts can be raised.
[0014] 2. Configuration of Rearing System 1 The rearing system 1 shown in Figure 1 is a facility consisting of multiple components or systems. This rearing system 1 includes a storage warehouse 2, an integration station 3, a spawning bed production station 4, a spawning bed storage facility 5, a harvesting station 7, a waste disposal station 8, and a processing device 9.
[0015] The rearing device 10 is used for rearing organism C. This rearing device 10 is transported between the storage warehouse 2 and the integration station 3 until organism C is harvested. The rearing case 11 of this rearing device 10 is transported directly from the storage warehouse 2 to the harvesting station 7 when organism C is harvested. At this time, organism C and frass FS are contained in a mixed state in the rearing case 11.
[0016] At harvesting station 7, organism C is separated and harvested from a mixture of organism C and frass FS by harvesting device 30. "Frass FS" here refers to waste generated during rearing, and broadly includes waste such as feces, carcasses, and exoskeletons of organism C, as well as leftover feed. The organism C harvested by harvesting device 30 at harvesting station 7 is then processed by processing device 9. Processing in processing device 9 includes appropriate treatments such as washing, sterilization, and drying.
[0017] The spawning bed 20 is used for the spawning of organism C. This spawning bed 20 is manufactured at the spawning bed production station 4 and transported directly to the integration station 3. Multiple spawning beds 20 that have already laid eggs are stored in the spawning bed storage facility 5. The spawning beds 20 are also transported back and forth between the integration station 3 and the spawning bed storage facility 5.
[0018] Frass (FS) generated at both Integration Station 3 and Harvesting Station 7 is transported to Disposal Station 8.
[0019] 2-1. Structure of Storage Warehouse 2 As shown in Figure 2, the storage warehouse 2 is a warehouse for storing the rearing equipment 10. Inside the storage warehouse 2, there is a storage shelf 2a capable of accommodating multiple rearing equipment 10. The structure of the storage shelf 2a is not particularly limited, but as an example, it is preferable that the storage area of the rearing equipment 10 in the storage shelf 2a is grouped according to the number of days the organisms are reared. If the storage shelf 2a has multiple shelves, all rearing equipment 10 with the same number of days of rearing can be stored on the same shelf. For this purpose, it is preferable that the rearing equipment 10 are assigned an identification code. It is also preferable that a sensor for managing the temperature during rearing of organism C be installed inside the storage warehouse 2, along with a control device that controls the sensor. The conveyor 2b is a work device that performs the mutual transport of rearing equipment 10 between the storage warehouse 2 and the integrated station 3. This conveyor 2b is controlled by the control device 1a. The control device 1a may be a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller), a dedicated ECU (Electronic Control Unit), a personal computer (PC), a server, or a cloud, and may be equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), storage device, communication device, input device, display device, etc. While the control device 1a is located near the storage warehouse 2, it may also be located at a distance from the storage warehouse 2. Furthermore, the control device 1a may have separate components for controlling the conveyors 2b, 5a and the work robot 3b, for data storage, and for calculations.
[0020] 2-2. Structure of Spawning Bed Storage Unit 5 The spawning bed storage unit 5 is a dedicated storage unit for the spawning beds 20. This makes it easy to manage the spawning beds 20. The spawning bed storage unit 5 is equipped with a conveyor 5a. The conveyor 5a is a work device that performs the mutual transport of the spawning beds 20 between the integrated station 3 and the spawning bed storage unit 5. This conveyor 5a is controlled by a control device 1a. The temperature and humidity of the spawning bed storage unit 5 are controlled by a temperature and humidity control device 6.
[0021] The temperature and humidity control device 6 includes an input unit 6a, a storage unit 6b, a calculation unit 6c, and a control unit 6d. Various types of data are input to the input unit 6a from an external source. This data may be manually entered by an operator or obtained from an external server or cloud. The storage unit 6b appropriately stores the data input to the input unit 6a and the calculation results from the calculation unit 6c. The calculation unit 6c calculates the temperature and humidity setting conditions for controlling the temperature and humidity of the spawning bed storage unit 5. The control unit 6d controls the temperature and humidity of the spawning bed storage unit 5 based on the temperature and humidity setting conditions calculated by the calculation unit 6c.
[0022] 2-3. Structure of Integrated Station 3 As shown in Figure 2, the integrated station 3 is equipped with a workspace 3a and a work robot 3b. The workspace 3a is used to place the rearing device 10. The work robot 3b is a work device used when performing various treatments on the rearing device 10 placed in the workspace 3a. The work robot 3b is controlled by the control device 1a.
[0023] At the integrated station 3, the spawning bed 20, transported from the spawning bed storage room 5, is set inside the rearing device 10 located in the work area 3a by the work robot 3b. Furthermore, the work robot 3b performs tasks such as feeding, watering, and cleaning the rearing device 10 located in the work area 3a. The work robot 3b automates various tasks performed at the integrated station 3 without requiring manual labor. It is preferable to install a camera or other imaging device at the integrated station 3 to monitor the inside of the rearing device 10 located in the work area 3a.
[0024] 2-4. Structure of the rearing apparatus 10 As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the rearing device 10 comprises a bottomed box-shaped rearing case 11 and a lid member 12 for closing the opening at the top of the rearing case 11. The rearing case 11 forms a rearing capsule CP that houses the rearing unit 10a inside. The rearing capsule CP may be the rearing case 11 itself, or it may be a housing that includes the rearing case 11 plus the lid member 12. Furthermore, the rearing device 10, which consists of the rearing case 11 and the rearing unit 10a housed within it, can also be called a "rearing capsule CP".
[0025] In the diagram illustrating the rearing device 10, the horizontal direction of the rearing device 10 is defined as the first direction X, the horizontal direction of the rearing device 10 that is perpendicular to the first direction X is defined as the second direction Y, and the height direction of the rearing device 10 is defined as the third direction Z.
[0026] The rearing unit 10a includes a water supply unit 13 for organism C, a feeding unit 19 for organism C, and a hiding place 18 for organism C to hide in. Furthermore, a spawning bed 20 may also be included in the rearing unit 10a.
[0027] The water supply unit 13 comprises two water storage tanks 13a arranged at intervals in the first direction X, and a plurality of water supply ropes 13d attached to each water storage tank 13a. The water supply unit 13 in this embodiment is advantageous in that it has a simple structure in which only the water supply ropes 13d are attached to the water storage tanks 13a.
[0028] The water storage tank 13a is configured to store water W for water supply. The water W stored in the water storage tank 13a is used to supply water to organisms C (see Figure 5). The water storage tank 13a is a bottomed box shape with an opening at the top to allow the supply of water W. Therefore, water W can be easily supplied from above the water storage tank 13a. This operation may be performed automatically by a dedicated water dispenser (not shown) or manually by an operator. With this water supply unit 13, it is unnecessary to remove or replace the water storage tank 13a itself in order to supply water W. In addition, measures may be taken to prevent organisms C from entering through the opening at the top of the water storage tank 13a.
[0029] The water supply rope 13d is installed so as to penetrate the side wall 13b from the water storage space of the water storage tank 13a and be exposed to the outside. At this time, the side wall 13b of one water storage tank 13a is facing the side wall 13b of the other water storage tank 13a. The side walls 13b of each water storage tank 13a are wall sections located close to the end of the hideout 18 in the first direction X. Therefore, the water supply rope 13d is installed in a position close to the hideout 18.
[0030] The water supply rope 13d is a string-like member made of a highly absorbent material, and is configured to draw up and retain water W stored in the water storage tank 13a using the principle of capillary action. The organism C can come into contact with the water supply rope 13d outside the water storage tank 13a and receive water directly from the water supply rope 13d.
[0031] In the water supply section 13, the water supply rope 13d is set at an installation height that is close to the feeding section 19 in the third direction Z. This improves the accessibility of organism C from the hiding place 18 to the water supply area to the same extent as its accessibility to the feeding area.
[0032] In the water supply section 13, water supply ropes 13d are provided at multiple different positions (three positions in this embodiment) in the third direction Z. This allows organism C to receive water at multiple positions at different heights. Thus, the water supply section 13 comprises two water storage tanks 13a arranged at intervals in the first direction X, and multiple water supply ropes 13d. Since it is a wall section provided close to both sides of the end of the hiding place 18 in the first direction X, organism C has good accessibility, and organism C can receive water by moving only in the first direction X (a distance of half the width of the rearing capsule CP in the first direction X). Furthermore, the installation position of the water supply ropes 13d in the third direction Z may be lower than the positions shown in Figures 3 to 5.
[0033] In the water supply section 13, through holes 13c are provided at the top of the side walls on both sides of the water storage tank 13a in the second direction Y, penetrating the side walls. The through holes 13c are configured so that engaging claws (not shown) formed on the robot arm of the work robot 3b (see Figure 2) can engage with them when the rearing unit 10a is being transported.
[0034] The two water storage tanks 13a of the water supply section 13 are connected to each other by a plurality of connecting members 15 extending in a first direction X. The plurality of connecting members 15 include two connecting members 15 that are spaced apart and facing each other in a second direction Y, and two connecting members 15 that are spaced apart in a third direction Z. A plurality of shafts 16 extending in the second direction Y are fixed to the two connecting members 15 that are spaced apart in the third direction Z. The shafts 16 are used to hold the hiding place 18.
[0035] In this embodiment, the water supply unit 13 is illustrated with an example where there are two water storage tanks 13a. However, the number of water storage tanks 13a is not particularly limited and may be one or three or more, depending on the circumstances. Furthermore, the number and arrangement of water supply ropes 13d attached to the water storage tanks 13a can also be changed as needed.
[0036] The feeding unit 19 is positioned above the hiding place 18. This feeding unit 19 is held in place by being directly and removablely placed at the upper end of the hiding place 18. This makes it easy to place and remove the feeding unit 19. The feeding unit 19 can also be positioned directly above the upper end of the hiding place 18, aligning with its position. By positioning the feeding unit 19 directly above the hiding place 18, the accessibility of organism C from the hiding place 18 to the feeding area can be improved. Therefore, organism C can be lured by the food FD in the feeding unit 19 to settle in the hiding place 18 or above the hiding place 18. As a result, it is possible to suppress the frequent occurrence of cannibalism by organism C settling below the hiding place 18. In addition, although the feeding unit 19 is positioned above the hiding place 18, the hiding place 18 is held in place by a shaft 16 with multiple perching members 18a. In this case, since the feeding unit 19 is evenly held by the shaft 16 via the hiding place 18 (multiple perching members 18a), the feeding unit 19 can be stably positioned, and organism C can stably eat the food FD from the feeding unit 19.
[0037] The feeding unit 19 consists of a bottomed box-shaped feeding basket formed in a mesh pattern, and is configured to store feeding FD inside the feeding basket. The top of the feeding basket is open to allow feeding FD to be put in. Therefore, feeding FD can be easily put in from above the feeding basket. This operation may be performed automatically by a dedicated feeder (not shown) or by an operator. With this embodiment of the feeding unit 19, it is unnecessary to remove or replace the feeding basket itself in order to put in feeding FD.
[0038] Preferably, the feeding section 19 is configured such that the mesh of the feeding basket is smaller than the feed FD but larger than the feces of organism C. This allows organism C to not only climb up the feeding section 19 and eat the feed FD from above, but also access and eat the feed FD from below and the sides. This prevents organism C from being prevented from eating the feed FD by accumulated sediment (feces, exoskeletons, carcasses, etc.) on top of it. In addition, it reduces the amount of old feed FD that accumulates at the bottom, eliminating wasted feed FD. Furthermore, feces accumulated inside the feeding basket can fall through the mesh at the bottom due to their own weight.
[0039] The spawning bed 20 is placed above the hiding place 18 during the spawning season of organism C. Similar to the feeding unit 19, the spawning bed 20 is retained by being directly removable from the upper end of the hiding place 18. In this embodiment, the feeding unit 19 and the spawning bed 20 are placed side-by-side in the second direction Y. This allows the spawning bed 20 to be positioned in line with the upper end of the hiding place 18 without being obstructed by the feeding unit 19. Furthermore, since the spawning bed 20 can be accessed directly from above, installation and removal of the spawning bed 20 are made easier. The spawning bed 20 contains a spawning medium S. While the structure of the spawning medium S is not particularly limited, this embodiment illustrates a case where the spawning medium S is formed by moistening and leveling soil. Placing the spawning bed 20 directly above the hiding place 18 improves the accessibility of organism C from the hiding place 18 to the spawning area. Furthermore, the spawning bed 20 is positioned above the hiding place 18, and the hiding place 18 is held in place by a shaft 16 through multiple perching members 18a. In this case, since the spawning bed 20 is evenly held by the shaft 16 through the hiding place 18 (multiple perching members 18a), the spawning bed 20 can be positioned stably, and organism C can stably lay eggs on the spawning bed 20.
[0040] As described above, the rearing unit 10a is configured such that both the feeding unit 19 and the spawning bed 20 are placed side by side on the hiding place 18 and can be removed from each other. This allows the feeding unit 19 and the spawning bed 20 to be placed together on the hiding place 18. Moreover, the water supply unit 13 is fixed to the hiding place 18. In this rearing unit 10a, the hiding place 18, the water supply unit 13 and the feeding unit 19 are housed in the rearing case 11 in a state where they can be removed as a single unit. Also, when using the spawning bed 20, the hiding place 18, the water supply unit 13, the feeding unit 19 and the spawning bed 20 are housed in the rearing case 11 in a state where they can be removed as a single unit. This makes it possible to lift and remove the rearing unit 10a housed in the rearing case 11 all at once, and the workload required for removing the rearing unit 10a and subsequent cleaning can be reduced.
[0041] As shown in Figure 5, the hiding place 18 consists of a plurality of sheet-like perching members 18a with the second direction Y as the thickness direction. The plurality of perching members 18a are held by a shaft 16 that extends through them. The plurality of perching members 18a are stacked at roughly equal intervals with a gap 18b in the second direction Y. The gap 18b between two adjacent perching members 18a is secured by a spacer 17 provided on the outer circumference of the shaft 16. That is, the thickness dimension of the spacer 17 in the second direction Y roughly matches the dimension of the gap 18b. For this reason, it is preferable to appropriately set the number of perching members 18a based on the living area required for raising the organism C.
[0042] The material of the perching member 18a is not particularly limited, but considering the ease with which organisms C can climb it, it is preferable to use a material with a high surface roughness that allows organisms C's legs to easily bite into it, or a material with many openings. Considering the mixing of the perching member 18a with harvested organisms C, it is preferable to use a material that complies with the Food Sanitation Law, for example. Considering the weight reduction of the perching member 18a, it is preferable to use a non-metallic material, for example. Considering cleaning and reuse, it is preferable to use a material that is resistant to soiling by water W or feed FD, for example. In view of the above points, as an example, a sheet member made of polyester nonwoven fabric can be used as the perching member 18a.
[0043] In the above-described rearing unit 10a, the water supply unit 13 and the hiding place 18 are integrated via a connecting member 15 and a shaft 16. Furthermore, the feeding unit 19 and the spawning bed 20 are both positioned directly above the upper end of the hiding place 18. Therefore, by hooking the engaging claw (not shown) formed on the robot arm of the work robot 3b (see Figure 2) into the through-hole 13c of the water storage tank 13a of the water supply unit 13 and lifting it, the rearing unit 10a can be removed from the rearing case 11 while remaining integrated. By simply opening the lid member 12 and lifting the breeding unit 10a upwards (without moving it left or right or turning it upside down), it can be separated from the breeding case 11 (which opens upwards). This makes it easy to clean and maintain the inside of the breeding case 11 and manage the organism C without disassembling the breeding case 11 or the breeding unit 10a. Furthermore, the water supply unit 13 and feeding unit 19 can be separated as an integrated unit, making it easy to clean and maintain them without the need to provide them as separate mechanisms, thus avoiding additional costs.
[0044] 3. Rearing methods The rearing method shown in Figure 6 comprises a rearing step S101 for rearing organism C, a spawning step S102 for causing organism C to lay eggs, a harvesting step S103 for harvesting organism C reared in rearing step S101, a post-processing step S104, and a hatching step S105. Additional steps may be added as needed. This rearing method is carried out by the rearing system 1 described above.
[0045] Note that Figures 7, 8, and 10 schematically show the structures of rearing devices 10A and 10B for the sake of explanation. Rearing devices 10A and 10B are both of the same structure. Rearing device 10A is any one of the multiple rearing devices 10. Rearing device 10B (see Figures 12 and 13) is any one of the multiple rearing devices 10 and is different from rearing device 10A. Also, the numerical value of the rearing period n is merely an example and is not limiting. It will be changed as appropriate depending on the type of organism C.
[0046] 3-1. Rearing Process As shown in Figure 7, in rearing process S101, first, a new rearing device 10A is prepared, and the spawning bed 20A is set inside the rearing capsule CP of this rearing device 10A. This operation is performed by the work robot 3b (see Figure 2) at the integrated station 3. After the spawning bed 20A is set, the rearing device 10A is transported by the conveyor 5a (see Figure 2) to the storage shelf 2a in the storage warehouse 2 for storage.
[0047] The spawning bed 20A is any one of several spawning beds 20. This spawning bed 20A is a spawning bed 20 that has already laid eggs containing the eggs of organism C and is in a state just before hatching. In this embodiment, this spawning bed 20A is a spawning bed 20 that has undergone hatching treatment in the hatching process S105. The number of rearing days n when setting up the spawning bed 20A is taken as day 1. If this spawning bed 20A is used in the rearing process S101, it becomes unnecessary to secure adult organisms for spawning.
[0048] Subsequently, when the rearing period n reaches 13 days, that is, when 12 days have passed, which is the period for which hatching is expected to be completed in the spawning bed 20A, the spawning bed 20B is removed from the rearing capsule CP. This operation is carried out by removing the rearing device 10A stored in the storage warehouse 2 from the storage shelf 2a and transporting it to the integrated station 3 by the conveyor 2b, and then being performed by the work robot 3b at the integrated station 3 (see Figure 2).
[0049] Spawning bed 20B is the spawning bed 20 at the time of hatching completion and is removed from the rearing capsule CP upon completion of hatching. The organism C that hatched from the egg is left in the rearing capsule CP and moves on its own to the hiding place 18, water supply unit 13, and feeding unit 19. On the other hand, spawning bed 20B, which has been removed from the rearing capsule CP, is not needed for subsequent rearing and is therefore discarded after being removed from the rearing capsule CP. Instead, a new spawning bed 20 is manufactured at the spawning bed production station 4 (see Figure 1).
[0050] When the rearing period n reaches 13 days or later, water W is supplied to the water supply unit 13 and feed FD is added to the feed unit 19. If necessary, water W may be supplied to the water supply unit 13 and feed FD may be added to the feed unit 19 in advance before the rearing period n reaches 13 days. Then, before the rearing period n reaches 38 days, at least one of the water W and feed FD is replenished. These operations are performed at the integrated station 3 after the rearing device 10A is taken from the storage shelf 2a of the storage warehouse 2 and transported to the integrated station 3 by the conveyor 2b (see Figure 2). The rearing device 10A is stored on the storage shelf 2a of the storage warehouse 2 until the rearing period n reaches 38 days. Thus, the larvae of organism C that hatched in the oviposition bed 20A set in the rearing device 10A are reared until they become adults. The larvae are also called "larvae" or "hatchers".
[0051] According to this rearing process S101, organism C can be reared in the same rearing capsule CP from start to finish, thereby reducing the stress on organism C. This makes it possible to increase the final yield of organism C and to harvest high-quality organism C with reduced deterioration.
[0052] 3-2. Spawning Process As shown in Figure 8, in the spawning process S102, after the rearing period n reaches 38 days and the rearing of organism C is completed, the spawning bed 20C is set inside the rearing capsule CP of the rearing device 10A. This operation is performed by the work robot 3b at the integrated station 3 (see Figure 2). After the spawning bed 20C is set, the rearing device 10A is transported by the conveyor 2b to the storage shelf 2a in the storage warehouse 2 and stored (see Figure 2). The spawning bed 20C is the spawning bed 20 in an unspawned state (a state in which it does not contain any eggs of organism C).
[0053] Subsequently, when the number of rearing days n reaches 39 days, that is, when one day has passed, which is the expected time for organism C to complete spawning in the spawning bed 20C, the spawning bed 20A, which has already laid eggs, is removed from the rearing capsule CP. This operation is carried out by a work robot installed at the harvesting station 7 after the rearing device 10A stored in the storage shelves 2a of the storage warehouse 2 is removed and transported to the harvesting station 7 by the conveyor 2b. The spawning bed 20A removed from the rearing capsule CP is transported from the harvesting station 7 to the spawning bed storage 5 (see Figure 2) and used in the hatching process S105 (see Figure 6). After that, it is removed from the spawning bed storage 5 and transported to the integration station 3, where it is set inside the rearing capsule CP of another rearing device 10 (see "Rearing Device 10A" in Figure 7).
[0054] After laying eggs in the spawning process S102, organism C is harvested in the harvesting process S103. In this way, since organism C can be harvested after laying eggs, the process of separately securing and raising adult organisms for spawning becomes unnecessary. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the number of organism C harvested and prevent the addition of extra steps. Also, while organism C typically lays eggs from more than 30,000 parents, the number of organism C can be adjusted.
[0055] Furthermore, it is preferable that the height of the spawning bed 20 be set such that it prevents the organism C from returning to the spawning bed 20 after moving away from it after hatching. On the other hand, it is preferable that the height of the spawning bed 20 be set such that it is easy for the organism C to climb onto the spawning bed 20 when laying eggs. Therefore, the height of the spawning bed 20 should be set based on the difference in body size between the organism C after hatching and at the time of egg-laying.
[0056] In the spawning process S102, the spawning bed adjustment conditions for the soil volume and moisture content in the spawning bed 20 are calculated based on the required number of eggs. The spawning bed adjustment conditions may be calculated by the system or by an operator. Then, based on the calculated spawning bed adjustment conditions, the soil volume and moisture content of the spawning bed 20C to be set in the rearing device 10B (see Figures 12 and 13) are actually adjusted. This adjustment work is carried out at the spawning bed production station 4 (see Figure 1). The required number of eggs is preferably set based on the spawning rate, which is the ratio of the number of eggs to the number of adult organisms C, or based on the hatching rate, which is the ratio of the number of larvae to the number of eggs.
[0057] When calculating the conditions for adjusting the spawning bed, for example, a 3D map M1 (see Figure 9) that shows the relationship between soil volume, moisture content, and the number of eggs laid can be used. On this 3D map M1, the spawning bed conditions P corresponding to the required number of eggs laid can be selected. This makes it possible to bring the number of eggs obtained through spawning closer to the required number. Alternatively, the 3D map M1 may be updated based on the actual number of eggs obtained through spawning and the soil volume and moisture content at that time. The 3D map M1 is created in advance by raising a certain number of males and females of organism C (approximately 10 to 100 individuals, but other numbers are also acceptable), measuring the number of eggs laid in relation to soil volume and moisture content, and representing the relationship between soil volume, moisture content, and the number of eggs laid. Alternatively, simulation technology may be used to calculate the number of eggs laid from the type of organism C, soil volume, and moisture content, and then create the 3D map M1 to represent the relationship between soil volume, moisture content, and the number of eggs laid.
[0058] 3-3. Harvesting Process As shown in Figure 10, after the rearing period n reaches 39 days and the spawning of organism C is completed, the harvesting process S103 is carried out by a work robot installed at the harvesting station 7. At this point, the "collection process" described later is carried out. This allows the organism C and frass FS to be collected inside the rearing capsule CP. The collected organism C and frass FS are then processed as appropriate in the harvesting device 30. As a result, the organism C is separated from the frass FS in the harvesting device 30 and harvested.
[0059] 3-4. Post-processing steps Although not specifically illustrated, the post-processing steps include a first post-processing step of cleaning the rearing capsule CP after the collection of organism C and frass FS in the harvesting step, a second post-processing step of recovering the frass FS removed in the harvesting step, and a third post-processing step of inspecting whether or not foreign matter is present in the organism C harvested by the harvesting device 30.
[0060] 3-5. Hatching process The hatching process S105 is a process of hatching the spawning bed 20A that was removed from the rearing device 10B (see Figures 12 and 13) in the spawning process S102 after spawning. In this hatching process S105, the spawning bed 20A is stored in the spawning bed storage unit 5, which is its storage unit. In this hatching process S105, the spawning bed 20A is stored in the spawning bed storage unit 5 for a predetermined period (for example, about 7 days) until it is ready to hatch. At this time, first, the temperature and humidity setting conditions for the hatching process are calculated from the required number of larvae. In this embodiment, the temperature and humidity setting conditions are calculated by the calculation unit 6c of the temperature and humidity control device 6 (see Figure 2). If necessary, this calculation may be performed by an operator. Then, based on the calculated temperature and humidity setting conditions, the control unit 6d of the temperature and humidity control device 6 (see Figure 2) controls the temperature and humidity of the spawning bed storage unit 5.
[0061] When calculating temperature and humidity setting conditions, for example, a 3D map M2 (see Figure 11) representing the relationship between temperature, humidity, and the number of larvae can be used. On this 3D map M2, temperature and humidity setting conditions Q corresponding to the required number of larvae can be selected. This makes it possible to bring the number of larvae obtained by the hatching process closer to the required number. Alternatively, the 3D map M2 may be updated based on the actual number of larvae obtained by the hatching process and the temperature and humidity at that time. The 3D map M2 is created in advance by hatching a certain number of eggs of organism C (approximately 10 to 100 eggs, but other numbers are also acceptable), measuring the number of larvae in relation to temperature and humidity, and representing the relationship between temperature, humidity, and the number of larvae. Simulation technology may also be used to calculate the number of larvae from the type of organism C, temperature, and humidity, and then create the 3D map M2 to represent the relationship between temperature, humidity, and the number of larvae.
[0062] Furthermore, the storage area for the spawning bed 20A may be other than the spawning bed storage room 5. For example, a part of the storage warehouse 2 that matches the temperature and humidity settings during the hatching process (for example, a booth partitioned with highly insulating materials) may be used as the storage area for the spawning bed 20A. This allows the storage warehouse 2 to be used for both the rearing device 10 and the spawning bed 20A. Also, when the spawning bed 20A is stored in the storage area of the storage warehouse 2, the spawning bed 20A itself may be stored, or the spawning bed 20A may be stored sealed in a rearing capsule CP of the new rearing device 10 together with a humidity control material. The humidity control material has the function of adjusting the humidity inside the rearing capsule CP by absorbing and releasing moisture.
[0063] In the above embodiment, during the rearing process S101 and the spawning process S102, the operator inputs the target harvest amount (weight (Kg), etc.) for the entire group (multiple rearing capsules CP) from the input device of the control device 1a. The control device 1a then calculates the harvest amount (target harvest amount) for one capsule of the rearing capsules CP, calculates the number of organisms C to be harvested from the harvest amount (target harvest amount) for one capsule of the rearing capsules CP, calculates the number of larvae from the survival rate of organisms C until harvest (considering the period from larva to harvest, and set to approximately 50% based on evaluation test results, etc. This can also be adjusted by rearing conditions, etc.), calculates the number of larvae, and based on the 3D map M2, calculates the temperature and humidity of the spawning bed adjustment conditions so that the number of larvae is maximized and hatches, taking into account the target harvest amount (the temperature and humidity setting conditions are calculated by the calculation unit 6c of the temperature and humidity control device 6, but may also be calculated by the control device 1a), and the control unit 6d of the temperature and humidity control device 6 controls it. Furthermore, based on 3D map M1, and taking into account the target yield, the soil volume and moisture content of the spawning bed 20 are calculated to maximize the number of eggs laid (initial number of eggs in 3D map M2), thus achieving the base number of eggs laid (initial number of eggs in 3D map M2). This soil volume and moisture content information is sent to the spawning bed production station 4 via communication, and adjustments to the soil volume and moisture content are carried out by work robots or workers. The number of organisms C (males and females) (initial number of eggs in 3D map M1) is then calculated. In addition, the size of the spawning bed 20C, the number of female organisms C, and the number of eggs laid per female organism C may also need to be considered when calculating the required number of eggs, so the calculation is adjusted accordingly. The number of organisms C used to calculate the required number of eggs is determined by measuring the weight of the rearing capsule CP and the individual weight of organisms C (measuring 1 to 100 organisms C) before setting the spawning bed 20C inside the rearing capsule CP. Furthermore, the male-to-female ratio is calculated as 1:1 (the number can also be determined by photographing organism C with a camera and observing its external features (such as wings)). Additionally, the frass FS may be removed before measuring the weight of the rearing capsule CP. Furthermore, the number of eggs may be adjusted by a worker or robot before setting the spawning bed 20A inside the new rearing device 10A.These methods allow for efficient rearing and spawning processes in relation to the target yield, eliminating the need to over-harvest to achieve the target yield, and ensuring that the yield does not fall short of the target, thus improving productivity. Furthermore, the amount of soil or moisture can be adjusted to increase or decrease the number of eggs laid. The temperature or humidity of the spawning bed can also be adjusted to increase or decrease the number of eggs laid. In managing the temperature and humidity of the spawning bed, to reduce costs, the temperature and humidity can be deviated from the optimal values to lower the hatching rate and increase the number of eggs laid, thereby achieving the target yield.
[0064] Next, the collection process in the harvesting process S103 described above will be explained in detail. For the rearing apparatus 10A (see "Rearing apparatus 10A" in Figure 10) in which the rearing of organism C has been completed, a collection process is carried out to collect organism C and frass FS inside the rearing case 11.
[0065] As shown in Figure 12, in the first step of the collection process, first, the lid member 12 is opened to open the opening at the top of the breeding case 11, and then the feeding unit 19 is removed. Then, as shown in Figure 13, in the second step of the collection process, the breeding unit 10a is lifted and kept in a floating state at a position where the lower end of the hiding place 18 is not completely exposed from the breeding case 11. As mentioned above, the through hole 13c provided in the water storage tank 13a is used to lift the breeding unit 10a. As a result, a collection space 11a is formed inside the breeding case 11 below the breeding unit 10a.
[0066] Then, the hot air heater 3c sprays hot air H from above the breeding unit 10a towards the upper end of the hiding place 18. At this time, the hot air H sprayed from the hot air heater 3c passes through the gaps 18b between the multiple stopping members 18a of the hiding place 18 and flows towards the bottom of the breeding case 11. Here, it is known that organism C has a habit of disliking high temperatures and sudden air currents. Therefore, organism C hiding in the hiding place 18 will spontaneously move from the hiding place 18 to the collection space 11a due to the effect of contact with the hot air H. In addition, the flow of hot air H can physically blow away organism C and frass FS and collect them in the collection space 11a.
[0067] Furthermore, as a means of collecting organism C by utilizing its habits, a device that emits light or odor may be used instead of or in addition to the hot air heater 3c. Such devices are effective in collecting organism C, which has a tendency to dislike light and odor.
[0068] The retrieval of the rearing unit 10a will be carried out next. In this retrieval operation, the rearing unit 10a will be lifted and completely removed from the rearing case 11.
[0069] 4. Structure of the harvesting device 30 The harvesting device 30 shown in Figure 14 is installed at the harvesting station 7 (see Figure 1). This harvesting device 30 is a device for harvesting organism C, and in particular, it is for selectively harvesting only organism C from a mixture of organism C and frass FS collected in the rearing case 11. This harvesting device 30 comprises a main frame 30a, a first conveyor 31, a second conveyor 32, and a third conveyor 33. Additional elements consisting of a fence member 34, a leveling member 35, a guide member 36, and a damming member 37 are arranged relative to the first conveyor 31.
[0070] In the diagram illustrating the harvesting device 30, the horizontal direction of the harvesting device 30 is defined as the first direction X, the horizontal direction of the harvesting device 30 that is perpendicular to the first direction X is defined as the second direction Y, and the height direction of the harvesting device 30 is defined as the third direction Z.
[0071] The first conveyor 31 is fixed to the main frame 30a. This first conveyor 31 has a belt conveying surface 31a, which is the upper surface of an endless belt, and is configured to move continuously in the conveying direction Y1 when driven by a motor (not shown). Downstream of the belt conveying surface 31a of this first conveyor 31, a chute 31b is provided for sliding the flux FS from the belt conveying surface 31a to the third conveyor 33.
[0072] On this first conveyor 31, the operation of inverting the breeding case 11 is performed on the upstream side of the belt conveying surface 31a. This operation is performed automatically using a robot. As a result, the organisms C and frass FS collected in the breeding case 11 are both supplied to the upstream side of the belt conveying surface 31a of the first conveyor 31. Then, as the belt conveying surface 31a moves when the first conveyor 31 is driven, the organisms C and frass FS are continuously conveyed in the conveying direction Y1.
[0073] The second conveyor 32 is fixed to the main frame 30a. This second conveyor 32 is a collection member for collecting organisms C. This second conveyor 32 has a belt conveying surface 32a, which is the upper surface of an endless belt, and is configured to move continuously in the conveying direction Y2 when driven by a motor (not shown). By using the second conveyor 32 as the collection member, organisms C can be harvested quickly before they weaken, and the harvested organisms C can be immediately and automatically conveyed to the processing device 9 (see Figure 1), which is the next process. If necessary, the belt conveying surface 32a of the second conveyor 32 may be modified to move in the same direction Y1 as the conveying direction Y1 of the belt conveying surface 31a of the first conveyor 31.
[0074] The second conveyor 32 is located directly below the first conveyor 31. Furthermore, the dimensions of the second conveyor 32 in the first direction X and the second direction Y are approximately the same as those of the first conveyor 31. In short, when the harvesting device 30 is viewed from above, the second conveyor 32, which is the lower conveyor, is positioned so that it is roughly overlapping the first conveyor 31, which is the upper conveyor, in a two-tiered structure. This configuration helps to prevent the harvesting device 30 from becoming too large and is effective in saving space. Downstream of the belt conveying surface 32a of the second conveyor 32, a chute 32b is provided for sliding the organism C from the belt conveying surface 32a to the container 9a on the processing device 9 side.
[0075] The third conveyor 33 is fixed to the main frame 30a. This third conveyor 33 has a belt conveying surface 33a, which is the upper surface of an endless belt, and is configured to move continuously in the conveying direction Y3 when driven by a motor (not shown). In this third conveyor 33, the belt conveying surface 33a is located downstream of the belt conveying surface 31a of the first conveyor 31 and at a lower position than the belt conveying surface 31a. Furthermore, a chute 33b is provided downstream of the belt conveying surface 33a of the third conveyor 33 for sliding the frass FS from the belt conveying surface 33a to the container 8a on the waste station 8 side.
[0076] As shown in Figures 14 and 15, the fence members 34 are provided on both sides of the first direction X, which is upstream of the leveling member 35 in the conveying direction Y1 and is the belt width direction of the belt conveying surface 31a of the first conveyor 31. These fence members 34 are plate-shaped members with the first direction X as the plate thickness direction. These fence members 34 have the function of preventing the frass FS from falling from the belt conveying surface 31a of the first conveyor 31 before passing the leveling member 35.
[0077] The lateral regions A1, which are the ends or corners on both sides of the first direction X upstream of the fence member 34 in the conveying direction Y1, are areas that organism C prefers due to its habits (see Figure 15). Therefore, organism C spontaneously moves to the lateral regions A1 and then falls onto the belt conveying surface 32a of the second conveyor 32 via the movement path Ra. Furthermore, the lateral regions A1 may be shielded from light to make them dark. Since organism C has a habit of preferring dark places, this can promote the movement of organism C toward the lateral regions A1.
[0078] As shown in Figure 16, the leveling member 35 is located upstream of the damming member 37 in the conveying direction Y1. This leveling member 35 is a plate-shaped member with the second direction Y being the plate thickness direction, and extends in the first direction X with a constant gap d above the belt conveying surface 31a. This leveling member 35 has the function of preventing the organism C from being buried in the frass FS by leveling the mixture when the mixture of organism C and frass FS is in a mound-like state. This leveling member 35 is also called a "scraper".
[0079] The gap d in the third direction Z between the leveling member 35 and the belt conveying surface 31a of the first conveyor 31 is set to a size that allows the organism C to pass through. For example, the gap d can be set based on the maximum or average total height of the organism C in a steady position. As a result, the organism C can move through the gap d to the downstream side of the belt conveying surface 31a beyond the leveling member 35.
[0080] The guide member 36 shown in Figure 15 has the function of guiding organism C from the belt conveying surface 31a of the first conveyor 31 to the second conveyor 32 by utilizing its habits. This guide member 36 has light-shielding parts 36a and 36b that block external light so that the communication region A3 is darker than the central region A2. Here, the central region A2 is the central region of the belt conveying surface 31a of the first conveyor 31 in the first direction X. In contrast, the communication region A3 is the region that communicates from the side of the belt conveying surface 31a of the first conveyor 31 in the first direction X to the belt conveying surface 32a of the second conveyor 32. The light-shielding part 36a is a horizontal wall portion extending in the second direction Y with the third direction Z being the plate thickness direction. The light-shielding part 36b is a vertical wall portion extending in the second direction Y with the first direction X being the plate thickness direction.
[0081] The light-shielding portions 36a and 36b of the guide member 36 make the central region A2 relatively brighter than the communication region A3, and the communication region A3 relatively darker than the central region A2. The side of the belt conveying surface 31a, which is the entrance to the communication region A3, is a dark area that corresponds to the region preferred by organism C, and is also an edge or corner. Therefore, organism C spontaneously falls through the movement path Rb of the communication region A3 onto the belt conveying surface 32a of the second conveyor 32.
[0082] Furthermore, to increase the difference in brightness between the central region A2 and the connecting region A3, lighting equipment may be installed above the harvesting device 30. This makes it possible to increase the brightness of the central region A2 compared to before the lighting equipment was used, thereby promoting the movement of organism C toward the connecting region A3 and shortening the time required to harvest organism C.
[0083] Alternatively, instead of or in addition to a structure that makes the communication region A3 relatively darker than the central region A2, a structure that utilizes the organism C's preference for ultraviolet light to irradiate only the communication region A3 with ultraviolet light, or a structure that utilizes the organism C's aversion to high temperatures and rapid airflow to supply warm air toward the central region A2 may be adopted.
[0084] The guiding member 36 has guide walls 36b and 36c that extend to cover the communication region A3 from the outside in the first direction X. The guide walls 36b and 36c help to reliably drop the organism C onto the belt conveying surface 32a of the second conveyor 32 via the movement path Rb. In this embodiment, the guide wall 36b also serves as the light-shielding section 36a. The guide wall 36c extends inclined from the guide wall 36b toward the belt conveying surface 32a of the second conveyor 32. This guide wall 36c allows the organism C to slide along the incline and be guided to the belt conveying surface 32a of the second conveyor 32.
[0085] As shown in Figures 15 and 17, the damming member 37 is a rotating roller that is rotatably mounted to contact and move along with the belt conveying surface 31a of the first conveyor 31. Therefore, the damming member 37 rotates in the rotational direction D in accordance with the movement of the belt conveying surface 31a in the conveying direction Y1.
[0086] The damming member 37, through its rotational movement in direction D, can restrict the organism C from moving downstream in the transport direction Y1 beyond the damming member 37 on the belt transport surface 31a of the first conveyor 31. Only the frass FS is transported downstream in the transport direction Y1 beyond the damming member 37 while being crushed between the damming member 37 and the belt transport surface 31a. In this embodiment, since the damming member 37 is rotated using a portion of the driving force of the first conveyor 31, a dedicated driving means for the damming member 37 is not required.
[0087] The harvesting device 30 with the above configuration makes it possible to separate and harvest organism C from frass FS with high precision. Furthermore, since organism C is harvested by utilizing its natural behavior to move spontaneously, the harvesting operation can be performed at high speed, and high-quality harvesting with reduced deterioration of organism C is possible. In addition, the harvested organism C can be automatically transported to the next process by the second conveyor 32.
[0088] 5. Effects Next, the effects and advantages of the above-described embodiment 1 will be explained.
[0089] In the rearing method of Embodiment 1, in rearing step S101, a spawning bed 20A that has already laid eggs is set in the rearing capsule CP, and the larvae of organism C that hatched in this spawning bed 20A are reared until they become adults. In spawning step S102, a spawning bed 20C that has not yet laid eggs is set in the rearing capsule CP containing the adult organism C, and this spawning bed 20C is removed from the rearing capsule CP in an egg-laid state after the adult has laid eggs. With this rearing method, it is not necessary to retrieve the adult organisms for spawning from the rearing capsule CP, and rearing step S101 and spawning step S102 can be performed using a rearing capsule CP with the same structure. Therefore, this rearing method reduces the effort required for rearing organism C and improves productivity.
[0090] In the rearing system 1 of Embodiment 1, during rearing process S101, the control device 1a controls the work robot 3b to set a spawning bed 20A in a spawning state where eggs have been laid in the rearing capsule CP, and the larvae of organism C that hatch in this spawning bed 20A are reared until they become adults. Furthermore, during spawning process S102, the control device 1a controls the work robot 3b to set a spawning bed 20C in an unspawned state in the rearing capsule CP containing the adults, and this spawning bed 20C is removed from the rearing capsule CP in a spawned state after the adults have laid eggs.
[0091] According to this rearing system 1, it is not necessary to retrieve adult organisms for egg-laying from the rearing capsule CP, and the rearing process S101 and the egg-laying process S102 can be carried out using rearing capsules CP of the same structure. Furthermore, each of the rearing process S101 and the egg-laying process S102 can be automated using a work robot 3b and a control device 1a, without requiring manual labor. Therefore, this rearing system 1 reduces the effort required for rearing organisms C and improves productivity.
[0092] According to the above-described embodiment 1, productivity can be improved by reducing the effort required for raising organism C.
[0093] According to the rearing system 1, the tasks of setting the spawning bed 20A in the rearing capsule CP during rearing process S101, and removing the spawning bed 20A from the rearing capsule CP upon completion of hatching, as well as the task of setting the spawning bed 20C in the rearing capsule CP during spawning process S102, can be performed at the integrated station 3 by the work robot 3b and the control device 1a. Furthermore, the rearing capsule CP can be transported between the storage warehouse 2 and the integrated station 3 by the transporter 2b and the control device 1a. In addition, the spawning bed 20 can be transported between the spawning bed storage 5 and the integrated station 3 by the transporter 5a and the control device 1a. As a result, it is possible to automate almost all of the tasks in rearing process S101 and spawning process S102.
[0094] Although the present invention has been described in accordance with embodiments, it is understood that the present invention is not limited to such embodiments or structures. The present invention also encompasses various modifications and variations within the equivalence range. In addition, various combinations and forms, as well as other combinations and forms that include only one, more, or fewer of these elements, fall within the scope and concept of the present invention.
[0095] In the above-described configuration, the example shows the case where the spawning bed 20A is removed from the rearing capsule CP when hatching is complete in the rearing process S101. However, if necessary, the spawning bed 20A may be left inside the rearing capsule CP.
[0096] In the above-described configuration, the example given was that the spawning bed 20A, which is set in the rearing capsule CP in the rearing process S101, is removed from the rearing capsule CP in the spawning process S102 and hatched in the hatching process S105. However, this spawning bed 20A does not necessarily have to be removed from the rearing capsule CP in the spawning process S102.
[0097] The number of days for rearing in the above-mentioned configuration (such as the expected date of hatching completion or the expected date of egg-laying) is just an example and may be adjusted depending on the type of organism C, etc.
[0098] In the above-described rearing system 1, it is preferable that the storage warehouse 2, integration station 3, spawning bed production station 4, spawning bed storage 5, harvesting station 7, waste disposal station 8, and processing equipment 9 are equipped with wireless or wired communication devices to communicate control information and information necessary for calculations. [Explanation of Symbols]
[0099] 1... Rearing system, 1a... Control device, 2... Storage warehouse, 2b... Conveyor (working device), 3... Integrated station, 3b... Working robot (working device), 5... Spawning bed storage (storage section), 5a... Conveyor (working device), 6... Temperature and humidity control device, 10, 10A, 10B... Rearing equipment, 20, 20A, 20B, 20C... Spawning bed, C... Organism, CP... Rearing capsule, S101... Rearing process, S102... Spawning process, S103... Harvesting process, S105... Hatching process, S101~S105... Rearing method
Claims
1. The process of raising animals, A process for causing the aforementioned organism to lay eggs, It has, In the aforementioned rearing process, a spawning bed with eggs already laid is placed in the rearing capsule, and the larvae of the organism that hatched in the spawning bed are reared until they become adults. In the spawning process, the spawning bed, which is in an unspawned state, is set in a rearing capsule containing the adult organism, and the spawning bed is removed from the rearing capsule in an spawned state after the adult has laid eggs. How to raise them.
2. The rearing method according to claim 1, wherein in the rearing step, the spawning bed is removed from the rearing capsule when hatching is complete.
3. The process includes a hatching step in which the spawning bed, which has been removed from the rearing capsule in the spawning step after spawning, is hatched. The rearing method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein in the rearing step, the spawning bed after the hatching process in the hatching step is set in the rearing capsule.
4. The rearing method according to claim 3, wherein in the hatching step, the temperature and humidity setting conditions for the hatching process are calculated from the required number of larvae, and the temperature and humidity of the storage section for storing the spawning bed are controlled based on the temperature and humidity setting conditions.
5. The rearing method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein in the spawning step, the rearing bed adjustment conditions for the amount of soil and moisture content in the spawning bed are calculated from the required number of eggs, and the amount of soil and moisture content of the spawning bed to be set in the rearing capsule are adjusted based on the spawning bed adjustment conditions.
6. The rearing method according to claim 5, wherein in the spawning step, the required number of eggs to be laid is set based on the spawning rate, which is the ratio of the number of eggs laid to the number of adults.
7. The rearing method according to claim 5, wherein in the spawning process, the required number of spawnings is set based on the hatching rate, which is the ratio of the number of larvae to the number of eggs.
8. A rearing system for carrying out a rearing process for raising organisms and a spawning process for causing said organisms to lay eggs, Work equipment and A control device for controlling the aforementioned work device, Equipped with, The control device, in the rearing process, sets a spawning bed in the rearing capsule using the work device, and rears the larvae of the organism that hatched in the spawning bed using the work device until they become adults. The control device, in the spawning process, sets the spawning bed in an unspawned state in the rearing capsule containing the adult using the work device, and removes the spawning bed from the rearing capsule in an spawned state using the work device after the adult has spawned. Breeding system.
9. The rearing system according to claim 8, wherein the control device removes the spawning bed from the rearing capsule when hatching is complete, using the work device during the rearing process.
10. A storage warehouse for storing the aforementioned breeding capsules, An integrated station for performing all of the following tasks by the work device: setting the spawning bed in the rearing capsule in the rearing process, and removing the spawning bed from the rearing capsule when hatching is complete; setting the spawning bed in the rearing capsule in the spawning process when no eggs have been laid, and removing the spawning bed from the rearing capsule after spawning in the spawned state; The breeding system according to claim 9, wherein the control device transports the breeding capsules between the storage warehouse and the integrated station using the work device.
11. The system includes a storage unit for performing hatching treatment on the spawning bed that has been removed from the rearing capsule in the spawning process after spawning. The rearing system according to claim 10, wherein the control device, in the rearing process, sets the spawning bed, which has undergone hatching in the storage unit, into the rearing capsule using the work device.
12. The rearing system according to claim 11, wherein the storage unit is a dedicated spawning bed storage unit for the spawning bed.
13. The rearing system according to claim 11, wherein the storage section is a part of the storage warehouse that matches the temperature and humidity settings during the hatching process.
14. The rearing system according to claim 13, wherein the spawning bed is sealed in a new rearing capsule together with a humidity control material and stored in the storage section of the storage warehouse.
15. The rearing system according to any one of claims 11 to 14, further comprising a temperature and humidity control device that controls the temperature and humidity of the storage unit based on temperature and humidity setting conditions during the hatching process calculated from the required number of larvae.