Animal care methods

Abstract

To provide an animal breeding method.SOLUTION: Provided is an animal breeding method including a step of breeding an animal that is pregnant or that is 50 day-old or younger in a space in which an electric field is generated. It is preferable to breed the animal that is pregnant or that is 50 day-old or younger in the space in which the electric field is generated, for 6 hours or more per day.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for raising animals.

Background Art

[0002] Animals, especially pet animals, are closely related to humans and are indispensable in society. Pet animals are mainly bred and raised by breeders, and it is of utmost importance that all individuals born grow up healthily.

[0003] In Japan, small animals tend to be preferred against the backdrop of housing conditions and the like. Recently, the miniaturization of animals has advanced even further, and among Chihuahuas, which are ultra-small dogs, Mame Shiba Inus, which are small Shiba Inus, and Toy Poodles, which are small dogs, Teacup Poodles, which are even smaller, have gained popularity. Smaller animals are also in demand among other dog breeds or other animals in general.

[0004] Small animals are popular because they are cute, have a low risk of harming people, can have their food costs reduced, and can be raised even in a small house. On the other hand, small animals have difficulties in breeding, such as having a large head compared to their body, which makes it difficult to pass through the birth canal and may result in dystocia. Also, if the weight at birth is too small, the resistance is weak, and the animal may contract diseases or die soon after birth.

[0005] Patent Document 1 describes a growing device that has a space potential generator, forms an alternating current electric field around the object to be grown, and grows the object to be grown within the alternating current electric field, but it does not describe anything about the growth of animals immediately after birth.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for rearing methods that promote the growth of animals after birth, in particular, methods that can promote growth even in animals born with low birth weight. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The inventors diligently studied to solve the above problems and found that the above problems can be solved by incorporating a process of raising pregnant animals or newborn animals in a space where an electric field is formed, thus completing the present invention.

[0009] In other words, the present invention is as follows [1] to [8]. [1] A method for raising animals, characterized by comprising the step of raising a pregnant animal or an animal 50 days old or younger in a space where an electric field is generated. [2] A method of raising animals as described in [1], in which pregnant animals or animals 50 days old or younger are raised in a space where an electric field is generated for more than 6 hours a day. [3] A method for raising animals in which the electric field is generated by emitting an electric field [1]. [4] A method for raising animals in which the electric field is an alternating current electric field.[1] [5] A method for raising animals, wherein the space in which the electric field is generated is a cage, circle or house in which the electric field is generated.[1] [6] A method for raising animals in which the cage, enclosure or house is equipped with a device for generating an electric field.[5] [7] A method for raising animals, wherein the electric field generating device is a device equipped with electrodes and a voltage applying device. [6] [8] A method for raising animals, wherein the voltage application device applies a voltage with a frequency of 20 to 100 Hz to the electrodes.[7] [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a breeding method for promoting the growth of animals after birth, particularly a breeding method for animals that can promote growth even when born with a low body weight.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing the configuration of a suitable electric field generator. [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing the configuration of a suitable electric field generator. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing the configuration of a suitable electric field generator. [Figure 4] It is a graph showing the results of the examples. [Figure 5] It is a graph showing the results of the examples. [Figure 6] It is a graph showing the results of the examples. [Figure 7] It is a graph showing the results of the examples. [Figure 8] It is a graph showing the results of the examples. [Figure 9] It is a graph showing the results of the examples. [Figure 10] It is a graph showing the results of the examples. [Figure 11] It is a graph showing the results of the examples. [Figure 12] It is a graph showing the results of the examples.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] The method for breeding animals of the present invention is characterized by comprising a step of breeding a pregnant animal or an animal with an age of 50 days or less in a space where an electric field is generated.

[0013] [Target Animals] The animals targeted by the breeding method of the present invention are not particularly limited, and pet animals or livestock bred as pets are preferred, mammals are preferred, and dogs and cats are particularly preferred. Among the animals, pregnant animals, animals immediately after birth, particularly animals with an age of 50 days or less are targeted. As pregnant animals, animals immediately before giving birth are preferred. As animals with an age of 50 days or less, animals with an age of 40 days or less are more preferred, and animals with an age of 30 days or less are even more preferred.

[0014] [Time of breeding in a space where an electric field is generated] The breeding method of the present invention comprises the step of breeding the target animals in a space where an electric field is generated. The step of breeding in a space where an electric field is generated is, for example, the step of placing the animals in an area where an electric field is generated. The animals may be bred in the space where an electric field is generated throughout the day, but it is not necessarily required to breed the animals in the space where an electric field is generated throughout the day. As the time of breeding in the space where an electric field is generated, 6 hours or more in a day is preferred, and 8 hours or more is more preferred. For the time other than the time of breeding in the space where an electric field is generated, the animals may be bred in a very general space. For example, there is a method of placing the target animals in a cage, house, or circle where an electric field is generated for a predetermined time in a day, and breeding the animals outside the cage, house, or circle for the remaining time. Also, there is a method of placing the target animals in a cage, house, or circle where an electric field is generated during sleep and taking them out of the cage, house, or circle when they are awake. The breeding place may be either indoors or outdoors, but from the viewpoints of hygiene, safety, and temperature control, indoors is preferred.

[0015] [Space where an electric field is generated] An electric field is generated in a space, for example, in an area where an electric field is generated. In order to expose the target animal to the electric field for a predetermined time, the area is preferably enclosed by a fence, wall, or other means that restricts the animal's movement. Examples of spaces where an electric field is generated include, for example, a cage, house, or circle where an electric field is generated, or an incubator, breeding container, or bed where an electric field is generated. To generate an electric field in a certain area, it is preferable to use an electric field generating device. The electric field is preferably formed by emitting an electric field, and an alternating current electric field is preferred. The electric field strength is preferably 8 volts or more, and more preferably 10 volts or more. The upper limit of the electric field strength is preferably 4000 volts or less, and more preferably 3000 volts or less.

[0016] [Suitable electric field generator] In the present invention, when an electric field generator is used, it is preferable to use an electric field generator that can generate an electric field throughout the area where animals are kept, and it is preferable to use one that generates an electric field by releasing an electric field into space, and it is even more preferable to use one that generates an alternating current electric field. A suitable electric field generator is one that includes electrodes and a voltage application device, and in which an electric field is formed when a voltage is applied to the electrodes and an electric field is released from the electrodes. In such an electric field generator, it is preferable that a voltage with a frequency of 20 to 100 Hz is applied to the electrodes.

[0017] Examples of suitable electric field generating devices include the following: For example, an electric field generator (space potential generator) disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 5683032 comprises a transformer in which a primary coil and a secondary coil are magnetically coupled, a feedback control circuit that returns one terminal of the secondary coil to one terminal of the primary coil in order to adjust the voltage in the secondary coil, an output control means provided at the other terminal of the secondary coil to apply low-frequency vibration to the output of the secondary coil, and an electric field emission means made of a conductive material provided at the other terminal of the secondary coil via the output control means, and is configured to have no ground electrode, the current flowing through the secondary coil is a weak current in the range of 0.2A to 0.002A, and to emit an electric field into space from the plate surface of the electric field emission means provided at the other terminal of the secondary coil. In such a device, the electric field emission means made of a conductive material is preferably plate-shaped.

[0018] The configuration of an electric field generator (space potential generator) as disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 5683032 will be explained with reference to Figure 1. Figure 1 is a circuit diagram showing a preferred configuration of an electric field generator. As shown in the drawing, the electric field generator 1 includes a transformer 4 which is formed by magnetically coupling a primary coil 2 and a secondary coil 3. One terminal 3a of the secondary coil 3 is connected to one terminal 2a of the primary coil 2 via a feedback control circuit 5 for adjusting the voltage in the secondary coil 3, and the other terminal (i.e., output terminal) 3b of the secondary coil 3 is connected to an electric field emission means 8 via an output control means 6 for adding low-frequency vibrations to the output. In Figure 1, reference numeral 7 indicates an AC input outlet. The electric field emission means 8 is made of a plate-shaped conductive material and may be flat or curved. If the electric field emission means 8 is plate-shaped, preferably multiple openings or multiple slits can be formed so as not to obstruct the airflow in the installation space. With the electric field generator 1 configured as described above, the current generated on the secondary coil 3 side by the feedback control circuit 5 is fed back to the primary coil 2, so that a high voltage can be obtained on the secondary coil 3 side with a small number of turns. In addition, the feedback control circuit 5 and the output control means 6 are configured to cause a delay in the circuit, and as a result, low-frequency vibrations are applied to the output of the secondary coil 3. According to the electric field generator 1, the feedback control circuit 5 and the output control means 6 cause a high voltage to be generated at the output of the secondary coil 3, and low-frequency vibrations are applied to the output of the secondary coil 3. Therefore, even if there is only one output line at terminal 3b, an electric field is effectively emitted from the electric field emission means 8 toward a low-potential area (for example, the grounded area), and a high-voltage electric field is formed around the electric field emission means 8 (specifically, within a radius of approximately 1.5 m centered on the electric field emission means 8).

[0019] Another suitable electric field generating device is the device disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 5974377 (space potential generating device). Such an electric field generating device comprises a transformer formed by magnetically coupling a primary coil and a secondary coil, a control circuit that returns one terminal of the secondary coil to one terminal of the primary coil in order to adjust the voltage in the secondary coil, an output control means provided at the other terminal of the secondary coil to apply a low frequency voltage of 40 to 60 Hz to the output of the secondary coil, and an electric field emission means made of a conductive material provided at the other terminal of the secondary coil via the output control means, wherein there is no ground electrode, the current flowing through the secondary coil is a weak current in the range of 0.2 A to 0.002 A, the electric field emission means is covered with an insulating member having sufficient insulating properties to emit an electric field of a predetermined voltage into the surrounding space, and the electric field emitted from the electric field emission means is configured to form an electric field of a predetermined voltage in the space surrounding the electric field emission means. Materials used as insulating components are not limited to, but examples include rubber, polyethylene, acrylic, polycarbonate, corrugated cardboard, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or wood. The electric field discharge means may be completely covered with an insulating component, or it may be made of a plate material with small holes, for example. In this case, the shape of the holes is not particularly limited. Preferably, the electric field emission means may consist of a conductive plate, and the electric field may be emitted into space from the surface of the conductive plate. In this case, preferably, a number of openings may be formed in the conductive plate. Furthermore, with such an electric field generating device, since the electric field emission means is covered with an insulating material, corona discharge does not occur from the electric field emission means. Therefore, the electric field emission means does not necessarily have to be plate-shaped as long as it is conductive; for example, it may be rod-shaped or wire-shaped. When the electric field discharge means is plate-shaped, the insulating material may be configured, for example, to sandwich the plate-shaped electric field discharge means from above and below. When the electric field discharge means is rod-shaped or wire-shaped, the insulating material may be configured, for example, in a cylindrical shape.

[0020] The configuration of an electric field generator (space potential generator) as disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 5974377 will be explained with reference to Figure 2. Figure 2 is a circuit diagram showing a suitable configuration for an electric field generator. As shown in the drawing, the electric field generator 1 includes a transformer 4 which magnetically couples a primary coil 2 and a secondary coil 3. One terminal 3a of the secondary coil 3 is connected to one terminal 2a of the primary coil 2 via a feedback control circuit 5 for adjusting the voltage in the secondary coil 3, and the other terminal (i.e., output terminal) 3b of the secondary coil 3 is connected to an electric field emission means 8 via an output control means 6 for adding low-frequency vibrations to the output. In Figure 2, reference numeral 7 indicates an AC input outlet. The electric field discharge means 8 is made of a conductive material, and its shape may be rod-shaped or plate-shaped, and if it is plate-shaped, it may be curved. Furthermore, if the electric field emission means 8 is plate-shaped, it is preferable to form multiple openings or multiple slits so as not to obstruct the airflow in the installation space. Furthermore, the electric field emission means 8 is surrounded by an insulating member 9. This insulating member 9 may be configured, for example, to sandwich the plate-shaped electric field emission means from above and below if the electric field emission means is plate-shaped, or it may be composed of a cylindrical body into which the electric field emission means can be inserted if the electric field emission means is linear or rod-shaped. Furthermore, the insulating properties of the insulating member are determined based on the voltage value in the electric field emission means 8, the size of the space where the electric field emission means 8 should be grounded to form an electric field, and the target value of the voltage directly applied to the object placed in the space (specifically, preferably 5V or more). In other words, the insulating member is not intended to completely insulate the electric field emission means, but its material and thickness can be determined so that it can emit an electric field of a voltage necessary to form an electric field that can directly apply the target voltage to the object. With the spatial potential generator 1 configured as described above, the current generated on the secondary coil 3 side is fed back to the primary coil 2 by the feedback control circuit 5, so a high voltage can be obtained on the secondary coil 3 side with a small number of turns. Furthermore, the feedback control circuit 5 and the output control means 6 are configured to introduce a delay into the circuit, resulting in low-frequency vibrations being applied to the output of the secondary coil 3. As a result, the electric field emission means vibrates at a low frequency, and this vibration propagates as a wave in the space surrounding the electric field emission means. Combined with the fact that there is no ground electrode and the electric field emission means is covered with insulating material, the electric field emitted from the electric field emission means spreads widely in the space surrounding it due to this wave, and an electric field of a predetermined voltage is formed in the space surrounding the electric field emission means. With this electric field generator 1, the feedback control circuit 5 and output control means 6 cause a high voltage to be generated at the output of the secondary coil 3, and low-frequency vibrations are applied to the output of the secondary coil 3. Combined with the fact that there is only one output line at terminal 3b and no ground electrode, the electric field generated around the electric field emission means 8 does not undergo dielectric breakdown and discharge. Instead, the charges propagate and spread through space due to the waves caused by the low-frequency vibrations, making it possible to form an electric field over a wide area. As a result, the electric field is emitted well over a wide area from the electric field emission means 8, and a high-voltage electric field is formed around the electric field emission means 8 (specifically, within a radius of approximately 1.5m centered on the electric field emission means 8). Furthermore, if there is cold air or wind, the charges spread over a wider area, so this range can also be extended. Furthermore, by covering the electric field discharge means with an insulating material, the visual sense of security is significantly increased compared to when the electric field discharge means is exposed. Moreover, even if a high current flows through the secondary coil by some mistake, there is no risk of electric shock from direct contact, and the possibility of corona discharge is eliminated.

[0021] Another suitable electric field generator is the device disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 6366882 (space potential generator). This electric field generator comprises an electrode section and a voltage application device for applying a first AC voltage to the electrode section. The voltage application device includes a transformer containing a primary coil to which a second AC voltage is applied by an AC power source, and a secondary coil magnetically coupled to the primary coil; a feedback control circuit that returns one terminal of the secondary coil to one terminal of the primary coil in order to adjust the voltage in the secondary coil; an output control unit connected to the other terminal of the secondary coil in order to add low-frequency vibration to the output of the secondary coil; and a device that switches the voltage value of a third AC voltage input from the AC power source to a plurality of different voltage values, and applies the switched third AC voltage to the primary coil as the second AC voltage. The device includes a voltage adjustment unit that adjusts the voltage value of the first AC voltage, the electrode unit being connected to the other terminal of the secondary coil via the output control unit, and the voltage adjustment unit including a variable resistor and a surge absorber provided between a first terminal which is one terminal of the primary coil or the other terminal of the primary coil and the AC power supply, and connected in parallel with each other, and a switch element that switches between connecting the first terminal to the AC power supply via the variable resistor and the surge absorber connected in parallel with each other, or connecting the first terminal to the AC power supply without going through either the variable resistor or the surge absorber connected in parallel with each other.

[0022] The configuration of an electric field generator (space potential generator) as disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 6366882 will be explained with reference to Figure 3. Figure 3 is a circuit diagram showing an example of a suitable electric field generator. In the example shown in Figure 3, the electric field generator includes a transformer 31, a feedback control circuit 32, an output control unit 33, and an output terminal 34. The transformer 31 includes a primary coil 35 and a secondary coil 36 that are magnetically coupled to each other. An AC voltage VL2 is applied to the primary coil 35 by an AC power supply. In the example shown in Figure 3, a commercial power supply (not shown) connected to an AC input outlet 37 is used as the AC power supply. Furthermore, a circuit breaker 38 may be provided between the AC input outlet 37 and the primary coil 35, and a switch element 39 may be provided between the circuit breaker 38 and the primary coil 35. In addition, as the AC power source, various AC power sources can be used, such as an AC power source obtained by converting a secondary battery or other DC power source provided inside or outside the voltage application device 3 using, for example, an inverter circuit. One terminal 36a of the secondary coil 36 is connected to one terminal 35a of the primary coil 35 via a feedback control circuit 32. The feedback control circuit 32 also adjusts the voltage in the secondary coil 36. In other words, the feedback control circuit 32 returns one terminal 36a of the secondary coil 36 to one terminal 35a of the primary coil 35 in order to adjust the voltage in the secondary coil 36. The output control unit 33 is located between the other terminal 36b of the secondary coil 36 and the output terminal 34. Furthermore, the output control unit 33 applies low-frequency vibrations to the output voltage of the secondary coil 36. In other words, the output control unit 33 is connected to the other terminal 36b of the secondary coil 36 in order to apply low-frequency vibrations to the output voltage of the secondary coil 36. The electrode unit 2 is connected to the output terminal 34, that is, the terminal opposite to the other terminal 36b of the secondary coil 36 of the output control unit 33, via a power supply line 24 (see Figure 1) made of a conductive wire. Therefore, the electrode unit 2 is connected to the other terminal 36b of the secondary coil 36 via the power supply line 24 and the output control unit 33. According to the voltage application device 3 described above, the current generated on the secondary coil 36 side is fed back to the primary coil 35 by the feedback control circuit 32, so that a high voltage can be obtained on the secondary coil 36 side with a small number of turns. In addition, the feedback control circuit 32 and the output control unit 33 are configured to create a delay in the circuit, and as a result, low-frequency vibrations of, for example, 20 to 100 Hz are applied to the output of the secondary coil 36. Furthermore, the feedback control circuit 32 connects one terminal 36a of the secondary coil 36 to one terminal 35a of the primary coil 35 to adjust the voltage in the secondary coil 36, which in turn allows for a miniaturization of the electric field generator.

[0023] Other examples of electric field generators include the electric field generator disclosed in International Publication No. 2006 / 054348, which has an inner electrode and an outer electrode arranged around the inner electrode, with the area between the inner and outer electrodes designated as an electric field processing region, and is configured to alternately generate a positive electric field and a negative electric field in the electric field processing region by applying an AC voltage of the same polarity to each electrode; the electric field generator disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 4445594, which has conductive electrodes as shelves and connects the conductive electrodes to a high-voltage generator located outside the storage area, thereby generating an electrostatic field around the conductive electrodes as shelves; and the electric field generator disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-207900, which has a pair of electrodes in the storage room and is configured to form an electric field inside the storage room by applying a voltage to the pair of electrodes. [Examples]

[0024] We used the DENBA+ electric field generator manufactured by DENBA JAPAN Co., Ltd. to raise small puppies shortly after birth. The DENBA+ consists of a main unit and a potential mat (we used one measuring 1200mm x 1200mm), and is a device that can generate an electric field within a radius of 1.5m and a diameter of 4-5m from the potential mat. For each breed—Miniature Dachshunds, Chihuahuas, and Toy Poodles—some of the puppies born on the same day were raised immediately after birth in a pen (1260mm x 660mm) with a DENBA Health electrotherapy mat on the bottom, while the other siblings were raised in a pen without DENBA+, and their weight changes were recorded. All other rearing conditions were kept identical. The results are shown in Figures 4 to 12. In the graphs in Figures 4 to 12, the vertical axis represents the weight gain rate relative to birth weight, and the horizontal axis represents birth weight.

[0025] As is clear from Figures 4 to 12, individuals raised in a space where an electric field was generated by DENBA+ tended to have a higher weight gain rate than individuals raised in a space where no electric field was generated. The difference in weight gain rate was particularly pronounced in individuals with low birth weight (individuals with a birth weight of 70-120g). Furthermore, the difference in weight gain rate decreased as the age increased. This confirms that the present invention can provide a rearing method that promotes the growth of animals after birth, in particular a rearing method that can promote growth even in animals born with low birth weight. Promoting early growth at a young age is desirable because it can prevent disease and death in individuals with low resistance. In addition, the fact that the effect on the weight gain rate decreases as the age increases is desirable from the perspective of preventing the size of adults from becoming too large, in today's world where small animals are preferred. [Explanation of symbols]

[0026] 1. Electric field generator 2 Primary coil 2a terminal 3. Secondary coil 3a terminal 3b terminal 4 transformers 5. Feedback control circuit 6. Output control means 7 AC input outlets 8 Field emission means 9. Insulating material 31 Transformers 32 Feedback control circuit 33 Output control unit 34 output terminals 35 Primary coil 35a~35c, 36a, 36b terminal 36 Secondary coil 37 AC input outlets 38 Circuit breakers 39 Switching elements 41 Voltage adjustment section 42 Resistor elements 43 Switching elements 44 Surge Absorber

Claims

1. A method for promoting the growth of an animal after birth, characterized by comprising the step of raising an animal 50 days old or younger in a space where an electric field is generated, The space where the electric field is generated is a cage, circle, house, incubator, breeding container, or bed equipped with an electric field generating device. A method for promoting the growth of an animal after birth, wherein the animal is a dog or a cat.

2. A method for promoting the growth of a postnatal animal according to claim 1, wherein the animal, which is 50 days old or younger, is raised in a space where an electric field is generated for at least 6 hours a day.

3. The method for promoting the growth of a postnatal animal according to claim 1, wherein the electric field is generated by emitting an electric field.

4. The method for promoting the growth of an animal after birth according to claim 1, wherein the electric field is an alternating current electric field.

5. The method for promoting the growth of a postnatal animal according to claim 1, wherein the device for generating the electric field is a device comprising electrodes and a voltage application device.

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