Autonomous system and methods thereof for treatment and injection of medicaments, beneficial agents and the like in livestock and wild animals

Abstract

An autonomous system and method thereof for mass individual treatment such as injection of livestock or wild animals from a herd or group for precise delivery of a technical treatment or substance to an animal by intramuscular (IM) injection, subcutaneous (SQ) injection, or any transdermal injection, spraying, pouring-on, tagging, cooling, pinning, gluing or saddling, is described. The system comprises an ecological and ergonomically-designed smart grooming passageway for a single animal to move into and be calm while safely and snugly embraced for injection, and then motivated to move forward, allowing the next animal to amble in, after injection. The system has an adjustable autonomous device carrying an injection assembly with a number of injectors for delivery of injectable substances, as well as pre-injection desensitization and disinfection, and comprising a temperature control means for maintaining optimal and constant temperature of injectable substances. A camera and sensor array send various data to a controller and processor to determine the optimal individualized treatment. The system then instructs the injection assembly to inject injectable substances into a predefined injection target triangle of the animal's triangular mass of muscle on the side of the neck or any other injection target, thus achieving the highest efficiency and least amount of damage and stress to the animal, without risk to humans.

Description

[0001] AUTONOMOUS SYSTEM AND METHODS THEREOF FOR TREATMENT AND INJECTION OF MEDICAMENTS, BENEFICIAL AGENTS AND THE EIKE IN EIVESTOCK AND WIED ANIMALS

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention is concerned with automated treatment of livestock and animals in the wild pasture or field, or more particularly, Precise Livestock Farming (PLF) for animal health and welfare and farm’s sustainability by means and methods for efficiently injecting beneficial substances such as vaccines into animals, with high efficiency and minimum stress or discomfort to the animals, and without human involvement or risk.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Most vaccines, as well as many prophylactic treatments for animals, can only be effectively administered by injection. Giving precise technical treatments such as injections to the individuals in a herd is a routine and necessary skill for livestock ownership. For meat and milk producing animals, how an injection i s administered is just as important as what is administered.

[0006] There are a few principles of injections that should be considered in order to safely administer medications. The injections should be given in a triangular area of the neck that is in front of the shoulder, below the spine, and below the nuchal ligament at the top of the neck. The purpose of using this location is to be safe and prevent damage in areas of the animal that will be used for meat designated as premium.

[0007] In many livestock farm operations, ensuring that all animals have been effectively treated is a laborious challenge. The number of animals, state of agitation / excitement and size of the individual make vaccination and delivery of other medicine to individuals a challenge. In the wild or on nature reserves, it is often difficult or impossible to capture and treat animals in need of a variety of precise technical or medical treatment or vaccination.

[0008] Regardless of where / how vaccines and medications are administered, current methods have proved to be ineffective, and harmful for some important applications. There is, therefore, a long felt and unmet need to provide efficient automated means and methods for efficient and accurate, low stress injection of animal herds and individuals on farms or in the wild. Providing an accurate, time-saving and continuous action mass treatment, thus reducing stress and injury, and increasing treatment efficiency and quality with quantitative and qualitative livestock production. However, reducing stress also improves feed efficiency hence reducing greenhouse gas emissions and environmental impact to a sustainable level.

[0009] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] This invention concerns the treatment and injection of medicaments, beneficial agents and the like in livestock and wild animals by an autonomous system and device, and method thereof. The autonomous system, device and method thereof provides an accurate, time-saving and continuous action mass treatment, thus reducing stress and injury, and increasing treatment efficiency and qualitative with quantitative and qualitative livestock production, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and confining environmental impact to sustainable level.

[0011] In one aspect of the invention, an autonomous system for mass treatment of livestock or wild animals from a herd or a group for delivery of a substance to an animal by intramuscular (IM) injection, subcutaneous (SQ) injection, or any transdermal injection, spraying, pouring-on, tagging, cooling, pinning, gluing or saddling, comprising: a. a livestock pen (100), pasture or truck’s livestock trailer, having at least one opening to a single-file railed walkway, characterized by a positioning area (750) equipped with: i. at least two vertical side cylinders or rollers, each with a horizontally, vertically and / or circular moveable capability; there within at least one moveable side cylinder or roller exists an injection assembly (140), comprising:

[0012] 1) at least one container in its upper, mid or lower portion, with an injectable substance and a temperature control means (830); the temperature control means (830) configured to maintain temperature of the injectable substance within a predetermined range;

[0013] 2) at least one needle injector or needle-free injector (NFI) (820) in its upper, mid or lower portion, configured to inject the injectable substance into the animal;

[0014] 3) at least one compressed air dispenser (810) in its upper, mid or lower portion, portion, configured to power the actuation of the at least one needle injector or NFI (820); and

[0015] 4) a rinsing and disinfection device configured to rinse and disinfect components of the injector assembly;

[0016] 5) at least one UV light source or any other aid of substance, mean or tool configured to enable automatic disinfecting of injection targets (146) of the animal; ii. a moveable floor and a first bump / cylinder (1312) behind the rear of the animal configured to prevent the animal to step back, and a second bump / cylinder (1313) in front of the animal configured to prevent the animal to charge forward; each bump / cylinder coupled with a sensor configured to sense either the head / neck or rear of the animal; iii. at least one camera (145); the at least one camera (145) comprises a vision processing module for identifying the animal and the injection targets (146) of the animal; the injection targets (146) are located within a triangular neck area between the spinal column, jugular furrow and shoulder, or any other predefined injection target; and iv. at least one sensor (740) mounted on one side or both sides of the walkway; the at least one sensor selected from the group consisting of electrical conductivity (EC) sensors, tonus sensors, infra-red (IR) sensors, temperature sensors, physical pressure sensors, ultrasounds sensors and Bluetooth or radio frequency identification (RFID) antennas (passive or active); the at least one sensor (740) configured to capture and transmit data characterizing the presence, size, position, biometric s / body condition and behavior of the animal; b. a controller with one or more processors configured to receive and process data from the camera and the at least one sensor; c. one or more non-transitory external computer-readable mediums (CRMs); d. one or more computer-readable memories; e. program instructions stored on at least one of the one or more CRMs for execution by at least one of the one or more processors via at least one of the one or more memories, for: i. opening and closing cylinders or rollers; ii. moving the at least two vertical side cylinders or rollers snuggly against the flanks and neck of the animal; iii. raising and lowering the moveable floor on detection of the animal in the positioning area (750); and iv. operating the injection assembly (140) to inject into the injection targets (146) based on settings determined prior to a mass treatment event or in real-time according to the data from the camera and the at least one sensor indicating presence, size, position and biometric s / body condition and behavior of the animal; and f. a grooming device located before, within and / or after the positioning area (750), comprising at least one grooming roller configured to provide grooming and pain reduction / desensitizing by repetitive pressing or massaging of the surface area within a radius of 10 cm (4 inches) surrounding injection targets (146), 1-5 seconds prior to injection or / and post-injection; wherein the autonomous system provides an accurate, time-saving and continuous action mass treatment, thus reducing stress and injury, and increasing treatment efficiency with quantitative and qualitative livestock production, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and confining environmental impact to sustainable level.

[0017] In one aspect of the invention, an autonomous system for mass treatment of livestock or wild animals from a herd or a group for delivery of a substance to an animal by intramuscular (IM) injection, subcutaneous (SQ) injection, or any transdermal injection, comprising a livestock pen (100), pasture or truck’s livestock trailer, having at least one opening to a single-file railed walkway, characterized by a positioning area (750); said positioning area equipped with at least two vertical side cylinders or rollers, each with a horizontally, vertically and / or circular moveable capability; there within at least one moveable side cylinder or roller exists an injection assembly (140), comprising at least one needle injector or needle-free injector (NFI) (820) configured to inject said injectable substance into said animal.

[0018] In one aspect of the invention, an autonomous system for mass treatment of livestock or wild animals from a herd or a group for delivery of a substance to an animal by intramuscular (IM) injection, subcutaneous (SQ) injection, or any transdermal injection, comprising a livestock pen (100), pasture or truck’s livestock trailer, having at least one opening to a single-file railed walkway, characterized by a positioning area (750); said positioning area equipped with: a. at least two vertical side cylinders or rollers, each with a horizontally, vertically and / or circular moveable capability; there within at least one moveable side cylinder or roller exists an injection assembly (140), comprising at least one needle injector or needle-free injector (NFI) (820) configured to inject said injectable substance into said animal; and b. at least one camera (145) comprising a vision processing module for identifying said animal and said injection targets (146) and at least one sensor (740) mounted on one side or both sides of said walkway; said at least one sensor selected from the group consisting of electrical conductivity (EC) sensors, tonus sensors, infra-red (IR) sensors, temperature sensors, physical pressure sensors, ultrasounds sensors and Bluetooth or radio frequency identification (RFID) antennas (passive or active); said at least one sensor (740) configured to capture and transmit data characterizing the presence, size, position, biometric s / body condition and behavior of said animal for determining an optimal individualized treatment based on said data; wherein said autonomous system provides an accurate, time-saving and continuous action mass treatment, thus reducing stress and injury, and increasing treatment efficiency and qualitative with quantitative livestock production, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and confining environmental impact to sustainable level. In one aspect of the invention, an autonomous system for mass treatment of livestock or wild animals from a herd or a group for delivery of a substance to an animal by intramuscular (IM) injection, subcutaneous (SQ) injection, or any transdermal injection, comprising a livestock pen (100), pasture or truck’s livestock trailer, having at least one opening to a single-file railed walkway, characterized by a positioning area (750); said positioning area equipped with: a. at least two vertical side cylinders or rollers, each with a horizontally, vertically and / or circular moveable capability; there within at least one moveable side cylinder or roller exists an injection assembly (140), comprising at least one needle injector or needle-free injector (NFI) (820) configured to inject said injectable substance into said animal; b. at least one camera (145) comprising a vision processing module for identifying said animal and said injection targets (146) and at least one sensor (740) mounted on one side or both sides of said walkway; said at least one sensor selected from the group consisting of electrical conductivity (EC) sensors, tonus sensors, infra-red (IR) sensors, temperature sensors, physical pressure sensors, ultrasounds sensors and Bluetooth or radio frequency identification (RFID) antennas (passive or active); said at least one sensor (740) configured to capture and transmit data characterizing the presence, size, position, biometric s / body condition and behavior of said animal for determining an optimal individualized treatment based on said data; and c. a grooming device located before, within and / or after said positioning area (750), comprising at least one grooming roller configured to provide grooming and pain reduction / desensitizing by repetitive pressing or massaging of the surface area within a radius of 10 cm (4 inches) surrounding injection targets (146), 1-5 seconds prior to injection or post- injection; wherein said autonomous system provides an accurate, time-saving and continuous action mass treatment, thus reducing stress and injury, and increasing treatment efficiency and qualitative with quantitative livestock production, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and confining environmental impact to sustainable level.

[0019] In another aspect of the invention, the system as defined above is provided wherein program instructions are determined by a livestock handler, rancher, feeder, veterinarian or other professional prior to a mass treatment event or in real-time according to the individualized captured data for the animal.

[0020] In another aspect of the invention, the system as defined in any of above is provided wherein the settings of the injection assembly enable configuration adjustment of the at least one needle injector or NFI (820) for one or more injections at the injection target(s) (146) so the distance between each the injection target (146) is at least 13 cms (5 inches).

[0021] In another aspect of the invention, the system as defined in any of above is provided wherein the settings of the injection assembly comprise needle injector or NFI type, injectable substance, dosage, tissue type and depth for the injection.

[0022] In another aspect of the invention, the system as defined in any of above is provided wherein the walkway is configured for a single animal to move into, position for the treatment, receive the treatment and thence move forward after the treatment.

[0023] In another aspect of the invention, the system as defined in any of above is provided wherein the temperature control means (830) is selected from the group consisting of a refrigerating device, a heat insulation device, warming device, an ambient temperature control device, a Peltier cooling device, and any combination thereof.

[0024] In another aspect of the invention, the system as defined in any of above is provided wherein the temperature control means (830) is configured to maintain the manufacturer's recommended ambient predetermined temperature from point of loading to the injection of the animal.

[0025] In another aspect of the invention, the system as defined in any of above is provided wherein the needle injector or NFI (820) is selected from the group consisting of a spring-loaded, electrically- powered, battery-powered, gas-powered, solar panel-powered, wind-powered, and any renewable energy powered injection device configured for multiple dosing.

[0026] In another aspect of the invention, the system as defined in any of above is provided wherein the at least one needle injector or needle-free injector (NFI) (820) comprises a plurality of injectors; the plurality of injectors are mounted on both sides of the positioning area (750) and configured for contemporaneous injection of both sides of the animal.

[0027] In another aspect of the invention, the system as defined in any of above is provided wherein the injectable substance is an injectable medicament or beneficial agent selected from the group consisting of vaccines, antibiotics, hormones, vitamins, multivitamins, physiological fluids, and any other combination thereof.

[0028] In another aspect of the invention, the system as defined in any of above is provided wherein the moveable floor is configured to expose the animal to full natural lighting and predefined noise level for the duration of the treatment in the positioning area (750); the predefined noise level is selected from the group consisting of less than 60 dB, less than 70 dB, less than 80 dB, less than 90 dB and more than 90 dB.

[0029] In another aspect of the invention, the system as defined in any of above is provided wherein the at least one camera is interconnected to the one or more processors for 2D imaging, 3D sensing, ultrasonic sensing, infra-red (IR) sensing, pressure sensing, temperature sensing, or any combination thereof.

[0030] In another aspect of the invention, the system as defined in any of above is provided wherein the at least one sensor comprises a plurality of sensors.

[0031] In another aspect of the invention, the system as defined in any of above is provided further comprising a tagging module configured for tagging and identifying the animals.

[0032] In another aspect of the invention, the system as defined in any of above is provided wherein the at least one sensor is configured to receive data on any electronic ID (EID) tag affixed to the animal and transmit the data to the one or more processors.

[0033] In another aspect of the invention, the system as defined in any of above is provided wherein the controller is interconnected to local or cloud-based server configured to store data concerning the animal during pre-treatment, during treatment and post treatment.

[0034] In another aspect of the invention, the system as defined in any of above is provided wherein the controller is configured to analyze image classification, image identification, size, gait / step, location, tracking, and condition assessment of the animal.

[0035] In another aspect of the invention, the system as defined in any of above is provided wherein the data is recorded throughout the treatment, aggregated and analyzed in real-time; the data analysis is configured to enable automatic loading of injectors according to individual identified animal’s needs in no-time.

[0036] In another aspect of the invention, the system as defined in any of above is provided wherein the walkway is configured to enable identification of each the animal as it passes, and each the animal is injected with its required materials and dosage.

[0037] In another aspect of the invention, the system as defined in any of above is provided wherein the injection assembly is configured to provide an injection rate of one animal within a predetermined time period; the predetermined time period selected from the group of less than 20 seconds, less than 25 seconds, less than 30 seconds, less than 40 seconds, less than 50 seconds, less than 60 seconds and more than 60 seconds.

[0038] In one aspect of the invention, an autonomous device for mass treatment of livestock or wild animals, comprising: a. at least one injection assembly (140), comprising: i. at least one container in its upper, mid or lower portion, with an injectable substance and a temperature control means (830); the temperature control means (830) configured to maintain temperature of the injectable substance (830) within a predetermined range; ii. at least one needle injector or needle-free injector (NFI) (820) in its upper, mid or lower portion, configured to inject the injectable substance (830) into an animal; iii. at least one compressed air dispenser (810) in its upper, mid or lower portion, configured to power the actuation of the at least one needle injector or NFI (820); iv. a rinsing and disinfection device configured to rinse and disinfect components of the injector assembly; and v. at least one UV light source or any other aid of substance, mean or tool configure to enable automatic disinfecting of injection targets (146) of the animal; b. at least one camera (145) mounted above the upper portion; the at least one camera (145) comprises a vision processing module for identifying the animal and the injection targets (146) of the animal; the injection targets (146) are located within a triangular neck area between the spinal column, jugular furrow and shoulder, or any other predefined injection target; and c. at least one sensor (740), located internally, adjacent or in close vicinity of the autonomous device; the at least one sensor selected from the group consisting of electrical conductivity (EC) sensors, tonus sensors, infra-red (IR) sensors, temperature sensors, physical pressure sensors, ultrasounds sensors and Bluetooth or radio frequency identification (RFID) antennas (passive or active); the at least one sensor (740) configured to capture and transmit data characterizing the presence, size, position, biometric s / body condition and behavior of the animal.

[0039] In another aspect of the invention, the system as defined above is provided wherein data is received by using RFID or another wireless technology from an electronic ID (EID) tag or any sign affixed to the animal.

[0040] In another aspect of the invention, the system as defined in any of above is provided wherein the EC, physical pressure or ultrasound sensors are configured to provide indication whether the animal received an injection and injection depth based on measured tissue EC, pressure or ultrasound values.

[0041] In another aspect of the invention, the system as defined in any of above is provided wherein the injection assembly is configured for treatment techniques selected from the group consisting of spraying, pour-on top, intra muscular (IM) injection, sub cutaneous (SQ) injection or any transdermal injection.

[0042] In another aspect of the invention, the system as defined in any of above is provided wherein the instructions are specific for each the injectable substance according to the manufacturer's instructions.

[0043] In another aspect of the invention, the system as defined in any of above is provided wherein the autonomous device is configured to provide a rate of injection of 1 animal in predetermined time period selected from the group of less than 20 seconds, less than 25 seconds, less than 30 seconds, less than 40 seconds, less than 50 seconds, less than 60 seconds and more than 60 seconds.

[0044] In one aspect of the invention, a method of mass treatment of livestock or wild animals from a herd or a group for delivery of a substance to an animal by intramuscular (IM) injection, subcutaneous (SQ) injection, or any transdermal injection, spraying, pouring-on, tagging, cooling, pinning, gluing or saddling, comprising steps of providing: a. a livestock pen (100), pasture or truck’s livestock trailer, having at least one opening to a single-file railed walkway, characterized by a positioning area (750) equipped with: i. at least two vertical side cylinders or rollers, each with a horizontally, vertically and / or circular moveable capability; there within at least one moveable side cylinder or roller exists an injection assembly (140), comprising:

[0045] 1) at least one container in its upper, mid or lower portion, with an injectable substance and a temperature control means (830); the temperature control means (830) configured to maintain temperature of the injectable substance within a predetermined range;

[0046] 2) at least one needle injector or needle-free injector (NFI) (820) in its upper, mid or lower portion, configured to inject the injectable substance into an animal;

[0047] 3) at least one compressed air dispenser (810) in its upper, mid or lower portion, configured to power the actuation of the at least one needle injector or NFI (820);

[0048] 4) a rinsing and disinfection device configured to rinse and disinfect components of the injector assembly; and

[0049] 5) at least one UV light source or any other aid of substance, mean or tool enabling automatic disinfecting of injection targets (146) of the animal; ii. a moveable floor and a first bump / cylinder (1312) behind the rear of the animal configured to prevent the animal to step back, and a second bump / cylinder (1313) in front of the animal configured to prevent the animal to charge forward; each bump / cylinder coupled with a sensor configured to sense either the head / neck or rear of the animal; iii. at least one camera (145); the at least one camera (145) comprises a vision processing module for identifying the animal and the injection targets (146) of the animal; the injection targets (146) is located within a triangular neck area between the spinal column, jugular furrow and shoulder, or any other predefined injection target; and iv. at least one sensor (740) mounted on one side or both sides of the walkway; the at least one sensor selected from the group consisting of electrical conductivity (EC) sensors, tonus sensors, infra-red (IR) sensors, temperature sensors, physical pressure sensors, ultrasounds sensors and Bluetooth or radio frequency identification (RFID) antennas (passive or active); the at least one sensor (740) configured to capture and transmit data characterizing the presence, size, position, biometric s / body condition and behavior of the animal; b. a controller with one or more processors configured to receive and process data from the camera and the at least one sensor; c. one or more non-transitory external computer-readable mediums (CRMs); d. one or more computer-readable memories; e. program instructions stored on at least one of the one or more CRMs for execution by at least one of the one or more processors via at least one of the one or more memories, for: i. opening and closing cylinders or rollers; ii. moving the at least two moveable side cylinders or rollers snuggly against the flanks and neck of the animal; iii. raising and lowering the moveable floor on detection of the animal in the positioning area (750); and iv. operating the injection assembly (140) to inject into the injection targets (146) based on settings determined prior to a mass treatment event or in real-time according to the data from the camera and the at least one sensor indicating presence, size, position and biometric s / body condition and behavior of the animal; and f. a grooming device located before, within and / or after the positioning area (750), comprising at least one grooming roller configured to provide grooming and pain reduction / desensitizing by repetitive pressing or massaging of the surface area within a radius of 10 cm (4 inches) surrounding injection targets (146), 1-5 seconds prior to injection; wherein the method provides an accurate, time-saving and continuous action mass treatment, thus reducing stress and injury, and increasing treatment efficiency and qualitative with quantitative and qualitative livestock production, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and confining environmental impact to sustainable level.

[0050] In one aspect of the invention, a method of mass treatment of livestock or wild animals from a herd or a group for delivery of a substance to an animal by intramuscular (IM) injection, subcutaneous (SQ) injection, or any transdermal injection, comprising steps of providing a livestock pen (100), pasture or truck’s livestock trailer, having at least one opening to a single-file railed walkway, characterized by a positioning area (750); said positioning area equipped with at least two vertical side cylinders or rollers, each with a horizontally, vertically and / or circular moveable capability; there within at least one moveable side cylinder or roller exists an injection assembly (140), comprising at least one needle injector or needle-free injector (NFI) (820) configured to inject said injectable substance into said animal. In one aspect of the invention, a method of mass treatment of livestock or wild animals from a herd or a group for delivery of a substance to an animal by intramuscular (IM) injection, subcutaneous (SQ) injection, or any transdermal injection, comprising steps of providing a livestock pen (100), pasture or truck’s livestock trailer, having at least one opening to a single-file railed walkway, characterized by a positioning area (750); said positioning area equipped with: a. at least two vertical side cylinders or rollers, each with a horizontally, vertically and / or circular moveable capability; there within at least one moveable side cylinder or roller exists an injection assembly (140), comprising at least one needle injector or needle-free injector (NFI) (820) configured to inject said injectable substance into said animal; and b. at least one camera (145) comprising a vision processing module for identifying said animal and said injection targets (146) and at least one sensor (740) mounted on one side or both sides of said walkway; said at least one sensor selected from the group consisting of electrical conductivity (EC) sensors, tonus sensors, infra-red (IR) sensors, temperature sensors, physical pressure sensors, ultrasounds sensors and Bluetooth or radio frequency identification (RFID) antennas (passive or active); said at least one sensor (740) configured to capture and transmit data characterizing the presence, size, position, biometric s / body condition and behavior of said animal for determining an optimal individualized treatment based on said data; wherein said autonomous system provides an accurate, time-saving and continuous action mass treatment, thus reducing stress and injury, and increasing treatment efficiency and qualitative with quantitative livestock production, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and confining environmental impact to sustainable level.

[0051] In one aspect of the invention, a method of mass treatment of livestock or wild animals from a herd or a group for delivery of a substance to an animal by intramuscular (IM) injection, subcutaneous (SQ) injection, or any transdermal injection, comprising steps of providing a livestock pen (100), pasture or truck’s livestock trailer, having at least one opening to a single-file railed walkway, characterized by a positioning area (750); said positioning area equipped with: a. at least two vertical side cylinders or rollers, each with a horizontally, vertically and / or circular moveable capability; there within at least one moveable side cylinder or roller exists an injection assembly (140), comprising at least one needle injector or needle-free injector (NFI) (820) configured to inject said injectable substance into said animal; b. at least one camera (145) comprising a vision processing module for identifying said animal and said injection targets (146) and at least one sensor (740) mounted on one side or both sides of said walkway; said at least one sensor selected from the group consisting of electrical conductivity (EC) sensors, tonus sensors, infra-red (IR) sensors, temperature sensors, physical pressure sensors, ultrasounds sensors and Bluetooth or radio frequency identification (RFID) antennas (passive or active); said at least one sensor (740) configured to capture and transmit data characterizing the presence, size, position, biometric s / body condition and behavior of said animal for determining an optimal individualized treatment based on said data; and c. a grooming device located before, within and / or after said positioning area (750), comprising at least one grooming roller configured to provide grooming and pain reduction / desensitizing by repetitive pressing or massaging of the surface area within a radius of 10 cm (4 inches) surrounding injection targets (146), 1-5 seconds prior to injection or post- injection; wherein said autonomous system provides an accurate, time-saving and continuous action mass treatment, thus reducing stress and injury, and increasing treatment efficiency and qualitative with quantitative livestock production, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and confining environmental impact to sustainable level.

[0052] In another aspect of the invention, the method as defined above is provided wherein the program instructions are determined by a livestock handler, rancher, feeder, veterinarian or other professional prior to a mass treatment event or in real-time according to the individualized captured data for the animal.

[0053] In another aspect of the invention, the method as defined in any of above is provided wherein the settings of the injection assembly enable configuration adjustment of the at least one needle injector or NFI (820) for one or more injections at the injection target(s) (146) so the distance between each the injection target (146) is at least 13 cms (5 inches).

[0054] In another aspect of the invention, the method as defined in any of above is provided wherein the settings of the injection assembly comprise needle injector or NFI type, injectable substance, dosage, tissue type and depth for the injection.

[0055] In another aspect of the invention, the method as defined in any of above is provided wherein the walkway is configured for a single animal to move into, position for the treatment, receive the treatment and thence move forward after the treatment.

[0056] In another aspect of the invention, the method as defined in any of above is provided wherein the temperature control means (830) is selected from the group consisting of a refrigerating device, a heat insulation device, warming device, an ambient temperature control device, a Peltier cooling device, and any combination thereof. In another aspect of the invention, the method as defined in any of above is provided wherein the temperature control means (830) is configured to maintain the manufacturer's recommended ambient predetermined temperature from point of loading to the injection of the animal.

[0057] In another aspect of the invention, the method as defined in any of above is provided wherein the needle injector or NFI (820) is selected from the group consisting of a spring-loaded, electrically- powered, battery-powered, gas-powered, solar panel-powered, wind-powered, and any renewable energy powered injection device configured for multiple dosing.

[0058] In another aspect of the invention, the method as defined in any of above is provided wherein the at least one needle injector or needle-free injector (NFI) (820) comprises a plurality of injectors; the plurality of injectors are mounted on both sides of the positioning area (750) and configured for contemporaneous injection of both sides of the animal.

[0059] In another aspect of the invention, the method as defined in any of above is provided wherein the injectable substance is an injectable medicament or beneficial agent selected from the group consisting of vaccines, antibiotics, hormones, vitamins, multivitamins, physiological fluids, and any other combination thereof.

[0060] In another aspect of the invention, the method as defined in any of above is provided wherein the moveable floor is configured expose the animal to full natural lighting and predefined noise level for the duration of the treatment in the positioning area (750); the predefined noise level is selected from the group consisting of less than 60 dB, less than 70 dB, less than 80 dB, less than 90 dB and more than 90 dB.

[0061] In another aspect of the invention, the method as defined in any of above is provided wherein the at least one camera is interconnected to the one or more processors for 2D imaging, 3D sensing, ultrasonic sensing, infra-red (IR) sensing, pressure sensing, temperature sensing, or any combination thereof.

[0062] In another aspect of the invention, the method as defined in any of above is provided wherein the at least one sensor comprises a plurality of sensors.

[0063] In another aspect of the invention, the method as defined in any of above is provided, further comprising steps providing an automatic tagging module configured for tagging and identifying the animals.

[0064] In another aspect of the invention, the method as defined in any of above is provided wherein the at least one sensor is configured to receive data on any electronic ID (EID) tag or sign affixed to the animal and transmit the data to the one or more processors. In another aspect of the invention, the method as defined in any of above is provided wherein the controller is interconnected to local or cloud-based server configured to store data concerning the animal during pre-treatment, during treatment and post treatment.

[0065] In another aspect of the invention, the method as defined in any of above is provided wherein the controller is configured to analyze image classification, image identification, size, gait / step, location, tracking, and condition assessment of the animal.

[0066] In another aspect of the invention, the method as defined in any of above is provided wherein the data is recorded throughout the treatment, aggregated and analyzed in real-time; the data analysis is configured to enable automatic loading of injectors according to individual identified animal’s needs in no-time.

[0067] In another aspect of the invention, the method as defined in any of above is provided wherein the walkway is configured to enable identification of each the animal as it passes, and each the animal is injected with its required materials and dosage.

[0068] In another aspect of the invention, the method as defined in any of above is provided wherein the injection assembly provides an injection rate of one animal within a predetermined time period; the predetermined time period selected from the group of less than 20 seconds, less than 25 seconds, less than 30 seconds, less than 40 seconds, less than 50 seconds, less than 60 seconds and more than 60 seconds.

[0069] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0070] The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the figures in which:

[0071] Figure 1 provides a schematic representation of an aspect of the present invention, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0072] Figure 2 provides a schematic representation of an aspect of the present invention, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0073] Figure 3 provides a schematic representation of an aspect of the present invention, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0074] Figure 4 provides a schematic representation of an aspect of the present invention, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 5 provides a schematic representation of an aspect of the present invention, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0075] Figure 6 provides a schematic representation of an aspect of the present invention, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0076] Figure 7a-c provides a schematic representation of an aspect of the present invention, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0077] Figure 8a-b provides a schematic representation of an aspect of the present invention.

[0078] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0079] In order to better understand the subject matter that is disclosed herein and to exemplify how it may be carried out in practice, embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting examples only, with reference to the accompanying figures representing means and methods for the precise, rapid and stress-free technical treatment of livestock and wild animals.

[0080] In some embodiments, the invention is directed to meat or milk producing livestock animals such as cattle, goats, sheep and swine.

[0081] In other embodiments, the invention is directed to animals in the wild, such as wildebeest, gazelles, antelope and wild horses roaming in the wild or on designated nature reserves.

[0082] Various novel features of the invention described herein provide efficient and safe throughput of animals so that they may be injected with the minimum of stress and return to their herd or group without damage or negative effects.

[0083] The core embodiments described herein provide an exemplary autonomous livestock injection and precise technical treatment system with a grooming and positioning passage of adjustable width and height, and 6 tubules with designated adherence orifices / 6 needle-free injectors (3 per each application unit) which operates without routine human intervention. The system includes data collection and analytical capabilities.

[0084] The injected substance may be a medicament or beneficial agent such as a vaccine, antibiotic, hormone, vitamin, multivitamin, physiological fluid or any other combination thereof.

[0085] It should be noted that, though cattle tend to be large and quite stoic animals, they are not thought to be less sensitive to pain than other mammals. Cattle in pain and / or stress are likely to have different behavioural priorities compared to healthy cattle, and pain and stress affect meat and milk production and quality, and constitute a serious welfare problem. Increasingly, consumers and regulators demand end to end treatment of cattle in pain / stress-free conditions, and these demands will intensify in the future. The present invention is directed to providing mass injection methods means and methods which are efficient and cause the minimum of pain, damage and stress to the animals along with minimum environmental impact to enable sustainability.

[0086] Cattle, rise both for beef or milk are often injected with medicaments or beneficial agent such as vaccines, antibiotics, hormones, vitamins, multivitamins to improve or maintain the production, health and welfare of the animals and their milk or meat quality. When such injections are given manually or by semi- automatic means, there are many risks to the cattle, the cattle handlers, ranchers or feeders and the meat product.

[0087] When cattle handlers herd the often reluctant and frightened cattle into position to receive an injection, the cattle become stressed and may behave unpredictably or dangerously to itself and surroundings. Much of the care taken to provide the cow with relatively stress-free pasturing and feeding in the company of other members of the herd is wasted if the animal is stressed by the injection or other treatment process. In a typical squeeze chute (see Fig. la) and holding pen for livestock nowadays (see Fig. lb), a human handler has to urge the cow into place within a special area (See Fig. lb) and place the injections into the so called "target triangle" comprising three injection points (See Fig. 2a-2b). This is stressful for the animal, and dangerous for the cattle and handler. Mistakes such as double injections, missed injections, miss location are very common. For vaccines, IM and SQ injections should be given in the triangular mass of muscle on the side of the neck. The acceptable area starts about three fingers’ width behind the ear and extends down to a few inches in front of the shoulder. Injections should avoid the top of the neck, which contains a thick ligament and spinal cord, and the bottom of the neck where the trachea, esophagus and jugular vein are located. For administering antibiotics or other beneficial substances, the side of the neck is a preferred location regardless of dosage and whether the product is given IM or SQ. It is clear that a comprehensive automated needle-free injection system has great benefit for the health and welfare of the animals and as a direct consequence, is of great environmental and economic importance.

[0088] Embodiments of the Invention are directed towards the general concepts of Precise Livestock Farming: An automatic system for delivery of intramuscular (IM), subcutaneous (SQ) and any transdermal injections is now described, exemplary aspects of which are depicted in Figs. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7a-7c, 8a- 8b.

[0089] The system described herein includes a smart automatic animal injection device. In some embodiments of the device the injector provided is a needle free jet injection device (NFID) (Figs. 8a-8b). In some aspects of the invention the NFID has 6 orifice injectors.

[0090] Needle-free injection devices (NFID) are becoming more available in farm animal production systems due to two main factors: 1) immunology research indicates that targeting dendritic cells in the skin and the subcutaneous tissues results in improved immune response with minimal antigen doses and 2) implementation of meat quality assurance standards to minimize needle site lesions that are the result of blunt or broken needles, increased risk of infections and / or scarring and the like. Use of NFIDs can be applicable for administering injectable substances including medicaments, beneficial biological or synthetic agents, vaccines, antibiotics, hormones, vitamins, multivitamins, trace elements, physiological fluids or any other combination thereof. The NFIDs most commonly used for transdermal, SQ and IM injections in humans are spring loaded injector devices, battery powered injector devices or gas-powered injector devices, and the described system is suitable for all of the above. In some embodiments of the invention, needle injectors are provided.

[0091] An example of the present invention describes a system comprising a livestock area (See Fig. 3) 100 having at least one opening to a passageway 120 with grooming, an IM, SQ or transdermal injectors, spraying or pour-on applicators, tagging and positioning area 750. The grooming and positioning area with injectors and applicators (See Figs. 4, 7a, 7b, 7c) are configured to motivate or enable an individual animal, such as heifer, calf, bull, cow or else to move into the area and be identified and located for intramuscular (IM), subcutaneous (SQ) or other injection, spraying, pour-on or different treatment and thence moved forward along sorting area to a predetermined, group, area or feed yard after the treatment has taken place. The brevity of the procedure and lack of stressful human presence contributes to the safety, calming effect with minimal stress that the cattle will experience, as does the operation of the grooming pathway.

[0092] In some embodiments of the invention the grooming and positioning area has automatically moveable designated side grooming poles / rollers or “totems”. These poles, which can be termed "totems" are made of resilient animal friendly materials or covered with safe animal friendly materials, in the sense that no sharp or metallic or disturbingly rough or toxic materials can come into contact with the animal. In some embodiments of the invention, these “grooming totems” provide components of a moveable floor and a first hind pole / bump 1312 for gently prevent withdrawal said rear of said animal and a second anterior pole / bump 1313 to enable and encourage timed and ongoing passage in front of the animal. In some embodiments of the invention, shock and sound absorbers are provided on the poles or totems to minimize sounds and vibrations. There is at least a first sensor for sensing the front, shoulder, head or other anatomic structures of the animal, and at least one second sensor for sensing the rear of animal as the animal moves into the designated treatment area.

[0093] A smart automatic system 140 is provided which carries an injection device for holding the injectable substances and at least one injector for injecting the substances 142. It is important to maintain the correct temperature of the injectable substances, as in many cases they are temperature sensitive, and must be kept within a specified range. In embodiments of the device there is therefore a temperature control means 141 for maintaining the temperature of the substances within a predetermined range. Fig. 8a and Fig. 8b depict embodiments of the injection device, wherein the lower, mid or upper portion comprises a compressed air tank 810 for powering the actuation of the injectors 820 and the lower, mid or upper portion comprises temperature-controlled reservoirs 830 holding substances to be injected.

[0094] It is crucial that the system provide injections into the specified target triangle. Embodiments of the system are therefore fitted with at least one camera 145 for capturing visual and at least one other sensor for sensible data of the animal including the injection target 146 of the animal's triangular mass of muscle on the side of the neck or any other predetermined injection target. It is acknowledged that the camera may be coupled with sensor technology for collection of other, non-visual data.

[0095] This visual and sensible data is fed to a controller with at least one processor for receiving and processing data from said camera and sensors concerning the presence and position of said animal. The controller has a non- transitory medium with instructions for opening and closing prearranged poles or rollers, moving roller arrangements snuggly against the flanks, side walls and neck of said animal and raising and lowering the floor on detection of said animal in said positioning area. Such roller arrangements are depicted in Figs. 5 and 6.

[0096] When the controller has received and processed the visual and sensible information concerning the location of the target triangle, the injection system is operated automatically to inject into the injection target triangle of the animal's triangular mass of muscle or subcutaneously on the side of the neck or any other injection target.

[0097] In some embodiments of the present invention the side poles or rollers of the positioning area are configured with a pre-defined space through which the smart automatic system injector may operatively inject into the injection target triangle and the predefined space may be a port, gap, window or the like. In other embodiments of the invention the smart automatic device of the invention comprises automatic adjustment means and mechanical members for reaching over said side poles to said injection target triangle. In other embodiments of the invention the system and device are configured to provide injection dosages and injection type and frequency according to the programmed requirements of the individual animal. In yet other embodiments of the invention the system and device are configured to provide injection dosages and injection type and frequency according to the programmed requirements of the designated group or herd.

[0098] In some embodiments of the invention the injection device is configured to inject, according to instructed demand, different substances by IM and SQ or any other way. In some embodiments of the invention the injection system includes devices for spraying or pour-on pesticide or water for cooling or any beneficial substances onto the animal before, during and after injection.

[0099] The present invention has a number of embodiments with various characteristics such as a smart illumination system programmed to provide animal friendly illumination optimized to the time of day and other parameters. The smart illumination system can be solar powered or activate by any other renewable energy source and remotely controlled.

[0100] Further embodiments and aspects of the invention:

[0101] • The side poles or grooming rollers of the positioning area are configured with a pre- defined space through which the smart automatic system injector may operatively inject into the injection target triangle and the predefined space may be a port, gap, window or the like.

[0102] • The smart automatic device comprises automatic adjustment means and mechanical members for reaching over said side poles to said injection target triangle.

[0103] • The system and device are configured to provide injection dosages and injection type and frequency according to the programmed requirements of the individual animal.

[0104] • The system and device are configured to provide injection dosages and injection type and frequency according to the programmed requirements of the designated group or herd. • The injection device is configured to inject, according to instructions, different substances by IM, SQ or any other way required.

[0105] • The injection system includes devices for spraying, pour-on, cooling or scattering beneficial substances onto the animal before, during and after injection.

[0106] • An important part of automatic injection procedures in cattle is to provide injection target dosage efficacy and accuracy. To this end, in some embodiments of the system, the camera and sensors software and hardware comprise vision processing for identifying the target triangle. The vision and sensing processing are programmed to recognize the individual animal and target triangle as an area bounded by the upper boundary located below the spinal column following the line of the neck crest the angular boundary along and above the jugular furrow in the middle of the neck and the posterior boundary along the line above the point of the shoulder, up towards the top-line or top of the shoulder.

[0107] • In some embodiments of the invention, where the system is adapted for IM, SQ or any transdermal injections within the triangular area, injections can be spaced one hand-width about 13cms (5inc) apart to prevent mixing of different materials in the tissue or under the skin. This enables approximately three injections per side of the neck at the same time.

[0108] • The controller comprises a non-transitory medium having instructions for operating said injection system to inject into the injection target triangle. This is done when data from the camera and sensors indicate presence and safe / comfort of the animal within positioning area and the target triangle is identified in operative range of at least one of the injectors.

[0109] • Embodiments of the present invention that have at least one camera sensor interconnected to a processor for 2D imaging, 3D sensing, ultrasonic sensing, and infrared sensing, conductivity, pressure or any combination thereof for accurately and rapidly facilitating the injection process such as steps of establishing the presence and identity of the animal and the location of the targeted triangle.

[0110] • Embodiments of the present invention wherein the system is provided with a non-transitory computer medium having instructions for implementing a logical verification protocol (some logic tests) to ensure that the selected injection target is correct and will not cause harm to the animal.

[0111] • Some commercial herds use smart tags for reporting identification and location, animal biometrics and rumination, body weight and sizes, behavioral data and other activity of each cow to provide health, fertility and welfare alerts. The system is adapted for collecting and analyzing such data. It is therefore herein acknowledged that in some embodiments of the present invention there is at least one sensor for receiving data on any tag affixed to the animal and transmitting to at least one processor. It is further acknowledged that in some embodiments of the present invention the injection assembly has a device for automatic affixing tags to animals. Furthermore, in some embodiments there is at least one sensor for receiving data concerning noninvasive individualized biometric data of the animal and transmitting to at least one processor.

[0112] • The controller of the present invention comprises processors and communication channels through which data is received and transmitted as well as operational commands on the modes of operation of the automated system of the invention.

[0113] • The controller is interconnected to an external server for storing data concerning the behavior of the herd and the individual animals during the pre -injection, during injection and post injection process.

[0114] • The controller is interconnected to a computer for image classification, face recognition, gait recognition, object detection, size measurement, tracking, and animal performance estimation. Data is collected, recorded and stored in an external server or cloud-based server and will be available for 2-3 years. Older data is stored and archived in a cloud database and will be retrievable on demand. A cloud-based information center is provided for record protection and analysis. Data collected, recorded, analyzed and stored can include, date of treatment, I.D. of the animals, sex, breed, age, size, reproductive status, identification of the administered materials or substances, dosage data, dosage form, route of administration, location of injection, type of needle or injector, withdrawal time and recommended marketing date. The system can provide printed or electronic verified official records on demand. Data of treated animal collected by the camera and sensors of the system is processed and analyzed. This data is compared with data regarding the herd or group from which the animal came prior to treatment or after treatment by the system, to note any changes in individual, group or herd behavior or production performance.

[0115] • It is important for the injection process to be carried out as accurately and rapidly as possible, and several features and embodiments are described below to facilitate this. It is important, for example, that in cases where multiple injections are required in the injection triangle, that the points of injection are not too close together, which can be problematic to that area of the animal muscle and skin. It is therefore herein acknowledged that, in some embodiments of the present invention, • The non-transitory medium has instructions for multiple injections to vary by at least lOcms the distance between each subsequent target point within the injection target triangle.

[0116] • Rapidity, accuracy and repeatability is crucial to inject a herd of individual animals so that there are the fewest number of errors of injection (double injections or missed injections, or wrong placement or dosage or wrong substance) and in some embodiments therefore,

[0117] • The smart automatic device comprises at least one magazine pre-loaded with individual syringes, reservoirs containing a pre-metered dose of the injectable substance.

[0118] • The smart automatic device comprises at least one dosing gun or pistol syringe / injector or the like loaded with multiple doses.

[0119] It is crucial that pain, noises, and stress are reduced to the minimum when the animals go through the process of automated injection. The noise threshold expected to cause a behavioural response by cattle is >85 dB. Noises greater than threshold have provoked, retreat, freezing, or strong startle (kicking, jumping, mooing, vocalization, sudden moves) responses. Heifers exposed to the noise from milking parlour show escape-type behaviours, consistent with a fear response. In addition to noise, another stress provoking factor can be illumination conditions.

[0120] The sharp contrast between illuminated areas and shaded areas can scare the animals. The system provides appropriate illumination in the positioning area so that the animals are not disturbed by unfamiliar or unexpected shade “obstructions” conditions.

[0121] Although cows and other farm animals are relatively used to human activity, some mostly young and wild animals, experienced no human interactions, however, it is not simple at all to discern pain and stress as it occurs, the results of pain, excessive noise and stress become apparent in terms of adversity behaviors, declined food consumption and feed efficiency, excessive excretions and deterioration of meat production, quality and yield.

[0122] In Figs. 4, 5, 6, 7a-7c, aspects of the present invention are schematically represented: The positioning area comprises two arrangements of poles / rollers 720. These animal friendly poles or rollers are horizontally, vertically and circular moveable and will assist the rollers 720 snugly embrace the animal (in some embodiments cattle) passing through. The rollers 720 are programmed to provide grooming effects on the animal. The rollers for example, are provided with animal friendly polymer surfaces with protrusions and projections so that when they move along the animal’s flanks and necks, a grooming effect ensues. • In some embodiments of the invention the positioning area 750 leads to a sorting area 710.

[0123] • In some embodiments of the invention the rollers 720 are provided with sensors 740.

[0124] • These sensors communicate information on location and size of the animal with distance between each other (rollers), measuring also height, width and circumference of the animal neck, via processors.

[0125] • In some embodiments designated brushes / rollers or roto brushes / rollers are provided for grooming. The injector device and assembly 730 may be mounted on one side or the other or both sides of the positioning area, or two injector devices may be on opposite sides of the passageway through which the animal passes, in order to contemporaneously provide any precise technical treatment or injection as required. Various sensors 740 mentioned herein are, in a non -limiting yet exemplary manner, depicted schematically at the entrance to the positioning area, but they may be positioned anywhere within the area.

[0126] • In some embodiments of the present invention the smart automatic device comprises a pre- injection desensitizer pain reduction surface for repetitive pressing or massaging area within a radius of about 10 cms surrounding the points of injection seconds prior to and during injection. This has been shown to reduce / screen pain in the animals during injection. A stress and pain scale assessment shows that the system of the present invention, operating at a rate of injection of 1 animal < 20 seconds has 95% of injected animals within the GLEERUP pain scale of < 3 within 5 minutes of said entry, injection and ongoing / headway from said positioning section. Furthermore, animals injected in this system show no substantial reduction in food consumption or shrinkage / weight loss within 3 days of injection.

[0127] • In some embodiments of the invention, the operational mechanics of the moveable floor and moveable side rollers are configured to be quiet in operation.

[0128] • Some injected vaccinations for cattle are administered subcutaneously for example, babesia bigemina and babesia bovis, Theileriosis annulata, and anaplasma centrale. Some embodiments of the present invention are adapted for subcutaneous (SQ) injection. Manually, subcutaneous injections are sometimes administered by "tenting" the skin and then injecting through the skin at an angle of approximately 45 degrees to the surface of the skin away from the shoulder. It is important to ensure that the needle has penetrated under the skin, rather than in the skin or over, into mussels, which is in average about 1 / 4 inch

[0129] (~ 6 mm) thick in cattle. In the present invention, the automatic injection system is provided with a grasping applicator or vacuum cup for lifting skin of said animal to facilitate precise SQ injection and ensure the injector is angled appropriately.

[0130] EXEMPLARY COMPARISON OF INJECTION METHODS

[0131] As shown above, there are academic sources for scales for measuring animal pain and discomfort, and as is known, the degree of stress, pain and discomfort experienced by a cow directly affects the yield (YG) and the quality (QG) of the carcass beef.

[0132] The efficacy of the Autonomous livestock Injection system and method of the present invention is shown below with explanation and results:

[0133] THE COW PAIN SCALE

[0134] The cow pain scale contains 7 behaviors that are assessed from 0-2 and then combined to produce a total pain score. A tally higher than 5 indicates that an animal could be in pain. The cow is then watched and re-tested. An assessment is conducted from a distance for the first 4 behavioral markers prior to the cow becoming aware of the producer. The response to the final 3 behaviors is then noted once the cattle are approached. The 7 behaviors as outlined by (Gleerup et al., 2015) are:

[0135] ATTENTION TOWARDS THE SURROUNDINGS:

[0136] If a cow is in pain, she tends to be less focused on the environment.

[0137] HEAD POSITION:

[0138] Pain will often cause an animal to lower its head.

[0139] EAR POSITION:

[0140] Cows in pain keep their ears straight backward or very low like lamb’s ears.

[0141] FACIAL EXPRESSION:

[0142] Cows have a different facial expression when in pain, a so-called “pain face.”

[0143] RESPONSE TO APPROACH:

[0144] A cow in pain and / or anxiety is less interested in social interaction and will, therefore, try to avoid an approaching person. BACK POSITION:

[0145] Pain in the legs or abdomen may result in an arched back.

[0146] LAMENESS:

[0147] Lameness is a result of pain in one or several limbs. Pain in more than one limb may result in a very careful walk, rather than a limp.

[0148] SEVERE PAIN

[0149] Studies have shown that even supposedly healthy, productive cattle often experience varying degrees of pain and discomfort. This is a concern as pain negatively impacts production quantity, quality, health and welfare. Severe or acute pain is more pronounced and easier to evaluate than mild, moderate or long-term pain. Behavioral indicators for severe pain and / or stress include:

[0150] Rapid, shallow breathing

[0151] Violent behaviour when handled

[0152] Rigid posture to immobilize the painful area

[0153] Grinding teeth

[0154] Vocalizations such as bellowing

[0155] Head pressing

[0156] Colic behaviour

[0157] Standing with one hind foot directly in front of the other (suggests acute abdominal pain)

[0158] The following process of estimating Beef Carcass Yield Grades occurs after the slaughter of livestock, whereas the present invention provides estimation of livestock quality and quantity grades before, during and after VeTreat treatment. According to real-time measurements and estimations of weight, height, hindquarters softness / backfat thickness level, neck and flank circumferences and slant body Length / body diagonal, with body condition.

[0159] Beef Carcass Yield Grades July 12, 2022

[0160] Christina Bakker

[0161] Assistant Professor and SDSU Extension Meat Science Specialist

[0162] Beef carcass yield grades (YG) are used to estimate cutability, which is the amount of boneless, closely trimmed retail cuts from the round, loin, rib and chuck a carcass will yield. The system uses a numeric scale of 1 to 5; YG 1 carcasses have the highest, most-desirable cutability and YG 5 carcasses have the lowest, least-desirable cutability. There are four carcass characteristics that factor into a YG equation: hot carcass weight (HCW), ribeye area (REA), backfat thickness (BF) and kidney, pelvic and heart fat (KPH).

[0163] Hot carcass weight is the weight of a carcass as it is leaving the harvest area, before entering a cooler to be chilled. This number can usually be found on the identification tag of the carcass.

[0164] Ribeye area is reported in square inches and is measured on the ribeye muscle that is exposed when a carcass is ribbed. (Ribbing a carcass is the process of cuting through the backbone of the side of beef between the 12th and 13th rib. This cut separates the forequarter from the hindquarter of the carcass.) The REA can be measured using a ribeye grid, which is made of a transparent plastic and has 0.1 square-inch boxes with dots in the middle. To measure the REA, place the grid on the ribeye and count how many dots are touching the ribeye muscle. Make sure you don’t count the dots touching the muscles surrounding the ribeye, and that you are counting dots, not squares. Every ten dots equal one square-inch.

[0165] Backfat thickness is measured in inches using a small ruler. The proper place to measure backfat thickness is % of the length up the ribeye from the backbone end, perpendicular to the outside surface of the carcass.

[0166] Kidney, pelvic and heart fat is an estimation of the percentage of HCW made up by the fat in the kidney, pelvic and heart areas. This is the mo st- subjective measurement factored into a yield grade, but most carcasses in the Midwest have between 2-3.5% KPH.

[0167] Yield grades can be calculated based on the following equation:

[0168] Yield Grade = 2.5 + (2.5 x BF) + (0.2 x % KPH) + (0.0038 x HCW) - (0.32 x REA)

[0169] From: USDA Marketing Dept.

[0170] Quality Grades of Carcass Beef (steer, heifer, cow)

[0171] 1. Prime. a. Depending on their degree of maturity, beef carcasses possessing the minimum requirements for the Prime grade vary in their other indications of quality as evidenced in the ribeye muscle. Minimum quality characteristics are described for two maturity groups, which cover the entire range of maturity permitted in the Prime grade. b. Carcasses in the younger group, range from the youngest that are eligible for the beef class to those at the juncture of the two maturity groups, which ha ve slightly red and slightly soft chine bones and cartilages on the ends of the thoracic vertebrae that have some evidence of ossification. In addition, the sacral vertebrae are completely fused and the cartilages on the ends of the lumbar' vertebrae are nearly completely ossified. The rib bones are slightly wide and slightly flat and the ribeye muscle is light red in color and is fine in texture. In carcasses throughout the range of maturity included in this group, a minimum slightly abundant amount of marbling is required and the ribeye muscle is moderately firm. c. Carcasses in the older group, range from those described above as representative of the juncture of the two groups to those at the maximum maturity permitted in the Prime grade, which have chine bones tinged with red and cartilages on the ends of the thoracic vertebrae that are partially ossified. In addition, the sacral vertebrae are completely fused, the cartilages on the ends of the lumbar vertebrae are completely ossified, and the cut surface of the lean tends to be fine in texture. The minimum degree of marbling required increases with advancing maturity throughout this group from minimum slightly abundant to maximum slightly abundant and the ribeye muscle is firm. d. Beef produced from cows is not eligible for the Prime grade. Choice. a. Depending on their degree of maturity, beef carcasses possessing the minimum requirements for the Choice grade vary in their other indications of quality as evidenced in the ribeye muscle. Minimum quality characteristics are described for two maturity groups, which cover the entire range of maturity permitted in the Choice grade. b. Carcasses in the younger group, range from the youngest that are eligible for the beef class, to those at the juncture of the two maturity groups, which have slightly red and slightly soft chine bones and cartilages on the ends of the thoracic vertebrae that have some evidence of ossification. In addition, the sacral vertebrae are completely fused and the cartilages on the ends of the lumbar vertebrae are nearly completely ossified. The rib bones are slightly wide and slightly flat and the ribeye muscle is moderately light red in color and is fine in texture. In carcasses throughout the range of maturity included in this group, a minimum small amount of marbling is required and the ribeye muscle may be slightly soft. c. Carcasses in the older group range from those described above as representative of the juncture of the two groups, to those at the maximum maturity permitted in the Choice grade, which have chine bones tinged with red and cartilages on the ends of the thoracic vertebrae are partially ossified. In addition, the sacral vertebrae are completely fused, the cartilages on the ends of the lumbar vertebrae are completely ossified, and the cut surface of the lean tends to be fine in texture. In carcasses throughout the range of maturity included in this group, a minimum modest amount of marbling is required and the ribeye muscle is slightly firm.

[0172] 3. Select. a. In carcasses throughout the range of maturity permitted in the Select grade, the minimum marbling required is a minimum slight amount and the ribeye may be moderately soft. b. Carcasses in the maturity group permitted range from the youngest that are eligible for the beef class, to those at the juncture of the two maturity groups, which have slightly red and slightly soft chine bones and cartilages on the ends of the thoracic vertebrae that have some evidence of ossification. In addition, the sacral vertebrae are completely fused and the cartilages on the ends of the lumbar vertebrae are nearly completely ossified. The rib bones are slightly wide and slightly flat and the ribeye muscle is slightly light red in color and is fine in texture. In carcasses throughout the range of maturity included in this group, a minimum slight amount of marbling is required and the ribeye may be moderately soft.

[0173] 4. Standard. a. Depending on their degree of maturity, beef carcasses possessing the minimum requirements for the standard grade vary in their other indications of quality as evidenced in the ribeye muscle. Minimum quality characteristics are described for two maturity groups which cover the entire range of maturity permitted in the Standard grade. b. Carcasses in the younger group range from the youngest that are eligible for the beef class to those at the juncture of the two maturity groups, which have slightly red and slightly soft chine bones and cartilages on the ends of the thoracic vertebrae that have some evidence of ossification. In addition, the sacral vertebrae are completely fused and the cartilages on the ends of the lumbar vertebrae are nearly completely ossified. The rib bones are slightly wide and slightly flat and the ribeye muscle is slightly dark red in color and is fine in texture. In carcasses throughout the range of maturity included in this group, a minimum practically devoid amount of marbling is required and the ribeye muscle may be soft. c. Carcasses in the older group range from those described above as representative of the juncture of the two groups to those at the maximum maturity permitted in the Standard grade, which have chine bones tinged with red and cartilages on the ends of the thoracic vertebrae that are partially ossified. In addition, the sacral vertebrae are completely fused, the cartilages on the ends of the lumbar vertebrae are completely ossified, and the cut surface of the lean is moderately fine in texture. The minimum degree of marbling required increases with advancing maturity throughout this group from minimum practically devoid to maximum practically devoid and the ribeye muscle may be moderately soft. Commercial. a. Commercial grade beef carcasses are restricted to those with evidences of more advanced maturity than permitted in the Standard grade. Depending on their degree of maturity, beef carcasses possessing the minimum requirements for the Commercial grade vary in their other indications of quality as evidenced in the ribeye muscle. Minimum quality characteristics are described for the youngest and the most mature of these groups. The requirements for the intermediate group are determined by interpolation between the requirements indicated for the two groups described. b. Carcasses in the youngest group permitted in the Commercial grade range from those with indications of maturity barely more advanced than described as maximum for the Standard grade, to those with moderately hard, rather white chine bones and with cartilages on the ends of the thoracic vertebrae that show' considerable ossification but the outlines of the cartilages are still plainly visible. In addition, the rib bones are moderately wide and flat and the ribeye muscle is moderately dark red and slightly coarse in texture. The minimum degree of marbling required increases with advancing maturity throughout this group from a minimum small amount to a maximum small amount and the ribeye muscle is slightly firm. c. The youngest carcasses in the most mature group included in the Commercial grade have hard, white chine bones and the outlines of the cartilages on the ends of the thoracic vertebrae are barely visible, the rib bones are wide and flat, and the ribeye muscle is dark red and coarse in texture. The range of maturity in this group extends to include carcasses from the oldest animals marketed. The minimum degree of marbling required increases with advancing maturity throughout this group from a minimum moderate amount to a maximum moderate amount and the ribeye muscle is firm. Utility. a. Depending on their degree of maturity, beef carcasses possessing the minimum requirements for the Utility grade vary in their other indications of quality as evidenced in the ribeye muscle. Carcasses within the full range of maturity classified as beef are included in the Utility grade. Thus, five maturity groups are recognized. Minimum quality requirements are described for three of these groups - the first or youngest, the third or intermediate, and the fifth or the most mature. The requirements for the second and fourth maturity groups are determined by interpolation between the requirements described for their adjoining groups. b. Carcasses in the first or youngest maturity group range from the youngest that are eligible for the beef class, to those at the juncture of the first two maturity groups, which have slightly red and slightly soft chine bones and cartilages on the ends of the thoracic vertebrae that have some evidence of ossification. In addition, the sacral vertebrae are completely fused and the cartilages on the ends of the lumbar vertebrae are nearly completely ossified. The rib bones are slightly flat and the ribeye muscle is slightly dark red in color and fine in texture. In carcasses throughout the range of maturity included in this group, the ribeye muscle is devoid of marbling and may be soft and slightly watery. c. Carcasses in the third or intermediate maturity group range from those with indications of maturity barely more advanced than described as maximum for the Standard grade, to those with moderately hard, rather white chine bones and with cartilages on the ends of the thoracic vertebrae that show considerable ossification but the outlines of the cartilages are still plainly visible. In addition, the rib bones are moderately wide and flat and the ribeye muscle is dark red in color and slightly coarse in texture. The minimum degree of marbling required increases with advancing maturity throughout this group from minimum practically devoid to maximum practically devoid and the ribeye muscle may be moderately soft. d. The youngest carcasses in the fifth or oldest maturity group have hard, white chine bones, and the outlines of the cartilages on the ends of the thoracic vertebrae are barely visible, the rib bones are wide and flat, and the ribeye muscle is very dark red in color and coarse in texture. The range in maturity in this group extends to include carcasses from the oldest animals produced. The minimum degree of marbling required increases with advancing maturity throughout this group from a minimum slight amount to a maximum slight amount and the ribeye muscle is slightly firm. Cutter. a. Depending on their degree of maturity, beef carcasses possessing the minimum requirements for the Cutter grade vary in their other indications of quality as evidenced in the ribeye muscle. Carcasses within the full range of maturity classified as beef are included in the Cutter grade. Thus, five maturity groups are recognized. Minimum quality requirements are described for three of these groups — the first or youngest, the third or intermediate, and the fifth or the most mature. The requirements for the second and fourth maturity groups are determined by interpolation between the requirements described for their adjoining groups. b. Carcasses in the first or youngest maturity group range from the youngest that are eligible for the beef class to those at the juncture of the first two maturity groups, which have slightly red and slightly soft chine bones and cartilages on the ends of the thoracic vertebrae that have some evidence of ossification. In addition, the sacral vertebrae are completely fused and the cartilages on the ends of the lumbar vertebrae are nearly completely ossified. The rib bones are slightly wide and slightly flat and the ribeye muscle is slightly dark red in color and fine in texture. In carcasses throughout the range of maturity included in this group, the ribeye muscle is devoid of marbling and may be very soft and watery. c. Carcasses in the third or intermediate maturity group range from those with indications of maturity barely more advanced than described as maximum for the Standard grade, to those with moderately hard, rather white chine bones and with cartilages on the ends of the thoracic vertebrae that show considerable ossification but the outlines of the cartilages are still plainly visible. In addition, the rib bones are moderately wide and flat and the ribeye muscle is dark red in color and slightly coarse in texture. In carcasses throughout the range of maturity included in this group, the ribeye muscle is devoid of marbling and may be soft and watery. d. Carcasses in the fifth or oldest maturity group have hard white chine bones and the outlines of the cartilages on the ends of the thoracic vertebrae are barely visible, the rib bones are wide and flat, and the ribeye muscle is very dark red in color and coarse in texture. The range in maturity in this group extends to include carcasses from the oldest animals produced. The minimum degree of marbling required increases with advancing maturity throughout this group from minimum practically devoid to maximum practically devoid and the ribeye muscle is soft and slightly watery.

[0174] 8. Canner.

[0175] The Canner grade includes only those carcasses that are inferior to the minimum requirements specified for the Cuter grade.

[0176] VeTreat success criteria (meat production and quality) and welfare monitoring indexes:

[0177] *Neck Circumference, ** Body Fat percentage estimated by hindquarters softness / backfat thickness level # The VeTreat Value is an index derived from the rate of injection (Ri) / Lesion or Pain 995 scale score.

[0178] For example, when cows injected by the system and methods of the present invention at the rate of 1 animal< 20 seconds, provide 95% of injected animals within the GLEERUP pain scale of < 3 within 5 minutes of said entry, injection and step forward from said positioning section with no substantial decline in food consumption, or shrinkage / weight loss per 1000 animal within 3 days of injection.

[0179] The preferred embodiments described herein are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Although specific features of the invention are shown in some drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only as each feature may be combined with any or all of the other features in accordance with the invention.

[0180] 1005

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An autonomous system for mass treatment of livestock or wild animals from a herd or a group for delivery of a substance to an animal by intramuscular (IM) injection, subcutaneous (SQ) injection, or any transdermal injection, spraying, pouring-on, tagging, cooling, pinning, gluing or saddling, comprising: a. a livestock pen (100), pasture or truck’s livestock trailer, having at least one opening to a single-file railed walkway, characterized by a positioning area (750) equipped with: i. at least two vertical side cylinders or rollers, each with a horizontally, vertically and / or circular moveable capability; there within at least one moveable side cylinder or roller exists an injection assembly (140), comprising:1) at least one container in its upper, mid or lower portion, with an injectable substance and a temperature control means (830); said temperature control means (830) configured to maintain temperature of said injectable substance within a predetermined range;2) at least one needle injector or needle-free injector (NFI) (820) in its upper, mid or lower portion, configured to inject said injectable substance into said animal;3) at least one compressed air dispenser (810) in its upper, mid or lower portion, portion, configured to power the actuation of said at least one needle injector or NFI (820); and4) a rinsing and disinfection device configured to rinse and disinfect components of said injector assembly;5) at least one UV light source or any other aid of substance, mean or tool configured to enable automatic disinfecting of injection targets (146) of said animal; ii. a moveable floor and a first bump / cylinder (1312) behind the rear of said animal configured to prevent said animal to step back, and a second bump / cylinder (1313) in front of said animal configured to prevent said animal to charge forward; each bump / cylinder coupled with a sensor configured to sense either the head / neck or rear of said animal;iii. at least one camera (145); said at least one camera (145) comprises a vision processing module for identifying said animal and said injection targets (146) of said animal; said injection targets (146) are located within a triangular neck area between the spinal column, jugular furrow and shoulder, or any other predefined injection target; and iv. at least one sensor (740) mounted on one side or both sides of said walkway; said at least one sensor selected from the group consisting of electrical conductivity (EC) sensors, tonus sensors, infra-red (IR) sensors, temperature sensors, physical pressure sensors, ultrasounds sensors and Bluetooth or radio frequency identification (RFID) antennas (passive or active); said at least one sensor (740) configured to capture and transmit data characterizing the presence, size, position, biometric s / body condition and behavior of said animal; b. a controller with one or more processors configured to receive and process data from said camera and said at least one sensor; c. one or more non-transitory external computer-readable mediums (CRMs); d. one or more computer-readable memories; e. program instructions stored on at least one of said one or more CRMs for execution by at least one of said one or more processors via at least one of said one or more memories, for: i. opening and closing cylinders or rollers; ii. moving said at least two vertical side cylinders or rollers snuggly against the flanks and neck of said animal; iii. raising and lowering said moveable floor on detection of said animal in said positioning area (750); and iv. operating said injection assembly (140) to inject into said injection targets (146) based on settings determined prior to a mass treatment event or in real-time according to said data from said camera and said at least one sensor indicating presence, size, position and biometric s / body condition and behavior of said animal; and f. a grooming device located before, within and / or after said positioning area (750), comprising at least one grooming roller configured to provide grooming and pain reduction / desensitizing by repetitive pressing or massaging of the surface area within a radius of 10 cm (4 inches) surrounding injection targets (146), 1-5 seconds prior to injection or post-injection;wherein said autonomous system provides an accurate, time-saving and continuous action mass treatment, thus reducing stress and injury, and increasing treatment efficiency and qualitative with quantitative livestock production, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and confining environmental impact to sustainable level.

2. An autonomous system for mass treatment of livestock or wild animals from a herd or a group for delivery of a substance to an animal by intramuscular (IM) injection, subcutaneous (SQ) injection, or any transdermal injection, comprising a livestock pen (100), pasture or truck’s livestock trailer, having at least one opening to a single-file railed walkway, characterized by a positioning area (750); said positioning area equipped with at least two vertical side cylinders or rollers, each with a horizontally, vertically and / or circular moveable capability; there within at least one moveable side cylinder or roller exists an injection assembly (140), comprising at least one needle injector or needle-free injector (NFI) (820) configured to inject said injectable substance into said animal.

3. An autonomous system for mass treatment of livestock or wild animals from a herd or a group for delivery of a substance to an animal by intramuscular (IM) injection, subcutaneous (SQ) injection, or any transdermal injection, comprising a livestock pen (100), pasture or truck’s livestock trailer, having at least one opening to a single-file railed walkway, characterized by a positioning area (750); said positioning area equipped with: a. at least two vertical side cylinders or rollers, each with a horizontally, vertically and / or circular moveable capability; there within at least one moveable side cylinder or roller exists an injection assembly (140), comprising at least one needle injector or needle-free injector (NFI) (820) configured to inject said injectable substance into said animal; and b. at least one camera (145) comprising a vision processing module for identifying said animal and said injection targets (146) and at least one sensor (740) mounted on one side or both sides of said walkway; said at least one sensor selected from the group consisting of electrical conductivity (EC) sensors, tonus sensors, infra-red (IR) sensors, temperature sensors, physical pressure sensors, ultrasounds sensors and Bluetooth or radio frequency identification (RFID) antennas (passive or active); said at least one sensor (740) configured to capture and transmit data characterizing the presence, size, position, biometric s / body condition and behavior of said animal for determining an optimal individualized treatment based on said data;wherein said autonomous system provides an accurate, time-saving and continuous action mass treatment, thus reducing stress and injury, and increasing treatment efficiency and qualitative with quantitative livestock production, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and confining environmental impact to sustainable level.

4. An autonomous system for mass treatment of livestock or wild animals from a herd or a group for delivery of a substance to an animal by intramuscular (IM) injection, subcutaneous (SQ) injection, or any transdermal injection, comprising a livestock pen (100), pasture or truck’s livestock trailer, having at least one opening to a single-file railed walkway, characterized by a positioning area (750); said positioning area equipped with: a. at least two vertical side cylinders or rollers, each with a horizontally, vertically and / or circular moveable capability; there within at least one moveable side cylinder or roller exists an injection assembly (140), comprising at least one needle injector or needle-free injector (NFI) (820) configured to inject said injectable substance into said animal; b. at least one camera (145) comprising a vision processing module for identifying said animal and said injection targets (146) and at least one sensor (740) mounted on one side or both sides of said walkway; said at least one sensor selected from the group consisting of electrical conductivity (EC) sensors, tonus sensors, infra-red (IR) sensors, temperature sensors, physical pressure sensors, ultrasounds sensors and Bluetooth or radio frequency identification (RFID) antennas (passive or active); said at least one sensor (740) configured to capture and transmit data characterizing the presence, size, position, biometric s / body condition and behavior of said animal for determining an optimal individualized treatment based on said data; and c. a grooming device located before, within and / or after said positioning area (750), comprising at least one grooming roller configured to provide grooming and pain reduction / desensitizing by repetitive pressing or massaging of the surface area within a radius of 10 cm (4 inches) surrounding injection targets (146), 1-5 seconds prior to injection or post-injection; wherein said autonomous system provides an accurate, time-saving and continuous action mass treatment, thus reducing stress and injury, and increasing treatment efficiency and qualitative with quantitative livestock production, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and confining environmental impact to sustainable level.

5. The autonomous system of claims 1, wherein said program instructions are determined by a livestock handler, rancher, feeder, veterinarian or other professional prior to a mass treatment event or in real-time according to said individualized captured data for said animal.

6. The autonomous system of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein settings of said injection assembly enable configuration adjustment of said at least one needle injector or NFI (820) for one or more injections at said injection target(s) (146) so the distance between each said injection target (146) is at least 13 cms (5 inches).

7. The autonomous system of claim 6, wherein said settings of said injection assembly comprise needle injector or NFI type, injectable substance, dosage, tissue type and depth for said injection.

8. The autonomous system of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said walkway is configured for a single animal to move into, position for said treatment, receive said treatment and thence move forward after said treatment.

9. The autonomous system of claim 1, wherein said temperature control means (830) is selected from the group consisting of a refrigerating device, a heat insulation device, warming device, an ambient temperature control device, a Peltier cooling device, and any combination thereof.

10. The autonomous system of claim 9, wherein said temperature control means (830) is configured to maintain the manufacturer's recommended ambient predetermined temperature from point of loading to said injection of said animal.

11. The autonomous system of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said at least one needle injector or NFI (820) is selected from the group consisting of a spring-loaded, electrically-powered, battery-powered, gas-powered, solar panel-powered, wind- powered, and any renewable energy powered injection device configured for multiple dosing.

12. The autonomous system of claim 11, wherein said at least one needle injector or NFI (820) comprises a plurality of injectors; said plurality of injectors are mounted on both sides of said positioning area (750) and configured for contemporaneous injection of both sides of said animal.

13. The autonomous system of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said injectable substance is an injectable medicament or beneficial agent selected from the group consisting of vaccines, antibiotics, hormones, vitamins, multivitamins, physiological fluids, and any other combination thereof.

14. The autonomous system of claim 1, wherein said moveable floor is configured to expose said animal to full natural lighting and predefined noise level for the duration of said treatment in said positioning area (750); said predefined noise level is selected from the group consisting of less than 60 dB, less than 70 dB, less than 80 dB, less than 90 dB and more than 90 dB.

15. The autonomous system of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said at least one camera is interconnected to said one or more processors for 2D imaging, 3D sensing, ultrasonic sensing, infra-red (IR) sensing, pressure sensing, temperature sensing, or any combination thereof.

16. The autonomous system of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said at least one sensor comprises a plurality of sensors.

17. The autonomous system of claim 1, further comprising a tagging module configured for tagging and identifying said animals.

18. The autonomous system of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said at least one sensor is configured to receive data on any electronic ID (EID) tag affixed to said animal and transmit said data to said one or more processors.

19. The autonomous system of claim 1, wherein said controller is interconnected to local or cloud-based server configured to store data concerning said animal during pre- treatment, during treatment and post treatment.

20. The autonomous system of claim 19, wherein said controller is configured to analyze image classification, image identification, size, gait / step, location, tracking, and condition assessment of said animal.

21. The autonomous system of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said data is recorded throughout said treatment, aggregated and analyzed in real-time; said data analysis is configured to enable automatic loading of injectors according to individual identified animal’s needs in no-time.

22. The autonomous system of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said walkway is configured to enable identification of each said animal as it passes, and each said animal is injected with its required materials and dosage.

23. The autonomous system of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said injection assembly is configured to provide an injection rate of one animal within a predetermined time period; said predetermined time period selected from the group of less than 20 seconds, less than 25 seconds, less than 30 seconds, less than 40 seconds, less than 50 seconds, less than 60 seconds and more than 60 seconds.

24. An autonomous device for mass treatment of livestock or wild animals, comprising: a. at least one injection assembly (140), comprising: i. at least one container in its upper, mid or lower portion, with an injectable substance and a temperature control means (830); said temperature control means (830) configured to maintain temperature of said injectable substance (830) within a predetermined range; ii. at least one needle injector or needle-free injector (NFI) (820) in its upper, mid or lower portion, configured to inject said injectable substance (830) into an animal; iii. at least one compressed air dispenser (810) in its upper, mid or lower portion, configured to power the actuation of said at least one needle injector or NFI (820); iv. a rinsing and disinfection device configured to rinse and disinfect components of said injector assembly; and v. at least one UV light source or any other aid of substance, mean or tool configure to enable automatic disinfecting of injection targets (146) of said animal; b. at least one camera (145) mounted above said upper portion; said at least one camera (145) comprises a vision processing module for identifying for identifying said animal and said injection targets (146) of said animal; said injection targets (146) are located within a triangular neck area between the spinal column, jugular furrow and shoulder, or any other predefined injection target; and c. at least one sensor (740), located internally, adjacent or in close vicinity of said autonomous device; said at least one sensor selected from the group consisting of electrical conductivity (EC) sensors, tonus sensors, infra-red (IR) sensors, temperature sensors, physical pressure sensors, ultrasounds sensors and Bluetooth or radio frequency identification (RFID) antennas (passive or active); said at least one sensor (740) configured to capture and transmit data characterizing the presence, size, position, biometric s / body condition and behavior of said animal.

25. The autonomous device of claim 24, wherein data is received by using RFID or another wireless technology from an electronic ID (EID) tag or any sign affixed to said animal.

26. The autonomous device of claim 24, wherein said EC, physical pressure or ultrasound sensors are configured to provide indication whether said animal received an injection and injection depth based on measured tissue EC, pressure or ultrasound values.

27. The autonomous device of claim 24, wherein said injection assembly is configured for treatment techniques selected from the group consisting of spraying, pour-on top, intra muscular (IM) injection, sub cutaneous (SQ) injection or any transdermal injection.

28. The autonomous device of claim 24, wherein instructions are specific for each said injectable substance according to the manufacturer's instructions.

29. The autonomous device of any one of claims 24 to 28, wherein said autonomous device is configured to provide a rate of injection of 1 animal in less than 20 seconds.

30. A method of mass treatment of livestock or wild animals from a herd or a group for delivery of a substance to an animal by intramuscular (IM) injection, subcutaneous (SQ) injection, or any transdermal injection, spraying, pouring-on, tagging, cooling, pinning, gluing or saddling, comprising steps of providing: a. a livestock pen (100), pasture or truck’s livestock trailer, having at least one opening to a single-file railed walkway, characterized by a positioning area (750) equipped with: i. at least two vertical side cylinders or rollers, each with a horizontally, vertically and / or circular moveable capability; there within at least one moveable side cylinder or roller exists an injection assembly (140), comprising:1) at least one container in its upper, mid or lower portion, with an injectable substance and a temperature control means (830); said temperature control means (830) configured to maintain temperature of said injectable substance within a predetermined range;2) at least one needle injector or needle-free injector (NFI) (820) in its upper, mid or lower portion, configured to inject said injectable substance into an animal;3) at least one compressed air dispenser (810) in its upper, mid or lower portion, configured to power the actuation of said at least one needle injector or NFI (820);4) a rinsing and disinfection device configured to rinse and disinfect components of said injector assembly; and5) at least one UV light source or any other aid of substance, mean or tool enabling automatic disinfecting of injection targets (146) of said animal; ii. a moveable floor and a first bump / cylinder (1312) behind the rear of said animal configured to prevent said animal to step back, and a second bump / cylinder (1313) in front of said animal configured to prevent said animal to chargeforward; each bump / cylinder coupled with a sensor configured to sense either the head / neck or rear of said animal; iii. at least one camera (145); said at least one camera (145) comprises a vision processing module for identifying said animal and said injection targets (146) of said animal; said injection targets (146) is located within a triangular neck area between the spinal column, jugular furrow and shoulder, or any other predefined injection target; and iv. at least one sensor (740) mounted on one side or both sides of said walkway; said at least one sensor selected from the group consisting of electrical conductivity (EC) sensors, tonus sensors, infra-red (IR) sensors, temperature sensors, physical pressure sensors, ultrasounds sensors and Bluetooth or radio frequency identification (RFID) antennas (passive or active); said at least one sensor (740) configured to capture and transmit data characterizing the presence, size, position, biometric s / body condition and behavior of said animal; b. a controller with one or more processors configured to receive and process data from said camera and said at least one sensor; c. one or more non-transitory external computer-readable mediums (CRMs); d. one or more computer-readable memories; e. program instructions stored on at least one of said one or more CRMs for execution by at least one of said one or more processors via at least one of said one or more memories, for: i. opening and closing cylinders or rollers; ii. moving said at least two moveable side cylinders or rollers snuggly against the flanks and neck of said animal; iii. raising and lowering said moveable floor on detection of said animal in said positioning area (750); and iv. operating said injection assembly (140) to inject into said injection targets (146) based on settings determined prior to a mass treatment event or in real-time according to said data from said camera and said at least one sensor indicating presence, size, position and biometric s / body condition and behavior of said animal; and f. a grooming device located before, within and / or after said positioning area (750), comprising at least one grooming roller configured to provide grooming and pain reduction / desensitizing by repetitive pressing or massaging of the surface areawithin a radius of 10 cm (4 inches) surrounding injection targets (146), 1-5 seconds prior to injection; wherein said method provides an accurate, time-saving and continuous action mass treatment, thus reducing stress and injury, and increasing treatment efficiency and qualitative with quantitative livestock production, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and confining environmental impact to sustainable level.

31. A method of mass treatment of livestock or wild animals from a herd or a group for delivery of a substance to an animal by intramuscular (IM) injection, subcutaneous (SQ) injection, or any transdermal injection, comprising steps of providing a livestock pen (100), pasture or truck’s livestock trailer, having at least one opening to a single- file railed walkway, characterized by a positioning area (750); said positioning area equipped with at least two vertical side cylinders or rollers, each with a horizontally, vertically and / or circular moveable capability; there within at least one moveable side cylinder or roller exists an injection assembly (140), comprising at least one needle injector or needle-free injector (NFI) (820) configured to inject said injectable substance into said animal.

32. A method of mass treatment of livestock or wild animals from a herd or a group for delivery of a substance to an animal by intramuscular (IM) injection, subcutaneous (SQ) injection, or any transdermal injection, comprising steps of providing a livestock pen (100), pasture or truck’s livestock trailer, having at least one opening to a single- file railed walkway, characterized by a positioning area (750); said positioning area equipped with: a. at least two vertical side cylinders or rollers, each with a horizontally, vertically and / or circular moveable capability; there within at least one moveable side cylinder or roller exists an injection assembly (140), comprising at least one needle injector or needle-free injector (NFI) (820) configured to inject said injectable substance into said animal; and b. at least one camera (145) comprising a vision processing module for identifying said animal and said injection targets (146) and at least one sensor (740) mounted on one side or both sides of said walkway; said at least one sensor selected from the group consisting of electrical conductivity (EC) sensors, tonus sensors, infra-red (IR) sensors, temperature sensors, physical pressure sensors, ultrasounds sensors and Bluetooth or radio frequency identification (RFID) antennas (passive or active); said at least one sensor (740) configured to capture and transmit data characterizingthe presence, size, position, biometric s / body condition and behavior of said animal for determining an optimal individualized treatment based on said data; wherein said autonomous system provides an accurate, time-saving and continuous action mass treatment, thus reducing stress and injury, and increasing treatment efficiency and qualitative with quantitative livestock production, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and confining environmental impact to sustainable level.

33. A method of mass treatment of livestock or wild animals from a herd or a group for delivery of a substance to an animal by intramuscular (IM) injection, subcutaneous (SQ) injection, or any transdermal injection, comprising steps of providing a livestock pen (100), pasture or truck’s livestock trailer, having at least one opening to a single- file railed walkway, characterized by a positioning area (750); said positioning area equipped with: a. at least two vertical side cylinders or rollers, each with a horizontally, vertically and / or circular moveable capability; there within at least one moveable side cylinder or roller exists an injection assembly (140), comprising at least one needle injector or needle-free injector (NFI) (820) configured to inject said injectable substance into said animal; b. at least one camera (145) comprising a vision processing module for identifying said animal and said injection targets (146) and at least one sensor (740) mounted on one side or both sides of said walkway; said at least one sensor selected from the group consisting of electrical conductivity (EC) sensors, tonus sensors, infra-red (IR) sensors, temperature sensors, physical pressure sensors, ultrasounds sensors and Bluetooth or radio frequency identification (RFID) antennas (passive or active); said at least one sensor (740) configured to capture and transmit data characterizing the presence, size, position, biometric s / body condition and behavior of said animal for determining an optimal individualized treatment based on said data; and c. a grooming device located before, within and / or after said positioning area (750), comprising at least one grooming roller configured to provide grooming and pain reduction / desensitizing by repetitive pressing or massaging of the surface area within a radius of 10 cm (4 inches) surrounding injection targets (146), 1-5 seconds prior to injection or post-injection; wherein said autonomous system provides an accurate, time-saving and continuous action mass treatment, thus reducing stress and injury, and increasing treatmentefficiency and qualitative with quantitative livestock production, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and confining environmental impact to sustainable level.

34. The method of claim 30, wherein said program instructions are determined by a livestock handler, rancher, feeder, veterinarian or other professional prior to a mass treatment event or in real-time according to said individualized captured data for said animal.

35. The method of any one of claims 30 to 33, wherein settings of said injection assembly enable configuration adjustment of said at least one needle injector or NFI (820) for one or more injections at said injection target(s) (146) so the distance between each said injection target (146) is at least 13 cms (5 inches).

36. The method of claim 35, wherein said settings of said injection assembly comprise needle injector or NFI type, injectable substance, dosage, tissue type and depth for said injection.

37. The method of any one of claims 30 to 33, wherein said walkway is configured for a single animal to move into, position for said treatment, receive said treatment and thence move forward after said treatment.

38. The method of claim 30, wherein said temperature control means (830) is selected from the group consisting of a refrigerating device, a heat insulation device, warming device, an ambient temperature control device, a Peltier cooling device, and any combination thereof.

39. The method of claim 38, wherein said temperature control means (830) is configured to maintain the manufacturer's recommended ambient predetermined temperature from point of loading to said injection of said animal.

40. The method of any one of claims 30 to 33, wherein said at least one needle injector or NFI (820) is selected from the group consisting of a spring-loaded, electrically- powered, battery-powered, gas-powered, solar panel-powered, wind-powered, and any renewable energy powered injection device configured for multiple dosing.

41. The method of claim 40, wherein said at least one needle injector or NFI (820) comprises a plurality of injectors; said plurality of injectors are mounted on both sides of said positioning area (750) and configured for contemporaneous injection of both sides of said animal.

42. The method of any one of claims 30 to 33, wherein said injectable substance is an injectable medicament or beneficial agent selected from the group consisting ofvaccines, antibiotics, hormones, vitamins, multivitamins, physiological fluids, and any other combination thereof.

43. The method of claim 30, wherein said moveable floor is configured expose said animal to full natural lighting and predefined noise level for the duration of said treatment in said positioning area (750); said predefined noise level is selected from the group consisting of less than 60 dB, less than 70 dB, less than 80 dB, less than 90 dB and more than 90 dB.

44. The method of any one of claims 30 to 33, wherein said at least one camera is interconnected to said one or more processors for 2D imaging, 3D sensing, ultrasonic sensing, infra-red (IR) sensing, pressure sensing, temperature sensing, or any combination thereof.

45. The method of any one of claims 30 to 33, wherein said at least one sensor comprises a plurality of sensors.

46. The method of claim 30, further comprising steps providing an automatic tagging module configured for tagging and identifying said animals.

47. The method of any one of claims 30 to 33, wherein said at least one sensor is configured to receive data on any electronic ID (EID) tag or sign affixed to said animal and transmit said data to said one or more processors.

48. The method of claim 30, wherein said controller is interconnected to local or cloud- based server configured to store data concerning said animal during pre-treatment, during treatment and post treatment.

49. The method of claim 48, wherein said controller is configured to analyze image classification, image identification, size, gait / step, location, tracking, and condition assessment of said animal.

50. The method of any one of claims 30 to 33, wherein said data is recorded throughout said treatment, aggregated and analyzed in real-time; said data analysis is configured to enable automatic loading of injectors according to individual identified animal’s needs in no-time.

51. The method of any one of claims 30 to 33, wherein said walkway is configured to enable identification of each said animal as it passes, and each said animal is injected with its required materials and dosage.

52. The method of any one of claims 30 to 33, wherein said injection assembly provides an injection rate of one animal within a predetermined time period; said predetermined time period selected from the group of less than 20 seconds, less than 25 seconds, lessthan 30 seconds, less than 40 seconds, less than 50 seconds, less than 60 seconds and more than 60 seconds.

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