Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02303741 2000-04-12
METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DETECTING ESTRUS IN SWINE
This application is a division of Application No. 2,270,319 filed in Canada on
April 28, 1999.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
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 l 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. Typically, 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.
-1-
CA 02303741 2000-04-12
More traditionally, the techniques employed on the modern day farm is to
circulate a male hog down a row of cages 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, the cart having a first cart section and a second cart
section,
the first cart section including a first base section forming a portion of the
first base,
and a first cart section wall extending upwardly from the first base section
to define a
first enclosure having an open end, the second cart section having a second
base
section forming a portion of the base and a second cart section wall extending
upwardly from the second base section to define a second enclosure having one
open
side, and means for securing the first cart section and the second cart
section together
such that when the open sides are in alignment, the first cart section and the
second
-2-
CA 02303741 2000-04-12
cart section together define an enclosed cart, and at least one opening in the
at least
one wall is sized to permit a snout of a hog to at least partially extend
therethrough.
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 base, the base
having
wheels mounted thereon, at least one wall extending upwardly from the base, at
least
one opening in the at least one wall sized to permit a snout of a hog to at
least
partially extend therethrough, drive means on the cart for moving the cart
from one
location to a second location, and remote control means operatively associated
with
the drive means.
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 base, the base
having
wheels mounted thereon, at least one wall extending upwardly from the base, at
least
one opening in the at least one wall sized to permit a snout of a hog to at
least
partially extend therethrough, drive means for moving the cart from one
location to a
second location, and guide means extending outwardly from said cart to guide
said
cart along a series of cages.
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.
-3-
CA 02303741 2000-04-12
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 battery. 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.
-4-
CA 02303741 2000-04-12
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 may 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;
-5-
CA 02303741 2000-04-12
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 view 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.
-6-
CA 02303741 2000-04-12
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Refernng 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 provided a first cart section 12 which 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.
CA 02303741 2000-04-12
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 wall 46 are similar and thus only one will 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, S 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
_g_
CA 02303741 2000-04-12
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 wall/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.
-9-
CA 02303741 2000-08-21
Within first cart sectinu ~2, there are provided a pair of hog positioning
members generally designated by reference numeral 96 and which each comprise a
bar designed to extexxd across between side walls 16 and 18. Retaining members
98
are x~avunted on the vertical bars 28 and provide for variable location of the
hog
positiozziug members 96, Txl 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 ofwheels, 104, 104' xnou:ated
on axles 106, 106' respectively. An electr'lc xnator 1 OS is mounted on a
suitable
support frame 110. Axle 106 may carry a support 111 having bearing 113
ttrerein far
support axle 106'. Wheels 104 and 104' are preferably pneumatic and the
pressure
therein may be adjusted ~acooxdiu~g to the weight of the cart and cnz~tents.
Electrical motor 10$ is designed to drive a pulley 1 x2 havixxg a belt 1 i4 .
entrained thereabout aad which is operatively coxuoected to a di~fexential 11
b.
For braking purposes and also far turning, there are provided a pair of
braking
members 118 which may be selectively operated an either one of the wheels to
provide far a turning capability or on both wheels, Braking members 118 are
connected to rods 117, which extend upwardly to handles 119 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 reuaote c~txol uti~iziug l~zxown circuitry. Also preferably provided
are
-10-
CA 02303741 2000-12-O1
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 by means of the remote control, may utilize the abutment plates as the
cart
moves along the edge of the various cages.
Electric motor 108 is preferably a DC motor and powered by a rechargeable
non-explosive battery. The control system may include a safety system such
that upon
a predetermined resistance, the drive is cut off. This would prevent any
accidental
crushing of any object in the path of the cart. As will be appreciated, in any
building
wherein several such carts may be utilized, each cart would operate on a
different
frequency for the remote control.
The remote control cart is highly suitable for practice of the method of the
present invention. Thus, a single worker will be located preferably at the
rear of the
individual cages for the sows and able to remotely control the cart as it
moves from
cage to cage for purposes of both determining estrus and for purposes of
artificial
msemmation.
It will be understood that the above described embodiment is for purposes of
illustration only and that changes or modifications may be made thereto
without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
-11-
