Herd control method and system
First Claim
1. A system for managing a herd of grazing animals, the system comprising:
- a plurality of herding devices, each herding device removably attached to one grazing animal in the herd, each herding device comprising;
a power supply;
an electromagnetic signal transmitter;
an electromagnetic signal receiver;
an electronic distance measurement signal filter;
an electronic variable comparator; and
an animal aversive stimulator;
wherein the electromagnetic signal transmitter is broadcasting an animal report signal;
the electromagnetic signal receiver is receiving animal report signals from herding devices associated with peer animals in the herd and output one or more distance measurement signals, the electronic distance measurement signal filter is converting the one or more distance measurement signals into a herd proximity value;
the electronic variable comparator is comparing the herd proximity value with a threshold value and generate a herd proximity pass/fail state; and
the animal aversive stimulator is generating an aversive stimulation to an animal upon a herd proximity fail state.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Herd control methods and systems are described that can achieve great benefits over conventional methods when applied to animal and range management. The methods allow much greater animal density than is possible by other means of intensive grazing. A herd can be turned out in a large pasture or unfenced rangeland without dispersal. The herd constantly moves to find new forage and water without the negative consequences of uncontrolled grazing, and fencing can be reduced or eliminated. The methods use devices attached to some or all of a plurality of animals to replicate a herdsman rather than a fence. These herding devices are equipped with components for measuring the distance to neighboring devices. A stimulation component actuated by the processor applies a stimulus, such as a sound or an electric shock, if the animal is too far from the herd.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A system for managing a herd of grazing animals, the system comprising:
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a plurality of herding devices, each herding device removably attached to one grazing animal in the herd, each herding device comprising; a power supply; an electromagnetic signal transmitter; an electromagnetic signal receiver; an electronic distance measurement signal filter; an electronic variable comparator; and an animal aversive stimulator; wherein the electromagnetic signal transmitter is broadcasting an animal report signal; the electromagnetic signal receiver is receiving animal report signals from herding devices associated with peer animals in the herd and output one or more distance measurement signals, the electronic distance measurement signal filter is converting the one or more distance measurement signals into a herd proximity value; the electronic variable comparator is comparing the herd proximity value with a threshold value and generate a herd proximity pass/fail state; and the animal aversive stimulator is generating an aversive stimulation to an animal upon a herd proximity fail state. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method for managing a herd of grazing animals comprising the steps of:
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providing a plurality of herding devices removably attached to grazing animals in the herd, each herding device comprising;
a power supply;
an electromagnetic signal transmitter;
an electromagnetic signal receiver;
an electronic distance measurement signal filter, an electronic variable comparator; and
an animal aversive stimulator;each herding device broadcasting (reporting) an animal report signal; each herding device receiving animal report signals from herding devices on other animals in the herd; each herding device determining a spacing distance between itself and every other reporting herding device based upon received animal report signals; each herding device comparing the determined spacing distance with a preset maximum spacing distance; each herding device identifying a non-compliance condition upon the determined spacing distance exceeding the preset maximum spacing distance; and each herding device, on a non-compliance condition, activating the animal aversive stimulator. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification