METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DETECTING ESTRUS IN SWINE
The present invention relates to the field of animal husbandry and in particular,
relates to a moveable cart suitable for use in a hog rearing operation and to
improvements in such operations and methods associated therewith.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In hog rearing operations, it has become essential to maximize the reproductive
capacity of the sows. Originally, many hog raising operations simply relied on letting
nature take its course with impregnation of the sow by the male hog. However, with
larger operations, it became necessary to increase the reliability and accordingly,
artificial insemination has been widely practised.
In order for artificial insemination to work efficiently and economically, it is
necessary to administer the semen at the time when estrus is occurring. Typically,
semen is administered between 1 and 4 times during estrus in predetermined spaced
apart time intervals.
It has been proposed in the art to use instrumentation to attempt to determine
estrus. Typicalh7. there have been proposed various types of temperature sensors and
probes insertable into the vaginal canal for detecting either an increase in temperature
or increase in current flow through the mucous. Although these methods do work,
they are both time and labour intensive and increase the risk of mortality through
contamination, infection, etc.
More traditionally, the techniques employed on the modern day farm is to
circulate a male hoe down a ro of cases containing the sows.
Despite all the advances in the art. typically the impregnation success ratio
(i.e. the number of sows successfully impregnated) is in the area of between 75% to
85%. While these rates represent a vast improvement over older success rates, it is
obviously desirable to further increase the rate.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for the artificial
insemination of sows.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a moveable cart which
may be used in a hog rearing operation to assist in determining estrus and improving
the success rate of artificial insemination.
In one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a moveable cart
suitable for use on a hog farm, the moveable cart comprising a base, the base having
wheels mounted thereon, at least one wall extending upwardly from the base, means
associated with the at least one wall for blocking visual access in at least one direction
between the interior and exterior of the cart, at least one opening in the at least one
wall sized to permit a snout of a hog to at least partially extend therethrough, and
hog positioning means within the cart to prevent a hog from lying down in the cart.
In a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a moveable cart
suitable for use on a hog farm, the moveable cart comprising a first cart section and a
second cart section, the first cart section including a first base section, a first cart
section wall extending upwardh' from the first base section to define a first enclosure
having an open end. the second cart section having a second base section, a second
cart section wall extending upwardly from the second base section to define a second
enclosure having one open side, means for securing the first cart section and the
second cart section together such that open sides are in alignment and the first cart
section and the second cart section together define an enclosed cart, means associated
with one of the cart section walls for blocking visual access in at least one direction
between the interior and exterior of the cart, and at least one opening in at least one of
the section walls sized to permit a snout of a hog to at least partially extend
therethrough.
In a further aspect of the present invention, in a hog farming operation having
a plurality of sows, each sow being enclosed in an individual cage in a building, the
cages being aligned and wherein the heads of all sows are aligned at one end of the
cages, the improvement comprising a moveable cart having a base, the base having
wheels mounted thereon, at least one wall extending upwardly from the base, means
associated with the at least one wall for blocking visual access in at least one direction
between the interior and exterior of the cart, at least one opening in the at least one
wall sized to permit a snout of a hog to at least partially extend therethrough, and
drive means for driving the cart.
In a further aspect of the present invention, in a process of determining estrus
in sows, each sow being enclosed in one of an aligned row of cages wherein the heads
of all sows are aligned at one end of the cages, the improvement comprising the step
of placing a male hog in a moveable cart, the cart having an opening in a side wall
thereof, and moving the cart along the one end of the cages while permitting the male
hog to have snout to snout contact with a sow.
In a further aspect of the present invention, in a process of artificial
insemination of a sow wherein a plurality of sows are each enclosed in an individual
cage, the cages being aligned, and wherein the heads of all sows are aligned at one
end of the cages, the improvement comprising the step of placing a male hog in a
moveable cart, the cart having an opening in a side wall thereof, and moving the cart
along the one end of the cages, and permitting the male hog to have snout to snout
contact with the sow during the step of artificial insemination.
The moveable cart of the present invention may take several forms. The cart
may be formed as a single unitary cart of a rectangular configuration although, in a
preferred embodiment, the cart is formed of two sections which are hingedly
connected together. This arrangement is advantageous for movement in close
quarters wherein one of the hinged connections may be undone such that the cart may
move around a corner in a very short radius.
The cart is preferably motor driven although a hand pushed cart incorporating
the features of the present invention could also be employed. The cart is preferably
driven by an electric motor of a suitable voltage which in turn may be powered by a
suitable non-explosive rechargeable batten.'. Alternatively, a 120 volt AC connection
could be employed. Preferably, the cart is capable of being driven in both directions
and even more preferably, is capable of being remotely controlled.
One of the advantageous features of the present invention is the provision of
means to prevent the male hog from lying down in the cage. Such means may
conveniently comprise a member extending underneath the hog to prevent such
occurrences. Such a member may extend either transversely or longitudinally of the
cart.
Preferably, the cart includes means for obstructing the vision from one end and
one side thereof. Such an arrangement is advantageous in that the male hog can then
only focus on a single cage containing a single sow. Preferably, the panels are
removable and may be placed on either side/end of the cart.
Similarly, the cart is designed to permit snout to snout contact between the
male hog and the sow. To do so. the space between the bars may be sufficient to
permit such snout to snout contact or in a preferred embodiment, a portion of the wall
is designed with removable bars such that the access opening may be enlarged or
diminished as appropriate.
The cart is made of suitable materials to preferably be resistant to corrosion
and to ensure proper sanitation.
One particular arrangement of the cart calls for centrally mounted wheels
which permits the shortest turning radius for the cart. Preferably, such wheels are
pneumatic and the air pressure may be varied depending on the load. Thus, additional
support wheels at the corners of the moveable cart may be provided and the centre
pneumatic wheels would have the pressure adjusted, depending upon the load, such
that the cart is level.
In the improvement in the process of determining estrus. the cart ma}' be
moved past the heads of sows which are in aligned cages. At the same time, a worker
placed at the rear of the sows can manoeuver the cart and using conventional
techniques, determine whether the sow is entering estrus. It has been found that
permitting the snout to snout contact assists in the determining of estrus.
Similarly, during the process of artificial insemination, the manoeuvring of the
cart to each sow which is undergoing artificial insemination to permit snout to snout
contact has been found to be extremely beneficial. It has been found that in so doing,
success rates in artificial insemination have been as high as 95% compared to
traditional figures of 85% or less.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Having thus generally described the invention, reference will be made to the
accompanying drawings illustrating an embodiment thereof, in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a cart according to one embodiment of the
present invention;
Figure 2 is a perspective view similar to Figure 1 illustrating the attachment of
a side panel to a portion of the cart:
Figure 3 is a perspective view, similar to Figure 1. illustrating a cart with one
of the end doors in an open position:
Figure 4 is a side elevational view of the cart of Figure 1 :
Figure 5 is a perspective view of the cart of Figure 1 in a partially open
configuration for negotiating tight spaces and also showing the removable floor pans;
Figure 6 is a perspective \ iew similar to Figure 5 showing a section of the cart
detached from the main portion thereof:
Figure 7 is a perspective view of the cart of Figure 1 in a partially open
position:
Figure 8 is a perspective view similar to Figure 7. but showing an alternative
restraining component within the cage:
Figure 9 is a partial perspective view, with portions removed, of a drive unit of
the cart of Figure 1 :
Figure 10 is side elevational view of the drive unit illustrated in Figure 9:
Figure 11 is a bottom perspective view of the drive unit and components
thereof:
Figure 12 is a bottom perspective view of the cart of Figure 1 ; and
Figure 13 is a partial perspective view showing in detail the means for
connecting sections of the cart together and door latching mechanisms.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to the drawings in greater detail and by reference characters thereto,
there is illustrated in Figure 1 a moveable cart according to the present invention and
which cart is generally designated by reference numeral 10. Moveable cart 10 has a
first cart section generally designated by reference numeral 12 and a second cart
section generally designated by reference numeral 14.
First cart section 12 includes a first side wall 16 and an opposed side wall 18
with an end wall/door 20 located therebetween at one end. Thus, as may be best seen
in Figure 6. there is
ided a first cart section 12 w hich has an open end opposed to
end wall/door 20.
Side walls 16 and 18 are similar and thus only will be described in detail
herein, with similar reference numerals with a prime being used for similar
components on side wall 18. Side wall 16 includes an upper frame member 22 which
is connected to side frame members 24 and 26. Intermediate side frame members 24
and 26 are a plurality of vertical bars 28 while a horizontal bar 30 extends between
side frame members 24 and 26.
End door 20. as may be best seen in Figure 3. includes a U-shaped frame 32
having a plurality of vertical bars 34 extending between the side frame portions
thereof.
Forming a portion of first cart section 12 is a drive compartment generally
designated by reference numeral 36 and which will be described in greater detail
hereinbelow.
As may be best seen in Figure 5. first cart section 12 includes a sub-floor 19
which is preferably of a stainless steel with a final finished floor 40 superimposed
thereon. Floor 40 is preferably of a relatively thick aluminum and is formed to be
anti-slip and assure the comfort of the animal within. Drainage apertures 42 are
provided in both sub-floor 19 and finished floor 40.
As shown in Figure 5. second cart section 14 includes a first side wall 44 and
opposed side wall 46 with an end wall/door 48 therebetween to thereby define an
open ended cage section.
Side wall 44 and side w all 46 are similar and thus only one ill be described in
detail herein. Side wall 44. as seen in Figure 6. includes an upper horizontal frame
member 50 from which extend downwardly side frame members 52 and 54. A
horizontal frame member 56 extends between side frame members 52 and 54 with a
plurality of apertures 58 being formed therein as well as in the bottom horizontal
frame member. A plurality of vertical bars 60 are fitted within apertures 58 and may
be inserted/removed as required to provide an adjustably sized access opening to the
second cart section 14.
Opaque panels such as shown in Figures 2. 5 and 6 may be utilized to prevent
visual access from within the cart. Panels 62 may include a plurality of L-shaped
hooked members 64 for securing the same to horizontal bar 56 as well as a locking
pin 63 (Figure 2). Second cage section 14 also includes a plurality of ceiling frame
members 66. In a manner similar to that described with respect to first cart
section 12. there is provided a stainless steel sub-floor 67 and a finished aluminum
floor 68. each having drainage apertures 70 formed therein.
There are provided attachment means which are generally designated by
reference numeral 72 and which are utilized for joining the two cart sections together
and also for securing the end wall/doors 20 and 48. This mechanism may best be
seen in Figures 13 and 3 and reference will now be made thereto.
Attachment means 72 includes an upper rod section 74 which is mounted to a
V-shaped support 76 suitably secured to a frame member as required. Extending
outwardly from the vertical frame members are a pair of flanges 80 which are slightly
spaced apart. A pair of lower flanges are also provided (Figure 13 ). Sleeve inserts 78
may be provided therein.
A lower vertical rod section 82 is connected to upper rod section 74 by a
connecting section 84. There is also provided an intermediate support flange 86.
Mounted on the vertical frame of the portion to be joined are a pair of flanges
or plates 92 which are designed to fit within the space between flanges 80. Rod
sections 74 and 82 may then be operated to fit within aperture flanges 80 and plate 92
to retain the two assembled together in a pivotable manner. An upper lever 90 may be
used to move the rod sections 74 and 82 as required.
The same mechanism is provided at the corners where the first cart section and
second cart section 14 are to be joined as well as where end w all/doors 20 and 48 are
secured. With this arrangement, the doors and sections may be either pivoted with
respect to one another and/or completely removed as shown in the different
configurations in the drawings.
Within first cart section 12. there are provided a pair of hog positioning
members generally designated by reference numeral 96 and which each comprise a
bar designed to extend across between side walls 16 and 18. Retaining members 98
are mounted on the vertical bars 28 and provide for variable location of the hog
positioning members 96. In this respect, hog positioning members 96 may utilize a
spring loaded telescoping inner bar 100 in a known manner.
Mounted below drive compartment 36 is a pair of wheels. 104. 104' mounted
on axles 106. 106' respectively. An electric motor 108 is mounted on a suitable
support frame 1 10. Axle 106
earn' a ball bearing support for 1 1 1 for support
axle 106'. Wheels 104 and 104' are preferably pneumatic and the pressure therein
may be adjusted according to the weight of the cart and contents.
Electrical motor 108 is designed to drive a pulley 1 12 having a belt 1 14
entrained thereabout and which is operatively connected to a differential 1 16.
For braking purposes and also for turning, there are provided a pair of braking
members 1 18 which may be selectively operated on either one of the wheels to
provide for a turning capability or on both wheels. Braking members 1 18 are
connected to rods 1 17. which extend upwardly to handles 1 19 for activation. Thus,
the braking of one of the wheels will provide a turning moment about that wheel to
therefore provide for maximum manoeuverability.
Mounted on top of first case section 12 is a housing 120 which may be utilized
to house the various controls. In this respect, the cart is preferably driven by a
suitable remote control utilizing known circuitry. Also preferably provided are
speakers which may be housed within housing 120.
For ease of movement, the cart is provided with support wheels 122 situated at
the corners of the first cart section 12 and second cart section 14. There are also
provided bumper rollers 124 at respective corners of the cart 10. In addition, there are
provided abutment plates 128 situated at the lower portions of each side of first cart
section 12 and second cart section 14. Abutment plates 128 are adapted to contact
edges of the path followed by cart 10 - i.e. the cart, particularly when it is being
driven means of the remote control, may utilize the abutment plates as the cart
moves along the edge of the various cages.
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I CLAIM:
1. A moveable cart ( 10) suitable for use on a hog farm, the moveable cart
comprising:
a base (19. 67). said base having wheels mounted thereon:
at least one wall (16. 18) extending upwardly from said base:
means (62) associated with said at least one wall ( 16. 18) for blocking visual
access in at least one direction between the interior and exterior of said cart (10);
at least one opening (58) in said at least one wall sized to permit a snout of a
hog to at least partially extend therethrough; and
hog positioning means (96) within said cart to prevent a hog from lying down
in said cart.
2. The cart of Claim 1 wherein said at least one wall comprises first and second
opposed side walls ( 16. 18) and first and second opposed end walls (20. 48). and
means for securing said side walls and end walls together.
3. The cart of Claim 2 wherein each of said first and second end walls (20. 48) is
hingedly connected to an adjacent side wall (16. 18).
4. The cart of Claim 2 wherein each of said walls is comprised of a plurality of
spaced apart bars (28).
5. The cart of Claim 1 wherein said means for blocking visual access comprises
at least one panel (62) of an opaque material, and means for attaching said panel to
said at least one wall.