Mating Sensor Device for Livestock

• US 20170006836A1
• Filed: 07/07/2015
• Published: 01/12/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 07/07/2015
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Pablo Rafael Torres
• Original Assignee: Pablo Rafael Torres
• Inventors: Torres, Pablo Rafael
• Granted Patent: US 9,538,730 B1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: A01K 29/005 Monitoring or measuring activity, e.g. detecting heat or mating
• CPC Class Codes: A61D 17/004 for detecting mating action

Abstract

A device and method detects the orientation of a copulating livestock to indicate when the copulating livestock is mounted over a recipient livestock. A mounting base attaches the device over the dorsal spine and in the middle line of the back of the copulating livestock. The copulating livestock orients its dorsal spinal cord at about 45° incline while copulating with the recipient livestock. A tilt sensor detects the angle of inclination in relation to gravity or a predetermined reference angle. The copulation angle is generally greater than 45°. A counting apparatus registers the count every time the copulation angle is detected. A transmitter sends the count data to a remote data storage for analysis of copulating patterns. A solar panel provides renewable energy to recharge a battery. A control portion controls the device with a power switch and a reset switch. A camera and light provide more efficient analysis.

Claims

1. A device for managing livestock husbandry, the device comprises:

a mounting base, the mounting base defined by a mounting surface and an exterior surface;

a tilt sensor, the tilt sensor configured to detect a reference angle and a copulation angle, wherein the copulation angle is at least 45 degrees of deviation from the reference angle;

a counting apparatus, the counting apparatus configured to register a count of the copulation angle;

a transmitter, the transmitter configured to transmit the count of the copulation angle to a remote data storage portion;

a reset switch, the reset switch configured to reset the counting apparatus;

a power switch, the power switch configured to power on and power off the device;

a battery, the battery configured to generate power for the device; and

a solar panel, the solar panel configured to generate renewable energy for recharging the battery.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is attached over the dorsal spine and in the middle line of the back of a copulating livestock.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the mounting surface of the mounting base is defined by a ridged texture configured to create frictional attachment with the skin of the copulating livestock for inhibiting slippage of the device.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein the mounting base comprises at least one strap, the at least one strap configured to fasten the device to the copulating livestock.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein the at least one strap is arranged to cross over a forelimb armpit and over the dorsal spine and in the middle line of the back of the copulating livestock.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the at least one strap is two straps that are elastic and adjustable.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein the copulation angle is the angle formed by the copulating livestock mounting a recipient livestock.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein the reference angle is the angle formed by the copulating livestock oriented substantially parallel with a ground surface.

9. The device of claim 8, further including a light, the light configured to illuminate the area proximal to the copulating livestock.

10. The device of claim 9, further including a camera, the camera configured to capture an image of the area proximal to the copulating livestock.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein the copulating livestock includes at least one member selected from the group consisting of:

a bull, a ram, a buck, a stallion, and a dog.

12. The device of claim 11, wherein the recipient livestock includes at least one member selected from the group consisting of:

a cow, a castrated bull, an ewe, a nannie, a mare, and a bitch.

13. The device of claim 1, wherein the mounting base is glued to the dorsal area of a male copulating animal.

14. The device of claim 1, further including a control portion, the control portion including at least one member selected from the group consisting of:

a button, a switch, a display screen, an antenna, and an alarm, wherein the alarm operatively connects to the control portion, the alarm configured to indicate an event by the copulating livestock, misalignment of the at least one dispenser, and nonoperation of the tilt sensor.

15. The device of claim 1, further including a tracking portion, the tracking portion configured to track the position of the device with a global positioning system or a radio frequency system.

16. A device for managing livestock husbandry, the device comprises:

a mounting base, the mounting base defined by a mounting surface and an exterior surface;

a tilt sensor, the tilt sensor configured to detect a reference angle and a copulation angle, wherein the copulation angle is at least 45 degrees of deviation from the reference angle;

a counting apparatus, the counting apparatus configured to register a count of the copulation angle;

a reset switch, the reset switch configured to reset the counting apparatus;

a power switch, the power switch configured to power on and power off the device;

a battery, the battery configured to generate power for the device.

17. The device of claim 16, wherein the copulation angle is the angle formed by the copulating livestock mounting a recipient livestock.

18. The device of claim 16, wherein the reference angle is the angle formed by the copulating livestock oriented substantially parallel with a ground surface.

19. The device of claim 16, further including a solar panel, the solar panel configured to generate renewable energy for recharging the battery.

20. A method for managing livestock husbandry, the method comprising:

providing a device for monitoring copulation patterns of a copulation livestock in relation to a recipient livestock;

attaching the device with at least one strap over the dorsal spine and in the middle line of the back of the copulating livestock;

detecting a copulation angle and a reference angle of the copulating livestock with a tilt sensor, wherein the copulation angle is the angle formed by the copulating livestock mounting a recipient livestock, wherein the reference angle is the angle formed by the copulating livestock oriented substantially parallel with a ground surface;

registering a count of the copulation angle with a counting apparatus;

transmitting the count of the copulation angle to a remote data storage portion with a transmitter;

tracking a position of the device through a tracking portion;

collecting renewable energy through a solar panel for powering the device; and

operating the device through a control portion.