Hatching egg management support system

Abstract

We provide a system to support the management of fertilized eggs, which is useful for determining the number of eggs to be laid. [Solution] The system includes a management unit that manages data on the actual fertilization rate of eggs laid by a breeding chicken, linked to the breeding chicken's age in weeks or days, for each lot; an acquisition unit that uses the data managed by the management unit to acquire an estimated value of the fertilization rate in the first period when egg collection from the breeding chicken begins and an estimated value of the fertilization rate in the second period when egg production from the breeding chicken peaks; and a calculation unit that calculates an estimated value of the fertilization rate between the first and second periods based on the estimated values ​​acquired by the acquisition unit. Furthermore, the system includes an acquisition unit that uses the data managed by the management unit to acquire an estimated value of the fertilization rate in the second period when egg production from the breeding chicken peaks and an estimated value of the fertilization rate in the third period when egg collection from the breeding chicken ends; and a calculation unit that calculates an estimated value of the fertilization rate between the second and third periods based on the estimated values ​​acquired by the acquisition unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0003]

[0001] The present invention relates to a management support system for breeding eggs.

Background Art

[0002] For a breeding chicken farm, the hatching performance, that is, the percentage of chicks that can be shipped on about the 21st day after starting hatching, is a very important management point. Conventionally, the hatching performance has been roughly predicted based on the experience and intuition of on-site personnel related to the hatching performance, and the number of eggs to be put into the incubator (the number of eggs to be incubated) has been determined. Eggs, which are one of the agricultural and livestock products, have a large individual difference compared to industrial products, and the distribution of possible values also varies greatly depending on the chicken breed, week age, or day age. Therefore, although it is difficult to predict, the interest of those working in the field handling eggs in determining the number of eggs to be incubated is very high.

[0003] [[ID=十六]]As a system for managing hatching performance, there is known one that manages the biological information of eggs produced by breeding chickens and the hatching performance obtained for the chicks hatched from the eggs (for example, refer to Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004] [[ID=二十五]]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Conventional ones attempt to use past hatching performance for environmental control after the eggs are placed in the incubator. However, the inventor has focused on using this for the stage before the eggs are placed in the incubator, that is, for determining the number of eggs to be incubated.

[0006] The present invention provides a management support system for breeding eggs that is useful for determining the number of eggs to be incubated.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The egg hatching support system of the present invention comprises: a management unit that manages data of actual fertilization rates of eggs laid by a breeding chicken for each lot, linked to the age of the breeding chicken in weeks or days; an acquisition unit that uses the data managed by the management unit to acquire an estimated value of the fertilization rate in the first period when egg collection from the breeding chicken begins and an estimated value of the fertilization rate in the second period when egg production by the breeding chicken peaks; and a calculation unit that calculates an estimated value of the fertilization rate between the first and second periods based on the estimated values ​​acquired by the acquisition unit.

[0008] Furthermore, the egg management support system of the present invention includes a management unit that manages data on the actual fertilization rate of eggs laid by a breeding chicken for each lot, linked to the week or day age of the breeding chicken; an acquisition unit that uses the data managed by the management unit to acquire predicted values ​​for the fertilization rate in the second period when egg production by the breeding chicken is at its peak and predicted values ​​for the fertilization rate in the third period when egg collection from the breeding chicken is completed; and a calculation unit that calculates predicted values ​​for the fertilization rate between the second and third periods based on the predicted values ​​acquired by the acquisition unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, a system for managing fertilized eggs that is useful in determining the number of eggs to be laid can be provided.

[0010] The above and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following detailed description relating to this invention, which will be understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This figure shows an overview of the process from hatching to culling of breeding chickens using a management support system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This figure shows an overview of the incubation system of the same embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram of the fertilized egg management support system and user terminal according to the same embodiment. [Figure 4]This figure shows an example of a lot management table displayed by the fertilized egg management support system of the same embodiment. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of a lot management table displayed by the fertilized egg management support system of the same embodiment. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of a lot management table displayed by the fertilized egg management support system of the same embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0013] The hatching egg management support system 100 according to this embodiment is used for breeding chickens. Breeding chickens are chickens born from eggs produced from parent breeding chickens, and eggs are collected from them to hatch chicks that will become commercial chickens. Breeding chickens may be layer breeding chickens or broiler breeding chickens. Breeding chickens begin laying eggs around 21 weeks (150 days) after hatching, then reach a peak in egg production, and gradually lay fewer eggs. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, 26 weeks is the start of egg collection, 34 weeks is the peak of egg production, and 65 weeks is the end of egg collection, but the selection of weeks is made as appropriate. When eggs obtained from breeding chickens are incubated in a hatchery for about 21 days, commercial chicken chicks are born.

[0014] A hatchery is divided into several areas, such as a receiving room, an egg storage room, a setter room, an egg transfer room, a hatcher room, a chick processing room, and a chick storage room. Figure 2 shows an example of an incubation system 1 installed in a breeding chicken hatchery. The incubation system 1 of this embodiment is used for incubation and includes several pieces of equipment that supply setter trays and hatcher baskets to the next process. The equipment includes, for example, a storage room 2, a setter loader 3, a setter 4 (incubator), a setter unloader 5, an egg inspection machine 6, an egg transfer machine 7, a basket stacking machine 8, a hatcher 9 (incubator), a basket unstacking machine 10, a chick separator 11, and a chick processing machine 12.

[0015] The storage vault 2 stores the eggs placed on the setter tray. It stores the eggs obtained over a certain period and puts them in a dormant state, and resumes the embryo's activity by pre-warming these dormant eggs before they enter the incubation process.

[0016] The setter loader 3 transports the setter tray into the setter rack.

[0017] The setter 4 is an incubation space capable of storing a setter rack with setter trays stacked inside. The setter 4 proceeds with incubation in a device that warms to approximately 38°C while turning the eggs. After a predetermined period has elapsed, the setter rack is removed from the setter 4.

[0018] The setter unloader 5 removes the setter tray from the setter rack and supplies it to the first conveyor (not shown) in the next process.

[0019] The egg inspection machine 6 inspects the eggs on the setter tray. The egg inspection machine 6 automatically separates viable eggs, non-viable eggs, and other abnormal eggs, for example, using illumination. The egg inspection machine 6 is provided on the first conveyor.

[0020] The egg transfer machine 7 transfers the eggs on the setter tray to the hatcher basket. The egg transfer machine 7 adsorbs and holds the eggs determined to be "normal eggs" by the egg inspection machine 6 from above the eggs using, for example, a suction cup, and transfers them. The egg transfer machine 7 is provided so as to be movable between the setter tray conveyed on the first conveyor and the hatcher basket conveyed on the second conveyor (not shown).

[0021] The basket stacker 8 stacks a plurality of hatcher baskets on the hatcher cart. The hatcher cart is carried into the hatcher 9.

[0022] The hatcher 9 is a device that performs incubation to generate chicks, and is an incubation space capable of storing a hatcher cart with hatcher baskets stacked inside.

[0023] The basket disassembly machine 10 disassembles the hatcher baskets from the hatcher trolley and supplies them to the third conveying section (not shown) for the next process.

[0024] The chick separator 11 removes chicks from the hatcher basket, which has been separated into individual pieces, and separates the chicks from the eggshells. The chick separator 11 includes a mechanism to automatically invert the hatcher basket, a mechanism to separate the chicks from the eggshells by vibrating or rotating rollers, a mechanism to send the chicks to the next process, and a mechanism to suck up and collect the remaining eggshells with a blower fan. The chick separator 11 is installed on the third transport section.

[0025] The chick processing machine 12 performs predetermined processing on the chicks. For example, the chick processing machine 12 is equipped with a tick counter for counting chicks. The chick processing machine 12 may also have a chick sorting table installed, and sorted chicks may be separated after sorting. The chick processing machine 12 is installed on the third transport section.

[0026] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, a user terminal 21 is provided. The user terminal 21 has an input unit 22 and a display unit 23. The input unit 22 allows for key input or scanner input of order information, production plans, etc. The display unit 23 displays order information, production plans, the status of each incubator (setter 4, hatcher 9), etc.

[0027] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, a management support system 100 is provided. The management support system 100 has an acquisition unit 24, a calculation unit 25, and a management unit 26. Here, the management support system 100 is composed of a computer having a CPU, memory, input / output interface, AD converter, display device such as a display, input device such as a keyboard or mouse, communication device, etc. The management support system 100 performs its functions through the cooperation of the CPU and peripheral devices based on a program stored in memory. The management support system 100 may be composed of a single physically integrated computer, or it may be composed of computers that are physically separate.

[0028] The acquisition unit 24 uses data managed by the management unit 26 to obtain predicted values ​​for the fertilization rate in the first period when egg collection from the breeding hens begins, and predicted values ​​for the fertilization rate in the second period when egg production from the breeding hens peaks. The acquisition unit 24 also uses data managed by the management unit 26 to obtain predicted values ​​for the fertilization rate in the second period when egg production from the breeding hens peaks, and predicted values ​​for the fertilization rate in the third period when egg collection from the breeding hens ends. From the start of egg collection from the breeding hens, the acquisition unit 24 sequentially updates the predicted values ​​by applying the actual fertilization rate of the current lot. The acquisition unit 24 acquires information from the input unit 22, where the predicted fertilization rate is entered.

[0029] The calculation unit 25 calculates the predicted fertilization rate between the first and second periods based on the predicted values ​​obtained by the acquisition unit 24. The calculation unit 25 also calculates the predicted fertilization rate between the second and third periods based on the predicted values ​​obtained by the acquisition unit 24. The calculation unit 25 recalculates the predicted values ​​for periods that have not been updated with actual values.

[0030] The management unit 26 manages data on the actual fertilization rate of eggs laid by breeding chickens, linking it to the age of the breeding chicken in weeks or days, for each lot.

[0031] The management support system 100 of this embodiment proposes the number of eggs to be placed based on the expected fertilization rate for each week of age. As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the lot management table 27 has columns for week of age, points, fertilization rate, rejection rate, and sales rate. The fertilization rate, rejection rate, and sales rate are displayed as the average value for one week. The age in weeks can be displayed in one-week increments, starting from the first period when egg collection from the breeding hens begins, and continuing until the third period when egg collection from the breeding hens ends. In this embodiment, the first period is 26 weeks old, and the third period is 65 weeks old. The key is to mark specific periods. These specific periods are the first or third period, or the second period when egg-laying by the breeding hens peaks. In this embodiment, the second period is 34 or 35 weeks of age.

[0032] The fertilization rate (actual value) is the fertilization rate at the time of intermediate candling. Intermediate candling is performed around the 17th to 19th day after the start of incubation. In this embodiment, fertilization rate data is obtained using the candling machine 6. The fertilization rate is the percentage of normal eggs among the eggs inspected by the candling machine 6, excluding unfertilized eggs, eggs that died during incubation, and rotten eggs. Normal eggs are transferred to a hatcher basket and placed in the hatcher 9 (incubator) for continued incubation, while unfertilized eggs, eggs that died during incubation, and rotten eggs are discarded.

[0033] The fertilization rate (predicted value) is calculated based on the most recent fertilization rate. For example, this predicted fertilization rate is calculated manually based on the most recent actual fertilization rate and information on the gestational age in weeks or days. As a more specific example, when the gestational age is between the first and second weeks, the predicted value is set higher than the most recent actual fertilization rate, and when the gestational age is between the second and third weeks, the predicted value is set lower than the most recent actual fertilization rate, thus adding a difference to the actual value.

[0034] The rejection rate is the percentage of eggs (chicks) that did not become marketable after intermediate candling. The rejection rate is the difference between the fertilization rate and the sales rate. The rejection rate includes the percentage of eggs that did not hatch, i.e., the percentage of eggs that did not hatch when the hatcher basket was removed from Hatcher 9 and the chicks were processed, as well as spare chicks, chicks provided as a service that are not counted in the sales figures, and chicks that were disposed of.

[0035] The sales rate corresponds to the number of chicks as stated on the invoice and is the difference between the fertilization rate and the rejection rate. In this embodiment, a tick counter provided on the chick processing machine 12 is used to acquire sales rate data. The sales rate is calculated by subtracting the proportion of spare chicks, service chicks, and discarded chicks that are not counted in the sales figures from the proportion of chicks counted by the tick counter out of the eggs initially placed in the incubator.

[0036] The management unit 26 stores historical data on fertilization rates, drop rates, and sales rates for each lot, by breeding farm, and by age in weeks.

[0037] Next, the operation of the management support system 100 will be explained using an example of the displayed screen. This management support system 100 automatically calculates the difference by setting three points—a start point, a peak point, and an end point—while checking the actual fertilization rate, and then determines the expected fertilization rate, dropout rate, and sales rate for each week of age.

[0038] First, based on the order information, a chick production plan is created for each setter 4 and each hatcher 9. In the chick production plan, based on the order information and the usage status of setter 4 and hatcher 9, it is determined which setter 4 and each hatcher 9 will be used for incubation, when the eggs will be placed inside, etc.

[0039] Figure 4 shows the initial screen. The left side has an input section for the current lot, and the right side has a display section for actual data. Specifically, the leftmost column is for the current lot, the middle column is for the previous actual data for the same lot, and the rightmost column is for the actual data from two batches prior to that for the same lot. The data for the previous two batches are the actual data stored in the management unit 26. By unifying the predicted and actual fertilization rates necessary for the incubation production plan in this way, it is possible to easily compare between lots and improve the accuracy of the predictions.

[0040] The operator refers to the data from the previous two periods (data of past performance values) and inputs points, fertilization rate, and drop rate (or sales rate) into the input unit 22. In Figure 4, points are entered for 26 weeks and 35 weeks of age, the predicted fertilization rates are entered as 60.6 and 96.1 respectively, and the predicted drop rates are entered as 6.0 and 5.8 respectively. The acquisition unit 24 acquires the information from the input unit 22. In this way, using the data managed by the management unit 26, the predicted fertilization rate and drop rate for the first period when egg collection from the breeding chickens begins, and the predicted fertilization rate and drop rate for the second period when egg production from the breeding chickens peaks are obtained.

[0041] Since hatching eggs are living organisms, even if they are of the same breed or raised on the same farm, the fertilization rate and its peak will differ depending on the different flocks of chickens. Therefore, it is not possible to use the actual values ​​from the previous or the one before that directly, and it is necessary to input predicted values ​​taking into account the rearing conditions and age of the chickens in the current lot.

[0042] The calculation unit 25 calculates the predicted fertilization rate between the first and second periods based on the predicted values ​​obtained by the acquisition unit 24. As a result, values ​​like those shown in Figure 5 are displayed in the management table. For example, the calculation unit 25 calculates the values ​​so that the predicted fertilization rate for the first period (26 weeks old) and the predicted fertilization rate for the second period (35 weeks old) are equally divided. It also calculates the values ​​so that the predicted drop rate for the first period (26 weeks old) and the predicted drop rate for the second period (35 weeks old) are equally divided. Note that the calculation method is not limited to equal division; for example, the predicted values ​​may be calculated by referring to the rate of change of actual values ​​for each week.

[0043] The calculation of the predicted fertilization rate from the second to the third period also follows the same procedure. The points entered in the input unit 22 are not limited to the first, second, and third periods, but may be any two points. In this case, the calculation unit 25 may calculate the predicted fertilization rate (or rejection rate, sales rate) between the two points based on the predicted values ​​of those two points.

[0044] Figure 6 shows an example of a screen where actual values ​​up to 27 weeks of age have been entered since the start of egg collection for the current lot. Here, the background colors of the actual values ​​section and the predicted values ​​section are different. In this case, the fertilization rate and drop rate are recalculated so that the period between the last actual value, i.e., the actual value at 27 weeks of age and the predicted value at the next point (35 weeks of age in this case) is equal. In this way, the acquisition unit 24 sequentially updates the predicted values ​​by applying the actual values ​​of the fertilization rate of the current lot since the start of egg collection from the breeding chickens, and the calculation unit 25 recalculates the predicted values ​​for the period when the actual values ​​have not been updated.

[0045] Furthermore, predicted and actual values ​​such as fertilization rates for each week of age may be visualized in graphs.

[0046] As described above, the hatching egg management support system 100 of this embodiment includes a management unit 26 that manages data of actual fertilization rates of eggs laid by a breeding chicken for each lot, linked to the age of the breeding chicken; an acquisition unit 24 that uses the data managed by the management unit 26 to acquire predicted values ​​of the fertilization rate and drop rate in the first period when egg collection from the breeding chicken begins, and predicted values ​​of the fertilization rate and drop rate in the second period when egg production by the breeding chicken peaks; and a calculation unit 25 that calculates predicted values ​​of the fertilization rate and drop rate between the first and second periods based on the predicted values ​​acquired by the acquisition unit 24. Furthermore, the system includes a management unit 26 that manages data on the actual fertilization rate of eggs laid by breeding chickens for each lot, linked to the age of the breeding chickens in weeks; an acquisition unit 24 that uses the data managed by the management unit 26 to acquire predicted values ​​for the fertilization rate and drop rate during the second period when egg production by the breeding chickens is at its peak, and predicted values ​​for the fertilization rate and drop rate during the third period when egg collection from the breeding chickens is completed; and a calculation unit 25 that calculates predicted values ​​for the fertilization rate and drop rate between the second and third periods based on the predicted values ​​acquired by the acquisition unit 24.

[0047] In this way, by checking the actual fertilization rate and setting three points—a start point, a peak point, and an end point—the system automatically calculates the difference to determine the expected fertilization rate, drop rate, and sales rate for each week of age. This makes it possible to determine the number of eggs to be implanted without relying on intuition or experience. In particular, centralizing lot information makes comparison, analysis, and prediction easier, enabling highly accurate production planning.

[0048] The acquisition unit 24 acquires information from the input unit 22, which receives the predicted fertilization rate. Alternatively, the system may acquire information from the management unit 26 or from devices other than the user terminal 21. For example, the predicted fertilization rate may be automatically calculated from past data.

[0049] The acquisition unit 24 sequentially updates the predicted values ​​by applying the actual fertilization rate of the current lot since the start of egg collection from the breeding chickens, and the calculation unit 25 recalculates the predicted values ​​for the period when the actual values ​​have not been updated. In this way, the predicted values ​​can be corrected and there is a recalculation function when the actual values ​​are determined, so highly accurate predictions can be made.

[0050] However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0051] The management unit 26 may manage the actual fertilization rate data in conjunction with the age of the breeding chickens. "Per lot" may mean managing the data for each group of lots that are combined from multiple lots.

[0052] In this embodiment, three points—the start point, the peak, and the end point—were set as initial values. However, after the initial or predicted values ​​are sequentially updated to actual values, any other points (weekly age / dayly age) may be added as points, or points that have already been set may be changed to other arbitrary points (weekly age / dayly age). The management support system 100 automatically calculates the difference between two adjacent points in response to the addition or change of points to determine the predicted fertilization rate, drop rate, and sales rate for each week of age.

[0053] The egg management support system 100 of the present invention may be used with breeding chickens or with parent stock chickens.

[0054] The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative and not limiting. The present invention is defined by the claims, not the scope described above, and all modifications in the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended. [Industrial applicability]

[0055] This invention can be used in a system to support the management of fertilized eggs. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0056] 100... Hatching egg management support system 1…Incubation system 2…Storage 3... Setter Loader 4… Setter 5... Setter Unloader 6…Egg checking machine 7…Egg transfer machine 8... Basket stacking machine 9… Hatcher 10... Basket Detachment Machine 11...Tick separator 12... Chick processing machine 21...User terminal 22...Input section 23…Display section 24…Acquisition part 25...Calculation section 26…Management Department 27... Lot management table

Claims

1. A management department manages data on the actual fertilization rate of eggs laid by breeding chickens, linked to the age of the breeding chickens in weeks or days, for each lot. An acquisition unit that uses the data managed by the aforementioned management unit to obtain an estimated value of the fertilization rate in the first period when egg collection from breeding hens begins, and an estimated value of the fertilization rate in the second period when egg production by breeding hens peaks. A fertilized egg management support system comprising: a calculation unit that calculates an estimated value of the fertilization rate between a first period and a second period based on the estimated value obtained by the acquisition unit; and a calculation unit that calculates an estimated value of the fertilization rate between a first period and a second period.

2. A management department manages data on the actual fertilization rate of eggs laid by breeding chickens, linked to the age of the breeding chickens in weeks or days, for each lot. An acquisition unit that uses the data managed by the aforementioned management unit to obtain predicted values ​​for the fertilization rate during the second period when egg production by breeding hens is at its peak, and predicted values ​​for the fertilization rate during the third period when egg collection from breeding hens is completed. A fertilized egg management support system comprising: a calculation unit that calculates an estimated value of the fertilization rate between the second and third periods based on the estimated value obtained by the acquisition unit; and a calculation unit that calculates an estimated value of the fertilization rate between the second and third periods.

3. The egg management support system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the acquisition unit acquires information from an input unit into which an estimated fertilization rate is input.

4. The acquisition unit updates the predicted value sequentially by applying the actual fertilization rate of the current lot after the start of egg collection from the breeding chickens. The egg management support system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the calculation unit recalculates the predicted values ​​for the period during which the actual values ​​have not been updated.

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