FR3095736A1 - Enclosure for breeding animals, for example for dairy cows, and heat stress reduction system for a feeding area in such an enclosure - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an enclosure (1) for raising animals, for example for dairy cows, which has a feeding area (A) which is connected to a feeding table (T) via a barrier ( VS). To reduce thermal stress, the feeding area (A) comprises a system for spraying water (5) on the animals (B) present within said feeding area (A), comprising: - several nozzles (7) which are each arranged to diffuse a water jet (J) in a location (E), and - control means (8), to control at least the flow of said water jet (J) diffused by said nozzles (7). The water projection system (5) is configured to diffuse, within each location (E), said water jet (J) so as to wet the back line (B1), and possibly the sides (B2 ), of the animal (B) present. Figure for the abstract: 2

Description

Enclosure for rearing animals, for example for dairy cows, and heat stress reduction system for a feeding area in such an enclosure

Technical field of the invention

The present invention relates to the technical field of enclosures for animal husbandry, but also to systems for reducing the thermal stress of animals in such enclosures.

State of the art

The comfort of the animals is a determining parameter in the performance of a farm.

This comfort influences in particular the health, the way of feeding, the feed intake, the fertility and the longevity of the animals.

Comfort also includes a “thermal” component.

Indeed, in the event of high heat, the animals are likely to undergo a harmful phenomenon known as "thermal stress".

Such heat stress results in particular in behavioral manifestations of defence, a drop in zootechnical performance, a deterioration in reproductive parameters and an increase in pathologies.

To combat this heat stress, cattle can be sprayed with water and cooled with a fan, simultaneously, to stimulate evapotranspiration and reduce their body temperature.

The sprinkling can be implemented by means of a misting system; this method has the advantage of generating a drop in temperature in the building.

But this approach also has the disadvantage of increasing the relative humidity in the building. The real reduction of the heat stress of the animal is therefore more than debatable.

Sprinkling can also be carried out by means of sprays or showers which are intended to moisten the whole animal.

This approach then leads to spraying a large quantity of water on the animals, and this in a non-targeted way.

The cattle are then effectively cooled, but significant quantities of water are also poured into the corridors; the animals are also soaked up to their udders, creating health problems such as mastitis.

In this context, there is a need for systems aimed at promoting the thermal comfort of the animals present in the breeding enclosure, while avoiding the generation of new health problems.

Presentation of the invention

In order to remedy the aforementioned drawbacks of the state of the art, the present invention proposes a new enclosure for raising animals, for example for dairy cows.

This enclosure includes a feeding area which is connected to a feeding table via a barrier (for example in the form of a headlock or a bar at the withers).

The feeding area comprises several juxtaposed locations which are each intended to receive an animal (advantageously in the form of separators).

This feeding area also includes a system to reduce the heat stress of the animals present.

This thermal stress reduction system comprises a system for spraying water on the animals present within said feeding area.

More particularly, the invention proposes that this water projection system comprise:

- several nozzles which are each arranged to diffuse a jet of water in a location, and

- control means, for controlling at least the flow rate of said water jet diffused by said nozzles.

And said water projection system is configured to diffuse, within each location, said jet of water so as to wet the line of the back, and possibly the flanks, of the animal present.

In the present invention, the use of water is therefore optimal for cooling the animal, without significantly increasing the ambient relative humidity.

Flooding of the corridors is also avoided, which could dirty the animals by splashing during their movements, with all the health and udder cleaning problems caused, especially in robotic milking systems.

Other non-limiting and advantageous characteristics of the enclosure according to the invention, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations, are as follows:

- said nozzles are chosen from nozzles diffusing a directional flat jet whose median plane is oriented vertically, and each of said nozzles is oriented so that said median plane of said directional flat jet is located in the median vertical plane of a location;

- said nozzles are mounted on the side of the barrier, at a height ranging from 1,400 to 1,800 mm from the ground, and said nozzles are chosen to diffuse a directional flat jet having a spray angle ranging from 50° to 100° ;

- the control means comprise a timer module, advantageously coupled to at least one solenoid valve, provided to control the diffusion time of said water jet through the nozzles, for example for 2 to 5 min every 15 to 45 min depending heat stress;

- the control means further comprise means for detecting the presence of an animal within each location, and a module for authorizing the distribution of said water jet by a nozzle associated with a location, when the presence of an animal is detected in said location;

- the thermal stress reduction system further comprises a ventilation system (for example natural ventilation, longitudinal ventilation, basket fans, low speed fans); preferably, the ventilation means are coupled to, on the one hand, means for collecting the ambient temperature and, on the other hand, control means, to activate said ventilation means when a threshold ambient temperature is reached .

The present invention also relates to the thermal stress reduction system, as such, for a feeding area in an enclosure for raising animals.

The heat stress reduction system includes a system for spraying animals with water.

And, according to the invention, the water projection system comprises:

- several nozzles each adapted to diffuse a jet of water in a location, and

- control means, for controlling at least the flow rate of said water jet diffused by said nozzles.

The water projection system is able to diffuse, within each location, a jet of water intended to wet the line of the back, and possibly the flanks, of the animal present.

The present invention also relates to a method for reducing the thermal stress of animals present in the feeding area of an enclosure for rearing animals according to the invention.

This process consists in diffusing, on each animal present in a location, a jet of water intended to wet said animal at the level of its line of back, and possibly of its flanks, while avoiding (or at least limiting) runoff until at his worst.

Of course, the different characteristics, variants and embodiments of the invention can be associated with each other in various combinations insofar as they are not incompatible or exclusive of each other.

Detailed description of the invention

In addition, various other characteristics of the invention emerge from the appended description made with reference to the drawings which illustrate non-limiting forms of embodiment of the invention and where:

is a partial view of a rearing enclosure according to the invention, showing in perspective a feeding area equipped with a system for reducing the heat stress of the animals;

is a side view of Figure 1, showing the feeding area equipped with the system to reduce the heat stress of the animals;

is a partial front view of FIG. 1, showing a yoke which delimits the feeding area and which is equipped with the system for reducing the heat stress of the animals;

represents, seen from the rear, a dairy cow present within a location of a feeding area, said dairy cow being subjected to a jet of water diffused by the system to reduce the heat stress of the animals.

It should be noted that, in these figures, the structural and/or functional elements common to the different variants may have the same references.

Enclosure and feeding area

The enclosure 1 according to the invention, shown partially in FIGS. 1 to 4, consists of an enclosure for raising animals B .

By "animals" is meant in particular cattle, in particular dairy cows, or even beef cattle.

As discussed below in relation to Figure 4, a bovine B has different morphological parts, in particular:

- a line of the back B1 , along the spine, extending from the shoulders to the tail,

- two flanks B2 , extending on either side of this back line B1 , and

- a belly B3 including the udders if necessary (designated by the same reference B3 for the sake of simplification).

The breeding enclosure 1 consists of a building delimited by a frame and adapted to the desired breeding (for example a barn in the case of cattle).

This breeding enclosure 1 comprises different zones, in particular the feeding area A which is, on a first side, bordered by a circulation corridor L and, on a second side, connected to a feeding table T via a barrier C here in the form of a yoke (figures 1 and 2).

Alternatively, not shown, the feeding area A can be connected to the feeding table T via a bar at the withers.

The feeding area A corresponds to the zone in which the animals settle when they feed at the level of the fodder table T .

This feeding area A comprises several juxtaposed locations E which are each intended to receive an animal B , advantageously according to a battle arrangement.

Each location E comprises in particular a vertical median plane E′ , perpendicular to a longitudinal plane C′ (also called “vertical general plane”) of the barrier C.

The feeding table T (also known as the feeding table, trough or rack) is the area in which the feed is deposited / transported for the animals.

The barrier C , for example in the form of a yoke/bar at the withers, is the device installed between the feeding area A and the feeding table T , to limit the movements of the animals when they are feeding.

For example, as shown in more detail in Figure 3, this yoke C is in the form of a barrier which is provided with windows C1 for the passage of the head of an animal. Each window C1 defines one of the locations E of the supply area A.

Each window C1 is delimited by a rectangular vertical frame, defining a vertical median plane C1' which is perpendicular to the longitudinal plane C' of the yoke C , advantageously coplanar with the vertical median plane E' .

As shown in particular in Figure 3, each rectangular vertical frame is here composed of two horizontal beams, one upper C1 1 and the other lower C 12 , connected by two vertical uprights C 13 .

The window C1 is further equipped with a pendulum C14 , in particular to ensure the restraint of an animal.

The pendulum C 14 here consists of a bar, rectilinear and tubular, pivotally mounted on a carrier yoke, around a horizontal axis and perpendicular to the general vertical plane C' of the yoke C.

This rocker arm C 14 can be arranged in three main positions by pivoting: an open position (on the left), a closed position (in the middle) or a release position (on the right).

The yoke C usually comprises a plurality of such windows C1 , aligned next to each other in the same vertical plane.

The slots E are here again materialized laterally by optional tubular separators S.

Two tubular separators S can include a location E or several locations E (for example at least two).

The circulation corridor L is used by the animals B moving between the different functional spaces of the rearing enclosure 1.

System to reduce the thermal stress of the animals present

According to the invention, the feeding area A further comprises a system 5 to reduce the heat stress of the animals present.

This thermal stress reduction system 5 comprises (or even consists of) a system for spraying water on the animals B present within the feeding area A.

According to the invention, this water projection system 5 comprises:

- a water system 6 equipped with several nozzles 7 which are each arranged to diffuse a jet of water J in a location E , and

- control means 8, to control at least the flow rate of the water jet diffused by the nozzles 7.

The water system 6 advantageously comprises a set of pipes 61 which are connected, on the one hand, to the nozzles 7 (advantageously mounted in series) and, on the other hand, to a source of water 62 whose temperature is advantageously 10 °C to 20°C.

The water system 6 may also include means for adding the water source 62 with an active ingredient (not shown), for example a proportional metering device or a hydraulic metering pump.

The active principle advantageously consists of a prophylactic active principle (for example an essential oil capable of combating respiratory diseases, and in particular pulmonary affections, of animals).

In addition, this water spray system 5 is configured to diffuse, within each location E , said jet of water J so as to wet the back line B1 in a targeted manner, and possibly the flanks B2 , of the animal present (as shown schematically by the broken line K in Figure 4).

For this, the nozzles 7 are preferably chosen from among the nozzles 7 diffusing a directional flat jet J , also called “flat jet nozzles”.

“Directional flat jet J ” advantageously means a jet (at the nozzle outlet) having a generally triangular shape, with a maximum thickness of 1 mm to 5 mm.

“Flat jet nozzle” encompasses slot or brush jet nozzles or flat jet nozzles.

Such a flat jet nozzle advantageously comprises an elliptical orifice.

Such a directional flat jet J is advantageously defined by the following parameters:

- a median plane J1 (in which extends the directional flat jet J at the outlet of the nozzle 7) and

- a spray angle J2 .

In order to achieve the targeted wetting, each nozzle 7 is thus advantageously oriented so that the median plane J1 of its directional flat jet J is:

- oriented vertically, and

- located in the median vertical plane E' of a location E or at least approximately in this median vertical plane E' .

The median plane J1 of the directional flat jet J and the median vertical plane E' of the location E are thus coplanar, or at least approximately coplanar.

This median plane J1 of the directional flat jet J is also advantageously perpendicular with respect to the longitudinal plane C' of the barrier C .

Again to achieve such a targeted wetting, the nozzles 7 are advantageously mounted on the side of the barrier C , within a horizontal band with a width of 50 cm on either side of the longitudinal plane C' of the barrier C.

These nozzles 7 are again advantageously located at a height, relative to the ground, ranging from 1400 to 1800 mm, to come above the animals (in particular above their shoulders). In general, the nozzles 7 are still advantageously located at a vertical distance, relative to the animal, ranging from 250 to 750 mm.

In this position in height, the nozzles 7 are advantageously chosen to diffuse a directional flat jet J having a spray angle J2 (also called “opening angle”) of 50° to 100°. Such an arrangement aims to wet the back line B1 of the animal B present as well as possible, from its shoulders to its tail.

Preferably again, as shown in Figure 2, the nozzles 7 are advantageously chosen and positioned to diffuse a directional flat jet J of which:

- an upper border J3 defines an angle J3' of between 45° and 90° with respect to a vertical plane V , so as to reach the posterior end of the line of the back B1 , and

- A lower edge J4 defines an angle J4' of between 0° and 45° with respect to a vertical plane V , so as to reach the front end of the back line B1 .

The control means 8 advantageously comprise a programmable electronic device associated with at least one computer program (for example of the programmable industrial logic controller or PLC type), intended for controlling the flow of water through the nozzles 7.

This water flow is advantageously between:

- zero flow, when the water jet J is cut off, and

- an active flow, when the jet of water J is diffused in a location E so as to spray the back line B1 of an animal B .

The various parameters of the water system 6, in particular the water flow rate and the spray angles J2 , will advantageously depend on the height of the nozzles 7 relative to the ground and the type of animals (genetics/size).

To control the quantity of water diffused on the animals B , the control means 8 advantageously comprise a timing module 81 (for example in the form of an electronic component and/or a computer program) which is advantageously coupled to a solenoid valve 9 of the water system 6.

The timing module 81 is provided to control the diffusion time of the water jet J through the nozzles 7 (corresponding to the open position of the solenoid valve 9).

For example and without being limiting, the diffusion time of the water jet J by the nozzles 7 is 2 to 5 min, every 15 to 45 min, depending on the thermal stress present (which advantageously takes into account the temperature ambient or even relative humidity).

According to a preferred embodiment, the control means 8 further comprise:

- Means 82 for detecting the presence of an animal within each location E (FIG. 3), and

- A processing module 83 to authorize the distribution of the jet of water J through a nozzle 7 associated with a location E when the presence of an animal is detected in this location E.

The detection means 82 include for example a fixed reader (designated by the same mark 82), capable of reading the electronic identification tags worn by the animals (generally on one ear).

This fixed reader 82 is advantageously connected to the control means 8.

The detection means 82 are advantageously based on a remote and contactless identification technology.

The electronic tag fitted to the animal has a transponder cast into its constituent material.

The transponder contained in the tag consists of an electronic chip which contains the digital information (the national number of the animal) and an antenna which allows exchange with the fixed reader 82.

Alternatively, these detection means 82 may consist of a presence detector, for example of the infrared type.

The processing module 83 for its part advantageously consists of a processing module in the form of an electronic component and/or a computer program.

This processing module 83 is adapted in particular to collect and process the data coming from the detection means 82, to authorize spraying only by a nozzle 7 associated with an occupied slot E.

In this case, the water supply to each nozzle 7 is advantageously regulated by a dedicated solenoid valve 9.

Still generally, the control means 8 can be coupled to means for collecting the ambient temperature 11, to activate this water projection system 5 when a threshold ambient temperature (maximum/ceiling) is reached.

The control means 8 will thus control the water projection system 5 between two configurations:

- an active configuration, when the ambient temperature collected by the dedicated collection means 11 reaches, or even exceeds, a threshold ambient temperature, and

- an inactive configuration, when the ambient temperature collected by the dedicated collection means 11 is below a threshold ambient temperature.

The heat stress reduction system 5 may further comprise a ventilation system 10.

By "ventilation system 10" is meant natural ventilation, longitudinal ventilation, basket fans or low-speed fans.

These ventilation means 10 are coupled to:

- means 11 for collecting the ambient temperature, and

- control means 12, to activate these ventilation means 10 when a threshold ambient temperature (maximum / ceiling) is reached.

The control means 12 will thus control the ventilation means 10 between two configurations:

- an active configuration (ventilation), when the ambient temperature collected by the dedicated collection means 11 reaches, or even exceeds, a threshold ambient temperature, and

- an inactive configuration (no ventilation), when the ambient temperature collected by the dedicated collection means 11 is below a threshold ambient temperature.

Method for reducing heat stress in animals

The enclosure 1 and its thermal stress reduction system 5, according to the invention, thus allow the implementation of a method for reducing the thermal stress of animals present in the feeding area A.

As illustrated schematically in Figure 4, this process will consist in diffusing, on each animal B present in a location E , a jet of water J intended to wet this animal B at the level of its line of back B1 , and possibly of its sidewalls B2 (as shown schematically by the broken line K in Figures 2 and 4)

This jet of water J is also adjusted, quantitatively and spatially, so as to avoid (or at least limit) the runoff of the liquid to its belly B3 and in particular its udders.

For example and without being limiting, under the control of the timing means 81, the diffusion time of the water jet J by the nozzles 7 is 2 to 5 min, every 15 to 45 min, depending on the thermal stress ( preferably, the frequency of the spray being adapted according to the thermal stress in real time and the speed of the ventilation flow; an algorithm taking into account all these factors is advantageously integrated into the control means of said at least one solenoid valve).

In addition, the flow rate of this water jet J is advantageously from 0.5 to 5 L/min, to avoid runoff on the animal.

The temperature of the water jet J is advantageously from 10 to 20°C.

The activation of this thermal stress reduction system 5 can be carried out manually, or automatically, for example taking into account the ambient temperature of the enclosure 1.

The use of water is therefore optimal for cooling the animal, without significantly increasing the ambient relative humidity.

We also avoid flooding of the corridors, which could dirty the animals by splashing when they walk, with all the sanitary problems and cleaning of the udder, caused especially in a robotic milking system.

To avoid unnecessarily wetting the unoccupied slots E , the processing module 83 authorizes the distribution of the jet of water J through the nozzles 7 associated only with the slots E in which the presence of an animal is detected.

To enhance efficiency in the fight against thermal stress, the ventilation means 10 can also be activated by the associated control means 12 and taking into account the temperatures coming from the collection means 11.

Claims (9)

Enclosure for animal husbandry, for example for dairy cows,
which enclosure comprises a feeding area (A) which is connected to a fodder table (T) via a barrier (C),
which feeding area (A) comprises several juxtaposed places (E) which are each intended to receive an animal (B),
which feeding area (A) further comprises a system (5) to reduce the heat stress of the animals (B) present,
which thermal stress reduction system (5) comprises a system for spraying water (5) on the animals (B) present within said feeding area (A),
characterized in that said water projection system (5) comprises:
- several nozzles (7) which are each arranged to diffuse a jet of water (J) in a location (E), and
- control means (8), for controlling at least the flow rate of said water jet (J) diffused by said nozzles (7),
and in that said water projection system (5) is configured to diffuse, within each location (E), said water jet (J) so as to wet the back line (B1), and possibly the flanks (B2), of the animal (B) present. Enclosure for breeding animals, according to Claim 1, characterized in that the said nozzles (7) are chosen from among the nozzles (7) diffusing a directional flat jet (J) whose median plane (J1) is oriented vertically, and
in that each of said nozzles (7) is oriented so that said median plane (J1) of said directional flat jet (J) is located in the median vertical plane (E') of a location (E). Enclosure for breeding animals, according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that said nozzles (7) are mounted on the side of the barrier (C), at a height ranging from 1400 to 1800 mm from the ground,
and which nozzles (7) are chosen to diffuse a directional flat jet (J) having a spray angle ranging from 50° to 100°. Enclosure for breeding animals, according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the control means (8) comprise a timing module (81), advantageously coupled to at least one solenoid valve (9) , provided to control the diffusion time of said water jet (J) through the nozzles (7). Enclosure for breeding animals, according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the control means (8) comprise:
- means (82) for detecting the presence of an animal (B) within each location (E), and
- a module (83) to authorize the distribution of said jet of water (J) by a nozzle (7) associated with a location (E), when the presence of an animal (B) is detected in said location (E) . Enclosure for breeding animals, according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the thermal stress reduction system (5) further comprises a ventilation system (10). Enclosure for breeding animals, according to claim 6, characterized in that the ventilation means (10) are coupled to:
- means (11) for collecting the ambient temperature, and
- Control means (12) for activating said ventilation means (10) when a threshold ambient temperature is reached. System for reducing heat stress for a feeding area (A) in an enclosure (1) for raising animals (B),
which thermal stress reduction system (5) comprises a system for spraying water (5) on the animals (B),
characterized in that said water projection system (5) comprises:
- several nozzles (7) each adapted to diffuse a jet of water (J) in a location (E), and
- control means, for controlling at least the flow rate of said water jet (J) diffused by said nozzles (7),
which water spraying system (5) is able to diffuse, within each location (E), a jet of water (J) intended to wet the back line (B1), and possibly the flanks (B2) , of the animal (B) present. Method for reducing the thermal stress of animals (B) present in the feeding area (A) of an enclosure (1) for rearing animals (B) according to any one of Claims 1 to 7,
characterized in that it consists in diffusing, on each animal (B) present in a location (E), a jet of water (J) intended to wet the said animal (B) at the level of its line of back (B1) , and possibly from its flanks (B2), while avoiding, or at least limiting, runoff to its udders (B3).