Device, method, and program

Abstract

Provided is a device comprising: an image acquisition unit that acquires an image of a farm animal; an index value acquisition unit that, on the basis of the image, acquires at least one state index value indicating the state of the farm animal; a determination unit that determines feeding content for the farm animal on the basis of the at least one state index value; and a control unit that controls a feeding device, which feeds the farm animal, in accordance with the feeding content. The feeding device has a feed discharge device that discharges feed. The determination unit determines the feeding amount discharged by the feed discharge device on the basis of the at least one state index value.

Description

Apparatus, method and program

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus, a method, and a program.

[0002] Patent Documents 1 to 5 state, "An apparatus for determining a body condition score of an animal (50): - a three-dimensional camera system (51) directed toward the animal and provided for recording at least one three-dimensional image of the animal; and - an image processing device (52) connected to the three-dimensional camera system (51), provided for forming a three-dimensional surface representation of a portion of the animal from the three-dimensional image recorded by the three-dimensional camera system (51), statistically analyzing the surface of the three-dimensional surface representation, and determining a body condition score of the animal based on the statistically analyzed surface of the three-dimensional surface representation." (Claim 1 of Patent Document 1) and the like. [Prior Art Literature] [Patent Documents] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent No. 5519693 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2015-173732 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2016-59300 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2019-187277 [Patent Document 5] Japanese Patent No. 6777948 General disclosure

[0003] In a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus comprising: an image acquisition unit that acquires images of livestock; an index value acquisition unit that acquires at least one condition index value that indicates the condition of the livestock based on the images; a determination unit that determines feeding contents for the livestock based on the at least one condition index value; and a control unit that controls a feeding device that feeds the livestock in accordance with the feeding contents.

[0004] In the above device, the feeding apparatus may have a food release device that releases food, and the determination unit may determine the amount of food to be provided by the food release device based on the at least one condition index value.

[0005] The above-mentioned device for determining feed amounts may further include an identification unit that identifies, among a plurality of livestock kept together, livestock that are in a position to eat the feed released by the feed release device, wherein the image acquisition unit acquires images of each of the plurality of livestock, the index value acquisition unit acquires the at least one condition index value for each livestock from the image of each livestock, and the determination unit determines the feed amount for the livestock identified by the identification unit among the plurality of livestock. The identification unit may perform image recognition on the image provided by the image acquisition unit to identify the livestock that is the subject of the image. If a tag indicating the individual identification information of the livestock is attached to the livestock, the identification unit may identify the livestock by image analysis of the individual identification information indicated on the tag. The individual identification information indicated on the tag may be a two-dimensional code. The tag may be an RFID tag that readably stores the individual identification information.

[0006] In any of the above-described devices for determining feed amounts, the determination unit may determine the feed amounts of both roughage and concentrated feed.

[0007] In the above-mentioned apparatus for determining the feeding amount of each of roughage and concentrate, the at least one condition index value includes a body condition score (BCS) and a rumen fill score (RFS), and the determining unit determines the average BCS score (BCS) over one week. Ａｖｅ／ｗｅｅｋ and B.C.S. Ａｖｅ／ｗｅｅｋ Rate of change of ΔBCS Ａｖｅ／ｗｅｅｋ and the first threshold value of BCS, BCS Ｔｈ１ , RFS at any time, and RFS threshold RFS Ｔｈ Toga BCS Ａｖｅ／ｗｅｅｋ >BCS Ｔｈ１ and ΔBCS Ａｖｅ／ｗｅｅｋ >0 and RFS Ｔｈ <The amount of concentrated feed fed may be reduced in response to satisfaction of the RFS. Reducing the feed amount may mean reducing the feed amount below a reference amount, which may be the previous feed amount or a preset feed amount.>

[0008] In any of the above-mentioned devices for determining the feeding amount of each of roughage and concentrate, the at least one condition index value includes a body condition score (BCS) and a rumen fill score (RFS), and the determining unit determines the average BCS score (BCS) over one week. Ａｖｅ／ｗｅｅｋ and B.C.S. Ａｖｅ／ｗｅｅｋ Rate of change of ΔBCS Ａｖｅ／ｗｅｅｋ and the first threshold value of BCS, BCS Ｔｈ１ , RFS at any time, and RFS threshold RFS Ｔｈ Toga BCS Ａｖｅ／ｗｅｅｋ >BCS Ｔｈ１ and ΔBCS Ａｖｅ／ｗｅｅｋ >0 and RFS Ｔｈ In response to the satisfaction of the RFS, the amount of concentrated feed fed may be reduced and the amount of roughage fed may be increased. Increasing the feed amount may mean increasing the feed amount above a reference amount, which may be the previous feed amount or a preset feed amount.

[0009] In any of the above-mentioned devices for determining the feeding amount of each of roughage and concentrate, the at least one condition index value includes a body condition score (BCS) and a rumen fill score (RFS), and the determining unit determines the average BCS score (BCS) over one week. Ａｖｅ／ｗｅｅｋ and B.C.S. Ａｖｅ／ｗｅｅｋ Rate of change of ΔBCS Ａｖｅ／ｗｅｅｋ and the second threshold value of BCS, BCS Ｔｈ２ , RFS at any time, and RFS threshold RFS Ｔｈ Toga BCS Ａｖｅ／ｗｅｅｋ <BCS Ｔｈ２ and ΔBCS Ａｖｅ／ｗｅｅｋ <0 and RFS Ｔｈ <Concentrate feeding may be increased and roughage feeding may be decreased depending on meeting the RFS.

[0010] In any of the above-mentioned devices for determining the feeding amount of each of roughage and concentrate, the at least one condition index value includes a body condition score (BCS) and a rumen fill score (RFS), and the determining unit determines the average BCS score (BCS) over one week. Ａｖｅ／ｗｅｅｋ and B.C.S. Ａｖｅ／ｗｅｅｋ Rate of change of ΔBCS Ａｖｅ／ｗｅｅｋand the second threshold value of BCS, BCS Ｔｈ２ , RFS at any time, and RFS threshold RFS Ｔｈ Toga BCS Ａｖｅ／ｗｅｅｋ <BCS Ｔｈ２ and ΔBCS Ａｖｅ／ｗｅｅｋ <0 and RFS Ｔｈ Depending on whether or not the RFS is met, the amount of roughage fed may be increased.

[0011] In any of the above devices for determining the amount of feed to be fed, the feed release device has a feed release unit that releases feed near a fence surrounding the livestock, a moving unit that moves the feed release unit along the fence, and an imaging unit that moves integrally with the feed release unit by the moving unit and images the livestock that are in a position to eat the feed released by the feed release unit, and the image acquisition unit may acquire images from the imaging unit.

[0012] In any of the above devices, the feeding device may have a feed moving device that moves leftover feed closer to the livestock, and the decision unit may decide whether to move feed towards the livestock based on at least a portion of the at least one condition index value.

[0013] In the above-mentioned device for determining whether to perform feeding, the at least one condition index value includes a rumen fill score RFS, and the determination unit determines the RFS and a threshold RFS Ｔｈ Toga RFS Ｔｈ > It may be decided to perform a feeding for the livestock depending on whether the RFS is met.

[0014] Any of the above devices for deciding whether to perform feed pushing may further include an identification unit that identifies, among multiple livestock raised together, livestock that are in a position to eat the feed pushed by the feed pushing device, wherein the image acquisition unit acquires images of each of the multiple livestock, the index value acquisition unit acquires the at least one condition index value for each livestock from the image of each livestock, and the decision unit decides whether to perform feed pushing for the livestock identified by the identification unit among the multiple livestock.

[0015] In the above-described device, the at least one condition index value includes a rumen fill score (RFS), and the determining unit determines whether the livestock identified by the identifying unit has a minimum RFS (RFS) among the plurality of livestock. ｍｉｎ／ｇｒｏｕｐ indicates the RFS ｍｉｎ／ｇｒｏｕｐ is the maximum value of RFS among the plurality of livestock ｍａｘ／ｇｒｏｕｐ RFS ｍａｘ／ｇｒｏｕｐ -RFS ｍｉｎ／ｇｒｏｕｐ In response to the condition that the condition is satisfied, it may be determined to perform feeding for the livestock.

[0016] In any of the above devices that decide whether or not to perform feed pushing, the feed pushing device has a feed pushing unit that pushes uneaten feed closer to the fence surrounding the livestock, a moving unit that moves the feed pushing unit along the fence, and an imaging unit that moves integrally with the feed pushing unit by the moving unit and takes images of livestock that are in a position where the feed pushing unit will push the feed, and the image acquisition unit may acquire images from the imaging unit.

[0017] In any of the above devices, the index value acquisition unit may acquire the at least one condition index value by supplying the image acquired by the image acquisition unit to a model that outputs the at least one condition index value for the livestock in the image in response to input of the image of the livestock. The model may analyze the image of the livestock to detect skeletal and body surface feature points and calculate the condition index value from a feature amount calculated from the positional relationship of the feature points. The feature amount may be the distance between a skeletal feature point and a body surface feature point, the sum of the distances between feature points, or the difference or ratio between the area of ​​a region surrounded by multiple skeletal feature points and the area of ​​a region surrounded by multiple body surface feature points. The model may move or crop the image so that one of the livestock feature points is at the center of the image.

[0018] In a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method comprising an image acquisition step of acquiring an image of livestock, an index value acquisition step of acquiring at least one condition index value indicating the condition of the livestock based on the image, a determination step of determining feeding contents for the livestock based on the at least one condition index value, and a control step of controlling a feeding device that feeds the livestock in accordance with the feeding contents.

[0019] In a third aspect of the present invention, a program is provided that causes a computer to function as an image acquisition unit that acquires images of livestock, an index value acquisition unit that acquires at least one condition index value that indicates the condition of the livestock based on the images, a determination unit that determines the feeding contents for the livestock based on the at least one condition index value, and a control unit that controls a feeding device that feeds the livestock in accordance with the feeding contents.

[0020] The above summary of the invention does not list all of the necessary features of the present invention, and subcombinations of these features may also constitute inventions.

[0021] 2 shows a system 1 according to an embodiment; a control device 3 and a feed release device 21; livestock features; operation of the control device 3; an example computer 2200 in which aspects of the present invention may be embodied in whole or in part;

[0022] The present invention will be described below through embodiments of the invention, but the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention as claimed. Furthermore, not all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the invention.

[0023] 1 shows a system 1 according to this embodiment. The system 1 manages feeding of one or more livestock, and includes a feeding device 2 and a control device 3.

[0024] Note that livestock may be agricultural animals (e.g., working animals or draft animals) or pets. Animals may be mammals, birds, or fish. In this embodiment, as an example, the livestock may be cattle. Livestock may be kept together in a common fenced area (also called multi-head keeping or group keeping), and multiple livestock within the fence may be free-range. Multiple positions (also called feeding positions) may be provided within the fence for the livestock to occupy when eating, and the fences at the feeding positions may have openings so that the livestock within the fence can stick their heads out and eat feed outside the fence. Each feeding position may be partitioned to accommodate only a single livestock.

[0025] 1.1 Feeding Device 2 The feeding device 2 feeds one or more livestock. The feeding device 2 has a feed release device 21 and a feed pushing device 22.

[0026] <1.1.1. Feed release device 21> The feed release device 21 releases feed for livestock. The feed release device 21 has a moving unit 211, a feed release unit 212, and an imaging unit 213. Each unit of the feed release device 21 may be controlled by the control device 3.

[0027] <1.1.1(1). Moving unit 211> The moving unit 211 moves the feed release unit 212 along a fence surrounding the livestock. The moving unit 211 may move the feed release unit 212 along the fence on a preset route. As an example, the moving unit 211 may be equipped with the feed release unit 212, and may move the feed release unit 212 by traveling on rails installed along the fence.

[0028] <1.1.1(2). Feed release unit 212> The feed release unit 212 releases feed near a fence surrounding the livestock. In this embodiment, as an example, the feed release unit 212 may release feed to a feeding position outside the fence. The feeding position may be a position where feed is fed to livestock at the feeding position, or may be a position opposite the feeding position across the fence. The feed release unit 212 may store feed internally, and may release the feed at the feeding position in response to the movement of the feed release unit 212 to the feeding position by the movement unit 211.

[0029] <1.1.1(3). Imaging unit 213> The imaging unit 213 images livestock that are in a position to eat the feed released by the feed release unit 212 (in the present embodiment, as an example, a position opposite the feeding position). The imaging unit 213 may image at least one of the side (as an example, the left side) or top (back) of the livestock. The imaging unit 213 may be moved integrally with the feed release unit 212 by the moving unit 211, and may capture an image in response to the moving unit 211 moving the imaging unit 213 to the feeding position or its vicinity.

[0030] The imaging unit 213 may capture monochrome images or color images. The imaging unit 213 may include a distance sensor (also referred to as a depth sensor) and may capture two-dimensional images including depth information to a subject, or may capture three-dimensional images. The imaging unit 213 may capture multiple still images at each reference interval, or may capture a moving image including multiple frames over a reference period. The imaging unit 213 may supply the captured images to the control device 3.

[0031] <1.1.2. Feed pushing device 22> The feed pushing device 22 pushes uneaten feed closer to the livestock. The feed pushing device 22 may push the feed outside the fence that remains after feeding by the feed release device 21 to the feeding position so that the livestock can eat it again. The feed pushing device 22 has a moving unit 221, a feed pushing unit 222, and an imaging unit 223. Each unit of the feed pushing device 22 may be controlled by the control device 3.

[0032] <1.1.2 (1). Moving unit 221> The moving unit 221 moves the feed gathering unit 222 along the fence. The moving unit 221 may move the feed gathering unit 222 along a preset route. For example, the moving unit 221 may be equipped with the feed gathering unit 222, and may move the feed gathering unit 222 by self-propelling along a route specified by a plurality of markers that are installed in advance on the floor or fence along the route. The markers may be magnets or communication devices that emit signals (transponders, for example).

[0033] <1.1.2 (2). Feed pushing unit 222> The feed pushing unit 222 pushes leftover feed closer to the fence surrounding the livestock. In the present embodiment, as an example, the feed pushing unit 222 may push feed to the feeding position. The feed pushing unit 222 may push feed scattered on the floor closer to the fence using a blade (also called a spatula), brush, airbrush, or the like. The feed pushing unit 222 may push feed by moving using the moving unit 221, and when feed pushing is not being performed, it is not necessary to move the feed on the floor by, for example, raising the blade or brush.

[0034] <1.1.2 (3). Imaging unit 223> The imaging unit 223 images livestock that are in a position to eat the feed that has been moved by the feed moving unit 222 (a position opposite the feeding position, as an example in this embodiment). The imaging unit 223 may be moved integrally with the feed moving unit 222 by the moving unit 221, and may capture images in response to the moving unit 221 moving the imaging unit 223 to the feeding position or its vicinity, and may supply the captured images to the control device 3. The imaging unit 223 may be provided in the same manner as the imaging unit 213 of the feed release device 21.

[0035] 1.2. Control Device 3 The control device 3 is an example of a device, and includes an image acquisition unit 31, an identification unit 32, a model 33, an index value acquisition unit 34, a storage unit 35, a determination unit 36, and a control unit 37.

[0036] <1.2.1. Image acquisition unit 31> The image acquisition unit 31 acquires images of livestock. The image acquisition unit 31 may acquire images from the imaging unit 213 of the feed release device 21 and the imaging unit 223 of the feed pushing device 22. The image acquisition unit 31 may acquire images of each of multiple livestock raised together in a fenced area. The image acquisition unit 31 may supply the acquired images to the identification unit 32 and the index value acquisition unit 34.

[0037] <1.2.2. Identification unit 32> The identification unit 32 identifies livestock that are in a feeding position among multiple livestock raised together within a fenced area. The identification unit 32 may perform image recognition on the image provided by the image acquisition unit 31 to identify the subject livestock. As an example, the identification unit 32 may identify the subject livestock among the livestock within the fenced area based on the nose print or body pattern of the livestock cow. If a tag indicating the individual identification information (also referred to as individual ID) of the livestock is attached to the livestock, the identification unit 32 may identify the livestock by performing image analysis of the individual ID indicated on the tag. The individual ID indicated on the tag may be a two-dimensional code. The identification unit 32 may supply the identified individual ID to the index value acquisition unit 34 and the determination unit 36.

[0038] <1.2.3. Model 33> In response to an image of a livestock being input, the model 33 outputs at least one condition index value for the livestock in the image.

[0039] The at least one condition index value may include, for example, a body condition score (BCS) and a rumen fill score (RFS). The BCS may be a value that quantifies the degree of fleshiness or fat accumulation, and may be a value within a range of 1 to 5, for example. The RFS may be a value that quantifies the amount of feed intake or the fullness of the first stomach (also called the rumen), and may be a value within a range of 1 to 5, for example.

[0040] The model 33 may analyze images of livestock to detect skeletal and body surface feature points, and calculate a condition index value from feature amounts calculated from the positional relationships of the feature points. The feature amount may be the distance between a skeletal feature point and a body surface feature point, the sum of the distances between feature points, or the difference or ratio between the area of ​​a region surrounded by multiple skeletal feature points and the area of ​​a region surrounded by multiple body surface feature points. If the image data includes depth information to the subject, the model 33 may calculate the feature amount using the actual size of the livestock calculated using the depth information and the size of the livestock in the image. The model 33 may calculate the feature amount by scaling the image based on the depth information. The model 33 may move or crop the image so that one of the livestock feature points is centered in the image. The model 33 may detect feature points in the image through a learning process using a learning algorithm such as deep learning. The model 33 may calculate each condition index value from the feature amount using a regression equation (also referred to as a regression model) obtained by regression analysis of the relationship between the feature amount and each condition index value.

[0041] <1.2.4. Index value acquisition unit 34> The index value acquisition unit 34 acquires at least one condition index value indicating the condition of the livestock based on the images. The index value acquisition unit 34 may acquire at least one condition index value for each livestock from the image of each livestock. The index value acquisition unit 34 may supply the images acquired by the image acquisition unit 31 to the model 33 and acquire at least one condition index value output from the model 33. The index value acquisition unit 34 may associate each condition index value acquired for the livestock in the image with the individual ID of the livestock supplied from the identification unit 32, and supply it to the storage unit 35.

[0042] 1.2.5. Storage unit 35 The storage unit 35 stores a condition index value for each livestock. The storage unit 35 may accumulate and store each condition index value in association with an individual ID. The condition index values ​​stored in the storage unit 35 may be displayed on a display device (not shown) in response to an operation by an operator.

[0043] <1.2.6. Determination unit 36> The determination unit 36 ​​determines the feeding contents for the livestock based on at least one condition index value (in the present embodiment, as an example, BCS or RFS). The determination unit 36 ​​may determine the feeding contents for each livestock, or may determine the feeding contents for the livestock identified by the identification unit 32, i.e., the livestock at the feeding location. The determination unit 36 ​​may determine the feeding contents based on the condition index values ​​stored in the memory unit 35. In the present embodiment, as an example, the determination unit 36 ​​may determine the feeding contents for the livestock of the individual ID supplied from the identification unit 32 based on each condition index value stored in the memory unit 35 in association with the individual ID.

[0044] The determination unit 36 ​​may determine the amount of feed to be provided by the feed release device 21 based on at least one condition index value, and may determine the amount of feed to be provided to the livestock identified by the identification unit 32 among the multiple livestock, i.e., the livestock at the feeding location.

[0045] The decision unit 36 ​​may decide whether to perform feed gathering for the livestock based on at least a part of at least one condition index value, and may decide whether to perform feed gathering for the livestock identified by the identification unit 32 among the multiple livestock, i.e., the livestock at the feeding position. In the present embodiment, as an example, the decision unit 36 ​​may decide whether to perform feed gathering based on the RFS of the BCS or RFS acquired by the index value acquisition unit 34.

[0046] The determination unit 36 ​​may supply the determined feeding content (in this embodiment, as an example, the amount of feeding and whether or not to move the feed) to the control unit 37.

[0047] 1.2.7. Control unit 37 The control unit 37 controls feeding device 2 according to the feeding content determined by determination unit 36. The control unit 37 may cause feed release device 21 to release food in the amount determined by determination unit 36. The control unit 37 may cause feed pushing device 22 to push feed according to whether or not to push feed determined by determination unit 36.

[0048] According to the control device 3, multiple livestock condition index values ​​are obtained based on the acquired images, and the feeding device 2 is controlled according to the feeding content determined based on at least one of the condition index values. Therefore, by supplying images of the livestock, the feeding device 2 can automatically feed the livestock with appropriate feeding content.

[0049] Furthermore, since the amount of feed to be provided by the feed release device 21 is determined based on at least one condition index value, feeding can be automatically performed at an appropriate amount of feed.

[0050] Furthermore, among a plurality of livestock reared together, livestock that are in feeding positions are identified, and the amount of feed to be given to the identified livestock is determined. Therefore, the amount of feed to be given to each livestock reared together can be determined individually and feeding can be carried out.

[0051] Furthermore, since images of the livestock are acquired from the imaging unit 213 which moves integrally with the feed release unit 212 of the feed release device 21, images of the livestock can be acquired by moving the feed release unit 212. This eliminates the need to move the livestock to the imaging area in order to capture an image.

[0052] Furthermore, since whether or not to carry out bait gathering is determined based on at least one state index value, bait gathering can be carried out automatically in an appropriate manner.

[0053] Furthermore, among a plurality of livestock reared together, livestock that are in feeding positions are identified, and it is determined whether or not to perform feed gathering for the identified livestock. Therefore, feed gathering can be performed individually for each livestock reared together.

[0054] Furthermore, since images of the livestock are acquired from the imaging unit 223 that moves integrally with the feed pushing unit 222 of the feed pushing device 22, images of the livestock can be acquired by moving the feed pushing unit 222. This eliminates the need to move the livestock to the imaging area to take an image of them.

[0055] Furthermore, the model 33 outputs at least one condition index value for the livestock in response to an input of an image of the livestock, and the image acquired by the image acquisition unit 31 is supplied to the model 33 to acquire at least one condition index value. Therefore, at least one condition index value can be acquired with a simple configuration.

[0056] 2. Control device 3 and feed release device 21 Figure 2 shows the control device 3 and the feed release device 21. The feed release device 21 may include a moving unit 211 that travels on rails 215, a feed release unit 212 that is mounted on the moving unit 211 and releases at least one of concentrated feed 100 and roughage 101 to the feeding position 110, and an imaging unit 213 that is mounted on the moving unit 211 and images the livestock. The roughage 101 may be feed with a high crude fiber content and a low nutrient content, such as grass, wild grass, silage, and straw. The volume per weight of the roughage 101 may be larger than that of the concentrated feed. The concentrated feed 100 may be feed with a low crude fiber content and a high nutrient content, such as grains, oil cakes, bran, starch cakes, brewer's grains, and molasses.

[0057] The imaging unit 213 may be provided on an arm 214 protruding from the moving unit 211 so as to capture images of the side and top of the livestock. The control device 3 may acquire, from the imaging unit 213, images of the livestock at the feeding position 111 opposite the feeding position 110 to which the feed releasing unit 212 is moved, determine the amounts of concentrated feed 100 and roughage 101 to be fed to the livestock, and release the determined amounts of feed from the feed releasing unit 212.

[0058] 3. Feature Points of Livestock Figure 3 shows feature points of livestock. In the figure, the diagram on the left shows feature points of the livestock's skeleton, and the diagram on the right shows feature points of the body surface. Note that in the figure, feature points are connected to each other with white lines. Feature points may be the lumbar angle, ischium, ridge, tendon, etc. The model 33 may be trained using training data including images in which the operator has annotated the positions of the feature points. The training data may further include at least one condition index value, such as BSC or RFS, input by the operator for the livestock in the image.

[0059] 4. Operation Figure 4 shows the operation of the control device 3. The control device 3 manages feeding of livestock by performing the processes of steps S11 to S21.

[0060] In step S11, the control unit 37 controls the feeding device 2 to move the feed releaser 212 or the feed pushing unit 222 and to have the imaging units 213, 223 take images. The control unit 37 may control the moving units 211, 221 to move the feed releaser 212 and the feed pushing unit 222 to the feeding position. This may move the livestock to a feeding position opposite the feeding position. The control unit 37 may control the imaging units 213, 223 to take images of the livestock at the feeding position.

[0061] In step S13, the image acquisition unit 31 acquires images of the livestock. The image acquisition unit 31 may acquire images from the imaging units 213 and 223.

[0062] In step S15, the identification unit 32 identifies the livestock that are present in the feeding position. The identification unit 32 may identify the livestock that are the subject of the image provided from the image acquisition unit 31.

[0063] In step S17, the index value acquisition unit 34 acquires at least one condition index value (in the present embodiment, BCS or RFS as an example) indicating the condition of the livestock based on the image supplied from the image acquisition unit 31. The index value acquisition unit 34 may supply the image acquired by the image acquisition unit 31 to the model 33 and acquire at least one condition index value output from the model 33. The index value acquisition unit 34 may store each condition index value in the storage unit 35 in association with the individual ID of the livestock identified in step S15.

[0064] In step S19, the determination unit 36 ​​determines the content of feeding for the livestock based on at least one condition index value acquired in step S17.

[0065] When the feed release device 21 is controlled in step S11, the determination unit 36 ​​may determine the feed amounts of roughage and concentrated feed. The determination unit 36 ​​reads out the BCS or RFS stored in the memory unit 35 in association with the individual ID of the livestock identified in step S15, and calculates the average BCS score for one week, BCSＡｖｅ／ｗｅｅｋ and B.C.S. Ａｖｅ／ｗｅｅｋ Rate of change of ΔBCS Ａｖｅ／ｗｅｅｋ The feed amount may be determined by calculating the BCS and the RFS at any time. The any time may be set by the operator. Ａｖｅ／ｗｅｅｋ , RFS may be a moving average over the last week, and ΔBCS Ａｖｅ／ｗｅｅｋ may be the most recent rate of change.

[0066] The determination unit 36 ​​determines whether the BCS Ａｖｅ／ｗｅｅｋ and ΔBCS Ａｖｅ／ｗｅｅｋ and RFS and a first threshold value BCS Ｔｈ１ and the RFS threshold RFS Ｔｈ Toga BCS Ａｖｅ／ｗｅｅｋ >BCS Ｔｈ１ and ΔBCS Ａｖｅ／ｗｅｅｋ >0 and RFS Ｔｈ <The amount of concentrated feed fed may be reduced depending on whether the RFS is satisfied. This reduces the amount of concentrated feed fed depending on whether the livestock is eating well and is in the process of fattening. Reducing the feed amount may mean reducing the feed amount below a standard, and the standard may be the feed amount when step S21 described below was performed last time, or may be a preset feed amount. BCS Ｔｈ１ may be a threshold for determining whether a livestock is obese, and RFS Ｔｈ may be a threshold value for determining whether livestock are grazing. Ｔｈ１ and R.F.S. Ｔｈ may be set to an arbitrary value in advance.

[0067] The determination unit 36 ​​determines whether the BCS Ａｖｅ／ｗｅｅｋ and ΔBCS Ａｖｅ／ｗｅｅｋ and B.C.S. Ｔｈ１ And RFS and RFS Ｔｈ Toga BCS Ａｖｅ／ｗｅｅｋ >BCS Ｔｈ１ and ΔBCS Ａｖｅ／ｗｅｅｋ >0 and RFS ＴｈIf the condition ≧RFS is satisfied, the amount of concentrated feed fed may be reduced and the amount of roughage fed may be increased. This reduces the calorie content of the feed without reducing the overall amount of feed, in response to the fact that the livestock is in the process of fattening but is not eating much feed. Increasing the feed amount may mean increasing the feed amount above a reference amount, and this reference may be the feed amount used the previous time step S21 (described below) was performed, or may be a preset feed amount.

[0068] The determination unit 36 ​​determines whether the BCS Ａｖｅ／ｗｅｅｋ and ΔBCS Ａｖｅ／ｗｅｅｋ and the second threshold value of BCS, BCS Ｔｈ２ And RFS and RFS Ｔｈ Toga BCS Ａｖｅ／ｗｅｅｋ <BCS Ｔｈ２ and ΔBCS Ａｖｅ／ｗｅｅｋ <0 and RFS Ｔｈ < Depending on whether the RFS is met, the amount of concentrate fed may be increased and the amount of roughage fed may be decreased. This increases the calorie content of the feed as the livestock are eating well despite being in the process of wasting. BCS Ｔｈ２ may be a threshold value for determining whether a livestock is stunted, and BCS Ｔｈ１ It can be smaller than BCS. Ｔｈ２ may be set to an arbitrary value in advance.

[0069] The determination unit 36 ​​determines whether the BCS Ａｖｅ／ｗｅｅｋ and ΔBCS Ａｖｅ／ｗｅｅｋ and B.C.S. Ｔｈ２ And RFS and RFS Ｔｈ Toga BCS Ａｖｅ／ｗｅｅｋ <BCS Ｔｈ２ and ΔBCS Ａｖｅ／ｗｅｅｋ <0 and RFS Ｔｈ In response to meeting the RFS, the amount of roughage fed may be increased, thereby increasing the overall amount of feed as the animals are eating less and are in the process of wasting.

[0070] Furthermore, when the feed pushing device 22 is controlled in step S11, the decision unit 36 ​​may read out the most recent RFS stored in the storage unit 35 in association with the individual ID of the livestock identified in step S15, and decide whether or not to push the feed. Ｔｈ Toga RFS Ｔｈ > It may be decided to perform a feeding drive on livestock in response to meeting the RFS, thereby increasing feeding opportunities in response to a feeding deficit.

[0071] Alternatively, the determination unit 36 ​​may read out the most recent RFS stored in the storage unit 35 in association with the individual ID of each livestock kept together in the fence, and determine whether or not to gather feed. The determination unit 36 ​​may determine whether or not to gather feed by determining whether or not the livestock identified in step S15 has the smallest RFS value RFS among the multiple livestock kept together in the fence. ｍｉｎ／ｇｒｏｕｐ indicates the RFS ｍｉｎ／ｇｒｏｕｐ is the maximum RFS value among the livestock ｍａｘ／ｇｒｏｕｐ RFS ｍａｘ／ｇｒｏｕｐ -RFS ｍｉｎ／ｇｒｏｕｐ In response to the condition that the condition is satisfied, it may be determined to perform feed gathering for the livestock in question. In this way, feed gathering is performed for the livestock that is the least eaten among the livestock raised together.

[0072] In step S21, the control unit 37 controls the feeding device 2 according to the determined feeding content to feed the animals. The control unit 37 may control the feed release unit 212 to release feed to the feeding positions, and may release the determined feeding amounts of concentrated feed and roughage. The control unit 37 may control the feed pushing unit 222 to push feed to the feeding positions. After the processing of step S21 is completed, the processing may proceed to step S11. As a result, the feed release unit 21 and the feed pushing unit 22 move to each feeding position to feed the animals. The feed release unit 21 and the feed pushing unit 22 may push feed to each feeding position at intervals of 6 to 8 hours.

[0073] According to the above operation, the feeding amounts of roughage and concentrated feed are determined, so that the health and growth of livestock can be automatically managed.

[0074] Also, BCS Ａｖｅ／ｗｅｅｋ and ΔBCS Ａｖｅ／ｗｅｅｋ and RFS and BCS Ａｖｅ／ｗｅｅｋ >BCS Ｔｈ１ and ΔBCS Ａｖｅ／ｗｅｅｋ >0 and RFS Ｔｈ <The amount of concentrated feed fed is reduced depending on whether the animal is RFS. Therefore, if the livestock is eating well and is in the process of gaining weight, the total amount of feed can be reduced to prevent gaining weight.

[0075] Also, BCS Ａｖｅ／ｗｅｅｋ and ΔBCS Ａｖｅ／ｗｅｅｋ and RFS and BCS Ａｖｅ／ｗｅｅｋ >BCS Ｔｈ１ and ΔBCS Ａｖｅ／ｗｅｅｋ >0 and RFS Ｔｈ If the RFS is ≥ 100%, the amount of concentrated feed fed is reduced and the amount of roughage fed is increased. Therefore, if livestock are in the process of gaining weight but are not eating much feed, the calorie content of the feed can be reduced without reducing the overall amount of feed, thereby preventing gain.

[0076] Also, BCS Ａｖｅ／ｗｅｅｋ and ΔBCS Ａｖｅ／ｗｅｅｋ and RFS and BCS Ａｖｅ／ｗｅｅｋ <BCS Ｔｈ２ and ΔBCS Ａｖｅ／ｗｅｅｋ <0 and RFS Ｔｈ <The amount of concentrated feed fed increases and the amount of roughage fed decreases depending on whether the animal is in the process of shrinking or not, and therefore, if the livestock are eating well despite being in the process of shrinking, the calorie content of the feed can be increased to transition the livestock from the process of shrinking to the process of fattening.

[0077] Also, BCS Ａｖｅ／ｗｅｅｋ and ΔBCS Ａｖｅ／ｗｅｅｋ and RFS and BCS Ａｖｅ／ｗｅｅｋ <BCS Ｔｈ２ and ΔBCS Ａｖｅ／ｗｅｅｋ <0 and RFS Ｔｈ Therefore, if the livestock is not eating enough feed and is in the process of atrophying, the total amount of feed can be increased to prevent atrophy.

[0078] Also, RFS is RFS Ｔｈ> Feed gathering is performed in response to RFS. Therefore, feeding opportunities can be increased in response to a lack of feeding.

[0079] In addition, the identified livestock must meet the minimum RFS ｍｉｎ／ｇｒｏｕｐ indicates RFS ｍａｘ／ｇｒｏｕｐ -RFS ｍｉｎ／ｇｒｏｕｐ > 1, feed is gathered for the livestock in question. Therefore, in response to an occurrence of a shortage of food in a group of livestock reared together, feed can be gathered for the livestock that is most lacking in food.

[0080] 5. Modifications In the above embodiment, the control device 3 has been described as having the identification unit 32, the model 33, and the storage unit 35, but any of these may be omitted. For example, if livestock are raised individually, the control device 3 may not have the identification unit 32. If the control device 3 does not have the model 33, the model 33 may be stored in a device external to the control device 3.

[0081] Furthermore, although the identification unit 32 has been described as identifying livestock by image recognition of captured images of the livestock, the identification unit 32 may identify the livestock by other methods. For example, if an individual ID is readably stored in a tag (e.g., an RFID tag) attached to the livestock, the identification unit 32 may read the individual ID from the tag to identify the livestock.

[0082] Furthermore, although the image acquisition unit 31 has been described as acquiring images of livestock from the imaging units 213, 223 of the feed release device 21 and the feed pushing device 22, it may also acquire images of livestock from imaging devices that are fixed in advance to the feeding position. Furthermore, although the image acquisition unit 31 has been described as acquiring images of livestock at the feeding position, it may also acquire images captured at other positions where livestock pass or stay, as long as the identification unit 32 identifies the livestock at the feeding position.

[0083] Furthermore, although the imaging units 213 and 223 have been described as taking images in response to the feed release unit 212 and the feed gathering unit 222 moving to the feeding position or its vicinity, they may also take images in response to the detection of livestock. As an example, the imaging units 213 and 223 may monitor the pixel value of each pixel, and take images in response to the amount of change in any one or more pixel values ​​exceeding a threshold.

[0084] In addition, the index value acquisition unit 34 has been described as acquiring the BCS or the RFS as at least one state index value. Ａｖｅ／ｗｅｅｋ , ΔBCS Ａｖｅ／ｗｅｅｋ , RFS and RFS ｍａｘ／ｇｒｏｕｐ As an example, the index value acquiring unit 34 may read out the BCS or RFS stored in the storage unit 35 and acquire the BCS. Ａｖｅ／ｗｅｅｋ , ΔBCS Ａｖｅ／ｗｅｅｋ , RFS and RFS ｍａｘ／ｇｒｏｕｐ etc. may be calculated.

[0085] Although the description has been given assuming that a plurality of livestock are kept free-range within a fenced area, they may be kept tied up in specific locations. In this case, the identification unit 32 may identify the livestock from their respective rearing locations.

[0086] Furthermore, although the feeding device 2 has been described as having the feed release device 21 and the feed pushing device 22, it may have only one of them.

[0087] Various embodiments of the present invention may also be described with reference to flowcharts and block diagrams, where the blocks may represent (1) stages of a process in which operations are performed or (2) sections of an apparatus responsible for performing the operations. Particular stages and sections may be implemented by dedicated circuitry, programmable circuitry provided with computer-readable instructions stored on a computer-readable medium, and / or a processor provided with computer-readable instructions stored on a computer-readable medium. Dedicated circuitry may include digital and / or analog hardware circuitry, and may include integrated circuits (ICs) and / or discrete circuits. Programmable circuitry may include reconfigurable hardware circuitry including logical AND, OR, XOR, NAND, NOR, and other logic operations, flip-flops, registers, memory elements such as field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic arrays (PLAs), and the like.

[0088] A computer-readable medium may include any tangible device capable of storing instructions that are executed by an appropriate device, such that the computer-readable medium having instructions stored thereon comprises an article of manufacture containing instructions that can be executed to create means for performing the operations specified in the flowcharts or block diagrams. Examples of computer-readable media may include electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, and semiconductor storage media. More specific examples of computer-readable media may include floppy disks, diskettes, hard disks, random access memories (RAMs), read-only memories (ROMs), erasable programmable read-only memories (EPROMs or flash memories), electrically erasable programmable read-only memories (EEPROMs), static random access memories (SRAMs), compact disc read-only memories (CD-ROMs), digital versatile discs (DVDs), Blu-ray (RTM) discs, memory sticks, integrated circuit cards, and the like.

[0089] The computer readable instructions may include either assembler instructions, Instruction Set Architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine-dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state-setting data, or source or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including object-oriented programming languages ​​such as Smalltalk®, JAVA®, C++, etc., and conventional procedural programming languages ​​such as the “C” programming language or similar programming languages.

[0090] The computer-readable instructions may be provided to a processor or programmable circuitry of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus, either locally or over a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet, etc., which executes the computer-readable instructions to create means for performing the operations specified in the flowcharts or block diagrams. Examples of processors include computer processors, processing units, microprocessors, digital signal processors, controllers, microcontrollers, etc.

[0091] 5 illustrates an example of a computer 2200 in which aspects of the present invention may be embodied, in whole or in part. Programs installed on the computer 2200 may cause the computer 2200 to function as or perform operations associated with an apparatus or one or more sections of the apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention, and / or to perform a process or steps of a process according to embodiments of the present invention. Such programs may be executed by the CPU 2212 to cause the computer 2200 to perform specific operations associated with some or all of the blocks in the flowcharts and block diagrams described herein.

[0092] A computer 2200 according to this embodiment includes a CPU 2212, a RAM 2214, a graphics controller 2216, and a display device 2218, which are interconnected by a host controller 2210. The computer 2200 also includes input / output units such as a communication interface 2222, a hard disk drive 2224, a DVD-ROM drive 2226, and an IC card drive, which are connected to the host controller 2210 via an input / output controller 2220. The computer also includes legacy input / output units such as a ROM 2230 and a keyboard 2242, which are connected to the input / output controller 2220 via an input / output chip 2240.

[0093] The CPU 2212 operates according to programs stored in the ROM 2230 and RAM 2214, thereby controlling each unit. The graphics controller 2216 acquires image data generated by the CPU 2212 into a frame buffer or the like provided in the RAM 2214 or into the graphics controller 2216 itself, and causes the image data to be displayed on the display device 2218.

[0094] The communication interface 2222 communicates with other electronic devices via a network. The hard disk drive 2224 stores programs and data used by the CPU 2212 in the computer 2200. The DVD-ROM drive 2226 reads programs or data from the DVD-ROM 2201 and provides the programs or data to the hard disk drive 2224 via the RAM 2214. The IC card drive reads programs and data from an IC card and / or writes programs and data to an IC card.

[0095] ROM 2230 stores therein a boot program or the like that is executed by computer 2200 upon activation, and / or programs that depend on the hardware of computer 2200. I / O chip 2240 may also connect various I / O units to I / O controller 2220 via parallel ports, serial ports, keyboard ports, mouse ports, etc.

[0096] The programs are provided by a computer-readable medium such as a DVD-ROM 2201 or an IC card. The programs are read from the computer-readable medium, installed in the hard disk drive 2224, RAM 2214, or ROM 2230, which are also examples of computer-readable media, and executed by the CPU 2212. Information processing described in these programs is read by the computer 2200, and brings about cooperation between the programs and the various types of hardware resources described above. An apparatus or method may be configured by implementing information manipulation or processing in accordance with the use of the computer 2200.

[0097] For example, when communication is performed between computer 2200 and an external device, CPU 2212 may execute a communication program loaded into RAM 2214 and instruct communication interface 2222 to perform communication processing based on the processing described in the communication program. Under the control of CPU 2212, communication interface 2222 reads transmission data stored in a transmission buffer processing area provided in RAM 2214, hard disk drive 2224, DVD-ROM 2201, or a recording medium such as an IC card, and transmits the read transmission data to the network, or writes received data received from the network to a reception buffer processing area or the like provided on the recording medium.

[0098] Furthermore, the CPU 2212 may cause all or a necessary portion of a file or database stored on an external recording medium such as the hard disk drive 2224, the DVD-ROM drive 2226 (DVD-ROM 2201), an IC card, etc. to be read into the RAM 2214, and may perform various types of processing on the data on the RAM 2214. The CPU 2212 then writes back the processed data to the external recording medium.

[0099] Various types of information, such as various types of programs, data, tables, and databases, may be stored on the recording medium and may undergo information processing. The CPU 2212 may perform various types of processing on data read from the RAM 2214, including various types of operations, information processing, conditional judgment, conditional branching, unconditional branching, information search / replacement, etc., as described throughout this disclosure and specified by the instruction sequences of the programs, and write the results back to the RAM 2214. The CPU 2212 may also search for information in a file, database, etc. on the recording medium. For example, if multiple entries each having an attribute value of a first attribute associated with an attribute value of a second attribute are stored on the recording medium, the CPU 2212 may search for an entry that matches a condition specified by the attribute value of the first attribute from among the multiple entries, read the attribute value of the second attribute stored in the entry, and thereby obtain the attribute value of the second attribute associated with the first attribute that satisfies a predetermined condition.

[0100] The above-described programs or software modules may be stored in a computer-readable medium on or near the computer 2200. A recording medium such as a hard disk or RAM provided in a server system connected to a dedicated communication network or the Internet can also be used as a computer-readable medium, thereby providing the programs to the computer 2200 via the network.

[0101] Although the present invention has been described above using embodiments, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and improvements can be made to the above embodiments. It is clear from the claims that such modifications and improvements can also be included within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0102] It should be noted that the order of execution of each process, such as operations, procedures, steps, and stages, in the devices, systems, programs, and methods shown in the claims, specifications, and drawings is not specifically stated as "before," "prior to," etc., and that the processes can be performed in any order unless the output of a previous process is used in a subsequent process. Even if the operational flow in the claims, specifications, and drawings is described using "first," "next," etc. for convenience, this does not mean that the processes must be performed in this order.

[0103] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 System 2 Feeding device 3 Control device 21 Feed release device 22 Device 31 Image acquisition unit 32 Identification unit 33 Model 34 Index value acquisition unit 35 Memory unit 36 ​​Determination unit 37 Control unit 100 Concentrated feed 101 Roughage 110 Feeding position 111 Feeding position 211 Moving unit 212 Feed release unit 213 Imaging unit 214 Arm 215 Rail 221 Moving unit 222 Feed gathering unit 223 Imaging unit 2200 Computer 2201 DVD-ROM 2210 Host controller 2212 CPU 2214 RAM 2216 Graphics controller 2218 Display device 2220 Input / output controller 2222 Communication interface 2224 Hard disk drive 2226 DVD-ROM drive 2230 ROM 2240 Input / output chip 2242 Keyboard

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising: an image acquisition unit that acquires images of livestock; an index value acquisition unit that acquires at least one condition index value indicating the condition of the livestock based on the images; a determination unit that determines feeding contents for the livestock based on the at least one condition index value; and a control unit that controls a feeding device that feeds the livestock in accordance with the feeding contents.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the feeding device has a food release device that releases food, and the determination unit determines the amount of food to be provided by the food release device based on the at least one condition index value.

3. The device described in claim 2, further comprising an identification unit that identifies, among a plurality of livestock raised together, a livestock that is in a position to eat the feed released by the feed release device, wherein the image acquisition unit acquires an image of each of the plurality of livestock, the index value acquisition unit acquires the at least one condition index value for each livestock from the image of each livestock, and the determination unit determines the amount of feed to be given to the livestock identified by the identification unit among the plurality of livestock.

4. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the determination unit determines the feeding amounts of each of roughage and concentrate.

5. The at least one condition index value includes a body condition score (BCS) and a rumen fill score (RFS), and the determining unit determines an average BCS score (BCS) over one week. Ａｖｅ／ｗｅｅｋ And B.C.S. Ａｖｅ／ｗｅｅｋ Rate of change of ΔBCS Ａｖｅ／ｗｅｅｋ and the first threshold value of BCS BCS Ｔｈ１ and RFS at any time, and RFS threshold RFS Ｔｈ Toga BCS Ａｖｅ／ｗｅｅｋ > B.C.S. Ｔｈ１ And ΔBCS Ａｖｅ／ｗｅｅｋ >0 and RFS Ｔｈ 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the amount of concentrate fed is reduced in response to the RFS being met.

6. The at least one condition index value includes a body condition score (BCS) and a rumen fill score (RFS), and the determining unit determines an average BCS score (BCS) over one week. Ａｖｅ／ｗｅｅｋ And B.C.S. Ａｖｅ／ｗｅｅｋ Rate of change of ΔBCS Ａｖｅ／ｗｅｅｋ and the first threshold value of BCS BCS Ｔｈ１ and RFS at any time, and RFS threshold RFS Ｔｈ Toga BCS Ａｖｅ／ｗｅｅｋ > B.C.S. Ｔｈ１ And ΔBCS Ａｖｅ／ｗｅｅｋ >0 and RFS Ｔｈ 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the feeding rate of concentrate is decreased and the feeding rate of roughage is increased in response to meeting ≥ RFS.

7. The at least one condition index value includes a body condition score (BCS) and a rumen fill score (RFS), and the determining unit determines an average BCS score (BCS) over one week. Ａｖｅ／ｗｅｅｋ And B.C.S. Ａｖｅ／ｗｅｅｋ Rate of change of ΔBCS Ａｖｅ／ｗｅｅｋ and a second threshold value of BCS BCS Ｔｈ２ and RFS at any time, and RFS threshold RFS Ｔｈ Toga BCS Ａｖｅ／ｗｅｅｋ <BCS Ｔｈ２ And ΔBCS Ａｖｅ／ｗｅｅｋ < 0 and RFS Ｔｈ 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the feeding rate of concentrate is increased and the feeding rate of roughage is decreased in response to meeting the RFS.

8. The at least one condition index value includes a body condition score (BCS) and a rumen fill score (RFS), and the determining unit determines an average BCS score (BCS) over one week. Ａｖｅ／ｗｅｅｋ And B.C.S. Ａｖｅ／ｗｅｅｋ Rate of change of ΔBCS Ａｖｅ／ｗｅｅｋ and a second threshold value of BCS BCS Ｔｈ２ and RFS at any time, and RFS threshold RFS Ｔｈ Toga BCS Ａｖｅ／ｗｅｅｋ <BCS Ｔｈ２ And ΔBCS Ａｖｅ／ｗｅｅｋ < 0 and RFS Ｔｈ 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the feeding rate of roughage is increased in response to meeting > RFS.

9. The feed release device according to claim 2, comprising: a feed release unit that releases feed near a fence surrounding the livestock; a moving unit that moves the feed release unit along the fence; and an imaging unit that moves integrally with the feed release unit by the moving unit and captures images of the livestock that are in a position to eat the feed released by the feed release unit, and the image acquisition unit acquires images from the imaging unit.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the feeding device includes a feed directing device that directs uneaten feed closer to the livestock, and the decision unit decides whether or not to perform feed directing for the livestock based at least in part on the at least one condition indicator value.

11. The at least one condition index value includes a lumen fill score RFS, and the determination unit determines an RFS and a threshold RFS Ｔｈ And RFS Ｔｈ The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising: determining to perform feeding for the livestock in response to fulfilling the RFS.

12. The device described in claim 10, further comprising an identification unit that identifies, among a plurality of livestock raised together, a livestock that is in a position to eat the feed attracted by the feed attracting device, wherein the image acquisition unit acquires an image of each of the plurality of livestock, the index value acquisition unit acquires the at least one condition index value for each livestock from the image of each livestock, and the decision unit decides whether or not to perform feed attracting for the livestock identified by the identification unit among the plurality of livestock.

13. The at least one condition index value includes a rumen fill score (RFS), and the determination unit determines whether the livestock identified by the identification unit has a minimum RFS (RFS) among the plurality of livestock. ｍｉｎ／ｇｒｏｕｐ indicates the RFS ｍｉｎ／ｇｒｏｕｐ is the maximum value of RFS among the plurality of livestock ｍａｘ／ｇｒｏｕｐ RFS against ｍａｘ／ｇｒｏｕｐ - R.F.S. ｍｉｎ／ｇｒｏｕｐ The apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising: determining to perform feeding for the livestock in response to the condition being satisfied.

14. The feed pushing device comprises a feed pushing unit which pushes uneaten feed closer to a fence surrounding the livestock, a moving unit which moves the feed pushing unit along the fence, and an imaging unit which moves integrally with the feed pushing unit by the moving unit and which captures images of livestock which are in a position where feed is pushed by the feed pushing unit, and the image acquisition unit acquires images from the imaging unit.

15. The device described in claim 1, wherein the index value acquisition unit acquires the at least one condition index value by supplying an image acquired by the image acquisition unit to a model that outputs the at least one condition index value for the livestock in the image in response to an image of the livestock being input.

16. A method comprising: an image acquisition step of acquiring images of livestock; an index value acquisition step of acquiring at least one condition index value indicating a condition of the livestock based on the images; a decision step of determining feeding contents for the livestock based on the at least one condition index value; and a control step of controlling a feeding device that feeds the livestock in accordance with the feeding contents.

17. A program that causes a computer to function as: an image acquisition unit that acquires images of livestock; an index value acquisition unit that acquires at least one condition index value indicating the condition of the livestock based on the images; a determination unit that determines feeding contents for the livestock based on the at least one condition index value; and a control unit that controls a feeding device that feeds the livestock in accordance with the feeding contents.

Images