Livestock breath measuring device and measuring system

Abstract

To provide a farm animal exhalation measuring device and measuring system that can constantly measure exhalation in a state that a farm animal is in a natural and stress-free condition by a simple device configuration.SOLUTION: An exhalation measuring device 10 includes: a nose ring 1 mounted on a farm animal (cow C or the like); sensor support means detachably attached to the nose ring; and a gas sensor 5 supported by the sensor support means. The sensor support means includes a support member 4 connected to the nose ring, and allows the gas sensor to be positioned in the vicinity of the nose ring of the support member. A mask-like cover member 22 for covering the nose of the farm animal can be attached to the sensor support means, and the cover member can include a partition member 23 extending along the nasal dorsum of the farm animal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a breath measuring device and a measuring system for measuring the concentration of methane gas contained in the breath of livestock such as cows. [Background technology]

[0002] In the stomachs of ruminants such as cows and sheep, feed ferments, producing methane gas, which the animals expel from their bodies by constantly burping. It is believed that more than 90% of the methane gas produced in cows' bodies is expelled as burps, and this methane gas is said to have a greenhouse effect 25 times greater than that of carbon dioxide.

[0003] Since it is said that 4% of the world's greenhouse gases come from cow burps, there is a desire around the world to reduce cow burps, which have a large impact on global warming. For example, on October 11, 2022, New Zealand introduced a bill to tax livestock burps and urine in order to tackle climate change.

[0004] Furthermore, much research has been conducted in recent years to minimize the production of methane gas through burping. For example, it has been found that improving feed can reduce methane production by nearly 99%. Also, because there are individual differences in the amount of methane gas produced even when eating the same feed in the same amount, research is being conducted to reduce the number of cows that produce high levels of methane gas by extracting microorganisms from the stomachs of cows that produce low levels of methane gas and sending them into the stomachs of cows that produce high levels of methane gas like a supplement, or to time feeding to reduce the amount of methane gas produced.

[0005] All of the above studies require measurement data on methane gas emitted by cattle. Therefore, a breath measurement device has been proposed that increases the reliability and reproducibility of breath component measurements while keeping livestock in as natural a state as possible (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-98817 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, the measurement of breath components (methane gas) described in Patent Document 1 is performed by inserting the head of the livestock into a breath collection chamber, and measurement cannot be performed when the livestock's head is not inserted into the breath collection chamber, i.e., measurement cannot be performed continuously, making accurate breath measurement impossible. Also, because the head is inserted into the breath collection chamber, the measurement is performed under stressful conditions rather than in a natural state, which creates the problem of poor accuracy and reproducibility of the measurement data. Another problem is that the equipment required is large, as it is necessary to install a breath collection chamber.

[0008] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide an exhalation measurement device and measurement system with a simple device configuration that can constantly measure the exhaled breath of livestock in a natural, stress-free environment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a livestock breath measuring device, which comprises a nose ring attached to the livestock, a sensor support means detachably attached to the nose ring, and a gas sensor supported by the sensor support means. A mask-like cover member that covers the nose of the livestock is attached to the sensor support means, and the cover member has a partition member that extends along the back of the nose of the livestock. It is characterized by the following.

[0010] According to the present invention, an exhalation measurement device can be provided that has a simple device configuration, can use nose rings to measure the exhaled breath of livestock in a natural, stress-free environment, and has excellent accuracy and reproducibility of measurement data. Furthermore, by attaching a mask-like cover member that covers the nose of the livestock to the sensor support means, it is possible to prevent the livestock's breath from leaking into the air, thereby enabling more accurate breath measurement. Furthermore, the cover member is provided with a partition member that extends along the back of the nose of the livestock, which helps position the cover member and makes it easier to attach.

[0011] In the livestock breath measuring device, the sensor support means includes a support member connected to the nose ring, and the gas sensor is positioned near the nose ring on the support member, enabling accurate breath measurement.

[0014] Furthermore, by positioning the gas sensors on both sides of the cover member with the partition member in between, the interior of the cover member is divided into two chambers by the partition member, and the gas sensors are installed on both sides of the cover member. This makes it possible to measure the exhaled breath of each nostril of the livestock. For example, if the exhaled breath from only one nostril can be measured, it can be determined that the other nostril is blocked, allowing for more detailed health management.

[0015] Furthermore, a temperature sensor can be installed on the cover member to measure the body temperature of the livestock, thereby making it possible to grasp the health condition of the livestock.

[0016] Furthermore, by installing an exhaled air collection member on the cover member and collecting exhaled air, it is possible to contribute to reducing greenhouse gases.

[0017] The present invention further provides a livestock breath measurement system, comprising: The aforementioned The system is characterized by comprising a breath measurement device, a cloud server that stores and manages measurement values ​​from the breath measurement device, and a relay device that receives measurement data output from the breath measurement device and transmits it to the server.

[0018] According to the present invention, it is possible to measure the breath of livestock in a natural, stress-free state using simple equipment, and to store and manage accurate measurement data.

[0019] The server is equipped with an abnormality judgment means for judging whether the measurement value of the gas sensor of the breath measurement device is abnormal or not, and outputs an abnormality signal when the judgment result of the abnormality judgment means is abnormal, thereby enabling scientific abnormality judgment based on measurement values ​​rather than abnormality judgment that is dependent on knowledge and experience through visual inspection or palpation.

[0020] a mask-like cover member for covering the nose of the livestock is attached to the sensor support means; a temperature sensor is provided on the cover member; The server ,before By providing an abnormality judgment means for judging whether the measurement value of the temperature sensor is abnormal or not, and outputting an abnormality signal when the judgment result of the abnormality judgment means is abnormal, it becomes possible to make a scientific abnormality judgment based on the measurement value, rather than an abnormality judgment that is dependent on knowledge and experience through visual inspection or palpation.

[0021] the above When the breath measuring device receives an abnormality signal from the server via the relay device, it notifies the abnormality using the abnormality notification means. This allows the customer, if they are near livestock, to immediately determine which individual among the many livestock is abnormal, enabling more rapid action to be taken. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an exhaled breath measuring device and a measuring system that have a simple device configuration and are excellent in the accuracy and reproducibility of measurement data. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a conventionally used nose ring for cattle. [Figure 2] These are perspective views showing conventionally used nose rings and leash aids for cattle, where (a) shows only the nose ring and leash aid, and (b) shows them attached to a cattle. [Figure 3] 1A and 1B are perspective views showing a first embodiment of a livestock breath measuring device according to the present invention, in which (a) shows the device alone and (b) shows the device attached to a cow. [Figure 4] 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a livestock breath measurement system according to the present invention; [Figure 5] 1A and 1B are perspective views showing a second embodiment of a livestock breath measuring device according to the present invention, in which (a) shows the device alone and (b) shows the device attached to a cow. [Figure 6]10A and 10B are perspective views showing a third embodiment of a livestock breath measuring device according to the present invention, in which (a) shows the device alone and (b) shows the device attached to a cow. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are perspective views showing a fourth embodiment of a livestock breath measuring device according to the present invention, in which (a) shows the device alone and (b) shows the device attached to a cow. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0025] Fig. 1 shows a conventional nose ring for cattle described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 56-31083. This nose ring 1 is attached to the cow C by inserting a C-shaped ring 1a into the nasal cavity C1 of the cow C, then butting and joining the two ends (joint 1b). The purpose of using the nose ring 1 is to restrict the movement of the cow C.

[0026] The present invention utilizes the nose ring 1, and the following describes an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] 3 shows a first embodiment of the breath measuring device according to the present invention, and this breath measuring device 10 comprises a nose ring 1, a leash assisting device 2, a support member 4, a gas sensor 5, a relay device 6, a signal line 7, etc. The nose ring 1 and the leash assisting device 2 are the same as those shown in FIGS.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 3(a), each of the support members 4 is detachably attached to the C-ring 1a of the nose ring 1, and supports a gas sensor 5 on the outside. The gas sensor 5 is provided to measure the concentration of methane gas contained in the breath of the cow C. The gas sensor 5 may also measure the concentration of CO2 in addition to methane gas.

[0029] Furthermore, if the gas sensor 5 is built into the nose ring 1, the gas sensor 5 will come into contact with the nasal cavity and be susceptible to contamination, and if the gas sensor 5 breaks down, the nose ring 1 itself will need to be replaced.Furthermore, when the cow C is shipped as meat, the nose ring 1 will also be shipped along with the cow C, and if the substance contained in the gas sensor 5 is not permitted under the Food Sanitation Act, the gas sensor 5 will need to be removed beforehand, which is a problem.

[0030] The relay device 6 is provided to transmit the measurement data from the gas sensor 5 to a cloud server described later, and is placed and fixed on the head of the cow C. The signal line 7 is interposed between the gas sensor 5 and the relay device 6 and transmits the measurement data. One end of each signal line 7 is connected to the two support members 4 and is joined to the towing rope aids 2 with clips 8 and 9. Note that the routes of the towing rope aids 2 and the signal line 7 are not limited to the example shown in the figure.

[0031] The breath measuring device 10 having the above configuration is attached to the cow C as shown in Figure 3(b). The nose ring 1 and the leash assisting device 2 are attached in the same manner as in Figure 2, and with the relay device 6 placed on the head of the cow C, the signal line 7 is also hung around the neck of the cow C and led out in the forward direction of the cow C.

[0032] Next, one embodiment of the livestock breath measurement system according to the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 4. This breath measurement system 11 includes the breath measurement devices 10 (10A, 10B, etc.) and relay devices 6 (6A, 6B, etc.), as well as a server 12 constituting a cloud and a mobile terminal 13 of a customer (such as a rancher).

[0033] A breath measuring device 10 (10A, 10B, etc.) is provided for each livestock (livestock A, B, etc.), and each breath measuring device 10 is composed of a data communication means 10a for communicating with the server 12 via a relay device 6, a location information acquisition means 10b using GPS, a measuring means 10c including a gas sensor 5 and a temperature sensor 32, and an abnormality notification means 10d for notifying if there is an abnormality in the measurement data of the measuring means 10c.

[0034] The relay device 6 (6A, 6B, etc.) is provided for each breath measurement device 10, receives measurement values ​​output from the gas sensor 5 etc. of the breath measurement device 10, and transmits them to the server 12.

[0035] The server 12 constituting the cloud comprises a measurement data storage means 12a for storing measurement data, a server storage means 12c consisting of a livestock individual information storage means 12b, an abnormality judgment means 12d for judging whether the measurement values ​​of the gas sensor 5 etc. input from the relay device 6 are abnormal or not, a calendar means 12e for storing the current date and updating the current date daily using a timing function, and a communication means 12f for communicating with the relay device 6 and the mobile terminal 13.

[0036] The customer's mobile terminal 13 is a smartphone, tablet, PC, etc., and registers the livestock's individual number, etc., and the measurement results are displayed for each individual number.If there is an abnormality in the measurement value, etc., the customer is notified.

[0037] Table 1 shows the data stored in the server 12. The server 12 stores the date and time of measurement, the farm name, the barn number, the livestock number, the measured values ​​of methane gas and body temperature, and whether or not there were any abnormalities. The methane gas concentration is recorded for each nostril.

[0038] [Table 1]

[0039] Next, the operation of the breath measurement system 11 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0040] In a barn on a farm (for example, barn No. 1 on the XX farm in Table 1), a breath measuring device 10 is attached to a cow (for example, individual No. 01234), and the concentration of methane gas contained in the breath of cow C is measured using gas sensor 5.

[0041] The measurement data obtained by the gas sensor 5 is transmitted from the gas sensor 5 to the server 12 via the relay device 6, and is stored and managed in the measurement data storage means 12a of the server 12. The measurement data obtained by the gas sensor 5 is also transmitted from the server 12 to the customer's mobile terminal 13, and is displayed on the mobile terminal 13.

[0042] If the abnormality determination means 12d of the server 12 determines, using inferential statistics and thresholds, that the measurement value of the gas sensor 5 input from the relay device 6 is abnormal, the mobile terminal 13 is notified of this, and the mobile terminal 13 notifies the customer, so that even if the customer (breeder, etc.) is not near the livestock, they can respond immediately when an abnormality occurs, and the customer does not need to be away from the livestock at all times.

[0043] Next, a second embodiment of the livestock breath measuring device according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

[0044] This breath measurement device 21 adds a cover member 22 and a partition member 23 to the configuration of the breath measurement device 10 of the first embodiment shown in Fig. 3, and the other components are the same as those of the breath measurement device 10. In the breath measurement device 21, the same components as those of the breath measurement device 10 are given the same reference numbers and their description will be omitted.

[0045] The cover member 22 is formed in the shape of a mask that covers the nose of the cow C, and is stably supported at three points: the left and right support members 4, the recessed portion of the partition member 23, and the connecting portion 1b of the nose ring 1. Covering the nose of the cow C with the cover member 22 prevents the exhaled breath of the cow C from leaking into the air. The cover member 22 only covers the upper part of the nose of the cow C, and does not affect the area around the mouth of the cow C, so it does not interfere with feeding.

[0046] The partition member 23 is extended along the back of the nose of the cow C, and placing the partition member 23 on the nose of the cow C helps to position the cover member 22, making it easier to attach the cover member 22.

[0047] Furthermore, by providing the partition member 23, the interior of the cover member 22 is divided into two chambers, and the two gas sensors 5 are positioned on either side of the cover member 22, sandwiched between the partition member 23, making it possible to measure the exhaled breath from each of the cow C's nostrils. For example, if the exhaled breath from only one nostril can be measured, it can be determined that the other nostril may be blocked, which is useful for more detailed health management.

[0048] Next, a third embodiment of the breath measuring device for livestock according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

[0049] This breath measurement device 31 adds a temperature sensor 32 to the configuration of the breath measurement device 21 of the second embodiment shown in Fig. 5, and the other components are the same as those of the breath measurement device 21. In the breath measurement device 31, the same components as those of the breath measurement device 21 are given the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted.

[0050] The temperature sensor 32 is attached to a clip 34 detachably provided on the cover member 22, and the temperature-sensing part of the temperature sensor 32 comes into contact with the surface of the nose of the cow C to measure the body temperature of the cow C. The measurement data of the temperature sensor 32 is sent to the relay device 6 via a signal line 33, and further transmitted to the server 12 for management. By measuring the body temperature of the cow C, the health condition of the cow C can be ascertained.

[0051] Next, a fourth embodiment of the livestock breath measuring device according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

[0052] This breath measurement device 41 adds an exhaled breath collection member 42 to the configuration of the breath measurement device 31 of the third embodiment shown in Fig. 6, and the other components are the same as those of the breath measurement device 31. In the breath measurement device 41, the same components as those of the breath measurement device 31 are given the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted.

[0053] The breath collection member 42 is provided on the upper surface of the cover member 22 and includes a collection section 42a that is open at the bottom and communicates with the inside of the cover, and a collection pipe 42b that is connected to the collection section 42a and communicates with the inside of the collection section 42a. The collection pipe 42b is connected to a collection device that includes a collection pump (not shown) and the like, and collecting the breath of cow C using the breath collection member 42 can contribute to reducing greenhouse gases. The collected breath can also be used to generate electricity for the cowshed in which the breath measuring device 41 is installed.

[0054] The illustrated embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0055] 1 nose ring 2. Pull rope aids 4 Support member 5 Gas Sensor 6. Relay Device 7 Signal Line 8 clips 9 clips 10 Breathalyzer 11 Breath measurement system 12 Servers 13 Mobile devices 21 Breathalyzer 22 Cover member 23 Partition material 31 Breathalyzer 32 Temperature Sensor 33 Signal line 34 clips 41 Breathalyzer 42 Breath collection element

Claims

1. Nose rings attached to livestock, a sensor support means detachably attached to the nose ring; a gas sensor supported by the sensor support means; a mask-like cover member for covering the nose of the livestock is attached to the sensor support means; The livestock breath measuring device is characterized in that the cover member is provided with a partition member extending along the back of the nose of the livestock.

2. 2. The breath measuring device for livestock according to claim 1, wherein the sensor support means comprises a support member connected to the nose ring, and the gas sensor is located on the support member in the vicinity of the nose ring.

3. 3. The breath measuring device for livestock according to claim 1, wherein the gas sensors are located on both sides of the cover member with the partition member interposed therebetween.

4. 3. The breath measuring device for livestock according to claim 1, wherein a temperature sensor is provided on the cover member.

5. 3. The breath measuring device for livestock according to claim 1, wherein the cover member is provided with a breath collecting member.

6. The breath measuring device according to claim 1; a cloud server that stores and manages the measurement values ​​obtained by the breath measurement device; a relay device that receives measurement data output from the breath measurement device and transmits it to the server.

7. The livestock breath measurement system described in claim 6, characterized in that the server is provided with an abnormality judgment means for judging whether the measurement value of the gas sensor of the breath measurement device is abnormal or not, and outputs an abnormality signal if the judgment result of the abnormality judgment means is abnormal.

8. A temperature sensor is installed in the cover member, The livestock breath measurement system according to claim 6, characterized in that the server is provided with an abnormality determination means for determining whether the measurement value of the temperature sensor is abnormal or not, and outputs an abnormality signal when the determination result of the abnormality determination means is abnormal.

9. 9. The livestock breath measuring system according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the breath measuring device according to claim 1 notifies an abnormality by an abnormality notifying means when it receives an abnormality signal from the server via the relay device.

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