Estrus detection device and artificial insemination method

Abstract

To enhance a conception rate in use of artificial insemination by performing artificial insemination at an appropriate timing while reducing costs related to estrus detection by an estrus detection system using ICT.SOLUTION: An estrus detection device (10) includes a container (12) for storing liquid (F). The container (12) is configured to discharge the liquid (F) from an exhaust port (20) by pressure generated at a time of mounting allowable action of a cow (C). The estrus detection device (10) includes an indicator (22). The indicator (22) has an exudation member (24) for exudating the liquid (F) discharged from the exhaust port (20) of the container (12). The indicator (22) indicates a lapse time from estrus start of the cow (C) by a change in a state of exudation of the liquid (F) to the exudation member (24).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an estrus detection device for detecting estrus in female cows, and an artificial insemination method for artificially inseminating female cows. [Background technology]

[0002] In Japan, most calf production is carried out by artificial insemination using frozen semen or embryo transfer, and artificial insemination accounts for more than half of the total. In order to improve the conception rate through artificial insemination, it is necessary to detect the estrus of female cows and perform artificial insemination at the appropriate time.

[0003] Currently, technologies for detecting estrus in female cows can be divided into two categories: estrus detection systems that use information and communication technology (ICT) (see Patent Document 1, etc.) and simple estrus detection devices (see Patent Document 2, etc.). Estrus detection systems that use ICT estimate (detect) estrus in female cows based on biometric data transmitted from a biosensor, such as a cow gaiter, attached to the female cow, and estimate the optimum time for insemination of the female cow. Simple estrus detection devices are configured to discharge liquid due to pressure generated, for example, when the cow stands, which is an indicator of estrus in the cow. In this case, a worker, such as a breeder, detects estrus in the female cow by checking whether liquid is discharged from the simple estrus detection device.

[0004] In addition to the prior arts disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, there is also the prior art disclosed in Patent Document 3, which is related to the present invention. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2010-33329 A [Patent Document 2] US Patent No. 3076431 Details [Patent Document 3] Special Publication No. 2004-536613 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Incidentally, although estrus detection systems using ICT can detect not only estrus in female cows but also estimate (detect) the optimum time for insemination of female cows, the initial installation costs for the system and the management costs such as communication costs for maintaining the system are expensive. Therefore, there is a problem that the cost of estrus detection increases when an estrus detection system using ICT is introduced.

[0007] On the other hand, when a simple estrus detection device is used, it is possible to detect the estrus of a female cow, but it is not possible to detect or estimate the time elapsed since the start of the estrus of the female cow. Therefore, when a simple estrus detection device is used, it is unclear whether artificial insemination is being performed at the appropriate time, and there is a problem that it is difficult to improve the conception rate by artificial insemination.

[0008] Therefore, one aspect of the present invention aims to reduce the costs associated with estrus detection compared to estrus detection systems that use ICT, while performing artificial insemination at the appropriate time, thereby improving the conception rate through artificial insemination. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, one embodiment of the estrus detection device of the present invention has a discharge section for discharging liquid, and is configured to discharge liquid from the discharge section by pressure generated when the cow is permitted to be mounted, and comprises a container for storing liquid, and an indicator having an exudation member for exuding the liquid discharged from the discharge section of the container, and indicating the elapsed time from the start of the cow's permitted to be mounted by a change in the exudation state of the liquid into the exudation member.

[0010] In one embodiment of the estrus detection device of the present invention, the indicator may have an appropriate insemination time indicator for determining whether the confirmed time is the appropriate time for insemination of a female cow or immediately before it, based on a change in the exudation state of liquid into the exudation member.

[0011] An estrus detection device according to one embodiment of the present invention has one end connected to the discharge side of the container and the other end connected to the exudation member, and is provided with a liquid reservoir for collecting liquid discharged from the discharge side of the container, and the exudation member may be configured to be capable of sucking up liquid that has accumulated in the reservoir.

[0012] The estrus detection device according to one aspect of the present invention may include an alarm unit that notifies that a cow has exhibited a behavior that allows it to be mounted.

[0013] In the heat detection device according to one aspect of the present invention, the change in the exudation state of the liquid into the exudation member may refer to a change in an exudation area of ​​the liquid into the exudation member.

[0014] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an artificial insemination method according to one embodiment of the present invention uses an estrus detection device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and after the cow exhibits a behavior that allows it to be mounted, with the container attached to the cow's waist and the indicator attached to the cow's waist or other part, an operator refers to the elapsed time from the start of the cow's estrus, which is indicated on the indicator by a change in the exudation state of liquid into the exudation member, and confirms whether the confirmed time is at or immediately before the optimum time for insemination of the cow, and if the confirmed time is at or immediately before the optimum time for insemination of the cow, artificially inseminates the cow at the optimum time for insemination. Effect of the Invention

[0015] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the cost of estrus detection compared to an estrus detection system using ICT, while performing artificial insemination at an appropriate time, thereby improving the conception rate through artificial insemination. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the estrus detection device according to the present embodiment attached to a female cow. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the estrus detection device shown in FIG. 1 attached to a cow. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the estrus detection device shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the artificial insemination method according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of an estrus detection device according to a first modified example of the present embodiment attached to a cow. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a schematic side view of an estrus detection device according to a second modified example of the present embodiment attached to a cow. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a schematic side view of an estrus detection device according to a third modified example of the present embodiment attached to a cow. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention and its modified examples 1 to 3 will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the positional relationship of each component of the estrus detection device in the front-rear, left-right, and up-down directions is based on the state where the device is attached to a cow.

[0018] [Estrus detection device according to this embodiment] This embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 4. Fig. 1 is a schematic side view of the estrus detection device according to this embodiment attached to a female cow. Fig. 2 is a schematic plan view of the estrus detection device shown in Fig. 1 attached to a female cow. Fig. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the estrus detection device shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining the artificial insemination method according to this embodiment. Fig. 4 I shows the state in which the estrus detection device is attached to a female cow. Fig. 4 II shows the state of a female cow's behavior of allowing riding and the state of another cow's riding behavior. Fig. 4 III shows the state of artificial insemination of a female cow.

[0019] (Overview of estrus detection device 10) As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the estrus detection tool 10 according to this embodiment is a tool for detecting estrus of a cow C (see Figure 4), and is a simple tool that does not use ICT (information and communication technology). The estrus detection tool 10 is a tool for detecting (estimating) not only the estrus of the cow C, but also the time that has elapsed since the onset of estrus of the cow C.

[0020] (Container 12) 1 to 3, the estrus detection device 10 includes a container 12 that contains ink F as a colored liquid, and the container 12 can be attached to the back of the lumbar region Ca of a cow C, for example, via Velcro (registered trademark) or the like. Anatomically, the lumbar region Ca of a cow C refers to the area formed by the posterior lumbar vertebrae, ilium, sacrum, and anterior caudal vertebrae.

[0021] The container 12 has a flexible tube 14 that contains the ink F, and the flexible tube 14 is subjected to pressure due to the mounting action of another cow C' (see II in FIG. 4) when the cow C is in a standing position. The container 12 has a discharge pipe 16 provided at the tip side of the flexible tube 14, and the inside of the flexible tube 14 and the inside of the discharge pipe 16 can communicate with each other via a passage 18. The discharge pipe 16 has a discharge port 20 at its tip side as a discharge section for discharging the ink F.

[0022] The container 12 is configured to discharge the ink F from the outlet 20 of the discharge pipe 16 when a pressure equal to or greater than a predetermined pressure is continuously applied for a predetermined period of time. In other words, the container 12 is configured to discharge the ink F from the outlet 20 of the discharge pipe 16 by pressure from another cow C' that occurs when the cow C is permitted to climb on. Therefore, even if another cow C' momentarily climbs on, the ink F will not be discharged from the outlet 20 of the discharge pipe 16 unless the cow C is permitted to climb on. The specific configuration of the container 12 is publicly known as shown in Patent Document 2, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0023] (Indicator 22) As shown in Figs. 1 to 3, the estrus detection device 10 is equipped with an indicator 22, which has a tape-shaped exudation member 24 for exuding the ink F discharged from the discharge port 20 of the discharge tube 16. The indicator 22 indicates the presence or absence of estrus of the cow C based on the presence or absence of exudation of the ink F into the exudation member 24. The indicator 22 indicates the elapsed time from the start of the cow C's standing behavior, based on a change in the exudation state of the ink F into the exudation member 24. In other words, the indicator 22 indicates the elapsed time from the start of estrus of the cow C based on a change in the exudation state of the ink F into the exudation member 24.

[0024] In this embodiment, the change in the exudation state of the ink F into the exudation member 24 refers to a change in the exudation area of ​​the ink F into the exudation member 24. More specifically, the change in the exudation state of the ink F into the exudation member 24 refers to a change in the front-rear direction position of the tip 24t of the exudation portion 24e of the ink F in the exudation member 24. In the drawings, the exudation portion 24e of the ink F is hatched.

[0025] The exudation member 24 has a base material 26 made of filter paper and a transparent protective coat 28 that covers both sides of the base material 26 and prevents leakage of the ink F. The protective coat 28 can suppress evaporation of the water content of the ink F exuded into the exudation member 24. For example, an OPP tape is used as the protective coat 28. The sides of the base material 26 may be protected with, for example, a modified silicone adhesive, if necessary. The base material 26 may be made of paper other than filter paper (including paper in the broad sense of the JIS standard) or cloth. With this configuration, the ink F does not leak from the exudation member 24 to the outside, and the change in the exudation state of the ink F into the exudation member 24 can be accurately correlated with the elapsed time from the start of estrus of the cow C. In addition, the protective coat 28 makes the base material 26 less likely to become dirty.

[0026] The indicator 22 has a plate-shaped optimum insemination time indicating portion 30 for confirming whether the confirmed time is the optimum insemination time for the cow C or immediately before the optimum insemination time based on a change in the exudation state of the ink F into the exudation member 24. The optimum insemination time indicating portion 30 can be disposed below or to the side of the exudation member 24. The optimum insemination time indicating portion 30 has an optimum time region 30a indicating that the confirmed time is the optimum insemination time for the cow C, an optimum time region 30b indicating that the confirmed time is the optimum insemination time immediately before the optimum insemination time for the cow C, and an optimum time region 30c indicating that the confirmed time is the optimum insemination time immediately after the optimum insemination time for the cow C. The optimum insemination time for the cow C is included in the optimum insemination time for the cow C.

[0027] (liquid pool 32) 1 and 3, the estrus detection device 10 is provided with a tubular liquid reservoir 32 for collecting the ink F discharged from the discharge port 20 of the discharge tube 16. The liquid reservoir 32 is provided between the container 12 and the indicator 22, and is made of, for example, plastic. One end of the liquid reservoir 32 is airtightly connected to the front end of the discharge tube 16, which is the discharge portion side of the container 12, via a connecting member 34. The connecting member 34 is made of, for example, resin, and prevents the ink F from leaking between the liquid reservoir 32 and the discharge tube 16.

[0028] The other end of the liquid reservoir 32 is airtightly connected to the base end of the exudation member 24 via a connecting member 36. The connecting member 36 is made of, for example, resin, and prevents the ink F from leaking between the liquid reservoir 32 and the exudation member 24. The liquid reservoir 32 also has a protruding portion 38 that protrudes downward in the center. The liquid reservoir 32 is configured to collect the ink F in the protruding portion 38.

[0029] Instead of forming the liquid pool 32 in a tubular shape and having the protruding portion 38, the liquid pool 32 may be formed in a thin box shape and the protruding portion 38 may be omitted. In this case, the thin box-shaped liquid pool 32 (not shown) is configured to store the ink F therein. Also, as long as the liquid pool 32 has the function of storing the ink F discharged from the discharge port 20 of the discharge tube 16, the shape of the liquid pool 32 may be changed as appropriate.

[0030] (Guide needle 40) 1 and 3, the estrus detection instrument 10 is equipped with a thin tube-shaped guide needle 40 provided in the liquid pool 32, and the guide needle 40 guides the ink F discharged from the outlet 20 of the discharge tube 16 into the protruding portion 38 of the liquid pool 32. The base end of the guide needle 40 is connected to the outlet 20 of the discharge tube 16, and the tip of the guide needle 40 is located in the vicinity of the upper side of the protruding portion 38 of the liquid pool 32. It is to be noted that the guide needle 40 may be omitted from the configuration of the estrus detection instrument 10.

[0031] (String-like member 42) As shown in Figs. 1 and 3, the estrus detection device 10 includes a string-like member 42 provided in the liquid pool 32, and the string-like member 42 is, for example, a braided string. The string-like member 42 transports the ink F from the liquid pool 38 toward the exudation member 24 by, for example, capillary action. One end of the string-like member 42 is located in the protruding portion 38 of the liquid pool 32, and the other end of the string-like member 42 is connected to the base end of the exudation member 24. In other words, the exudation member 24 is configured to be able to suck up the ink F stored in the protruding portion 38 of the liquid pool 32 via the string-like member 42. The estrus detection device 10 is configured so that the ink F does not leak from the connecting portion between the string-like member 42 and the exudation member 24.

[0032] The string-like member 42 may be omitted from the configuration of the estrus detection device 10. In this case, the base end of the exuding member 24 is located inside the protruding portion 38 of the tubular liquid pool 32. Furthermore, if the liquid pool 32 is formed in a thin box shape and the protruding portion 38 is omitted, the base end of the exuding member 24 is located inside the liquid pool 32. The base end of the exuding member 24 may contact or be close to the bottom surface of the thin box-shaped liquid pool 32. In other words, the configuration of the estrus detection device 10 may be appropriately changed as long as it is configured so that the ink F stored in the liquid pool 32 can be transferred to the exuding member 24.

[0033] (Pedestal 44) As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the estrus detection device 10 includes a base 44 for placing the indicator 22 and the liquid pool 32, and the base 44 has a recess 46 formed therein for holding the protruding portion 38 of the liquid pool 32. The base 44 can be attached to the lumbar region Ca of the cow C, for example, via Velcro (registered trademark) or the like. The indicator 22 and the liquid pool 32 can each be indirectly attached to the lumbar region Ca of the cow C via the base 44. The indicator 22 and the liquid pool 32 may be attached to a part of the cow C other than the lumbar region Ca, such as the side of the hindquarters, instead of being attached to the lumbar region Ca of the cow C. With this configuration, the stress on the cow C caused by the attachment of the estrus detection device 10 can be reduced.

[0034] When the liquid pool 32 is formed in a thin box shape and the protruding portion 38 is omitted, the recessed portion 46 may be omitted from the base 44 to make the base 44 thinner. In this case, the height of the estrus detection device 10 including the base 44 can be set within a range of, for example, 3 mm or more and 50 mm or less, making it difficult for the estrus detection device 10 to come off the cow C. In addition, the base 44 may be provided with the optimum insemination time indicating portion 30, which is part of the indicator 22. Furthermore, the base 44 may be omitted from the configuration of the estrus detection device 10.

[0035] (Scratch Sheet 48) As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the estrus detection device 10 is provided with a scratch sheet 48 that can be placed on the container 12. The scratch sheet 48 is configured so that a coating layer peels off due to friction with other cows C' (see II in Fig. 4) that occurs when a cow C is permitted to be mounted, and the surface of the material is exposed. The surface of the material of the scratch sheet 48 is a highly saturated color such as red or yellow. The scratch sheet 48 corresponds to an alarm unit that visually notifies the cow C that the cow C has permitted to be mounted by exposing its surface. The specific configuration of the scratch sheet 48 is publicly known as shown in Patent Document 3, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0036] (Effects of the estrus detection device 10) Next, the effects of the estrus detection device 10 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0037] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the container 12 is attached to the waist of the cow C, and the indicator 22 and the liquid pool 32 are indirectly attached to the waist or other part of the cow C via a pedestal 44 (see I in Figure 4). In this state, when the cow C performs a mount-permitting behavior, which is an indicator of the cow C's estrus (see II in Figure 4), the ink F is discharged from the outlet 20 of the discharge pipe 16 due to pressure from the other cows C'. If the pedestal 44 is omitted from the configuration of the estrus detection device 10, the indicator 22 and the liquid pool 32 are attached to the waist or other part of the cow C via, for example, Velcro (registered trademark) or the like.

[0038] Then, the ink F discharged from the discharge port 20 of the discharge tube 16 is temporarily stored in the protruding portion 38 of the liquid pool 32 via the guide needle 40. The ink F stored in the protruding portion 38 of the liquid pool 32 is transferred from the inside of the protruding portion 38 of the liquid pool 32 toward the exudation member 24 by the string-like member 42, and exuded into the exudation member 24. The indicator 22 not only indicates the presence or absence of estrus of the cow C based on the presence or absence of exudation of the ink F into the exudation member 24, but also indicates the elapsed time from the start of estrus of the cow C based on the change in the exudation state of the ink F into the exudation member 24. In particular, the ink F discharged from the discharge port 20 of the discharge tube 16 is temporarily stored in the protruding portion 38 of the liquid pool 32, and is transferred from the inside of the protruding portion 38 of the liquid pool 32 toward the exudation member 24 by the string-like member 42 at a stable speed, so that the indicator 22 can accurately indicate the elapsed time from the start of estrus of the cow C. In other words, even if ink F is discharged multiple times from the outlet 20 of the discharge pipe 16 due to repeated riding-permitted behavior during the estrus period, the ink F can be temporarily stored in the protruding portion 38 of the liquid pool 32, thereby maintaining the transport of the ink F to the exudation member 24 at a stable speed.

[0039] That is, by simply using the estrus detection tool 10, which is a simple tool, a worker such as a breeder can confirm whether the confirmed time is the optimum time for insemination of the cow C or immediately before it, based on the change in the exudation state of the ink F into the exudation member 24. In other words, by simply using the estrus detection tool 10, which is a simple tool, a worker can not only determine whether the cow C is in estrus, but also detect (estimate) the optimum time for insemination of the cow C.

[0040] Therefore, according to the estrus detection device 10 of this embodiment, the cost of estrus detection can be reduced compared to estrus detection systems that use ICT, while artificial insemination can be performed at the appropriate time, thereby improving the conception rate through artificial insemination.

[0041] Furthermore, when the cow C exhibits a riding permission behavior, which is an indicator of the cow C's estrus, the ink F is discharged from the outlet 20 of the discharge pipe 16 due to pressure from the other cows C', and the scratch sheet 48 as a notification unit visually notifies the cow C that the riding permission behavior has occurred. Therefore, with the estrus detection device 10 according to this embodiment, the worker such as a breeder only needs to check the indicator 22 attached to the cow C that has been notified by the scratch sheet 48, thereby reducing the burden on the worker.

[0042] [Artificial insemination method according to the present embodiment] The artificial insemination method according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1, 2, and 4. The artificial insemination method according to this embodiment is a method for artificially inseminating a female cow C using the estrus detection tool 10 according to this embodiment.

[0043] As shown in Figs. 1, 2, and 4, the container 12 is attached to the cow C's waist, and the indicator 22 and the liquid pool 32 are indirectly attached to the cow C's waist or other part via the base 44 (see I in Fig. 4). In this state, after the cow C's riding permission behavior, which is an indicator of the cow C's estrus, occurs, a worker such as a breeder checks whether the confirmed time is the appropriate insemination time for the cow C or just before it, by referring to the elapsed time from the start of the estrus of the cow C indicated on the indicator 22 by the change in the exudation state of the ink F into the exudation member 24. In particular, since the indicator 22 has the appropriate insemination time indicating part 30, the worker can easily check whether the confirmed time is the appropriate insemination time for the cow or just before it. If the base 44 is omitted from the configuration of the estrus detection device 10, the indicator 22 and the liquid pool 32 are attached to the cow C's waist or other part via, for example, Velcro (registered trademark) or the like.

[0044] Then, if the confirmed time is the optimum time for insemination of cow C or immediately before that time, artificial insemination is performed on cow C by injecting semen into the uterus Cb of cow C using an injector P at the optimum time for insemination of cow C.

[0045] According to the configuration of the artificial insemination method of this embodiment, an operator such as a breeder can simply use the estrus detection instrument 10, which is a simple instrument, to confirm whether the confirmed time is the optimum time for insemination of the cow C or immediately before it, based on the change in the exudation state of the ink F into the exudation member 24. In other words, by simply using the estrus detection instrument 10, which is a simple instrument, an operator can not only detect whether the cow C is in estrus, but also detect (estimate) the optimum time for insemination of the cow C.

[0046] Therefore, according to the artificial insemination method of this embodiment, the costs associated with estrus detection can be reduced compared to estrus detection systems that utilize ICT, while artificial insemination can be performed at an appropriate time compared to when conventional simple estrus detection equipment is used, thereby improving the conception rate through artificial insemination.

[0047] [Variation 1 of this embodiment] The first modified example of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a schematic plan view of the estrus detection device according to the first modified example of this embodiment attached to a female cow. For ease of explanation, the same reference numerals are given to members having the same functions as the members explained in the above-mentioned embodiment, and the explanation thereof will not be repeated.

[0048] (Outline of the estrus detection device 10A) As shown in Figure 5, the estrus detection device 10A according to variant example 1 of this embodiment has a configuration similar to the estrus detection device 10 according to the present embodiment described above (see Figures 1 to 3), and only those points in the configuration of the estrus detection device 10A that differ from the configuration of the estrus detection device 10 will be described.

[0049] (2nd container 50) The estrus detection tool 10A is provided with a second container 50 that contains ink F (see FIG. 3) as a colored liquid instead of the scratch sheet 48 (see FIG. 2), and the second container 50 can be attached to the lumbar region Ca of the cow C via, for example, Velcro (registered trademark) or the like. The second container 50 has a similar configuration to the container 12, and has a flexible tube 14 and a discharge pipe 16 provided at the tip side of the flexible tube 14. An injection needle 52 is provided at the discharge port 20 of the discharge pipe 16 to inject the ink F into the base 44 or a sheet (not shown) around the base 44. The injection needle 52 may be omitted from the configuration of the estrus detection tool 10A.

[0050] The second container 50, like the container 12, is configured to discharge ink F from the outlet 20 of the discharge pipe 16 due to pressure from other cows C' (see FIG. 4) that occurs when the cow C takes the permitted to be climbed. Therefore, the pedestal 44 or the sheet around the pedestal 44 is configured to change color by the injection of ink F from the injection needle 52 when the cow C takes the permitted to be climbed. The pedestal 44 or the sheet around the pedestal 44 corresponds to an alarm part that visually notifies the user that the cow C has taken the permitted to be climbed by changing color.

[0051] The estrus detection instrument 10A according to the first modified example of this embodiment also provides the same advantageous effects as those of the estrus detection instrument 10 described above.

[0052] [Modification 2 of this embodiment] The second modification of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a schematic side view of the estrus detection device according to the second modification of this embodiment attached to a female cow. For ease of explanation, the same reference numerals are given to members having the same functions as the members explained in the above-mentioned embodiment, and the explanation thereof will not be repeated.

[0053] (Outline of the estrus detection device 10B) As shown in Figure 6, the estrus detection device 10B according to variant example 2 of this embodiment has a configuration similar to the estrus detection device 10 according to the present embodiment described above (see Figures 1 to 3), and only the points in the configuration of the estrus detection device 10B that differ from the configuration of the estrus detection device 10 will be described.

[0054] (Air bag 54) Instead of having a scratch sheet 48 (see FIG. 2), estrus detection device 10B has an air bag 54 provided on the upper side of container 12, and air bag 54 is configured to deflate due to pressure from other cows C' (see FIG. 4) that occurs when cow C is permitted to be climbed on. In FIG. 6, air bag 54 before it deflates is shown by a two-dot chain line, and air bag 54 after it has deflated is shown by a solid line. Air bag 54 corresponds to an alarm unit that visually notifies the user that cow C has permitted to be climbed on by changing its shape.

[0055] The estrus detection instrument 10B according to the second modified example of this embodiment also provides the same advantageous effects as those of the estrus detection instrument 10 described above.

[0056] [Modification 3 of this embodiment] Modification 3 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a schematic side view of an estrus detection device according to Modification 3 of this embodiment attached to a female cow. For ease of explanation, the same reference numerals are given to members having the same functions as those described in the above embodiment, and the explanation thereof will not be repeated.

[0057] (Outline of the estrus detection device 10C) As shown in Figure 7, the estrus detection device 10C according to variant example 3 of this embodiment has a configuration similar to the estrus detection device 10 according to the present embodiment described above (see Figures 1 to 3), and only those points in the configuration of the estrus detection device 10C that differ from the configuration of the estrus detection device 10 will be described.

[0058] The estrus detection tool 10C, instead of the scratch sheet 48 (see FIG. 2), is provided with a pressure-receiving member 56 that is provided on the upper side of the container 12 and receives pressure from another cow C' (see FIG. 4) when the cow C is permitted to be climbed on. The estrus detection tool 10C is provided with a moving member 58 that is provided on the container 12 or in its vicinity so as to be swingable in the vertical direction, and the moving member 58 is switched between a lying position (position shown by two-dot chain line in FIG. 7) and an upright position (position shown by solid line in FIG. 7) by its swinging motion. The moving member 58 is configured to switch from the lying position to the upright position when the pressure-receiving member 56 receives pressure from the other cow C'. The moving member 58 corresponds to an informing unit that visually informs that the cow C has permitted to be climbed on by its change in position.

[0059] The estrus detection instrument 10C according to the third modified example of this embodiment also provides the same advantageous effects as those of the estrus detection instrument 10 described above.

[0060] Other Embodiments 2, the change in the exudation state of the ink F into the exudation member 24 refers to a change in the exudation area of ​​the ink F into the exudation member 24, but it may refer to a change in the color state of the exuded portion 24e of the ink F in the exudation member 24. The change in the color state of the exuded portion 24e of the ink F in the exudation member 24 includes both a change in the color state of the exudation member 24 itself and a change in the color state of the ink F itself.

[0061] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, as shown in Figures 2, 5 to 7, the scratch sheet 48 or the like as an alarm unit visually notifies the user that the cow C has taken the action of permitting riding, but an alarm sound may also be used to audibly notify the user that the cow C has taken the action of permitting riding.

[0062] [Additional Notes] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0063] 10: estrus detection device, 12: container, 14: flexible tube, 16: discharge pipe, 18: passage, 20: discharge port (discharge section), 22: indicator, 24: exuding member, 24e: exuding portion, 24t: tip of exuding portion, 26: base material, 28: protective coat, 30: insemination optimum time indicator, 30a: optimum time area, 30b: optimum time area, 30c: optimum time area, 32: liquid reservoir, 34: connecting member, 36: connecting section material, 38: protrusion, 40: guide needle, 42: string-like member, 44: base, 46: recess, 48: scratch sheet (notification unit), 10A: estrus detection device, 50: second container, 52: injection needle, 10B: estrus detection device, 54: air bag (notification unit), 10C: estrus detection device, 56: pressure-receiving member, 58: operating member (notification unit), F: ink (liquid), C: cow, Ca: lower back, Cb: uterus, P: injector

Claims

1. a container for storing liquid, the container being attachable to the cow's waist, having a discharge part for discharging liquid, and configured to discharge liquid from the discharge part by pressure generated when the cow is allowed to mount; an indicator having an exudation member for exuding the liquid discharged from the discharge part of the container, the indicator indicating the elapsed time from the onset of estrus of the cow by a change in the exudation state of the liquid into the exudation member; a liquid reservoir having one end connected to the discharge portion of the container and the other end connected to the exudation member, for collecting liquid discharged from the discharge portion of the container; The exudation member is configured to absorb liquid accumulated in the liquid pool, in the estrus detection device.

2. 2. The estrus detection device as described in claim 1, wherein the indicator has an appropriate insemination time indicating portion for determining whether the confirmed time is the appropriate time for insemination of a female cow or immediately before the appropriate time based on a change in the exudation state of liquid into the exudation member.

3. 3. The estrus detection device according to claim 1, further comprising an alarm unit for notifying that a cow has exhibited a behavior of allowing riding.

4. 2. The estrus detection device according to claim 1, wherein the container is attached to the cow's waist and the indicator is attached to the cow's waist or other part, and after the cow exhibits a riding permission behavior, The operator refers to the elapsed time from the start of estrus of the cow, which is indicated on the indicator by the change in the exudation state of the liquid into the exudation member, and confirms whether the confirmed time is the optimum time for insemination of the cow or immediately before the optimum time. The artificial insemination method comprises, when the confirmed time is the optimum insemination time for a female cow or immediately before the optimum insemination time for the female cow, artificially inseminating the female cow at the optimum insemination time for the female cow.

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