Clothes for calves and cattle breeding method

Abstract

To provide means capable of simply, appropriately and effectively keeping calves warm, while reducing stress of the calves and workload of livestock farmers, etc. as much as possible.SOLUTION: Clothing A for calves C for covering a substantial trunk part, comprises (1) a neck cover part 11 having a substantially trapezoidal median cross section sloping, with it widening downward having a substantially hollow truncated cone shape when being deployed, and covering the periphery of a neck part when being worn, (2) a breast / belly cover part 2 having a substantially hollow cylindrical shape when being deployed, and covering the periphery of the breast and belly parts and the periphery of a back center when being worn, and (3) a back rearward cover part 3 having a substantially hollow cylindrical shape when being deployed, including a notch 34 formed from a front-end lower side to a rear end, and covering the periphery of the back rearward when being worn. The clothing A for calves is so configured that a front opening of the neck cover part 1 constitutes a head insertion part 4 for inserting a head part when being worn, and forelimb insertion holes 5 that when being not worn, have a substantially vertically-long rectangular shape, are substantially symmetrically formed at lateral forward positions of the breast / belly cover part 2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to clothing for calves to be worn on a substantially torso portion, a cattle breeding method including a step of having calves wear such clothing for calves, and the like.

Background Art

[0002] For the production of milk, dairy products, beef, etc., cattle breeding is widely carried out as one of the livestock industries. In the case of dairy farming, since milk is not produced without giving birth, breeding is regularly carried out, and the calves born at that time are raised for securing the next generation of cows, etc. Also in the case of beef production, calves are born from cows and raised until they grow into fattening cattle.

[0003] Generally, calves up to about 1 to 3 months old are vulnerable to cold, and are likely to catch a cold or have diarrhea when anti-cold measures are insufficient. Poor physical condition of calves at this time is likely to lead to poor growth and also lead to a decrease in management efficiency. Therefore, it is desirable to raise calves while performing heat retention management until calves can regulate their body temperature to some extent by themselves.

[0004] As heat retention management in calf rearing, in addition to blocking the draft in the calf rearing space and laying heat retention mats, calves are also made to wear clothing for calves.

[0005] For example, Patent Document 1 describes livestock clothing including a fabric portion composed of a woven non-woven fabric made of polyvinyl alcohol-based fibers and attachment means, and Patent Document 2 describes clothing for a quadruped animal that is in a single sheet form and covers the entire torso by winding around the torso of the quadruped animal and connecting both end portions in the torso direction by connecting means formed therebetween.

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Disclosure of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] Calves grow very fast. At birth, their average weight is about 30 kg, average body length is about 60 cm, and average body height is about 67 cm. By 8 weeks of age, their average weight reaches about 220 kg, average body length reaches about 115 cm, and average body height reaches about 108 cm. Therefore, when dressing calves with clothes for heat preservation management, even if only about 1 to 3 months have passed since birth, it may be necessary to change the clothes to different sizes multiple times, or attach a member to adjust the tightening degree of the clothes to adjust the size. As a result, both the stress on the calves and the workload of livestock farmers were excessive. In addition, as the calves grow, the clothes are likely to slip up, and it is difficult to constantly cover the abdomen. Therefore, it has been difficult to maintain heat insulation continuously and sufficiently for a certain period after birth.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a means that can simply, appropriately, and effectively keep calves warm while reducing the stress on calves and the workload of livestock farmers as much as possible.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] In the present invention, there is provided a calf's clothing to be covered on a substantially torso part, which, in order from the front side, has a substantially trapezoidal shape in a front cross-section where the lower part is inclined in a flaring shape, and a shape in the deployed state is a substantially hollow frustum of a cone shape. It includes a neck covering part that covers the vicinity of the neck when worn, a chest and abdomen covering part that is continuous with the neck covering part and has a shape in the deployed state that is a substantially hollow cylindrical shape and covers the vicinity of the chest and abdomen and the vicinity of the center of the back when worn, and a rear-back covering part that is continuous with the chest and abdomen covering part and has a shape in the deployed state that is a substantially hollow cylindrical shape with a notch formed from the lower front end to the rear end and covers the vicinity of the rear of the back when worn. The front opening of the neck covering part constitutes a head insertion part for inserting the head when worn. At a position in front of the side surface of the chest and abdomen covering part, substantially symmetrically on the left and right, there are formed substantially vertically long rectangular front limb insertion holes that are vertically long in the non-worn state. The present invention also provides a method for raising cattle that includes the step of dressing such calf's clothing on a calf.

[0009] For example, in the early stage after birth, cover the calf from the rear end side of this calf clothing to the head insertion part from the head side of the calf, insert the head insertion part through the head of the calf, insert the left and right front limb insertion holes through both front limbs of the calf respectively, and pull the rear end backward so that most of the body part is covered, and then put on this calf clothing.

[0010] Thereby, since the chest and abdomen vicinity of the calf can be covered, the lower abdomen etc. can be appropriately kept warm, and physical condition deterioration of the calf due to the lower abdomen getting cold and growth retardation caused thereby can be effectively prevented. Also, in the case of this calf clothing, not only the chest and abdomen vicinity but also the neck vicinity is covered, so that even without wearing another piece of clothing etc. for keeping the neck warm, the neck and its periphery can be appropriately kept warm. Therefore, the calf clothing according to the present invention can cover both the neck and its periphery, which are important parts for heat preservation, and the lower abdomen, and thus is effective for appropriately keeping the whole body of the calf warm.

[0011] In order to appropriately and effectively keep the calf warm, it is necessary that the body surface of the calf and the clothing are in close contact with each other with as little gap as possible. On the contrary, in this calf clothing, by configuring the chest and abdomen covering part etc. to expand and contract in the circumferential direction, even for various and fine irregularities on the body surface of the calf, from the vicinity of the calf's neck to the vicinity of the abdomen and waist, the clothing can be made to closely adhere to the body surface without any gap. Therefore, according to the present invention, the calf can be kept warm appropriately, effectively and efficiently.

[0012] In addition, in order to appropriately and effectively keep calves warm, the size of the clothing needs to fit so that the calf's body surface and the clothing are in close contact as much as possible. On the other hand, as described above, for example, calves grow very quickly until about 1 to 3 months after birth, and there are significant differences in the size of the calves at birth and at 1 to 3 months of age. However, in the case of this calf clothing, by configuring the chest and abdomen covering part to extend circumferentially in accordance with the growth of the calf, a calf in the early postnatal period can wear clothing of a size that fits its size at birth, and even when the calf grows to, for example, 1 to 3 months of age, a properly fitting state is maintained. Therefore, if this calf clothing is worn in the early postnatal period, there is no need to change the clothing to one of a different size during the period when heat retention management is required, so the stress that the calf undergoes due to changing clothes, etc., and the workload of livestock farmers can be reduced as much as possible, and the heat retention of the calf can be carried out simply, appropriately, and effectively.

[0013] In addition, since a properly fitting state is maintained throughout the period when heat retention is desired after birth, there is no need to wear clothing of a slightly larger size in anticipation of growth, as is commonly done. Therefore, using this calf clothing has the following advantages. (1) By wearing clothing of a larger size, it is possible to prevent the clothing from coming off, slipping, or being stepped on by the limbs. (2) By wearing clothing of a larger size, it is possible to prevent a decrease in adhesion and heat retention. (3) By wearing clothing of a larger size, it is also possible to prevent feces and urine from adhering to parts where the size does not fit (loose parts), which could cause the body temperature to be taken away or lead to unsanitary conditions. (4) Therefore, a low-stress and hygienic rearing environment can be maintained.

[0014] In this calf clothing, front limb insertion holes are formed at positions on the front side of the chest and abdomen covering part, substantially symmetrically left and right, and are formed to be substantially rectangular in the vertical direction when not in use. By making the shape of the front limb insertion holes substantially rectangular in the vertical direction, in particular, not substantially elliptical or substantially rectangular in the longitudinal direction of the body axis but substantially rectangular in the vertical direction, the segmentation of the elastic members arranged in the circumferential direction can be minimized in order to enable the chest and abdomen covering part to expand and contract in the circumferential direction (vertical direction). In other words, by forming the front limb insertion holes narrow in the width direction with respect to the body axis direction, the number of these elastic members that have to be cut to form the front limb insertion holes can be minimized. Thereby, while enabling the front limbs to be inserted, and while maintaining airtightness and heat retention without forming a gap between the front limb insertion holes and the front limbs during wearing, the elasticity in the circumferential direction can be maintained without being lost as much as possible.

[0015] Also, by forming front limb insertion holes at positions on the front side of the chest and abdomen covering part of this calf clothing (positions near the center in the body axis direction of the calf clothing), and configuring it so that both front limbs of the calf are inserted into the left and right front limb insertion holes respectively for wearing, during wearing, the calf clothing is in a fixed state at least near the center in the body axis direction, so that it is possible to prevent the calf clothing from slipping upward in the head direction due to the movement and growth of the calf. Therefore, during a certain period when it is desired to keep the calf warm from birth, the lower abdomen etc. can be appropriately kept warm, and the work burden on livestock farmers of checking whether the clothing has slipped upward in the head direction or correcting it can also be reduced.

[0016] In the case of conventional livestock clothing, etc., in addition to changing the clothes as the calf grows in size, for example, there are cases where a member for adjusting the tightening degree is attached to the fabric to adjust the size. Also, there are cases where a member for suppressing slippage is attached to the fabric so that the clothing does not slip upward in the head direction. On the other hand, when a member is attached to the fabric, it is easy for manure, urine, and hair to get into or entangle with the member, and as a result, those members are likely to deteriorate or stop functioning. Also, by attaching a member to the fabric, a force load is likely to concentrate on that part, making the fabric likely to break and often impairing the durability.

[0017] On the other hand, in the case of this calf clothing, as described above, by enabling the chest and abdomen covering part, etc. to expand and contract in the circumferential direction, the clothing can be made to closely adhere to the calf's body surface, and during a certain period after birth when heat retention is desired, a size - fitting state can be maintained. Therefore, those members can be omitted or simplified. Also, by adopting a configuration in which both front legs of the calf are inserted into the left and right front - leg insertion holes respectively for wearing, it is possible to prevent the clothing from slipping upward in the head direction. Therefore, members for preventing slippage, etc. can also be omitted or simplified. For this reason, the present invention has the advantages that the size - fitting function and the slippage - suppressing function are less likely to deteriorate, and since the load does not concentrate on a specific part, there is less damage to the fabric and the durability is high. In relation to these, this calf clothing has the advantage that it can raise the calf without changing the clothes during the period after wearing it early after birth and until the period when heat retention is desired, and after use, it can be reused multiple times after washing as clothing for the next calf.

[0018] In the rear back covering part of this calf's clothing, a notch is formed from the lower side of the front end towards the rear end. For example, in the case of a male calf, a notch is formed from a position in front near the position corresponding to the penis towards the rear end of the calf's clothing so that the abdomen is covered as much as possible and the penis part is exposed. That is, when worn, the buttocks and tail are exposed from the rear opening of the rear back covering part, and by forming the notch, the penis part is also exposed from the calf's clothing. Thus, also, since the calf's clothing according to the present invention is in close contact with the body surface when worn, it can prevent feces and urine from directly adhering to the clothing, thereby preventing a decrease in the body surface temperature and maintaining heat retention. Furthermore, it can suppress the clothing from getting dirty when worn and keep the breeding environment hygienic.

[0019] Also, by forming a notch from the lower side of the front end towards the rear end of the rear back covering part, as the calf grows and gets larger, the width of both ends of the notch gradually opens to the left and right, so that the rear side of the clothing is appropriately adjusted according to the size from the rear abdomen to the waist and buttocks of the calf, and the clothing does not become tight.

Advantages of the Invention

[0020] According to the present invention, it is possible to simply, appropriately, and effectively keep the calf warm while reducing the stress on the calf and the workload of livestock farmers as much as possible.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] <The calf clothing according to the present invention> The present invention is a calf's clothing to be covered on a substantially torso part, which in order from the front side, (1) has a substantially trapezoidal shape in a front view with the lower part sloping in a flaring shape, and a shape in a developed state being substantially a hollow frustum of a cone, and a neck covering part that covers the vicinity of the neck when worn, (2) is continuous with the neck covering part, has a shape in a developed state being substantially a hollow cylindrical shape, and a chest and abdomen covering part that covers the vicinity of the chest and abdomen and the vicinity of the center of the back when worn, (3) is continuous with the chest and abdomen covering part, has a shape in a developed state being substantially a hollow cylindrical shape with a notch formed from the lower side of the front end towards the rear end, and a rear back covering part that covers the vicinity of the rear of the back when worn, and widely includes calf's clothing equipped with the like.

[0022] The following will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4.

[0023] FIG. 1 is an external schematic view showing an example of the calf clothing A according to the present invention worn on a calf C. FIG. 2 is a side schematic view showing an example of the calf clothing A according to the present invention in a deployed state when not worn. FIG. 3 is a side schematic view showing an example of the calf clothing A according to the present invention in a folded state when not worn.

[0024] In FIG. 1, the calf C has a head C1, front legs C2, a back C3, necks C4 to C5, a chest and abdomen C6, a penis part C7, hind legs C8, a buttocks C9, and a tail C10.

[0025] The calf clothing A in FIGS. 1 to 3, as an overall shape, is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with the front and rear in the body axis direction X1 open in a deployed state when not worn (see FIG. 2). In order from the front side in the body axis direction X1, it includes a neck covering part 1, a chest and abdomen covering part 2, and a rear back covering part 3. They are formed in a substantially left - right symmetric and continuous manner with respect to the median plane. The front opening 10 of the neck covering part 1 constitutes a head insertion part 4. Further, a front leg insertion hole 5 is formed at a position in front of the side surface of the chest and abdomen covering part 2, and a notch 34 is formed on the lower side of the rear back covering part 3.

[0026] As described above, in each figure, the neck covering part 1, the chest and abdomen covering part 2, and the rear back covering part 3 are formed continuously and integrally. Above the neck covering part 1 at 11, above the chest and abdomen covering part 2 at 21, and above the rear back covering part 3 at 31, when worn, they are continuously located around the midline of the back C3. Therefore, above the neck covering part 1 at 11, above the chest and abdomen covering part 2 at 21, and above the rear back covering part 3 at 31, when not worn, they may be formed in a substantially straight line shape. The total length in the body axis direction X1 of the calf clothing A (the length from the front end of above the neck covering part 1 at 11 to the rear end of above the rear back covering part 3 at 31) can be set as appropriate and is not particularly limited. For example, it can be the length from the neck C4 of the calf C in the early stage after birth to the rear of the back C3 (or in front of the hip C9 and tail C10). For example, the length of the calf clothing A in the body axis direction X1 may be set to 750 to 1,000 mm.

[0027] The neck covering part 1 is a part corresponding to the vicinity of the neck C4 - C5 of the calf C. When worn (refer to Fig. 1, the same hereinafter), it generally covers the neck C4 - C5 around the entire circumference from around the base of the head C1 to around the brisket C31. The front view cross-section S1 - S2 (refer to Fig. 2) is a substantially trapezoid with 11 above being substantially horizontal and 12 below being inclined in a flaring shape from the front to the rear in the body axis direction X1. The form of the same part 1 when unfolded when not worn (the state before stretching, the same hereinafter) (the state of being unfolded into a substantially hollow cylindrical shape without folding, refer to Fig. 2, the same hereinafter) is a substantially hollow frustum of a cone shape.

[0028] When worn, above the neck covering part 1 at 11 is located around the midline of the back C3, the front side of 12 below is around the neck C4, and the rear side 13 of it is around the neck C5. Since it can widely cover around the neck C4 - C5, these parts and their peripheries can be appropriately heat-insulated.

[0029] The neck covering portion 1 may be configured to expand and contract in the circumferential direction. For example, an elastic fabric may be used for all or part of the fabric T forming the neck covering portion 1 so that it can expand and contract in the circumferential direction. Further, in the normal cross-section S1 - S2, the lower part 12 is formed in a substantially trapezoidal shape that slopes in a flaring manner from the front to the rear in the body axis direction X1, so that when worn, the area from the neck C4 to around the chest pendant C31 can be covered in a close-fitting state.

[0030] The dimensions of the neck covering portion 1 can be set as appropriate and are not particularly limited. For example, when not stretched, the upper base of the substantially right trapezoid in the normal cross-section S1 - S2 may be set to 200 - 250 mm, the lower base to 300 - 400 mm, and the height (the length in the body axis direction X1) to 150 - 250 mm.

[0031] The chest and abdomen covering portion 2 is located at positions corresponding to the vicinity of the chest and abdomen C6 and the vicinity of the center of the back C3 of the calf C, and when worn, it generally covers the area from the chest and abdomen C6 to the vicinity of the center of the back C3 over the entire circumference. The shape when unfolded when not in use is a substantially hollow cylindrical shape.

[0032] When worn, the upper part 21 of the chest and abdomen covering portion 2 is located around the midline of the back C3, and the lower part 22 is located around the lower abdomen C61. Therefore, a wide range including the lower abdomen C61 can be covered, and the chest and abdomen C6 and its periphery can also be appropriately insulated.

[0033] The chest and abdomen covering portion 2 may be configured to expand and contract in the circumferential direction. For example, an elastic fabric may be used for all or part of the fabric T forming the chest and abdomen covering portion 2 so that it can expand and contract in the circumferential direction. Further, by forming the portion 2 in a substantially hollow cylindrical shape, when worn, the area around the chest and abdomen C6 can be covered widely and in a close-fitting state.

[0034] The dimensions of the chest and abdomen covering part 2 can be set as appropriate and are not particularly limited. The length of the circumference of the cross-section (substantially circular) of the chest and abdomen covering part 2 may be, for example, substantially the same as the length around the body of a calf in the early postnatal period. Thereby, in the early postnatal period, when worn, the adhesion and sealing properties in the lower abdomen and the like, and further the heat retention property can be enhanced. For example, even when growing up to 1 to 3 months old, by enabling the chest and abdomen covering part 2 to extend in the circumferential direction X2, the adhesion and sealing properties in the lower abdomen and the like, and the heat retention property thereby can be maintained. For example, when not extended, the length of the circumference of the cross-section (substantially circular) of the chest and abdomen covering part 2 may be set to 600 to 800 mm, and the length in the body axis direction X1 may be set to 300 to 500 mm.

[0035] The rear back covering part 3 is a part corresponding to the vicinity of the rear of the back C3 of the calf C and covers the vicinity of the rear back when worn. The rear back covering part 3 is continuous with the chest and abdomen covering part 2, and a notch 34 is formed from the lower front end 32 to the rear end 33 in a substantially hollow cylindrical shape when unfolded.

[0036] The rear back covering part 3 may be configured to expand and contract in the circumferential direction. For example, by adopting stretchable fabric for all or part of the fabric T forming the rear back covering part 3 so that it can expand and contract in the circumferential direction, the size from the rear abdomen to the waist and hips of the calf can be automatically adjusted as appropriate according to the growth of the calf, and the clothes A are less likely to become tight.

[0037] The dimensions of the rear back covering part 3 can be set as appropriate and are not particularly limited. The length of the circumference of the cross-section (substantially circular) of the rear back covering part 3 before forming the notch 34 may be substantially the same as that of the chest and abdomen covering part 2. For example, when not extended, the length of the circumference of the cross-section of the chest and abdomen covering part 2 may be set to 600 to 800 mm, and the length in the body axis direction X1 may be set to 200 to 400 mm.

[0038] The notch 34 is a notched part on the lower surface of the rear back covering part 3, and the notch is formed from the lower front end 32 (the position of the lower rear end of the chest and abdomen covering part 2) of the rear back covering part 3 towards the rear end 33. The notch part 5 is formed, for example, in the case of a male calf so that the lower abdomen C61 is covered and the penis part C7 is exposed. By forming the notch 34, the penis part C7 etc. can be exposed while the lower abdomen C61 remains covered, and while exposing the penis part C7 etc., it is possible to cover as far back as possible on the body of the calf C.

[0039] The notch 34 may be formed, for example, in a substantially inverted V - shaped view from below that spreads rearward from the lower front end 32 to the rear end 33 of the rear back covering part 3 when unfolded. Thereby, since the length corresponding to the lateral width of the penis part C7 etc. can be secured relatively easily, while exposing the penis part C7 etc., the length of the notch can be shortened and it becomes easier to cover the lower abdomen C61. For example, starting from the lower front end 32 of the rear back covering part 3 (the position of the lower rear end of the chest and abdomen covering part 2. A position slightly in front of the position corresponding to the penis part C7 etc. when worn.), from there, incisions are made symmetrically to the left and right towards positions at approximately the same height on the circumferential side part corresponding to the rear end 33 of the rear back covering part 3, whereby the substantially inverted V - shaped notch 34 can be formed.

[0040] The position and size of the notch 34 may be such as long as it is formed from the lower front end 32 to the rear end 33 of the rear back covering part 3, and is not particularly limited. For example, starting from a position 200 - 400 mm from the rear end 33 of the rear back covering part 3 (the lower front end 32 of the rear back covering part 3), from there, incisions are made respectively to the left and right towards positions on the circumference at a height 150 - 250 mm below the upper part 31 (the center line) of the rear back covering part 3, whereby the notch 34 may be formed.

[0041] The head insertion part 4 is the front opening 10 of the neck covering part 1 and is the part through which the head C1 is inserted when worn. In the vertical cross-section S1 - S2 of the neck covering part 1, by making the upper part 11 substantially horizontal and the lower part 12 inclined in a flaring shape to form a substantially trapezoidal shape, the head insertion part 4 (the front opening 10 of the neck covering part 1) has a shorter diameter and circumferential length and its center is also located above compared to the cross-section (substantially circular) of the chest and abdomen covering part 2. Thereby, the head insertion part 4 can be formed at a position conforming to the head C1 of the cow.

[0042] The circumferential length of the head insertion part 4 (substantially circular) can be set as appropriate and is not particularly limited. For example, the circumferential length of the head insertion part 4 (substantially circular) may be made substantially the same as the length around the neck (the thickness of the neck) of a calf in the early postnatal period when not stretched. For example, when the neck covering part 1 is configured to expand and contract in the circumferential direction, in the early postnatal period, when worn, the adhesion and sealing properties around the neck, and furthermore the heat retention property, can be enhanced. Even when reaching about 1 - 3 months of age, the fabric T of the neck covering part 1 can be stretched in the circumferential direction X2 to maintain the adhesion and sealing properties around the neck and thereby the heat retention property. For example, the circumference of the head insertion part 4 (substantially circular) may be set to 400 - 500 mm.

[0043] The front limb insertion holes 5 are holes formed at substantially symmetric positions on the front side of the chest and abdomen covering part 2 (near the center in the body axis direction of the calf's clothing), and are the parts through which both front limbs C2, C2 of the calf C are inserted respectively when worn. The front limb insertion holes 5 are formed to be substantially vertically long rectangular in shape in the non-worn state (see Figure 3).

[0044] The dimensions and aspect ratio of the front limb insertion holes 5 can be adjusted as appropriate to a size that can maintain the sealing property while not being too tight for a calf in the early postnatal period when worn, and are not particularly limited. For example, the long side of the substantially rectangular shape of the front limb insertion holes 5 may be set to 100 - 200 mm, the short side to 50 - 100 mm, and the aspect ratio to 2:1 - 4:1.

[0045] The calf clothing A according to the present invention covers from the neck C4 to around the chest and abdomen C6 of the calf C when worn, and the penis C7, buttocks C9, and tail C10 are generally exposed. Also, the head C1 is inserted into the head insertion part 4, and both front legs C2, C2 are inserted into the left and right front leg insertion holes 5. On the other hand, the left and right hind legs C8, C8 are not inserted into the calf clothing A and are in an exposed state. As a result, when wearing, only the head C1 and front legs C2 of the calf C need to be inserted into the clothing A, and there is no need to insert the hind legs C8. Therefore, the stress received by the calf during wearing and the work burden on livestock farmers can be reduced as much as possible. Also, since the hind legs C8 are not inserted during wearing, even if the body length (length in the body axis direction X1) of the calf C increases due to growth, there is no need to change the size due to size incompatibility.

[0046] In addition, in FIG. 2, the clothing A in the unfolded state is illustrated, but the present invention only needs to be able to take such a form and does not need to be able to maintain such a form. In many cases, when not in use, it can maintain the form illustrated in FIG. 3 in a folded state, and when in use, it becomes a form as illustrated in FIG. 1 with the fabric T extended according to the body shape of the calf C.

[0047] The overall substantially hollow cylindrical shape of the calf clothing A according to the present invention can be created by known methods and is not particularly limited. For example, it may be created by folding a single piece of fabric T in half and overlapping it, using the fold as the upper edge (reference numerals 11, 21, 31 in FIG. 3) and sewing the lower edge (reference numeral 22 in FIG. 3), or by overlapping two pieces of fabric T and sewing the upper edge (reference numerals 11, 21, 31 in FIG. 3) and the lower edge (reference numeral 22 in FIG. 3).

[0048] The manufacturing means of the calf clothing A according to the present invention can widely adopt known means and is not particularly limited. For example, for a fabric T that is substantially hollow cylindrical and can be formed into a substantially rectangular shape by folding it in half, it can be manufactured by performing the following processing. Hereinafter, it will be described with reference to FIG. 3.

[0049] First, after cutting the front lower region T1 of the double-layered fabric T, the two cut surfaces that are overlapped are sewn together to form a portion corresponding to the neck covering part 1. For example, starting from a position 100 to 125 mm from the upper edge of the front end of the fabric T, and from there, both of the overlapped pieces are cut in a fan-shaped manner from the front to the rear in the body axis direction X1 up to the lower edge position at 150 to 250 mm from the front end of the fabric T, and the two cut surfaces are sewn together to produce the neck covering part 1.

[0050] Next, at a position near the center in the body axis direction of the double-layered fabric T (the same position for both layers), a vertically long, substantially rectangular hole is cut out to form portions corresponding to the front limb insertion holes 5 on the left and right sides respectively. For example, 50 to 200 mm behind the rear end of the neck covering part 1 (the front end of the chest and abdomen covering part 2) is set as the position of the front side of the substantially rectangle, and 50 to 200 mm below the upper edge of the fabric T (reference numeral 21 in FIG. 3) is set as the position of the upper side of the substantially rectangle, and a substantially rectangular shape with a long side of 100 to 200 mm, a short side of 50 to 100 mm, and an aspect ratio of 2:1 to 4:1 is cut out. Since the front limb insertion hole 5 is a portion through which the front limb C2 of the calf C is inserted, for each of the holes of the two overlapped pieces in the cut-out portion, a process of smoothing the cross-section may be performed.

[0051] Next, the rear lower region T2 of the double-layered fabric T is cut to form a portion corresponding to the notch 5. For example, starting from the position of the lower edge at the rear end of the chest and abdomen covering part 2 (at the lower edge of the fabric T, a position 200 to 400 mm in front of the rear end 33 of the rear back covering part 3. Reference numeral 32 in FIG. 3.), a cut is made from there toward the position at a height 150 to 250 mm below the upper edge of the fabric T (reference numeral 31 in FIG. 3) of the rear end 33 of the rear back covering part 3. Since the notch part 34 is a portion that contacts from the chest and abdomen C6 to the buttocks C9 of the calf C, for each of the two overlapped pieces in the notched portion, a process of smoothing the cut surface may be performed.

[0052] FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional schematic view showing an example of the fabric T that can be used for the calf clothing A.

[0053] In the calf's clothing A, any one, a plurality, or all of the neck covering portion 1, the chest and abdomen covering portion 2, and the rear back covering portion 3 may be configured to expand and contract in the circumferential direction.

[0054] For example, with respect to the neck covering portion 1, the chest and abdomen covering portion 2, and / or the rear back covering portion 3, by forming the whole or a part of each of them with an elastic fabric that can expand and contract in the circumferential direction, the respective portions 1, 2, and 3 can be configured to expand and contract in the circumferential direction.

[0055] The elastic fabric used in the calf's clothing A only needs to be a fabric that can expand and contract at least in the circumferential direction X2, and known techniques can be widely adopted and are not particularly limited. In the calf's clothing A according to the present invention, even when an elastic fabric that can expand and contract in a direction other than the circumferential direction X2 (for example, the body axis direction) is adopted in a portion where an elastic fabric that can expand and contract in the circumferential direction X2 is adopted or not adopted, it is widely included and not narrowly limited.

[0056] In the case where any one, a plurality, or all of the neck covering portion 1, the chest and abdomen covering portion 2, and the rear back covering portion 3 are configured to expand and contract in the circumferential direction, the circumferential expansion rate (that is, the circumferential expansion rate of the adopted elastic fabric) is preferably 130% or more, more preferably 150% or more, and even more preferably 170% or more. Thereby, from the early stage after birth until reaching, for example, about 1 to 3 months old after birth, it is possible to maintain a well-fitting state, and in addition, it becomes easier to put on and take off, and the stress on the calf when putting on and taking off and the work burden on livestock farmers can be reduced.

[0057] The elastic fabric T adopted for the whole or a part of the calf's clothing A may be, for example, a member formed of three layers of an inner layer 7, a middle layer 8, and an outer layer 9 as shown in FIG. 4.

[0058] The inner layer 7 is the part that comes into contact with the skin surface of the calf C when worn. Regarding the material, known materials can be widely adopted and are not particularly limited. For example, materials with a good touch, materials with high compatibility with the skin surface of the calf C, etc. may be used. For example, a nylon fabric or the like may be adopted as the material of the inner layer 7.

[0059] The middle layer 8 is the part sandwiched between the inner layer 7 and the outer layer 9. Regarding the material, known materials can be widely adopted and are not particularly limited. For example, by sandwiching a material with high heat retention, such as cotton, between the inner layer 7 and the outer layer 9, the heat retention can be enhanced.

[0060] The outer layer 9 is the part that forms the outside of the clothing A. Regarding the material, known materials can be widely adopted and are not particularly limited. For example, by adopting a material with high water repellency and stain resistance, it is possible to prevent a decrease in heat retention due to the clothing A getting wet and deterioration in hygiene due to soiling of the clothing A. For example, a nylon fabric or the like may be adopted as the material of the outer layer 9.

[0061] The stretchable fabric T may include a structure in which a plurality of stretchable members 10, 10, 10 are attached in the circumferential direction X2 at a constant interval X3. For example, by attaching the stretchable members 10 to the material of the inner layer 7 and / or the outer layer 9 in a stretched state in the circumferential direction X2 at a constant interval X3, a stretchable fabric T that stretches in the circumferential direction X2 can be formed.

[0062] The stretchable members 10 can widely adopt known ones and are not particularly limited. As long as the stretchable fabric T is formed to stretch in the circumferential direction X2, the position where the stretchable members 10 are attached to the fabric T is not limited. For example, the stretchable members 10 may be attached to any one or a plurality of the outer surface / inner surface of the inner layer 7, the inner layer 7 and the outer layer 9, and the outer surface / inner surface of the outer layer 9. Regarding the attachment means of the stretchable members 10, known ones can also be widely adopted and are not particularly limited. For example, the stretchable members 10 may be attached using an attachment means such as a known adhesive.

[0063] <The method for raising cattle according to the present invention> The present invention widely encompasses a method for raising cattle including a step of dressing a calf with the above-mentioned clothing for calves.

[0064] During a predetermined period from the early stage after birth (for example, the stage of starting rearing in an individual room separated from the mother cow), since the calf is likely to have insufficient self-regulation of body temperature, it is preferable to perform heat retention management.

[0065] On the other hand, for example, by raising calves while having them wear the calf clothing according to the present invention during a predetermined period from early after birth until they grow to a certain extent, the calves can be kept warm appropriately, effectively, and efficiently, and physical discomfort of the calves caused by the lower abdomen getting cold and growth retardation due to the same can also be effectively prevented.

[0066] The present invention only needs to include at least the step of having calves wear the above-mentioned calf clothing, and is not narrowly limited, for example, by the wearing time, period, number of days, etc. During the period when it is desired to keep warm from birth, for example, when calves can be raised on solid feed away from breast milk, or between early after birth and about 1 to 3 months old, by having calves wear the above-mentioned calf clothing for at least a certain period to appropriately keep the calves warm, physical discomfort of the calves caused by the lower abdomen getting cold and growth retardation due to the same can be effectively prevented.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0067]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0068] 1 Neck covering part 2 Chest and abdomen covering part 3 Rear back covering part 31 Notch 4 Head insertion part 5 Front limb insertion hole A Calf clothing C Calf

Claims

1. A calf garment to be worn on the torso, comprising: In order from the front side: A neck covering portion that has a substantially trapezoidal cross-section in the front vertical plane, with the lower part sloping in a flaring shape, and when unfolded, has a substantially hollow frustum shape, and covers the vicinity of the neck when worn; A chest and abdomen covering portion that is continuous with the neck covering portion, and when unfolded, has a substantially hollow cylindrical shape, and covers the vicinity of the chest, abdomen, and the center of the back when worn; A rear back covering portion that is continuous with the chest and abdomen covering portion, and when unfolded, has a substantially hollow cylindrical shape with a notch formed from the lower front end to the rear end, and covers the vicinity of the rear of the back when worn; The front opening of the neck covering portion forms a head insertion portion for inserting the head when worn; A calf garment, wherein substantially rectangular front limb insertion holes that are vertically long in the up-down direction when not in use are formed in a substantially left-right symmetric manner at positions in front of the sides of the chest and abdomen covering portion.

2. The calf garment according to claim 1, wherein the chest and abdomen covering portion expands and contracts in the circumferential direction.

3. The calf garment according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the expansion and contraction rate of the chest and abdomen covering portion in the circumferential direction is 130% or more.

4. A cattle breeding method including the step of dressing a calf with the calf garment according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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