Method for farm-animal-specifically controlling a stall device, and farm-animal-specifically controlled stall device system

Abstract

The invention relates to a method (100) for controlling a stall device (4). According to the invention, the method comprises the steps of: providing (102) a sensor and transmitter device (6) on the body of a farm animal, wherein the sensor and transmitter device (6) uniquely identifies the farm animal, acquiring (104) behaviour data and / or condition data (VD) on the farm animal by means of the sensor and transmitter device (6), determining (106) a behaviour or condition (V) of the farm animal on the basis of the acquired behaviour data and / or condition data (VD), farm-animal-specifically controlling (108) one or more stall devices (4) on the basis of the determined behaviour (V) or condition (Z) of the farm animal. The invention also relates to a corresponding stall device system (2).

Description

[0001] Methods for livestock-specific control of a barn facility and a livestock-specific controlled barn facility system

[0002] The invention relates to a method for controlling a stable facility and to a related stable facility system.

[0003] Basic approaches to controlling barn equipment are known from the state of the art, which are based on triggering a corresponding control process with regard to the barn equipment based on manually defined criteria, such as a time or a date.

[0004] Furthermore, US patent 8,132,538 B1 discloses the ability to attach an RFID transponder to a farm animal and identify the animal based on this transponder. If the presence of such an RFID transponder—and thus of the farm animal—is detected in a barn area, a barn fixture, such as a gate, can be controlled depending on the presence of the respective animal. More comprehensive control approaches for barn fixtures are not yet widespread.

[0005] More recently, the technology for monitoring livestock has been continuously developed in parallel. An approach that uses sensors located in the barn area is known from DE 10 2014 017 435 A1. Furthermore, electronic ear tags, as known from DE 20 2021 000 191 U1, offer

[0006] Health monitoring functions, GPS tracking of the ear tag, and wireless data transmission capabilities are included. The collected data can be analyzed, and attempts can be made to estimate, for example, a sow's due date based on the available information. Another system for estimating the birthing process is known from WO 2009 / 074153 A1.

[0007] The collected data is made available to veterinarians or stable staff. For example, if an approaching due date is determined, the animal is prepared accordingly, using stable equipment such as a restraint system to secure the animal for birth. This restraint system is operated manually by the staff.

[0008] Even when livestock monitoring technology is used in a barn, the need for constant staff availability to operate the equipment—for example, to restrain an animal—prevents optimal use of the barn facilities. In practice, therefore, even with livestock monitoring technology, optimal use of the barn facilities cannot always be guaranteed for practical and logistical reasons. The same applies, for example, to restraining animals during estrus, when a sow can become pregnant. Here, too, optimizing restraint times—and thus optimizing the use of the barn facilities—is desirable.

[0009] Against this background, the invention was based on the objective of further developing a method for the animal-specific control of a barn system of the type mentioned above in such a way as to eliminate the disadvantages found in the prior art as far as possible. In particular, a method was to be provided that enables improved control of barn systems and an increase in animal welfare.

[0010] The invention solves the problem described above by having a method that has features of claim 1.

[0011] In particular, it is proposed that the method comprises the following steps: providing a sensor and transmission device on the carcass of a farm animal, wherein the sensor and transmission device uniquely identifies the farm animal; determining behavioral and / or state data of the farm animal using the sensor and transmission device, wherein at least the body temperature of the farm animal is recorded over time as state data and an acceleration profile over time to determine a movement profile of the farm animal is recorded as behavioral data; determining a behavior or state of the farm animal based on the determined behavioral and state data, wherein the behavior or state includes at least one of the following behaviors and / or states: normal status, aggressive behavior, time of estrus, re-estrus, physiological disease state, impending birth.Animal-specific control of one or more housing facilities based on the specific behavior or condition of the farm animal, a) wherein, in the event that the behavior or condition of the farm animal is assessed as giving birth or an impending birth, a restraint device of a farrowing pen or a gestation crate is activated as a housing facility, wherein the restraint device is configured to restrain the sow, and / or b) wherein, in the event that the behavior or condition of the farm animal is determined to be estrus, in particular in a breeding facility, a restraint device and / or an access control system is activated as a housing facility, which is configured to restrain the sow, in particular wherein sows in which the behavior or condition of the farm animal is not determined to be estrus are not restrained by the restraint device, and / or c) wherein, in the event that,that, if the farm animal exhibits aggressive behavior or is in estrus in a sow, it is directed to, kept in, or confined to an individual pen, in particular where piglets born to the sow are given access to group housing, and / or d) where, in the event that the farm animal exhibits a physiological disease state, it is directed to a sick pen by means of housing equipment, which, in particular as further housing equipment, has an access control system that grants or denies access to the sick pen depending on the physiological disease state, and / or e) where, depending on the behavior or state, a feeding system is controlled in such a way that the quantity of feed to be dispensed and / or the feed mixture is adapted to the behavior or state.

[0012] The inventive method utilizes the fact that behavioral and / or condition data of the farm animal can be determined via the sensor and transmission device on the animal's body. Based on this determined behavioral and / or condition data, the animal's behavior or condition can then be assessed, for example, an estimation of an impending farrowing sow. Subsequently, one or more barn systems can be controlled in a farm-specific manner based on the animal's specific behavior or condition. For example, a probability of farrowing can be estimated for each animal on a rolling basis based on the determined behavioral and / or condition data.This probability of birth can be either a classification of nesting behavior, a detection of other signs of birth, a detection of disease-relevant signs, or the detection of other important physiological conditions, such as estrus.

[0013] Furthermore, the length of time a sow spends in a restraint facility, such as a farrowing crate or farrowing pen, can provide insights into the animal's behavior or condition, particularly regarding an ongoing farrowing process. For example, if a sow remains in a restraint facility longer than usual, this can indicate problems during farrowing, such as complications or miscarriages. To identify these conditions, it has proven advantageous to determine the length of time spent in the restraint facility and include this data in analyses.

[0014] If a high probability of imminent farrowing has been determined, a pen or a restraint device in the form of a farrowing crate can be controlled so that it closes automatically after the sow enters. In this way, the sow can be automatically restrained using the restraint device after the time of imminent farrowing has been estimated. This prevents the sow from being restrained too early and thus positively impacts animal welfare. The restraint process is independent of staff availability and intervention.

[0015] This reduction of restraint time to the absolute minimum is therefore advantageous because, in preparation for farrowing, it has been common practice to restrain farm animals for a relatively long period during the critical period of birth to avoid potential complications. However, this practice leads to a number of negative effects on the animals' welfare. Early restraint, often days before the actual birth, forces pregnant sows into a restricted environment that severely limits their natural behaviors. This restriction can lead to stress, anxiety, fear, and physical discomfort in the animals. Furthermore, the restricted movement prevents the sows from fulfilling their natural nesting instinct, an important behavior that occurs immediately before farrowing.Prolonged restraint can also lead to health problems, such as muscle atrophy and joint problems due to lack of movement. Furthermore, isolation from other animals can cause social tension and additional stress. These factors contribute to a reduction in overall animal welfare. Therefore, it is desirable to use restraint only when and for as long as absolutely necessary, which is achieved using the method according to the invention.

[0016] As explained above, the procedure is not limited to the birthing process, but generally allows the farm animal-specific control of one or more stable facilities based on a specific behavior or condition of the farm animal.

[0017] A livestock-specific control system for a barn system, as defined in this application, refers to the control of a barn system based on the specific behavior or condition of the livestock. In other words, such a control system differs from systems where only an RFID tag is assigned to a livestock animal and, for example, gates are opened and closed individually for each animal. According to the inventive method, the process always includes determining behavioral and / or condition data, determining the behavior or condition of the livestock based on this behavioral and / or condition data, and subsequently controlling the system in a livestock-specific manner based on this behavior or condition.

[0018] A "re-estrus" refers to the recurrence of estrus despite previous insemination. In other words, the insemination was unsuccessful. It is advantageous to identify animals exhibiting this condition and, if necessary, separate them, or take similar measures.

[0019] The procedure is further developed by the fact that the controlled housing system includes: access system to a pen or stall, in particular an isolation pen or a sick pen, marking device for marking the farm animal, restraint device for restraining the farm animal, in particular in a farrowing pen or in a farrowing crate, housing climate control system, in particular ventilation system, cooling system and / or heating system, feeding system, in particular feed quantity and / or feed mass flow and / or feed volume flow and / or feed mixture.

[0020] Preferably, controlling the barn equipment involves moving a movable element of the barn equipment using an actuator. This could be a door, a flap, an arm, an access system, a guidance system for directing livestock to a specific area, or the like. Overall, this enables universal control of any peripheral barn equipment.

[0021] The barn equipment is preferably controlled automatically. This eliminates the need for on-site personnel to operate the equipment.

[0022] Controlled housing systems can generally grant or deny access to a pen or stall. Furthermore, they can include marking devices and restraint devices, such as those used to restrain sows during farrowing. Additionally, the system is designed to incorporate a feeding system as controlled housing equipment, allowing for the individual control of feed quantity, feed mass, feed flow rate, and feed mixture (also referred to as feed composition) based on specific animal behavior or condition. Control of the feed mixture can also include the ability to control the addition of feed additives.

[0023] Furthermore, a controlled barn system can be provided, including a barn climate control system. This can comprise ventilation equipment or cooling and heating systems.

[0024] According to one embodiment, if the animal's behavior or condition is interpreted as indicating that it is giving birth or is about to give birth, a restraint device in the farrowing pen or farrowing crate is activated. This prevents the sow from leaving the farrowing pen or crate on her own once she has entered it. In this way, the sow is effectively restrained.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the sensor and transmission device is integrated into an ear tag that is attached to the farm animal. This ensures that the sensor data is always recorded individually for each animal and directly on the farm animal.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the determination of a farm animal's behavior or condition is based on the acquired behavioral and / or condition data using at least one of the following methods: pattern recognition, machine learning, algorithm, lookup table, neural network, or statistical analysis. For example, an algorithm or lookup table can be used that directly relates the behavioral and / or condition data to a specific behavior or condition of the farm animal. Thus, based on certain acceleration data, a nest-building behavior of a particular animal could be detected, or an impending birth could be identified based on changes in body temperature. Such correlations can also be established using known pattern recognition methods or machine learning. Neural networks can also be employed in this context.

[0027] A neural network is a machine learning program or model that makes decisions similarly to the human brain by using processes that mimic how biological neurons work together to identify phenomena, weigh options, and draw conclusions. Such a neural network preferably consists of layers of nodes or artificial neurons—an input layer, one or more hidden layers, and an output layer. The neural network preferably relies on training data to learn and improve its accuracy over time. Evaluation can then be supported or performed using machine learning to enable the detection of nonlinear patterns indicative of the described behaviors.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the behavioral and / or state data includes at least one of the following: acceleration, in particular the acceleration profile over a period of time, the animal's body temperature, the ear tag temperature, and the animal's position. The described data have proven particularly suitable for estimating, for example, the timeframe for an impending farrowing in a sow. From specific acceleration and body temperature profiles, a probability of an impending farrowing can be determined. This determination can also be performed on a farm-specific basis by using acceleration and temperature profiles from previous farrowings as training data for the neural network. Patterns can preferably be identified from the training data and / or historical data, based on which farrowing probabilities can be determined.The temperature of the ear tag allows conclusions to be drawn about the animal's body temperature. Furthermore, the sensor and transmission device can be located relative to the receiver unit, thus determining the animal's position. According to one embodiment, the animal's behavior or condition includes the time of estrus, an indication of impending or ongoing birth, nesting behavior, or even aggressive behavior. Such aggressive behavior can be characterized, for example, by a high body temperature or comparatively high acceleration values.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the behavior or condition of the farm animal further includes at least one instance of re-estrus, which refers to the recurrence of estrus despite prior insemination. In this respect, it has proven advantageous to identify and, if necessary, separate animals exhibiting this behavior or condition.

[0030] According to one embodiment, at least one of the following is determined using behavioral and / or condition data: assessment of the success rate of insemination, analysis of the frequency of visits to specific barn facilities, and evaluation of the time spent in individual functional areas. The success rate of insemination can be estimated using the behavioral and / or condition data, and specific measures for the animal in question can be derived accordingly. Information can also be derived from the analysis of the frequency of visits to specific barn facilities or the time spent in individual functional areas, which can be used directly to determine the behavior or condition of the farm animal, or for plausibility checks regarding causality and correlation of the specific behavior or condition.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the behavior or condition of the farm animal may also include a physiological disease state, wherein the physiological disease state includes: lameness, fever, injury, and other symptoms of illness. For example, if a physiological disease state is detected, then barn access systems can be switched accordingly so that the farm animal can be moved, for example, to an isolation area.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the animal's behavior or condition can relate to its feeding behavior. This is characterized, for example, by the duration and / or frequency of feeding. According to another embodiment, the animal's behavior or condition can relate to successful artificial or natural insemination, with these conditions being characterized by specific animal behavior. According to one embodiment, the animal's behavior or condition is determined in one, several, or all of the following areas of the barn: farrowing pen, breeding area, and gestation pen. It is clear that the system is applicable in different areas and barn sections. In each area, a different event is relevant. For example, in the farrowing area, it could be birth; in the breeding area, estrus; and in the gestation pen, illness, injury, or aggressive behavior.The relevant events can be combined and are not limited to the described location. A measure, such as the control or regulation of barn equipment, is then taken, depending on the specific area. For example, such a measure might involve temporarily isolating or marking the animal, perhaps to protect piglets or to facilitate locating the animals.

[0033] If estrus is detected as a behavior or condition of the farm animal, particularly in a breeding facility, the invention makes it possible to sort out or separate individual animals during their estrus before they are inseminated, either with or without the use of a restraint device. This allows compliance with legal requirements that stipulate group housing in a breeding center.

[0034] According to one embodiment, if a sow is detected as being in heat, a restraint device is activated. This device is designed to restrain the sow, and sows not detected as being in heat are not restrained. Such a method could be used, for example, in a breeding center. If insemination is taking place in a free-range system, the animals can be restrained as soon as heat is detected. Sows that have already been inseminated would be excluded, making it easy for the farmer to identify which sows still need to be inseminated.

[0035] According to one embodiment, if a sow is found to be exhibiting aggressive behavior or condition, she is directed to, kept in, or restrained in an individual pen, particularly with the piglets born to the sow being given access to group housing. In the case of a clearly aggressive sow or an inexperienced gilt, the sow can either be kept in the individual pen for a longer period for the benefit of the piglets or restrained again in the individual pen, while the piglets are already given access to group housing.

[0036] According to one embodiment, if the behavior or condition of the farm animal is determined to be a physiological disease state, the farm animal is guided into a disease pen by means of stable equipment, which has an access control system that allows or blocks access to the disease pen depending on the physiological disease state.

[0037] The animal-specific control of barn equipment can, for example, be achieved generally via a relay that is switched based on the animal's behavior or condition. This enables universal control of any peripheral barn equipment.

[0038] According to one embodiment, behavioral and condition data for several farm animals are recorded almost simultaneously. This can preferably be done by a receiving unit, which can be configured as a node, or as a central receiving device. Preferably, several of these nodes are arranged at intervals from one another in a barn environment.

[0039] According to one embodiment, behavioral and condition data for several farm animals are stored and placed in a waiting list. The determination of a farm animal's behavior or condition is carried out at defined time intervals, in particular at least once a day, based on the collected behavioral and condition data and in the order specified in the waiting list. In this respect, the method differs from methods in which information is derived without delay, for example, from sensor data obtained from an ear tag or similar device on the farm animal.The described embodiment is based on the understanding that the quality of determining the behavior or condition of a farm animal can be improved by first recording and storing the relevant behavioral and condition data, and then evaluating them for a suitable period and at suitable intervals. Furthermore, available computing power can be used optimally by sequencing the behavioral and condition data in a queue and then processing them one farm animal at a time. According to one embodiment, to determine the behavior or condition of the farm animals, the behavioral and condition data are analyzed over a period of at least one hour, and in particular over a period of at least six hours, twelve hours, 24 hours, or one week. In this way, the quality, i.e.,The probability that an observed behavior or condition corresponds to the actual behavior or condition of the farm animal can be increased. Depending on the behavior or condition, different observation periods may be advantageous. For example, for certain behaviors or conditions, it may be sufficient to analyze a period of about one hour, whereas for other behaviors or conditions, it is advantageous to consider a longer period to improve the predictive accuracy, for example, at least six hours, twelve hours, or even a week.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of: providing data by means of external systems, in particular providing at least one of the following: feeding curve and / or feed consumption, climate control parameters, water meter data, data from a weighing device, performing a plausibility check regarding the behavioral data and / or condition data based on the data, and / or performing a plausibility check regarding the specific behavior or condition of the farm animal based on the data.

[0041] The feeding curve specifies a target value for the amount of feed that should be made available to the sow depending on her behavior or condition, such as estrus, insemination, or farrowing. Feed consumption corresponds to the actual feed consumption, in particular the amount of feed taken by the sow at one or more feeding stations.

[0042] The described further development of the procedure utilizes the understanding that not only can data collected and processed directly from the farm animal, for example via an ear tag, but existing data from external systems can also be used, particularly to perform a plausibility check regarding a specific behavior or condition of the farm animal. For example, feeding behavior can confirm the presence of a particular behavior or condition. Furthermore, for a temperature-dependent behavior or condition, it has proven advantageous to use climate control data for plausibility testing. Additionally, a farm animal's drinking behavior can also confirm a behavior or condition, for which the evaluation of water meter data is beneficial.Furthermore, a behavior or condition can also exhibit a direct correlation with the weight or weight trend of a farm animal. Plausibility checks can be performed with regard to causality and correlation. According to one embodiment, taking into account data from external systems, for example, a probability can be determined that a specific behavior or condition has been correctly identified.

[0043] According to one embodiment, at least one of the following relationships is analyzed as part of the plausibility check: relationship between weight, feed intake, condition and movement patterns, relationship between temperature, movement, location and climate control, relationship between water consumption, movement, location and climate control.

[0044] The aforementioned relationships have proven particularly suitable for plausibility checks regarding a specific behavior or condition of a farm animal.

[0045] The invention has been described above with reference to a method. In a further aspect, the invention relates to a stable equipment system.

[0046] The invention solves the problem with regard to the livestock-specific housing system by comprising a receiving unit which is configured to receive behavioral and / or status data from a sensor and transmission device assigned to a livestock animal, in particular an ear tag, wherein at least the body temperature of the livestock is recorded as status data over a period of time and an acceleration profile over time is recorded as behavioral data to determine a movement profile of the livestock, an evaluation unit which is configured to determine a behavior or a status of the livestock based on the received behavioral and status data, a control unit which is configured to control a housing system in an animal-specific manner based on the determined behavior or status of the livestock, a) wherein in the case,that, if the animal's behavior or condition is assessed as indicating birth or imminent birth, a restraint device for a farrowing pen or gestation crate is activated, the restraint device being designed to restrain the sow; and / or b) if the animal's behavior or condition is assessed as indicating estrus, particularly in a breeding facility, a restraint device and / or access control is activated, the restraint device being designed to restrain the sow, particularly in the case of sows not assessed as indicating estrus, which are not restrained by the restraint device; and / or c) if the animal's behavior or condition is assessed as indicating aggressive behavior, the sow is herded into, kept in, or confined to an individual pen.or in particular, wherein piglets born to the sow are given access to group housing, and / or d) wherein, in the event that a physiological disease state is determined as the behavior or condition of the farm animal, the farm animal is guided into a sick pen by means of housing equipment, which, in particular as a further housing device, has an access control system that grants or denies access to the sick pen depending on the physiological disease state, and / or e) wherein, depending on the behavior or condition, a feed dispensing device is controlled in such a way that the amount of feed to be dispensed is adapted to the behavior and the condition.

[0047] The barn equipment system utilizes the same advantages and preferred embodiments as the method according to the invention, and vice versa. To avoid repetition, reference is made to the above statements, and their content is incorporated herein. In particular, the animal-specific control of the barn equipment is carried out by means of the control device based on the specific behavior or condition, based on the process steps of the method described herein.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the stable equipment system has at least one sensor and transmission device which is configured to determine behavioral data and / or condition data of the farm animal and to send the determined behavioral data and / or condition data to the receiving unit, wherein the sensor and transmission device can be arranged on the body of a farm animal and uniquely identifies the farm animal, in particular wherein the sensor and transmission device has an accelerometer and / or a temperature sensor.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the controlled housing system comprises at least one of the following: an access system to a pen or stall, for example, an isolation pen or a sick pen; a marking device for marking a farm animal; a restraint device for restraining the farm animal; a feeding system; a barn climate control system, in particular a ventilation system; a cooling system; and / or a heating system. The marking device preferably allows for the marking of the farm animals. The marking device facilitates the location of a farm animal and enables, for example, its rapid isolation from piglets or other animals of the same species in general.

[0050] The barn climate control system is preferably designed and configured to control the barn climate based on the measured body temperature of one or more farm animals. For example, if the animals' body temperature rises, particularly as detected by ear tags, the cooling system can be activated, which can be especially advantageous during the summer months. Similarly, a drop in the animals' body temperature can indicate an insufficient barn temperature, in which case the heating system can be activated.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the receiving unit is configured to receive behavioral and / or status data from multiple sensor and transmission devices, particularly almost simultaneously. Preferably, several receiving units are provided, which are arranged at intervals from one another, for example, in a stable environment. Each of the receiving units is preferably capable of receiving data, i.e., behavioral and / or status data, from multiple sensor and transmission devices, such as ear tags attached to the animals.

[0052] Preferably, the control device and / or the evaluation device is configured to execute the method according to the invention or individual steps thereof. The invention is described in more detail below with reference to preferred embodiments and the accompanying figures.

[0053] This shows:

[0054] Fig. 1 shows a block diagram of a method according to the invention; and

[0055] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a livestock-specific controlled barn orienting system.

[0056] Figure 1 schematically shows a method 100 for the animal-specific control of a stable device 4 schematically depicted in Figure 2. The method 100 comprises the following steps: 102 providing a sensor and transmission device 6 to the carcass of a farm animal, wherein the sensor and transmission device 6 uniquely identifies the farm animal; 104 determining behavioral data and / or state data VD of the farm animal using the sensor and transmission device 6; 106 determining a behavior or state V of the farm animal based on the determined behavioral data and / or state data VD; 108 controlling one or more stable devices 4 in a farm animal-specific manner, based on the determined behavior or state V of the farm animal.

[0057] Figure 2 schematically shows a livestock-specific controlled housing system 2. The livestock-specific controlled housing system 2 comprises a receiver unit 12, a database 20, an evaluation unit 10, and at least one control unit 18. Furthermore, the housing system 2 comprises at least one sensor and transmission unit 6. The receiver unit 12 is configured to receive behavioral data and / or status data VD from a sensor and transmission unit 6 assigned to a livestock animal, in particular an ear tag 8. The evaluation unit 10 is configured to determine a behavior or status V of the livestock based on the received behavioral data and / or status data VD. For this purpose, the evaluation unit 10 is connected to a database 20, in which, for example, patterns or historical data may be stored.The evaluation unit 10 can use machine learning and / or pattern recognition to determine the animal's state V from behavioral and / or condition data VD. The control unit 18 is configured to control a stable system 4 in a species-specific manner based on the animal's specific behavior or condition V.

[0058] The sensor and transmission device 6 is configured to acquire behavioral and / or status data VD of the farm animal and to transmit the acquired behavioral and / or status data to the receiving unit 12. The sensor and transmission device 6 is arranged on the animal's body and uniquely identifies it. The sensor and transmission device 6 can, for example, include an accelerometer 14 and a temperature sensor 16. As illustrated by way of example in Figure 2, each control unit 18 preferably controls a housing device 4, for example, a relay or an actuator of a housing device 4. The housing device 4 can, for example, be an access system to a pen or stall, a marking device for marking a farm animal, a restraint device for restraining the farm animal, or a feeding system.The invention is further described using the following exemplary embodiments:

[0059] 1. Embodiment: Method (100) for controlling a stable facility (4) comprising the steps:

[0060] Providing (102) a sensor and transmission device (6) on the carcass of a farm animal, wherein the sensor and transmission device (6) uniquely identifies the farm animal,

[0061] Determining (104) behavioral data and / or condition data (VD) of the farm animal using the sensor and transmission device (6),

[0062] Determining (106) a behavior or condition (V) of the farm animal based on the behavioral data and / or condition data (VD) obtained,

[0063] Livestock-specific control (108) of one or more housing facilities (4), based on the specific behavior or condition (V) of the livestock.

[0064] 2. Embodiment: Method (100) according to embodiment 1 , wherein the controlled stable device (4) comprises:

[0065] Access system to a pen or stall, in particular an isolation pen or sick pen,

[0066] Marking device for marking the farm animal,

[0067] Restraint device for restraining the farm animal, especially in a farrowing pen or a crate,

[0068] Barn climate control equipment, in particular ventilation equipment, cooling system and / or heating system,

[0069] Feeding system, in particular feed quantity and / or feed mass flow and / or feed volume flow and / or feed mixture.

[0070] 3. Embodiment: Method (100) according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein, in the event that the behavior or condition (V) of the farm animal is estimated to be a birth or an imminent birth, a restraint device of a farrowing pen or a farrowing crate is activated as the housing equipment (4), wherein the restraint device is configured to restrain the sow.

[0071] 4. Embodiment: Method (100) according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the sensor and transmission device (6) is integrated into an ear tag (8) which is arranged on the farm animal.

[0072] 5. Embodiment: Method (100) according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the determination (106) of a behavior or condition (V) of the farm animal on the basis of the determined behavioral data and / or condition data (VD) is carried out on the basis of at least one of the following:

[0073] Pattern recognition, machine learning,

[0074] Algorithm,

[0075] Look-up table, neural network, statistical analysis.

[0076] 6. Embodiment: Method (100) according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the behavioral data and / or state data (VD) comprise at least one of the following:

[0077] Acceleration, in particular the acceleration profile over a period of time,

[0078] Body temperature of the farm animal,

[0079] Temperature of the ear tag (8), position of the farm animal.

[0080] 7. Embodiment: Method (100) according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the behavior or condition (V) of the farm animal comprises:

[0081] Noise time,

[0082] Estimation regarding impending birth or ongoing labor process,

[0083] Nesting behavior, aggressive behavior,

[0084] Feeding behavior, in particular feeding duration and / or

[0085] Feed intake frequency or feeding frequency, successful artificial insemination, successful natural insemination.

[0086] 8. Embodiment: Method (100) according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the behavior or condition (V) of the farm animal comprises a physiological disease state, and wherein the physiological disease state comprises:

[0087] Lameness,

[0088] Fever,

[0089] Injury, further symptoms of illness. 9. Embodiment: Method (100) according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the determination of the behavior or condition (V) of the farm animal is carried out in one, several or all of the following stable areas:

[0090] farrowing pen

[0091] Deck equipment,

[0092] Waiting stable.

[0093] 10. Embodiment: Method (100) according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein, in the event that the behavior or condition (V) of the farm animal is determined to be estrus, in particular in a breeding facility, a restraint device is activated as the housing facility (4) which is designed to restrain the sow, in particular wherein sows in which the behavior or condition of the farm animal is not determined to be estrus are not restrained by the restraint device.

[0094] 11. Embodiment: Method (100) according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein, in the event that aggressive behavior is determined to be the behavior or condition (V) of the farm animal in a sow, the sow is kept or confined in an individual pen, in particular wherein the piglets born to the sow are given access to group housing.

[0095] 12. Embodiment: Method (100) according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein, in the event that a physiological disease state is determined as the behavior or condition (V) of the farm animal, the farm animal is guided into a disease pen by means of a stable device (4), which, in particular as a further stable device (4), has an access control system which allows or blocks access to the disease pen depending on the physiological disease state.

[0096] 13. Embodiment: Housing system (2) comprising a receiving unit (12) configured to receive behavioral and / or status data (VD) from a sensor and transmission device (6) assigned to a farm animal, in particular an ear tag (8), an evaluation unit (10) configured to determine a behavior or status (V) of the farm animal based on the received behavioral and / or status data (VD), and a control unit (18) configured to control a housing system (4) in an animal-specific manner based on the determined behavior or status (V) of the farm animal. 14.Embodiment: Stall equipment system (2) according to embodiment 13, wherein the stall equipment system (2) has at least one sensor and transmission device (6) which is configured to determine behavioral data and / or status data (VD) of the farm animal and to send the determined behavioral data and / or status data (VD) to the receiving unit (12), wherein the sensor and transmission device (6) can be arranged on the body of a farm animal and uniquely identifies the farm animal, in particular wherein the sensor and transmission device (6) has an acceleration sensor (14) and / or a temperature sensor (16).

[0097] 15. Embodiment: Stall equipment system (2) according to one of embodiments 13 or 14, wherein the controlled stall equipment (4) is at least one of the following:

[0098] Access system to a pen or stall, for example an isolation pen or sick pen,

[0099] Marking device for marking the farm animal,

[0100] Restraint device for restraining the farm animal,

[0101] Feeding system,

[0102] Barn climate control equipment, in particular ventilation equipment, cooling system and / or heating system.

[0103] List of reference signs

[0104] 2 Stable equipment system

[0105] 4 Stable equipment 6 Sensor and transmission equipment

[0106] 8 ear tags

[0107] 10 Evaluation unit

[0108] 12 receiver units

[0109] 14 Accelerometer 16 Temperature sensor

[0110] 18 Control unit

[0111] 20 database

[0112] 100 methods for controlling stable equipment

[0113] 102 Providing a sensor and transmission device 104 Obtaining behavioral and / or condition data of the farm animal

[0114] 106 Determining a behavior or condition of the farm animal

[0115] 108 Control of one or more stable facilities VD Behavioral data and / or condition data V Livestock behavior or livestock condition

Claims

Claims 1. Method (100) for controlling a stable facility (4) comprising the steps: Providing (102) a sensor and transmission device (6) on the carcass of a farm animal, wherein the sensor and transmission device (6) uniquely identifies the farm animal, Determining (104) behavioral and / or state data (VD) of the farm animal using the sensor and transmission device (6), wherein at least the body temperature of the farm animal is recorded as state data over a time course and an acceleration profile over time is recorded as behavioral data to determine a movement profile of the farm animal, Determine (106) a behavior or condition (V) of the farm animal based on the behavioral and condition data (VD) obtained, wherein the behavior or condition includes at least one of the following behaviors and / or conditions (V): Normal status, aggressive behavior, Noise time, Pregnancy, physiological illness, impending birth, Livestock-specific control (108) of one or more housing facilities (4) based on the specific behavior or condition (V) of the livestock, a) wherein, in the event that the behavior or condition (V) of the livestock is determined to be birth or imminent birth, a restraint device of a farrowing pen or gestation crate is activated as housing facility (4), wherein the restraint device is configured to restrain the sow, and / or b) wherein, in the event that the behavior or condition (V) of the livestock is determined to be estrus, in particular in a breeding facility, a restraint device and / or an access control system is activated as housing facility (4), which is configured to restrain the sow, in particular wherein sows in which the behavior or condition (V) of the livestock is not determined to be estrus are not restrained by the restraint device, and / or c) wherein, in the event that,that the behavior or condition (V) of the farm animal is determined to be aggressive behavior or a sow returning to estrus, that the sow is randomly assigned to, kept in, or confined to a single pen, in particular where the piglets born to the sow are given access to group housing, and / or, d) wherein, in the event that the behavior or condition (V) of the farm animal is determined to be a physiological disease state, the farm animal is guided into a sick pen by means of stable equipment (4), which, in particular as further stable equipment (4), has an access control system which allows or blocks access to the sick pen depending on the physiological disease state, and / or e) wherein, depending on the behavior or condition (V), a feeding system is controlled in such a way that the amount of feed to be dispensed and / or the feed mixture is adapted to the behavior or condition (V).

2. Method (100) according to claim 1, wherein the controlled stable equipment (4) comprises at least one of the following: marking device for marking the farm animal, stable climate control device, in particular ventilation device, cooling system and / or heating system.

3. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor and transmission device (6) is integrated into an ear tag (8) which is arranged on the farm animal.

4. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the determination (106) of a behavior or condition (V) of the farm animal on the basis of the determined behavioral data and / or condition data (VD) is carried out on the basis of at least one of the following: Pattern recognition, machine learning, Algorithm, Look-up table, neural network, statistical analysis.

5. Method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the behavioral data and / or state data (VD) comprise at least one of the following: Temperature of the ear tag (8), position of the farm animal.

6. Method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the behavior or condition (V) of the farm animal includes at least one of the following: ongoing birth process, in particular time spent in a restraint device in the form of a farrowing crate or farrowing pen Nesting behavior Feeding behavior, in particular feeding duration and / or Feed intake frequency, successful fertilization, and / or where at least one of the following is determined using the behavioral and / or condition (VD) data of the farm animal: Evaluation of the success rate of an insemination, Analysis of the frequency of visits to specific stable facilities, evaluation of the length of stay in individual functional areas.

7. Method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the behavior or condition (V) of the farm animal comprises a physiological disease state, and wherein the physiological disease state comprises at least one of the following: Lameness, Fever, Injury.

8. Method (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the determination of the behavior or condition (V) of the farm animal is carried out in one, several or all of the following stable areas: farrowing pen Deck equipment, Waiting stable.

9. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the behavioral data and condition data (VD) for several farm animals are recorded almost simultaneously.

10. Method (100) according to claim 9, wherein the behavioral and condition data (VD) for the multiple farm animals are stored and placed in a waiting list, wherein the determination (106) of a The behavior or condition (V) of the farm animals is assessed based on the behavioral and condition data (VD) obtained, according to the order specified in the waiting list, at defined time intervals, in particular at least once a day.

11. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, to determine (106) a behavior or condition (V) of the farm animals on the basis of the determined behavioral and condition data (VD), the behavioral and condition data (VD) are analyzed over a period of at least one hour, in particular over a period of at least 6 hours, 12 hours, 24 hours or one week.

12. Method (100) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the steps of: providing data by means of external systems, in particular providing at least one of the following: feed curve and / or feed consumption, Climate control parameters, water meter data, data from a weighing device, performing a plausibility check regarding the behavioral data and / or Status data (VD) based on the data and / or performing a plausibility check regarding the specific behavior or condition (V) of the farm animal based on the data.

13. Method (100) according to claim 12, wherein at least one of the following relationships is analyzed as part of the plausibility check: Relationship between weight, food intake, condition and movement patterns, Relationship between temperature, movement, location and climate regulation Relationship between water consumption, movement, location and climate control.

14. Stall equipment system (2), comprising a receiving unit (12) which is configured to receive behavioral data and / or status data (VD) from a sensor and transmission device (6) assigned to a farm animal, in particular an ear tag (8), wherein at least the body temperature of the farm animal is recorded as status data over a period of time and an acceleration profile over time is recorded as behavioral data to determine a movement profile of the farm animal, an evaluation unit (10) which is configured to determine a behavior or condition (V) of the farm animal based on the received behavioral and condition data (VD), a control unit (18) which is configured to control a housing unit (4) in an animal-specific manner based on the determined behavior or condition (V) of the farm animal, a) wherein, in the case that the behavior or condition (V) of the farm animal is determined to be birth or an impending birth, a restraint device of a farrowing pen or a gestation crate is activated as housing unit (4), wherein the restraint device is configured to restrain the sow, and / or b) wherein, in the case that the behavior or condition (V) of the farm animal is determined to be estrus, in particular in a breeding unit, a restraint device and / or an access control system is activated as housing unit (4), which is configured to restrain the sow,in particular, wherein sows in which no estrus behavior or condition is determined are not restrained by the restraint device, and / or c) wherein, in the event that aggressive behavior (V) is determined in a sow, she is guided into, kept in, or restrained in an individual pen, in particular wherein piglets born to the sow are given access to group housing, and / or d) wherein, in the event that a physiological disease state is determined in the animal's behavior or condition (V), the animal is guided by means of housing equipment (4) into a disease pen which, in particular as further housing equipment (4), has an access control system which grants or denies access to the disease pen depending on the physiological disease state,and / or e) wherein, depending on the behavior or condition (V), a feed dispensing device is controlled in such a way that the amount of feed to be dispensed is adapted to the behavior or condition (V).

15. Stall equipment system (2) according to claim 14, wherein the stall equipment system (2) comprises at least one sensor and transmission device (6) which is configured to determine behavioral data and / or status data (VD) of the farm animal and to send the determined behavioral data and / or status data (VD) to the receiving unit (12), wherein the sensor and transmission device (6) can be arranged on the body of a farm animal and uniquely identifies the farm animal.

16. Barn equipment system (2) according to claim 15, wherein the sensor and transmission device (6) comprises an accelerometer (14) and / or a temperature sensor (16).

17. Barn equipment system (2) according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the receiving unit (12) comprises a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor.

18. Stall equipment system (2) according to one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the receiving unit (12) is configured to receive behavioral data and / or status data (VD) from several sensor and transmission devices (6), in particular almost simultaneously.

19. Stall equipment system (2) according to one of claims 14 to 18, wherein the controlled stall equipment (4) is at least one of the following: marking device for marking the farm animal, stall climate control device, in particular ventilation device, cooling system and / or heating system.

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