GB2548190A - A lambing monitoring system - Google Patents

Abstract

A ewe labour monitoring system 100 comprising a plurality of collar devices 112 suitable to be fitted to a plurality of sheep 104, 106, 108 including at least one ewe 106. The collar devices are capable of communicating with a receiver 114 to transmit location information and body position regarding the location of sheep wearing said collars. The location information and body position are transmitted to a central processor which analyses the location information to identify if a flock 110 has been established. If any of the at least one ewe has strayed from the flock, and dependant on body position information, a lambing event alert may be generated by the central processor.

Description

“ A jammings mooitofmo system”

Introduction T^is fsive^iion relates I© a i lambing monitoring system.

In particufaplbe present invention is directed towards a system composing an animal mounted device which wirelessly communicates vylth a central monitoring device # rieon^iP-airtieie^aMM'|articu^rev»s( for signs of labour and imminent lambing. , the term ’lambing’' shaii be understood to encompass the birth of lambs by ewes. H will be further understood that the present invention can be equally applied to other types of animals for monitoring for any signs or indications: of labour where the principles of the present Invention can be applied^ mufois mutaRdts.:

There: are numerous systems known in foe prior art Which are utilised to track: the movement: of animals, such as sheep. For example, there are GP$~hased systems which are battery powered GPS devices used to track pets and/or domestic animals, The GPSaehabied; ddylphsrtixed fo the animai’s collar and a user can then monitor the animal’s movements and position in real time using a mobile telephone app or software product.

Gome of these tracing devices have further additional sensors for monitoring the health of the animal. The systerns can; use active RFID technology which includes a tag which is mouniedfo a coliar fitted with a countenweight which ensures the tag is always at the top to aid readability of the tag. The counterweight causes the collar to swivel afouhd: foe neck of th e animal and ensure that the tag is kept in a substantiaily uphght polion to assist in; the connectivity of the tag with associated readers.

Alternatively., there are systems which use ear mounted tap to track: the movement of the animal and fepofothe behavior of the animal. The tag ean be used to generate alerts about strange behavioural patterns which are not in keeping with expected beh&vicurai patterns, These; can be us# to defem Illness::or other such issues,

Ah example of such a tracking system is diseased in European Patent Publication Number EP 0 945 060 A2 (GUICHON ET AL) which details a method and system for menifdhhS animals within an area. The positional data of each animal within the area is dhltectedi at intervals, The positional data is then processed to generate movement: pattern data of the animals. The generated movement pattern data: is thin ahaiped to determine at least one physical condition pi eucd; of the animale, Thp; physical conditions pf: the animal include health,: permmiancecharacteristics ani prodbetioo patterns ineludlng greenhouse gas emissions.

There is; alsp a system on the market which is used to track the labour cycle of cows, which is described in PCI" Peipsi; Application Number WO2013/188235 At (MliDCALbjlTB). This system is a nan-invasive, fail mounted: sensor, in particular a three axis accelerometer» which; gathem approxima^y ^x hundred data samplesper second. The system ip capable of analysing these data samples and can predict: when a cow is most likely to give birth by measuring tail movement patterns, it IS known that when tail movements reach a certain level of intensityover a period of limp, labour is likely to be imminent in such a::; scenario, the system sends an SMS text alert direefiy to the farmer's mobile telephone. This alert Is sent on average 1 hour prior to caiving, This system is to be mounted on the tail of a cow as the sensor Pleasures tali movements. This is a system:wfitt is limited to cows as It relies on the tail movements to determine the likelihood of caiving. Tall movement is not an indicatorofa ewe going Into labour and therefore the abovementioned device cannot be used to determine lambing. Furthermore, the system is relatively complex as If requires a large amount of data processing, which is computationally intensive and expensive to operate. While GPS is present in this system tor the purpose: pf locating each cow once likelihood of labour has been established, If is not used as dhe of: the key indicators of the cow entering labour. Furthermore the location of die cow is not used as a labour indicator when in combination with other labourindiestors such as the body position of the cow and the location of the cow in context of the herd as a whole.

In PGT Patent Application Number W02O1O/DS6429 A1 (FAiRE LiMITED) a system fpr monitoring cows utilising a: lagi^pa^fe# reaFtlme monitoring of the cows spatial; position iM location within a defined monitoring zone is described. "This %stenf allows for predefining a monitoring zona but it lacks sophistication. In this system the general area of pavement .'mast: beiinowo in order to set the monitoring area. This lyStefri is therafara nit: suiibi# for measuring certain labour indicators, such as, but hbl limited to, straying from a look or herd, or any other indicator that by its very nature; means that the animal deviates from the predefined moniforing area. ^hother calving system is described in PCI Patent Application Number ^£^198/139448 At (S.A.E. AFIKINI). This system comprises a number of tags that ami mounted onto the legs of each cow being monitored. This system monitors the body position of a cow In order to determine whether or not the cow is In fabourby monitoring increased aetMiy combined with a decreased time that the animal spends lying down. This system is further explained to be somewhat limited in its capabilities as only being able to predict labour up to a day before labour occurs, but does not monitor the final tew hours with the countdown to labour onset. This system does not notify of Imminent or immediate labour arid birth, nor provides up to the minute notification in real time. The farmer, vet or animal care provider would need to still be physically present .in order to monitor the anima; m the countdown to iabour since this system ts not capable of providing feritote monitoring for the final few hours before labour onset This system includes an ID tag ;n order to determine which cow is thought to be In labour, but does not ΙηοΙυΡοί,Ο location element: for subsequently finding the cow, thus is limited to use with cows where the location is fixed, confined or otherwise restricted in some way. This system is therefore not suitable for use with livestock where the animal is free to roam. Furthermore, this system does not monitor the location of the a® imlndibatur of labour, rtqr fhe location of the animal in when in combination with other labour! ndicafors such as the body position of the OOP and The location of the cow in: Cdntexflof the herd as a: Whole. This system is therefore ribi suitable for use In determining labour onset Where straying from the iesfri is a key indicator.

Pm Patent Application Number WO2008/114527 A1 {ORION MACHiNARY) describes: a health monitorlng sysfem for cows comprising an accelerometer fo detect movement aSaohed to a collar and utilising radio waves as a means to determine location. While tills spfem is said to fee capable of monitoring birth time, it is understood that this confers monitoring of health once labour has already begun, As such labour indicators necessary to determine the; onset of labour and birth are oof described to be monitored. The location of the animal is noldescribed to be a labour indicator. This: healfl; monitoring system is not suitable for use in monitoring an animal for. and alerting the user to, labour onset of said animat. in the above describe; systems for predicting calving, the location detail is not considered to be an indicator of labour. Those describing ihe capability of ideating art animal, do so after labour has been determined.

Neither do the above labour monitoring systems, as designed for use in cows, utilise: the location of the animat as one labour indicator In conjunction pis a reference location, wherein the reference location is determined by the notfeiabbur animals of the herd, fiock or other collective group of animals, A networked tracking system for cattle suitable as an anti-theft and anti-cattie rustling device is described in US Patent Application Number US2013/0340305 At (nMODE SOLUTIONS INC). This: lyStarh tracks a network of tags secured to individual cows and determines a geo-fence or perimeter around said network of tags. This system •alerts the user, such as the farmer, when there has been a breach of the: geo-fence> re, when one or more of the network of togs move beyond the perimeter of the geo-fence. This system at best may be able to determine pregnancy, but cannot determine the onset of labour. Furthermore, this system does not determine the distance that an individual cow may have strayed from the herd, nor the amount of time that the individual cow may have been indeed it can fee: inferred from the spedllcation that this information Is not required since any breach of the defined boundary is perceived: to be enough to alert; potential theft, it is to be appreciated that alerting that animal has: strayed beyond the herd, without further information, cannot indicate labour and false alarms are likely if the farmer is alerted every time; an animal moves away from the herd (outside the geofence) , as this may only be for a short amount of time.

There are no labour systems dedicated to the monitoring of imminent; labour in animals with a herd mentality, and in particular utilising the herd mentality and derived behaviour as a standard pr reference activity in order to determine behaviours and activities that deviate from this standard.

There· are no systems dedicated to the monitoring of imminent labour In animals that: are allowed to ream freely, particularly where the roaming area is substantially large.

There remains a need: to provide a labour monitoring system: paipblar^ap to·· the minute and real time alerting of the onset of labour in the final; Sfeges, suitable for use with sheep and other ruminants or animals that heard:,; flock or form; 1 pack, and which exhibit similar labour indicatd*&

Sheep foraging habits differ from these of other grazing livestock,: and sheep and goats do not have the same grazing habits as battle. Cows are known to naturally restrict their graaing area ιό within 2 km (200 hectares) of a water source and it takes a significant reason, such as a test calf or being specifically herded, in order for a cow to travel any distance. Sheep are more selective of what they eat and will travel some considerable distance in order to graze; having: been known to travel in the region of 40km (4,000· ha) in a given day. The monitoring area for a flock of sheep is likely to vary wildly from day to day and will likely change substantially within any givert day meaning that predefining a monitoring area is difficult to determine. Sheep may ete be left for days a time to warder and graze, GPS devices used ^ tracking the location of cows, as is described in fhe prior art discussed above, are generally lottery intensive, this would not be sufficient for long range and long: term usage as would:; be necessary for use with sheep and similar animals.

There remains a heed to: gmvide a ewe imdhitoring system that idoes not impinge on the normal grazng habife Ptrsaid lSheep,

Sheep also diher te cattle in the Indicators of labour, for example tail movement may be useful m determining the ohset of labour in cattle, but provides ittte indication of the onset of labour in sheep and Similar ruminants. Sheep have a much:; stronger flock mentality than cattle and pregnant sheep are more likely to travel furfheraway from the rest of the herd, if possible to do so, when labour is imminent. Separation Of the piegnadt ewe from the rest of the flock, bay a farmer, before and in the fun: up to labos# so as; to monitor the pregnant ewe would cause undue stress to the pregnancy ewe increasing the chances of miscarriage and/or trauma during birthing. Young take tinfe to find their feet after they Re born and sheep go through a cleaning ritual after birth meaning that the young can: be in danger of being trampled by other flock membefS ihile first hour or so from: birth. Sheep therefore sepsrete thernseives from therest: of the flock aa a protective measure towardsthe offspring. Sheep also have a disfinct pattem of restlessness, and lying down on one side once they have separated themselves from the rest of the flock Furthermore, sheep tend exhibit distinct head movements in connection with lying down that aiso act sc an Indicator of labour.

There are no systems on the market dedtcPted:lto): and suitable for, the moniioring of imminent lambing and/or mcniforing ior a ewe :gmm No labour. farmer pan have many hundreds of sheep and to monitor all of the sheep ca" bo extremely onerous. The presence of the farmer at the birth of a lamp can greatly increase that; lambs chances of living. Thus, farmers, where possible: wani;:to be present at the birth of iambs. To know when lambing; may occur thsi farmer would have $0 know the day of breeding, :the length of gestation, and thendetermine?the approximate day of lambing, A typical gestation duration is 148 days and this can help in predicting the Sppmxihiafeidafe of lambing. Generaiiy a farmer needs to start watching ewes about 142 days into this gestation period. However, as discussed above, this can be very dherbusiif there are targe numbers of ewes

It is; a goal: of the present topofioo: to provide a method and/or apparatus that overcomes at feast one of the above rpentloned problems.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention is directed to a ewe labour monitoring system comprising a plurality of collar devises suitable to be fitted to a plurality of sheep, including at least one ewe; whereby, each of the plurality of coilar devices are capable: of communicating wife ;a: receiver to transfe! location information regarding the location of the sheep fitted wife:: the; collar device, arid, body position information regarding the body positioh: of the sheep fitted: with the collar device; and, whereby the location Information of the sheep fitted with fee collar device and the body position of the sheep fitted with the collar device are transmitted to s central processor wherein, the central processor analyses the location information of eph of the cellar devices fitted to the plurality of sheep to identify if a flock, comprising two or more sheep within a pre-ddtetmined distance of one another has been established and, if any of fed: apfeast one ewe has strayed a predefined distance from the Hock.

The: ad vantage of pmvldlhg lpcafion infomietipn regarding the location of ihe sheep fitted with the collar device, and, body position {also referred to as body orientation) information regarding the body position of the sheep fitted with: the coitar device M that, these two pieces of Infermation can he combined for analysis to ascertain if a ewe is in labour or is likely to go into labour shortly. This will allow the farmer to check a dedicated app, or the information on the ceferit; processor directly, so as to monitor movement patterns of the sheep and other location Information and ailow the farrrrer to receive indications that one of their ewes is about to lamb. This will greatly improve the; farmer’s lifestyle and make sheep farming as an industry far more profitable end productive overall, it is envisaged that the farmer wilt make Significant annual sayings as fewer iambs will be lost during the birthing process and likewise, I is aiscfehyisaged that fewer ewes will lose lhe?r life when giving earth The fermer can be notified tb be present; and provide: the required help during difficult births. Furthermore It is envisaged that more accurate and timely Indications that ewes is about to famb will reduce time and cost associated with a farmer physically monitoring his flock or Hocks. Also veterinary costs, particularly as a result of false alarms and call out fees, wllfdeereaser:

If will he understood: thaf the plurality of cbliaf devices suitable to be fitted to M. plurality of sheep may not necessarily be a collar worn around a neck, but may alternatively be one of a strap, brace or circlet, suitable tor securing around the torso or waist; portion, or an appendage such as a leg or ankle, of a sheep. It will be mhderstdod that a; circlet: includes, but is not limited to, braceletSi anklets: and armbands, fbwi be understood that in place of the collar devices, etherbeyteea as ^eschhMihelcJi^iiwhfeh are suitable to: he mounted to an animal could: be used:. For eMthpie,: a tod ear tag, which is not free to rotate, could be used:, #, a device: irhptihtebie isubsutaneously cauld be used, it is important that the deyibemusedar® suitable: to monitor the orientation of the sheep, or part of the sheep. that the ewe labour monitoring system may bo-useful; with other animals :fhaf;exhibit Similar labour indicators. in one embodiment, the central processor establishes at least ehe monitoring area determined by at least one boundary of the fioek of sh^p identified. The boundaries of the flock of sheep may be established by determining the location of the outermost sheep in the flock of sheep and determining boundary lines, straight or curued;, between;: adjacent outermost sheep, For two or more sheep to form a flock, the two or more sheep should be within a predefined distaime of one another say 10 feet, for a period of time. Spy 30fsepoods:.' in a further embodiment, the: centra! pmcesspf establishes multiple:: monitoring areas determined by multiple boundaries of the flock of sheep identified. in a further embodiment, the·.cenfraiipmrmssof emailistteS'ithe formation of at least one flock in real-time.

In a further embodiment, the central processor identifies changes in position of the at (east one boundary of the flock of sheep identified, in a further embodiment, the centra! processor identifies changes in; location of the at least one boundary of the flock of sheep identified.

In a further embodiment, the at least one beundary is altered in accordance: With the changes in the position of the at ieast one boundary of the flock of sheep: Identified. in a further embodimO;h|:: the contra! processor alters the ah least: one; boundary in accordance with thf changes in location of the at least one boundary of thl flock of sheep identified.

In a further embodiment the: centra: processor alters:: the at least one boundary of the flogli Of sheen Identified#: real-time. in a further embodiment, the central processor updates the at least one: monlfortng; area with any changes io the at least one monitoring area in real-time.

In: another embodiment, the: receiver is dddhaeied to a central processor which:: pOMSMS the location information and body position Informafiors from the collar devices :fo ascertain if any ©flfhe at least one ewe; is Ιη|Ιρ|ο;υη:::

It: wl be understood that localon irsformation and body position Information from the coliar i devices may be transmitted wirelessly and may Include, but not limit to, radio frequency (RF) transmission, Bluetooth, Infrared (IR), ultra-wide band (UWB) transmission. Transmissions may be continuous, e.g, in real-time, episodic or periodic. Optionally, transmission of location Information and body position infenmeloh from the collar devices is preferably achieved over wide range fppsmfssjpn. in a ferther embodiment, the receiver is connected to a centra! processor which transmits at least some of the location Information and body position information to g web server, which web server then probesses the transmitted location information and body position information to ascertain if any of the at least orfe ewe is in labour.

In a further embodiment the at least some of the location information and body position infomtation may bd stored locally on the collar device.

In anotherembodiment, the cotiar devices transmit: at least some of the location Information and the body information to the receiver, the receiver then:transmits at feast some: of the tocatloh Ihfpfmation and the body information to: a: fembfely hosted storageJeosion or if is ίο be appreciated fhalihe remotely hosted storage location or remotely hosted database, may include, dpi not limit to the web server, the receiver or a cloud solution, it is to be appreciated the transmission may include, but is not limited to sliming.

In a tuhhdrembodiment the remotely hosted database is; 0 centralised database:; In a further embodiment the remotely hosted; database :10...:0 diOthbuted database or biockchain database. One advantage of a biockchain database is that they support smart contacts, which are seif-executing: Contacts or processes that can be written in code as a logic layer on the biockchain.

In a further embodiment the receiver transmits:: the: at: least some of the location 'information and the body iniormalion % S remotely hosted storage location or remotely hosted database withou! utilising ill:M GSM in another embodiment, the centra! prmmmr which processes the; location information of each the: coilar devices fjied to the plurality of sheep to identify whether a predefined amount of time spent: away from the dock has been reached:, in a further embodiment, the centra! processor analyses the body position information of each of the coilar devices fitted to the plurality of sheep to identify if the at least one ewe has; laid down on its side. If this same: ewe is also determined to have stayed form the flock for more than a preset amount of time, then this would be an indicator of:a potential lambing event.

In a further embodiment, the central processor analyses the body position information of each of the collar devices fitted to the plurality of sheep to determine whither ai preset time spent laid d|Wh on its side has been reached. in a further embodiment, the central processor analyses the body position Information of: each of ihecokar devices fitted to the plurality of sheep to identify if the at least: one ewe has raised or extended its bead. This is also an indicator of lambing, Qf course, monitoring for the raising of a head can only be achieved using a head mounted device, such as an ear tag, or a neck mounted device such as a collar (which is the preferred device for use in the present inventiori|.

In a further embodiment, the central processor analyses the body position informatloh of apcb iOf the op^ to the plurality of sheep to determine whether a; predefined time spent with its head raised or extended has been reached. if is to be. appreciated that the term central processor broadly includes processors in general and may be located locally on each of the collar devices or may he located: remotely from on each of the collar devices in a centralised position, such as a compiler, ^ mobile: application.

In another embodiment, the receiver is connected: to a logic processor, wherein the logic processor checks the body position information of each of the collar devices fitted to the plurality of sheep: to: determine whether pertain conditions have been met; and, where certain conditions have been met the logic processor will generate a notification and send the notification to the user. The certain conditions including straying from the flock and lying down/raising its head. ige.ifgrth^ processor is located adjacent to the collar deviee.

In a further embpdlmehf: the logic orocsssor is located adfapgnt: to fie: .central processor. in a.furtheriembCdimenlfleneFafbrt:^^ Is automated .

In afyrthermmbbdfmPdl^e^orfirtg thetnetifalbn is automated.

It is envisaged: that a Jhibre: reliable: device wiil be produced, as monitoring head movement as ah:: ihdloator of labour will iresuif in a lower chance pf fpise alarms, particularly when combined with one or more of straying activity and iying down activity,

In another embodNirtfe IN web: server communicates with an app to notify a farmer if any of tbea! least one ewe is in labour.

In a further embodiment, the web setter communicates with thecentral processor which in turn communicates; ^ app ίο notify a termer if any of the at least one ewe is; in iabour. in a further embodiment the web server transmits a SMS to notify a farmer if any of the at least one ewe is in labour,

It Is to be appreciated that other forms of alerting means may also be readily Utilised, such as, but limited to communication over a GSM network.

In a further embodiment, the web server communicates with the central processor Which in turn imhsmfti ,a SMS to notify a farmer if any of the at least one ewe is in labour, in a further embodiment, the web server transmits a message over a mobile communications network to notify a farmer if any of the at least one ewe is in labour.

In a further embodiment, the web setyer Oommuhioafes With the central processor which in turn transmits a message over a mobile domhiunfestians network to notify a farmer if any of the at least one ewe is in labour.

In a further embodiment, the central processor and/or web server analyses the location inform An; of each of the collar devices fitted to the plurality of sheep to identify if a lsokf comprising two or more sheep within a pre-deierroineti distance of one anofben, has been established; and, if any of the at leas! one owe has strayed a predefined distance from the flock.

In a further embodiment, the central processor or web server transmits an aiert +o a farmer if the central processor and/or web server ascertains that any of the at least One ewe is in iabour.

In a further embodiment, the collar device comprises a transmitter* a location providing element and a tip-over switch.

It will be understood that the; location providing .-element may be transmitted wirelessly and may include, but is not limited to, active Or passive radio frequencies, low or high power litllO-: ίΐϋρ^ή^ίΐ,; ISRS, RFID, Bluetooth ano ultra-wide band (UVYB) radio frequency*

One advantage Of UtfifB is improved acdtiracy over distance and high resolution in three dimensions compared with other beating systems. Utilising UW8 ensures a large: bandwidth and gives high levels of feeding accuracy m ihreo dimensions, location accuracy of withfe iiSbmSivdib Qf^oonfideoce level is achievable.

Transmissions may be contihuoys* 0*g, in realtime, epsdhfei or periodic. Optionally, transmission of location information and body position information from the collar devices is preferably achieved over wide range transmission.

In a further embodiment the fransmilter transmi ts the location information as provided by the location providingelement and a trigger signal when the tip-over switch: is rotated past an operational angle, it will fee understood that the bigger signal genemledl by the tip-over switch being rotated past an operational angle is as a result of the bead movements of the ewe in labour, or about to go into labour. in one embodiment the ewe monitoring system comprises at least one additional sensor suitable for collecting biometnc and environmental data, such ap temperature, altltuie:; elevated hdrmones/proteins, in connection with the at least one ewe. in a further embodiment, a ewe Is ascertained to be in labour, or about to go ihif taboul if fhd' ewe has strayed more than a predetermined distance bom istber sheep idiaoerd to the eWO ahd Ihi ©we has laid down on her side. In a fuftber ernfeodlmenti a ewe is ascedaioollio fee In labour, or about to go into labour* if the or extended sis head. In a further embodiment a awe has laid down or? herside Idf:CTDf© ihssn a predetermined amount of time.

In a further embodiment, head1 #?d^etddn| such as the ewe raising or eirtertdlnglfe headf may be detected through usO: of the lip-dvef' sydtbh, In a further embOdlmenti head movement, such as #fe ewe raising or .extending its Needy may he defected when the tip-overswiich is rotated pastors operational angle.

In a; further embodiment, the collar device comprises a transmitter, a location proylding eiamept and a tip-over switch arrangedso as to read headmovement. in a further embodiment, the transmitter transmits the location information as provided by the iocation providing element and a trigger signal when the tip-over switch, is: misted; past anope rational angle, indicating head movement or degree of head movement thereof. fha furfter embodiment, the coliar device com prises RFID tags using a Real-Time LoostlOSl System (RTLS), it Will be understood that the RTLS may transmit iocation information by wireless tmnsmission e,g. radio frequency (RF) transmission. Bluetooth, infrared (IR), ultra-wide band (UW8) transmission active or passive radio frequencies, low or high povveh radio frequencies add GPS. Trarssmissiorss may he continuous, e g, in reah time, episodic or periodic. Optionally, transmission of iocation information from the Collar devices is preferably achieved over wide range transmission, in a further embodiment the collar device M:battery: operated, in a further embodiment, the collar device is rechargeable, in a preferred embodiment the rechargeable collar device is solar powered.

In a further embodiment, the collar device comprises a notification system wherein the notification system indicates battery life or lack thereof.

In a preferred embodiment, the notification system; corn prises a light emitting source. In a mom preferred embodiment, the light emitting source is a light emitting diode (LEO). in a further emisodimeefi the; farmer receives the: alert on a Mobile telephone via: SMS, in a further embodiment, the farmer receives the alert via a dedicated app 'installed drt a mobile telephone, in a further embodiment, the alert comprises Si location, Ιϋ i: further embodiment, the alert comprises a collar device identification number;

In another imbodirhih^ the cellar device comprises a beacon Slitple for guiding the user to: the precise igoailortof the animal wearing the collar device, particularly Where the animal wearing the collar device is not immediately visible; when the user is within range of a s|e of location for the animal wearing the collar device. In use, the beacon emits a sighal thaf* when the user is within range of the slte cf iocatfoh for the animal wearing the collar device they may move towards the beacon, such that the user i|; directed to within visible page of the amro$i tapping. the collar device.

In a further embodiment, the beacon comprises a visible signal. In a preferred embodiment, the visible signal is a light emitting source. In a further embodiment, the beacon comprises an audible signal. In a preferred embodiment, the audible signal is a sound emitting source, in a further embodiment, the visible or audible signal emitted from the beacon is activated by the user:

One advantage.....of the beacon is quicker location of the animal wearing the collar device, such as the ewe that: has: separated herself from the rest of the flock as part pf her preparaions for labour, when the animal wearing the collar device, is not not immediately visible by the user at the site oifecafien where the animal wearing the Collar device Is expected to be, A further advantage of the beacon is to Iboafe an animal that is In distress, for example a sheep that has fallen down a drain, ditch or well,

SefaSSed M Embodiments

The Invention wili be more clearly understood from the following description of some embodiments thereof, given by way of example only, with reference to the ae^mpanyingb in which:

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view of a plurality of sheep in a sheep paddock, the pidtaityOPf sheep utilising the ewe labour monitoring system ofthe present: invention,

FtefePihl to Figure 1. there Is provided a ewe labour monitoring system Indicated generally· by reference numeral 100, The ewe labour monitoring system 100 is Operational within: a sheep paddock 102, which sheep paddock 102 holds a plurality pt sheep:Iholpding iambs 104, ewes 108 and rams 108.: it will be readily Understood that a sheep paddock may be fluid in shape and size and that the present: invention is also applicable for use In defined environments (e.g, farms, transportation, animal processing plants, zoos, wildlife parks, stablest kennei, catteries) or defined zones (e.gu areas within the animals environment, cubicles area, feeding systems of area, milking systems or area, grassland area, loafing: area, access/control/sorting gates, stables or paddocks). The present; invention Is particularly suitable tor use in open ranges and feeding operations.

Each :# the lambs 104! ewes lid and rams 108 wears a collar device 112. The collar devices: 112 each: comprise a transmitter, a tip switch and a location-providing element; it will be: readily understood that alternative types of animal mounting devices or body yen devices could be used in place of a collar device 112. For example* a belt device could be worn around dip midriff of the iambs 104 and/pr ewes 100 and/or rams 108. This would perform the Same fpnc|on as deperibpd hefelibelow in respect ofthe colter device 112. k receiver 114 capable of communicating with each ofthe transmitters in the collar device 112 is also provided. This receiver 114 ts shown to be positioned within the boundary of the paddddk 102, but: it will be appreciated1 that it may be ppsipned Outside of the paddock 102- If the repelvef 114 is a short-range receiver 114, then it paddock 102. However, if according to a preferred embodiment discussed further below, the receiver 114 is a long range receiver 114. then the receiver Ul can be located ai a distance from the paddock 102.

In ope: f mfeediment of lb© present invention, Radio-Frequency Identification {RF|p)l;ts died is Ihe;Idcation-provldirig element and the transmitter and receiver 114 are RF© based; if will be readily understood that alternative types of location-providing; elements maylbeiused, A ewe will typically stray away from a flock of sheep and fie bn her side when she is preparing for labour;,: In order to alert a farmer that one of their ewes is about to go; info labour, the presortt invention monitors both; the; location and the body position of the ewe. This; is an important aspect of the present invention, and any body worn device must be capable used as a part of the present invention must be capable: of moniforihg these data points. As lambing time approaohiSj a ewe wiil often 'appear restlessanddslikely:to move sway from the Hock and look for a secluded area away from other animats. At this time it can fee assumed that the ewe is in labour. As the labour process progresses, the ewe Wilf spend an increasing amount of time lying down on her side; with her bead raised ;br extended ibn/vard and her legs touching the ground. VVfeen a ewe 106 strays away from the dock; and lies down, the farmer is notified via an app or SMS that a particular ewe is going to give birth. The location of the ewe ban be provided to the the· assorted. app e»r by SMS or other communication means:,

In a further embodiment when a ewe 106 strays away from the ...fleck for more: than: a predetermined amount of time (not shown), the farmer is notified vla an app or SMS that a particuiar ey^ils going to gi^ teirth. in a further embc#mentw^ 106 strays away from the flock for more than a pfbdeteirhinid amount of time (not shown;),:: and ties down for more than a predetermined amount of time (not shown), the farmer Is notified via an app er SMS that a parveusar ©we is going to give birth.

In a further embodiment when a ewe 106 strays away from the flock for more than a predetermisieci amount of time (not shown), lies down for more than a predefsnriirpd amount of time (not shown), and, raises or extends its head, the farmer Is noped ym an app or SMS that a particular ewe is going to give birth.

The farmer(holds the;sheep 104,. 106, 106 in a paddock 102 within range of RFID receiver 114. The range of the RFID receiver is envisaged to be approximately 1km arid therefore, sheep 104, T04 108 can move within a paddock 102 which may be reipyeiy iatiiolf the RFIp receiver is placed in a central position within the paddock lili: then the pad#ck could; h© substantially circular in plan elevation andhave a iiimeter Of approximately 2kms.

The RFip ifeceiver 1l4 lSi POPnecied tp: ^ network (not ghowri| comprising a central processor fnoi shown) using an Ethernet cable (not shown), for example* although other wireless land wired connections could he used The central processor may he In communications with a web sever which may carry out some or alt of the pmeessihg of tie deta received by the receiver 114, The central processor may be s home or office computer as; used by the farmer, and does not necessarily need to be ψ dedicated piece idf hardware excibsiveiy used as the central processor. This Is particularly thus where e : web server is used: fer the processing a nd analysing of data information,

It m be readily understood: that the paddock may: comprise a monitoring area defined by the centra! processor (not shown) as being the boundary of the flock, it Wifi be readily understood that the paddock or the monitoring area defined by the central processor pot shown) as being the bouhdery Of lie flock is fluid; and subject to change depending on; the movement of tie; flock as a whole, it wit be readily understood that changes to position end location of the flock as a result of the movement of the flock as a whole are monitored; by the centra! pfoeessbr and the central processor ;s capable of modifying the boundary of the fiock accordingly and iubsedbbhfiy updating the defined paddock or the monitoring area. In a preferred embodiment modification of the boundary of the look by the centra! processor and the subsequent updating of the defined paddock or the monitoring area by the centra] processor is performed in real time. The boundary;bf the flock will be defined by the positions of the OUtormosf sheep :;ih: the fiock. For a sheep to be determined to form # the: that sheep must be within a oredehned distance of at ieastbnerbther sheep in the lock. The predefined distance can range from 5 feet to 30 feet but is envisaged fo he 10 feet, on average. The sheep must remain;; inside thiSi predefined; distance fpr more than a preset amount of time. This child be: i: second, S;SdedhdS:; il siCChda, 20 seconds, 30 seconds or#0 seconds;

As mentioned above, each of fc coiiardeviees 112 comprises a transmitter, a tip switch and a location-providing element. In the embodiment where RRD is used, the location-providing element will be a RFID lag. The collar device 112 wilt be steed and: shaped to be filled to the sheep 104, 106, 10B. tits of course possible to only place collar devices 112; on just the ewes 106 if the farmer wishes to only monitor.....for lambing, although collars 112 may be placed on the lambs 104 and rams 108 If the farmer wishes to monitor their movements. And it can also be beneficial for determining the size and location off he flock by monitoring not just the ewes 108 but: diSd monitoring the locations of the iambs 104 and the rams 108. Alternative animal-mounted devices may he used; provided the devices are capable of providing the location Information of the sheep; mounting the device and the orientation of the sheep mounting:the device.

The RFiQ tags in the c^llar deVicssdi lS are envisaged fd:'detdnmihb;ipi^mt^· to other collar devices 112: on sheep 1¾ 106, 1|8:: using a Real Tima Locating System (RTIS). The ppxlmlty to other devices 112 on sheep 104, 106, 108 is used to monitor the sheep 104, 108, 188 Ih s paddock 102 and determine where; a flock 110 is positioned. A Sock 110 of sheep 104. 106, 108 is defined M two or more sheep 184, 106, 108, Sheep 104, 106, 108 in a flock 110 tend to It together because of their gregarious shipcf, and, their desire td conghsgitibh fdr protection. Sheep 104, liMi 108 like to maintain a distance, of safe tebhe, between themselves and others. The flight distance is defined as the space between themselves and others (e.g. humans, other animals) Which the sheep 104* iOf, 108 will tolerate before moving. The flight distance Varies a great deal depending Cft; the situation the sheep 104,106,106 is in. but in a normal situation, when the sheep 104, 106, 108 is relaxed, the distance Is small. However if danger, for example ;n the form of a deg or a strange person, appears then It is greatly increased and the sheep 104, 100, 108 moves away to increase the distance between;themselves arid the other :animai/per$$rjfe ffjii flight distance would be about 10-12 feel when a sheep 104« 106, fOf 1$i^iaxid and sheep tend to stay closer than this to each other when they are in a particular flock. Therefere/when fee central processor of the ewe labour monitoring system 100 receives all of the optional information regarding ait of the sheep ewe; labour pppSiering system 100 in the paddock 102,, the central processor will; deterrhtne where one or more flecks have bevelcpedby calculating thedisianees betv^n ail^eht: sheep 104, 106, 108. If two or more sheep are positioned within a predetermined distance of each other, then those sheep 104, 106. 108 are determined to form a flock. Tine predetermined distance; may be 10 feet for example however it will be readily understood that this distance Will vary greatly dependant on the environment, including but not limited to the topology of the environment, the sllb of thd;;paddbek 102, the shape of the paddock;; 112: and other: factors such as whether parts ot the paddock 102 are more open to weather effects such as whdiSodi so on. tlenefaliy speaking;, a predetermined distance will have to be selected based on experience add .Ideal; 4ondl!idns;wifh input from the farmer on the farm where the ewe labour monitoring system 100 is to be installed. In some circumstances, this couid be 8 feet and* in other circumstances this could be 30 feet. For determination Of fee formation of the flock, the sheep may oeed to be within this predetermined distance for a certain period of time (e.g, 1 second, 5 seconds, 10 seconds, 20seconds, 30 seconds, 60 seconds).

The ItTUl is currently offered as part of some prior art RFID Mgs; such; as the tag sold unicr by TagSerise under the name ZT-500, This fag operates at long range using a proprietary manufacturer communications protocol and: fee IEEE 802.15.4 comm unicaffeds protocol. This RTLS used by this particular tag uses the Received Signal Strength indicator (RSil) so that an approximate: evaluation can be acquired. RSSf fs ah indleattei of the power level being received by the antenna. Therefore, the higher thf RSSI number, the stronger the signal, RSSI signal ©an be affected by environmental parameters and Is not very reliable. The tag envisaged to be Used in this particular; embodiment of the Invention uses an alternative to the RSSI signal,: whereby the tag also has the ability to record the ID of any reader which communicates with the tag. Using this function, it Is possible to create a method for identifying geographic zones by using multiple readers, each with its own unique ID, The RFID system: which utilises this type of teg provides a simplified reader dSVlbi cafied a locator fee which serves this purpose:; A locator beacon will continuously transmit its location ID code, The tag records this location: Ip code and includes it in M normal ibeacbb: packet liens missions, in addition to recording the location iD code, the tag: :i al§p: capable of measuring and recording fid RS8I Of the Ibcetor beacon transmission, iy ipovyfng the location ID end the; location Rlily i| is possible to ere#© # itoeabnably robust system· that ilfaeks. the location if the· tags using this specialised and unique RTLS,

Of course, alternative locating systems may be used in place of, or in conjunction with, this type of RTIS. Furthermore, different RFID systems and/or different types of tagging systems can be used to track and locate all of the sheep 104,106,10l in the paddock 102.

In one embodiment, the collar device 112 will he configured to transmit its location every four minutes by default. If a ewe 106 keeps straying away from the flock ilp lie collar device 112 will transmit its lopatidhvmore often by reducing the transmission interval, the tip-over switch fitted to the collar device 112 is oti important element of the prpStnt: invention mth® j^serd ipyintion does not simpiy track the location of a ewe, relative to the flock 110, to determine whether a ewe 106 is straying, but also rnoniforsihe body positfob of the ewe 106 to determine if the ewe Is lying down in a position which Is indicative of labour. The tip-over switch carries out the function of monitoring and reporting: on the body position of the ewe. For this reason it is important that thi; collar device 112 is relatively tightly fitted such that it does not rotate, as is the case with some prior art examples where counter-weights are used to rotate the collar device 11; 2 Intentionally;, A trigger signal: is generated by the closing of the tip-over switch. The collar device 112 will sendrthis: information, using the Mnsmitter in the collar device 112, to the central processor where the data will be analysed and then a push notification will be gertoratod by the central processor and sent to the farmer on an associated app on the mobile telephone, or bySMi; or Other such eorrvmynieatlon means.

The tip-oyeriSWitph is activated if the tip-over switch is tilted: from the vertical pgsliva. The a ngje: through which the tip-over switch moves before becoming opefatlbhSFIs called the dprafing angle, The tip-over switch envisaged Id be used 1h an embodiment of the present invention shall have an operating angle of Θ& degrees* Other operating angles may be: used* Typically these tip-over switches are omnidteciidhah However, ithis- also foreseen: that if the switches are: Oi-di:rei#Oha| then brief Igrovet switch activations: could be floored. Tor example* if a tip-over switch was only activated for less than .5 seconds Μ 1§| seconds* IHdO jf :00010 be assumed that the ewe was lying down briefly on her side for some other reason,

The receiver 114 operates with the RFID tags and can provide bi-directional; ipTiMunf^telbr up to 2000m by communicating yja the industry standard protocol liiE 80.2.ifb& This protocol is the most advanced protooot used today and includes bidirectional edmrnunlcation between the tag and the reader. This enables faster and rrii>tn&;; i^i^ic^i^'ihti i^mmunit^liibins when multiple tags and readers are present in a dense operating environment. A further advantage of using such a long range receiver 114 is that the receiver 114 can be positioned reiatively elose to a farmers house of OffsOa or sheds, where a cable dan be run from the receiver 114 to the eertfeai processor 112. if the receiver 114 is located in a field and adjacent the paddi^ liZ then a relatively long cable would have to be installed to run the cable from; the iBOifVer 114 back to the farmer's house, or office, or shed, where the central processor is located. The use of the long range receiver 114 makes the Installation process much: easier.

In use, a farmer will Tt the coilar devices 112 to the sheep 104, 106, 108: in the paddock 101 and the coilar devices 112 will begin communicating location informaldn fe the central processor via the receiver 114. The farmer may only opt to fit coilar devices 112 to ewe 106, of even just to ewes 106 that are known to have breed. The Ideation information segardihg the sheep 104. 106, 108 is analysed and one or more flocks 110 are identified. A flock 11Θ is identified add distances a, b, c, di hem a boundary of theflppk 110 ic sheep 104, 106, 108 outside of the flock 110 are determined:, if the distances a, b, c, d are greater than a pre-defined amount, then a sheep 104 108, 18 is determined to be straying. Thepre-defined amount may be 20 feet, for example; or within: the range of 10 feet to 100 feet, for example. As before, this predefined: amount will be set based on local conditions such as the topology and size and shape Of the paddock and the experience of the farmer as to how his type pl Mteep and particular flock of sheep behave. This can be useful for monitoring if a lamb 114 has: become lost from fhe ofher sheep. Of more particular use in the certed ; pf an embodiment of the present invention is identifying if a ewe 106 has sthapd lrQm a feck 110, If that ewe 106 has also moved to lie down do their side, then the trigger Signal from the tip-over switch Wi!!::bibb fee strahsmittetl to::#e central processor via the collar device 112 and the received 114 which is connected to toe central processor. When a ewe 106 who has strayed from: IN feck 110 is also lying on their side is identified, an alert is sent to the farmer from the central processor by using WiFi. SMS, or some other communication protocol so that a message can be given Oh their mobile telephone on an app or by SMS.: It is also foreseen that: bespoke and dedicated alert dewces could be used instead of relying on a farmer’s htobile telephone,

The present invention has: been: limited to sheep in respect of the foregoing description. However, other animats which display straying tendencies and also adopt specific body positions when preparing for labour could wear the collar devices, or body worn devices. of tp;: present Invention and toe same benefits could be derived therefrom. The tip switch may need to be replaced with a gyroscope or other such means if different types of body positions or behaviours are :tp be monitored. For example, a camel is aisp known to stray and raise :their tail to ah almost horizontal position when preparing tor labour so a device similar to the one described:: above which monitored the tali position rather than a tip swtch to monitor for the lying on toe side, febid be used.

The terms ’‘comprise” and ’include”. and any variations thereof required for grammatical reasons, are to be considered as interchangeable and accorded the widest possible interpretation.

The terme “she" “her” and ’’if, and any variations thereof required tor grammatical reasons, as used in connection with ewes or other female animals in labour are to be considered as ihtomhangeabl® and accorded the widest possible interpretation. it will hm understood that the components ehown: in fay of the drawings fie hot necessaitf drawn to scale, end, like parts shown in severaf drawings are designated the same reference numerals.

It wiii he further understood fiat: features from any of the embodiments: may be combined' wifi aftemepe described embodiments, even if such a combination is not expiettiy moled hereinbefore but. would be understood to be technicaiiy feasible by thespersoo skilled in the frt

The invention is not limited to the embodimentshereinbeforedeschbed which may be yaried ih both construction and detail.

Claims (16)

1. siiin ** Ά me labour monitoring system comprising a plurality of oditif Novices sufeble to be fitted to a plurality of sheep, including at feast ommm; whereby each:; of the plurality of collar bbyicas are capable of communieatini; with a receiver to transmit location Information regarding the location of the sheep fitted with the collar device, and, body position; information regarding the body position of the sheep fitted with the colfar device; and. whereby the location information of the sheep fitted with the collar device and the body position of the sheep fitted with: the collar device are transmitted to a central prccessor wherein, the central processor analyses the location information of each of the collar devices fitted Ip the plurality pf SheaP to identify If a flock, comprising two or hiOfe Sheep Within a pre^dbtermihed distance of one another, has been established and, if any of the at feast one ewe has strayed a predefined distance from the f!OpK>:: ' A ewe labour monitoring system; as claimed in claim; 1, wherein, central trooesggr estsMsfes at least one monloong area; determined by at feast;: one; boundary of thefiopfebf sheep/idenlffedi.: & A ewg:t!aiMir;lTidhliPhhg· system1 as claimed intcleims 1 and; 2, wherein;, the central processor establishes multiple monitoring areas determined by multiple boundaries of the fiock of sheep identified. % A ewe; labour mgnitbrlng system as claimed: In elaims: 1 to it wherein, the central processor establishes the formation of at feast one fiogkdhrreei-time^
2. 5. A ewe labour:·monipnhgi system: as dfeihied in any one: of the preceding claims, wherein, the central processor identifies changes in position of the at least one boundary of the fiock of sheep identified.
3. 6. A ewe labour monitoring system as claimed in any one of the pteceding claims, wherein, the central processor identifies changes in location of the at of the flock of sheep identified.
4. 7. A S^idibour monitonng system as claimed in claims 5 and 6, wherein, the at least one beehdafy is altered In accordance with the changes in the peslfipi of the at least one boundary of the flock of sheep identified.
5. 8. A mm labour monitoring splem as claimed In claims 5 to 7, wherein, the senbal processor altars the at least one boundary in accordance with the changes in locatsoh of the at least one boundary of the flock of sheep: identified,
6. 9. A awe labour monitoring system as claimed in claims 5 to 8, wherein, the central processor alters the at least one boundary of the flock of sheep: identified In real-time,
7. 10. A ewe labour monitoring system as claimed in claims; 5 to 8, wherein, the centra! processor updates the at least one monitoring area with any changes to the at least one monitoring area in real-time. |1::, A ewe labour monitoring system; as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein, the receiver is dbnnested to the central processor which processes the; location information and body position information from the collar devices to ascertain if any of the at ;easi one ewe is in labour;
8. 12. A ewe labour "monitoring system as Plained in any: one of the preceding claims, wherein, the central processor processes: the Ideation information of each; the collar devices fitted to the plurality bf sheep to identify: If: the at least one ewe has strayed a predefined distance imp the flock.

   11. A ewe labour monitoring system as claimed :n claim 12 wHereih:, !b®:;eehfral processor processes the lOfOtion information of ei#h fb© collar devices fitted to the plurality of sheep to identify whether a predefined: ariodnt of Ime :S|enf away from the flook has been reached.
9. 14. A ewe iSbbdf mentoring system as claimed in any one of the preceding clsims: wherein, the; csrirgl processor analyses the body position ihferfnaiidp: of each of the coliardevices fitted to the plurality of sheep to identify if the atleast one ewe had: laid down on Its side. 1:8¾ A-ewe labour monitoring system as claimed in claim 14, whereip, fhe central: processor analyses the body position information of eapb of the collar devices fitted to the ply rally of sheep to determine whether a predefined time spent laid down on is side has been reached.; 16:, A ewe labour monitoring system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein, the central processor analyses the body position information: of each of the collar devices fitted to the plurality of sheep: to identify if the at leasfone ewe hasraisedor extended its head.
10. 17. A ewe labour monitoring system as claimed in claim 18 wherein, the; central processor analyses the body position information of each of the collar devices fitted to the plurality of sheep to determine whether a predefined time spent With its head raised or extended has been leached.:
11. 18. A ewe labour monitoring system as claimed in any of the speeding claims^ wherein, the: central processor transmits an alert to a farmer lithe central processor ascertains that any of the at least one ewe Is in labour.

    15. A ewe labour monitoring system as claimed in any preceding claims, wherein, the collar device composes a transmitter, a Igcatioh phavidiog element arid afippvef switch. Hi A ewe labour monitoring system as claimed in arty of the preceding claims, wherein, the transmitter transmits fhd location information as provided by the location prdilih^: a trigger signaitwhen the tip-over switch is rotated pasf ianiOperalOhifahgfe.
12. 21, Μ ewe labour monitoring system: as claimed in any preceding claims, wbeiein, the ewe is ascertained to be in iabour, or about to go into labour, if the ewe has strayed mere than a predetermined distance from other sheep ad|aeent to the ewe add the ewe has laid down on her side. 22, : A ewe iabour monitoring system as claimed in daim 21, wherein, the ewe is iseiftained §» be in labour, or about to go into labour, if the ewe has raised or extended its head, 2i, A ewe labour monitoring system as ciaimed In claims 21 and; 22, wherein, the ewe is ascertained to be In labour, or about to go into labour, If the ewe has laid down on her side for more than a predetermined amount of time.
13. 24. A ewe labour monitoring system as ciaimed in any preceding claims, Wherein, the collar device comprises RFID tags: using a Real-lime bodetlng System. 2f|: A ewe labour monitoring system as ciaimed in any pf tbs preceding slairns. Wherein, the farmer receives the alert Pfl a mobile teliphon© via
14. 28. A ewe iabour monitoring system as claimed ini any of the preceding claims, wherein, the farmer receives the alert via a dedicated app installed on a mobile telephone.
15. 27, A ewe labour monitoring system as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein, the alert comprises a location,:
16. 28. A ewe iabour monitoring system ms claimed in any of the precedlhg claims,: wherein, the alert comprises a collar device identification number.