GB2540802A

GB2540802A - A calf weaning apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2540802A
Application number: GB1513340.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Leavy Tom; Killian Stephen
Original assignee: Kl Tech Dev Ltd
Current assignee: Kl Tech Dev Ltd
Priority date: 2015-07-29
Filing date: 2015-07-29
Publication date: 2017-02-01
Also published as: GB201513340D0

Abstract

A calf weaning apparatus 1 that comprises a calf mounted unit 3 and a cow mounted unit 5. The cow mounted unit and the calf mounted unit both comprise communication means 15, 25 for communicating with the other unit. One of the two units further comprises a means 17, 19 to deliver an adversive such as an electric shock, to the calf or cow when the communication means of the unit detects the other unit. The communication means may comprise a RFID reader and an RFID transponder on one unit operable to detect of the other unit. The calf mounted unit may attached to the calf via a collar 9. The cow mounted unit may attached to the cow via a leg strap 13. The adversive may be applied to both the cow and the calf.

Description

Introduction

This invention relates to an animal weaning apparatus. The present invention is deemed particularly suitable for use in the weaning of suckler calves from cows and throughout the specification has been described in terms of suckler calves and cows. However, it will be understood that the present invention may also be used with other mammal types where it is desirable to wean an infant from a lactating adult.

There are approximately 1 million suckler cows in the Republic of Ireland alone. These cows produce offspring intended for the production of meat. Accordingly, there are approximately 1 million calves of these sucklers to be weaned from their mothers every year. Weaning calves from their mothers is stressful on the calves, on the cow, on the farmer and their neighbours.

Most weaning of cattle intended for the production of meat is currently done through direct separation of calf and cows. Farmers separate calf and cow to wean the calves. This is a labour and capital intensive process. Generally calves are brought indoors during the separation process. These calves must be fed prepared feed while indoors, which constitutes a significant cost of this weaning method. Sheds may also have to be bedded with straw and cleaned out after weaning is finished adding more to labour and capital costs.

Calves and cows become stressed due to the sudden and complete separation between mother and offspring. When calves are stressed due to the direct separation weaning method, they are very susceptible to picking up viruses and diseases. These diseases can in turn spread throughout the national herd. Diseases can potentially cross borders due to international trade. Notwithstanding the costs associated with direct separation, weaning calves by direct separation is stressful on the farmer as the calves and cows are agitated and will be continuously mooing, balling or crying loudly for four to five days. Once cows and calves are separated, they will be aggressively trying to break free from their respective holding areas to re-unite with each other. This can lead to damage to farm infrastructure and or injury to the animal(s).

Many farmers avoid the issues associated with weaning by timing the sale of calves to the time that they should be weaned. These farmers take the calves directly from the cow to the market for sale. The buyer of these calves must instead deal with the temperamental animals. Teagasc, the agricultural and food development authority in the Republic of Ireland, discourage this practice as a large number of stressed calves end up in the market together and outbreaks of viruses and disease are common. The farmers and exporters who buy weanling calves at the market want the calves weaned and will pay extra for weaned calves.

Direct separation constitutes practically all of the weanings done in the Republic of Ireland at present. Two additional weaning methods are also in use at present, although only on a very small scale. Elsewhere, the use of non-traditional weaning methods is extremely limited. The reasons for this will be outlined below.

Each of the alternative methods aims to prevent the calf from suckling, while maintaining the bond between mother and calf throughout the weaning process. This takes place for a period of from a few days, up to one month before the calf and cow must be separated. Studies have shown that the reason calves become stressed through weaning is not because they are no longer able to suckle milk, but instead because the bond between the mother and calf has been so abruptly broken. By preventing cows from suckling, but maintaining the bond between mother and calf, these alternative methods promise less stress on the animals.

The first of these alternative methods employs a flap that is inserted into the nose of the calf. This flap makes it very difficult for the calf to suckle its mother. In some cases, spikes in the flap make it painful for the cow to suckle. The cow will push her calf away when the calf tries to suckle and within a week or two most calves will be weaned. The proposed benefit of this weaning method is, as previously stated, to maintain the bond between mother and calf during weaning. Disadvantages of this method include: (i) difficulty inserting and removing nose weaning flaps; (ii) nose flaps can cause anything from slight irritations to deep cuts to the nasal septum of the calf or to the udders of the cow. This significantly increases the chance of infection to the cow and/or calf; (iii) in order to prevent suckling, nose flaps must hang lower than the mouth of the calf. This greatly increases the difficulty that the cow has eating feed, grazing, which results in the calf putting up less weight than is potentially feasible. Studies have shown that calves put up less weight using the nose flap method of weaning when compared to direct separation; (iv) some calves learn how to suckle with the nose flaps on, resulting in some calves being unweaned at the end of the weaning process; and (v) other calves will lose the nose-weaning flap during the weaning process, resulting in an additional number of unweaned calves.

The second of the alternative methods is referred to as fenceline weaning, and employs a sturdy electric fence down the middle of a field. Calves are placed on one side of the fence, while mothers are placed on the other side of the fence. Some degree of contact between mother and calf is maintained, but the calf is unable to suckle from the cow. Studies have shown that this method does indeed result in increased weight gains and reduced stress related ailments in the calves. However, there are a number of disadvantages associated with this weaning method: (i) erecting a sturdy electric fence that will keep cows and calves separated is a difficult thing to do properly and may have to be done annually. This greatly adds to the labour costs of this weaning method; (ii) should the electric fence be breached or the power to the fence be disrupted, all calves will likely reunite with their mothers and suckle; (iii) while the cows and calves can see one another, full contact between these animals is not possible and may still result in some distress; and iv) it is likely to cause damage to the field in the vicinity of the fence due to an excessive number of animals congregating on a single line.

Various studies (Price et al., 2003, Haley et al., 2005 and Quintans et al., 2008) have shown that these two alternative weaning methods result in a reduction in overall distress behaviours associated with weaning in beef calves.

In addition to the foregoing, various devices have been proposed that will enable the mother and calf to be kept together yet prevent the calf from suckling. One such device is that disclosed in US Patent No. 2,628,592, in the name of Johnston et al. This patent discloses a device which is secured to the nose of the calf and is designed to shock both the calf and the cow to discourage suckling. However, such a device is relatively cumbersome and difficult to fit to the animal and is liable to become dislodged or damaged. US Patent No. 2,722,912, in the name of Lindstrom et al, discloses an alternative device for attachment to the nose of a calf. This device provides an electric shock to the calf when the calf exerts pressure against the udder of the cow. However, such a device is also relatively difficult to fit and may be uncomfortable for the animal. Additionally, the calf may be subjected to unnecessary shocks if the device is pressed against an object such as a gate or wall. European Patent No. 0,445,762 in the name of Rheintechnik Weiland & Kaspar KG discloses a further device for attachment to the head of the calf which incorporates a tilt switch to detect when the calf’s head is in a suckling position and an infrared sensor to detect proximity of the calfs head to the mother. If both sensors are activated an electric shock is administered to the calf. Again, such a device can be difficult and time consuming for the farmer to fit to a herd of calves. Furthermore, the infrared sensors may become obscured with dirt over time resulting in a device that can be unreliable.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a calf weaning apparatus that overcomes at least some of the above-identified problems, that is reliable in use and simple to fit to the animal. It is a further object of the invention to provide a useful choice to the consumer.

Statements of Invention

According to the invention there is provided a calf weaning apparatus comprising: a cow mounted unit; a calf mounted unit; one of the cow mounted unit and the calf mounted unit comprising a first casing, means for attaching the first casing to the animal, a power supply, means for delivery of an adversive and means for communicating with the other unit; the other of the cow mounted unit and the calf mounted unit comprising a second casing, means for attaching the second casing to the other animal and means for communicating with the other unit; and in which the unit with the means for delivery of an adversive is configured to deliver the adversive upon its means for communicating with the other unit detecting the other unit.

By having such a calf weaning apparatus, once the calf mounted unit comes into proximity with the cow mounted unit, at least one of the units will deliver an adversive. The adversive is preferably, although not exclusively limited to, an electric shock. In this way, if the calf should attempt to suckle from the cow, the adversive will be delivered thereby shocking one or both of the calf and the cow, discouraging the animals from suckling. By having separate devices on the cow and the calf, the equipment used can be less complex and less expensive to manufacture, as well as being less time consuming to install. Furthermore, by having separate units on the cow and the calf and instigating the adversive on one of the units detecting the other unit, a more reliable apparatus can be provided.

Preferably, the weaning device delivers a short, sharp electric shock to the calf when it attempts to suckle. It is proposed that this method is more humane and less stressful on the cow, calf and on the farmer. By putting such a device on his calves approximately 2 weeks before separation, the calves will be weaned and more prepared for separation from their mothers. Calves are used to electric shocks on the farm (from fences and prods) and know well to avoid them. With appropriate placement of the calf and cow mounted units on the calf and cow, full head to head contact can be maintained between the cow and calf in the weaning period, reducing the stress on both the animals, thereby reducing disease and stress related behaviour (i.e. balling or crying). Reduced stress and balling will also result in better weight gains for the calf in the post-weaning period.

In this example, reference is made to “means for communicating with the other unit”. It will be understood that this means for communicating need not require a transfer of data or information from one unit to the other in the traditional sense. Furthermore, the means for communicating may not require two-way communications. It may be sufficient that the means for communication on the unit operable to deliver the adversive is capable of receiving a communication and the means for communication on the other unit is capable of transmitting a communication. Although it is envisaged that preferably the means for communicating with the other unitwill comprise a traditional Radio Frequency (RF) setup, such as a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag on one unit and an RFID tag reader on the other unit, or a transmitter and a receiver utilising Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI) circuitry, the means for communicating with the other unit may comprise two parts of an electrical circuit that is closed or opened once the two means for communicating with the other unit are brought into close proximity with each other. The “communication” with the other unit is by way of the circuit being completed or broken. Alternatively, wireless communication, inductive, capacitive, magnetic, or acoustic circuitry could all be used to detect proximity of the cow mounted unit to the calf mounted unit.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a calf weaning apparatus wherein the means for attaching the first casing is a collar. This is seen as a simple device to use for attaching the first casing to the calf in particular. The collar may be installed quickly with the minimum of difficulty reducing likelihood of the animal moving away prior to the collar being installed correctly or moving towards the farmer and causing injury to the farmer. In addition to this, if the collar is placed around the neck of the calf, the collar will be near the calf’s mouth and therefore the range of detection can be relatively small, ensuring unnecessary shocks are not administered to the calf when they are simply near their mother. As an alternative to a collar, a halter could be used. A further advantage of a collar is that directionality is maintained, the antenna(e) (if used) mounted within the collar can be assumed to maintain their relative position to the calf’s body in typical suckling scenarios.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a calf weaning apparatus wherein the means for attaching the second casing is a leg strap. Again, this is seen as particularly simple device for placement on the cow in particular as it will be easy to install and will also be well positioned, if placed on the hind legs, to allow a relatively short range of detection between the two units, thereby obviating the likelihood of superfluous shocks being administered. Alternatively, a tail strap may be used for attaching the second casing to the cow to allow a relatively short range of detection between the two units.

Depending on the form of the device and of the communication technology selected, the use of two signal emitters/receivers/antennae placed out of plane of one another such that the blind spots of one are covered by the other may be required. For example, a plurality of antenna/transmitters/receivers may be used within either the cow or calf unit, and/or a plurality of cow or calf units may be used on a single cow or calf.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a calf weaning apparatus wherein the unit having means for delivery of an adversive is mounted on the calf.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a calf weaning apparatus wherein the adversive is an electric shock administered to the animal. An electric shock is seen as the most effective and ultimately humane method to use. As an alternative, the adversive may be any event that will startle the animal such as a high pitched alarm, a vibrating device that may cause discomfort to the animal or indeed one or more retractable spikes or needles that maybe used to scrape or prick the animal’s skin. What is important is that the adversive is sufficient to prevent the animals from suckling.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a calf weaning apparatus wherein there is provided a means to modify at least one of the intensity, the type and the duration of the adversive. It is envisaged that over time, it may be necessary to modify the intensity and/or the duration of the adversive so that the animal does not become “immune” to the effects of the adversive. Indeed, it may be necessary as the physical characteristics of the animal change over time.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a calf weaning apparatus wherein the unit with the means to deliver an adversive is provided with a communications module for communication of operating data with a computing device in a remote location. The operating data may include commands between the computing device in the remote location and the unit. The communications module may comprise a module capable of communicating operating data over the GSM network or other communication channel such as via Bluetooth or WiFi. In this way, the device can be turned on/off at the farmer’s will, its operation can be monitored remotely by a farmer and indeed the farmer can check whether or not the device is operating correctly, can check to see whether there have been any activations over a given period of time (which may be indicative of whether or not the calf has been weaned) and/or can modify the adversive if deemed necessary.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a calf weaning apparatus wherein one of the means to communicate comprises a transmitter and a receiver which utilises RSSI circuitry to estimate the distance between the transmitting and receiving units.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a calf weaning apparatus wherein one of the means to communicate comprises an RFID transponder and the other of the means to communicate comprises an RFID reader. This is seen as a particularly useful apparatus to provide that will be inexpensive to produce yet reliable in operation, even in the relatively hostile environment in which it will operate. The sensors will not be hampered by build-up of muck or faeces and may not require line of sight in order to operate. Furthermore, the devices will not require direct contact between the animals which is advantageous.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a calf weaning apparatus wherein the RFID transponder is an active transponder. An active transponder, although requiring a power supply, is seen as advantageous for this application as the active transponder will allow more accurate detection of the proximity of the transponder and the reader, leading to a more effective apparatus, reducing the number of false activations and providing greater range.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a calf weaning apparatus wherein the adversive is delivered to both the cow and the calf.

Detailed Description of the Invention

The invention will now be more clearly understood from the following description of some embodiments thereof given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic representation of the apparatus according to the invention in use; and

Figure 2 is a diagrammatic representation of the apparatus according to the invention.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, there is shown a calf weaning apparatus, indicated generally by the reference numeral 1, comprising a calf mounted unit 3 and a cow mounted unit 5. The calf mounted unit comprises a casing 7 mounted on a collar 9 for securing the casing 7 in position around the neck of the calf (as illustrated in Figure 1). The cow mounted unit also comprises a casing 11 mounted on a strap 13 for securing the casing 11 in position around the leg of the cow (as illustrated in Figure 1).

Referring specifically to Figure 2, the calf mounted unit 3 further comprises, a power supply 13, an RFID reader 15, a means for delivering an adversive, in this case provided by way of a pair of electrodes 17, 19, and a communications module 21. The power supply 13, the RFID reader 15 and the communications module are housed in the casing 7 and are shown in dashed outline. The communications module 21 allows communication between the calf mounted unit and a computing device (not shown) in a remote location, such as, but not limited to a computing device operated by a farmer. The collar 9 comprises a length of material secured in a loop by way of a buckle. Other fastening means could be provided if desired.

The cow mounted unit 5 further comprises an RFID transponder 25, in this case an active RFID transponder, and an associated power supply 27 for the active RFID transponder 25. The strap 13 of the cow mounted unit is secured in a looped configuration by way of a buckle 29. Again, other fastening means could be provided if desired. What is important is that the fastening means for both the cow and calf mounted units will be relatively comfortable for the animal to wear yet will be sufficiently secure so that they will not have a tendency to inadvertently release.

Referring specifically to Figure 1, it can be seen that the calf mounted unit 3 is secured around the neck of the calf and the cow mounted unit 5 is secured around the leg of the cow. The range of the RFID reader 15 and the RFID transponder 25 is set at approximately 0.75 metres. It is envisaged that this range may be varied through trial and error to determine the optimum range to provide an effective device that does not suffer from too frequent false activations. The device may also have the ability to learn the correct range by allowing suckling in an initial trial period and sampling the typical signal strength(s) as applicable, and accordingly adjusting the range at which the device will trigger the adversive in the future.

In use, it can be seen from the foregoing that if the calf attempts to suckle on the cow, the RFID reader 15 on the calf mounted unit 3 will detect the RFID transponder 25 on the cow mounted unit 5. Once the RFID reader detects the presence of the RFID transponder, a signal will be sent to the means for delivery of an adversive and an electric current will be provided to the pair of electrodes. The calf will be administered a short, sharp electric shock through the pair of electrodes 17, 19 causing them to move away from the area of the cow. Otherwise, contact and or proximity between the animals is not prevented. Over time, the calf will learn from its behaviour that if they do not attempt to suckle, they will not receive electric shocks and the suckling practice will be broken.

It will be understood that for simplicity, various standard electric and electronic circuitry in the calf mounted unit and indeed the cow mounted unit have been omitted for clarity. For example, there may be provided a controller or a processor for communication with the RFID reader and the means for delivery of an adversive. The processor or controller can instruct the means for delivery of an adversive to deliver the adversive on the RFID reader communicating to the controller or processor that it has detected an RFID tag.

In the foregoing examples, an RFID tag reader and an RFID tag are used as the means for determining that the two units are in close proximity to each other. Although this is a particularly useful and preferred embodiment of the present invention, other means could be provided for detecting the proximity of the two units. As stated, a transmitter paired with a receiver utilising RSSI circuitry can be used also. Additionally, it is envisaged that a time-varying voltage (in the single digit Volts up to hundreds of Volts region) between the body of the cow and some electrode contained within the transmitting device could be used to good effect. The receiver would be looking for this time varying voltage (in the mV or nV region) of a given profile which it would detect due to the slight difference in capacitance between the bodies of the two animals (which can be considered as one single electrical unit if they’re in contact), the electrode in the transmitter and the electrode in the receiver. In essence, it operates by detecting the capacitive coupling between the electrodes of the two devices.

In this specification the terms “comprise, comprises, comprised and comprising” and the terms “include, includes, included and including” are all deemed totally interchangeable and should be afforded the widest interpretation possible.

The invention is in no way limited to the embodiments hereinbefore described but may be varied in both construction and detail within the scope of the claims.

Claims

Claims: (1) A calf weaning apparatus comprising: a cow mounted unit; a calf mounted unit; one of the cow mounted unit and the calf mounted unit comprising a first casing, means for attaching the first casing to the animal, a power supply, means for delivery of an adversive and means for communicating with the other unit; the other of the cow mounted unit and the calf mounted unit comprising a second casing, means for attaching the second casing to the other animal and means for communicating with the other unit; and in which the unit with the means for delivery of an adversive is configured to deliver the adversive upon its means for communicating with the other unit detecting the other unit.
(2) A calf weaning apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the means for attaching the first casing is a collar.
(3) A calf weaning apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein the means for attaching the second casing is a leg strap.
(4) A calf weaning apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the unit having means for delivery of an adversive is mounted on the calf.
(5) A calf weaning apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the adversive is an electric shock administered to the animal.
(6) A calf weaning apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein there is provided a means to modify at least one of the intensity and the duration of the adversive.
(7) A calf weaning apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the unit with the means to deliver an adversive is provided with a communications module for communication of operating data with a computing device in a remote location.
(8) A calf weaning apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein one of the means to communicate comprises an RFID transponder and the other of the means to communicate comprises an RFID reader.
(9) A calf weaning apparatus as claimed in claims 1 to 7 wherein one of the means to communicate comprises an RF transmitter and the other of the means to communicate comprises a receiver utilising RSSI circuitry to estimate the distance between said units.
(10) A calf weaning apparatus as claimed in claim 8 wherein the RFID transponder is an active transponder.
(11) A calf weaning apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the adversive is delivered to both the cow and the calf.
(12) A calf weaning apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.