WO2017017060A1

WO2017017060A1 - Module for poultry farming cages

Info

Publication number: WO2017017060A1
Application number: PCT/EP2016/067670
Authority: WO
Inventors: Massimo Finco
Original assignee: Massimo Finco
Priority date: 2015-07-27
Filing date: 2016-07-25
Publication date: 2017-02-02
Also published as: EP3349571A1; ITUB20152508A1

Abstract

A module (10, 110, 210, 310) for poultry farming cages, to be inserted within a cage (11, 111, 211, 311) of the type that comprises a bottom (12, 112, 212, 312) that is inclined toward a slot (13, 113, 213, 313) that is lateral with respect to the cage (11, 111, 211, 311) for the exit of eggs toward egg collection means (14, 114, 214, 314) installed on the cage (11, 11, 211, 311) so as to correspond to the slot (13, 113, 213, 313); the module (10, 110, 210, 310) comprises means (16, 116, 216, 316) for preventing the exit of chicks through the slot (13, 113, 213, 313).

Description

MODULE FOR POULTRY FARMING CAGES

The present invention relates to a module for poultry farming cages.

Currently, in the poultry sector, the installation of sheds inside which batteries of cages containing hens or chickens or chicks are arranged is widespread.

The sheds are conveniently provided with systems for ensuring the survival of the animals, such as ventilation and heating systems, automatic distribution systems for feed and water and for conveying externally eggs and droppings.

The cages inside the sheds are arranged in a battery, one above the other on metallic supporting frames according to a configuration in tiers, in order to optimize spaces and costs.

The sheds thus provided are efficient from the point of view of the utilization of the spaces and of the automation systems installed therein; however, in different phases of their life the animals have different requirements and the sheds require specific studies as a function of the age of the animal.

A situation of this type occurs for example in systems for farming laying hens.

Usually, in intensive systems, the life of a laying hen in fact is spent in two different sheds and in two different types of battery.

In the first four months of life, the animal goes through the chick phase, in which egg laying is absent, and after this step it becomes a laying hen.

The chicks are grown in dedicated sheds and in appropriately provided cages, which meet specific requirements in relation to the age and size of the animal. A few days before they reach such a maturity as to be able to start laying eggs, they are transferred manually into other sheds, suitable for laying hens and therefore suitable for the automatic collection of the eggs that will be laid. In systems of the known type, transfer of the chicks can cause significant problems.

For example, the sudden change in environment and equipment subjects the animal to a stress condition that affects productivity and also causes the breakup of the groups that have established themselves since birth. In particular, in the case of barns, it has been proven that animals of the same original group are more productive even when the cage is open and in this situation are also easier to manage for their redistribution in the batteries, since upon return to the cage they return with the respective group.

Moreover, other problems that can be observed in the transfer of the animals are the management costs and the risk of contamination and transfer of diseases from one place to another.

Using for the chicks the same cages studied for laying hens is not possible, mainly because cages for laying hens have a slot on the side of the egg collection basket through which such eggs are suitable to pass in order to reach the basket, with such dimensions that the chicks can pass through it to exit.

Furthermore, chicks have smaller feet than hens and the mesh of the mesh on the bottom of the cage has excessively large openings that are therefore unsuitable for chicks.

The aim of the present invention is to provide a module for poultry farming cages by way of which the same cage is used both for chick farming and for laying hen farming, obviating the drawbacks cited above.

Within this aim, an object of the invention is to provide a module by way of which the specific requirements of the animals are met in various phases of their life, with a same cage.

Another object of the invention is to devise a module that is suitable for various types of cages.

This aim, as well as these and other objects that will become better apparent hereinafter, are achieved by a module for poultry farming cages, to be inserted within a cage of the type that comprises a bottom that is inclined toward a slot that is lateral with respect to said cage for the exit of eggs toward egg collection means installed on said cage so as to correspond to said slot, said module being characterized in that it comprises means for preventing the exit of chicks through said slot.

Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become better apparent from the description of four preferred but not exclusive embodiments of the module according to the invention, illustrated by way of nonlimiting example in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a front view of a cage with a module according to the invention in its first embodiment;

Figure 2 is an enlarged- scale view of a detail of a cage;

Figure 3 is a front view of a cage with a module according to the invention in its second embodiment and in a first position for use;

Figure 4 is an enlarged- scale view of a portion of the cage of Figure

3, with the module in a second position for use;

Figure 5 is a front view of a cage with a module according to the invention in its third embodiment and in a first configuration for use;

Figure 6 is a view, similar to Figure 5, of the module of the same figure in a second configuration for use;

Figure 7 is a front view of a cage with a module according to the invention in its fourth embodiment.

With reference to Figure 1 , the module according to the invention is designated by the reference numeral 10 in its first embodiment.

The module is designed to be inserted in a cage 11 of the type that comprises a bottom 12 that is inclined toward a slot 13 that is lateral with respect to the cage 1 1 for the exit of eggs toward egg collection means 14 installed on such cage 11 (externally in the illustrated case), so as to correspond to the slot 13.

The egg collection means 14 comprise baskets of a known type which are extended substantially along the entire length of the battery and are conveniently mounted on the cage 1 1. Furthermore, they can also comprise a conveyor belt inside the basket to convey the eggs outside the shed.

The module 10 also comprises another bottom 15 to be arranged above the bottom 12 and suitable for chick walking. Hereinafter, the bottom

12 and the other bottom 15 will be referenced in the text respectively as first bottom 12 and second bottom 15.

The second bottom 15 preferably has a mesh- like structure, with openings that are smaller than those of the first bottom 12, which also has a mesh-like structure.

As an alternative, the second bottom 15 can be constituted by an element in sheet form made of a material that is intended to wear over time, mainly due to the droppings released by the chicks.

The module 10 also advantageously comprises means 16 for preventing the exit of chicks through the slot 13, which comprise an inclined edge 17 of the second bottom 15, which is suitable to cover the slot

13 from the inside of the cage 1 1.

It is possible to distinguish, for each unit of the cage 1 1, perches 18, water dispensers 19 for drinking, feed dispensers 20 and a nest 21.

The perches 18 are distributed both inside and outside the unit of the cage 11 , since the module 10 can also be used for barns.

Figure 2 is an enlarged-scale view of the cage 1 1 , which belongs to the battery of the barn type.

The enlarged- scale view shows a window covered by a door 25 on the outer wall of the cage 11. The cage 1 1 can be opened by acting on the door 25 and below it there is a cantilever element 26 that is installed on the outer wall of the cage 1 1 and above the basket of the egg collection means 14 in order to protect the eggs 27 from the hens outside the cage 11.

The cantilever element 26 advantageously is inclined downward in the direction of the cage 11, allowing the egg to roll inside it until it reaches the first bottom 12, which, being appropriately inclined outward, makes the egg 27 pass through the slot 13 to reach the collection means 14.

The details described above and indicated in the enlarged- scale view of Figure 2 can also be present in the subsequent described embodiments, as shown, although they are not referenced again.

With reference to Figures 3 and 4, the module according to the invention is designated by the reference numeral 110 in the second embodiment.

The module 1 10 is adapted to be inserted in a cage 111 of the type that comprises a bottom 1 12 that is inclined toward a slot 113 that is lateral with respect to the cage 111 for the exit of the eggs toward adapted egg collection means 114, which, as described previously for the first embodiment of the module 10, are installed on such cage 1 11 (externally, according to what is shown) so as to correspond to the slot 113 and comprise baskets that are extended substantially along the entire length of the battery and optionally also a conveyor belt inside the basket for conveying the eggs outside the structure.

In this embodiment also, the module 1 10 comprises another bottom 115 to be arranged above the bottom 1 12 and suitable for chick walking and also comprises means 1 16 for preventing the exit of chicks through the slot 113.

Hereinafter, the bottom 112 and the other bottom 1 15 will be referenced as first bottom 1 12 and as second bottom 115.

The second bottom 115 preferably has a mesh-like structure with openings that are smaller than those of the first bottom 112, which also has a mesh-like structure.

As an alternative, as for the preceding embodiment, the second bottom 1 15 can be constituted by an element in sheet form made of a material that is intended to wear over time, mainly due to the droppings released by the chicks. In this embodiment, the prevention means 116 comprise a partition 122 to be installed detachably at the slot 113.

In particular, the partition 122 comprises a fixed wall 123 to which a movable wall 124 is pivoted in a downward region and is meant to be raised, opening the slot 113 when the cage 111 is to be adapted for laying hens.

In Figure 3, the module 110 is shown in the first position for use A, for chicks, according to which the partition 122 has its movable wall 124 lowered in front of the slot 1 13 in order to close the passage to chicks.

In Figure 4, instead, the same module 110 is shown in the second position for use B, for laying hens, according to which the movable wall 124 of the partition 122 is raised, preferably by rotation as indicated by the double arrow C, and is arranged below the fixed wall 123, leaving clear the passage for the eggs toward the slot 113.

In an alternative version of this embodiment, the second bottom may not be present and the first bottom must have in this case a mesh-like structure with openings that are smaller than those of a structure adapted exclusively for hens, so that it is also adaptable to chicks.

In the example shown in these figures, also, it is possible to distinguish, for each unit of the cage 11 1, perches 1 18, water dispensers 1 19 for drinking, feed dispensers 120 and a nest 121.

With reference to Figures 5 and 6, the module according to the invention, in its third embodiment, is designated generally by the reference numeral 210.

The module is suitable to be inserted in a cage 211 of the type that comprises a bottom 212 that is inclined toward a slot 213 that is lateral with respect to the cage 211 for the exit of the eggs toward adapted egg collection means 214, which are similar to those of the preceding embodiments, which are installed on the cage 211 so as to correspond to the slot 213. The module 210 also comprises another bottom 215 to be arranged above the bottom 212 and adapted for chick walking and also comprises means 216 for preventing the exit of the chicks through the slot 213.

Hereinafter, the bottom 212 and the other bottom 215 will be referenced in the rest of the description respectively as first bottom 212 and as second bottom 215.

The second bottom 215 preferably has a mesh-like structure with openings that are smaller than those of the first bottom 212, which also has a mesh-like structure, and is instead suitable for hens. As an alternative, the second bottom 215 can be constituted by an element in sheet form made of a material that is intended to wear over time, mainly due to the droppings released by the chicks.

The first bottom 212 is pivoted along one of its sides to the cage 21 1, with the second bottom 215 superimposed thereon, on the opposite side with respect to the slot 213, in order to pass from a first configuration for use D for chicks, shown in Figure 5, to a second configuration for use E for laying hens, shown in Figure 6, in which the second bottom 215 can be extracted from the cage 211 , if it is of the type with a mesh-like structure and therefore has not worn after the growth of the chicks.

In an alternative version of this embodiment, the second bottom might not be present and the first bottom must have in this case a net-like structure with openings that are smaller than those of a structure adapted exclusively for hens, so that it can be adaptable to chicks as well.

The rotation from the first configuration for use D to the second one E and vice versa is designated by the letter F in Figure 5.

In the first configuration for use D, the first bottom creates the means 216 for preventing the exit of the chicks from the slot 213.

It is also possible to distinguish, for each unit of the cage 21 1, perches 218, water dispensers 219 for drinking, feed dispensers 220 and a nest 221. As shown in Figure 5, in the first configuration for use D the side of the first bottom 212 that lies opposite the pivoting side is arranged above the slot 213, thus preventing the chicks from accessing it, while in the second configuration for use E, shown in Figure 6, the same side is arranged substantially below the slot 213.

Figure 7 shows a fourth embodiment of the module according to the invention, designated generally by the reference numeral 310.

The module 310 is adapted to be inserted within a cage 311 of the same type described in the preceding embodiments, therefore of the type that comprises a bottom 312 that is inclined toward a slot 313 that is lateral with respect to the cage 311 for the exit of the eggs toward adapted egg collection means 314, which are similar to the ones of the preceding embodiments and are installed on the cage 311 so as to correspond to the slot 313.

The module 310 also comprises another bottom 315 to be arranged above the bottom 312 and adapted for chick walking and also comprises means 316 for preventing the exit of the chicks through the slot 313.

Hereinafter, the bottom 312 and the other bottom 315 will be referenced in the description respectively as first bottom 312 and as second bottom 315.

The second bottom 315 has a substantially rigid mesh-like structure, with openings that are narrower than those of the first bottom 312, which also has a mesh-like structure and is suitable for hens.

This bottom is arranged substantially horizontally and can be inserted and extracted from an external side of the cage 311, above the slot 313 through an adapted window, at which there is conveniently a door 325 with two portions that can be opened separately in order to allow the extraction of the second bottom 315 without opening the cage 311 completely.

Upon insertion, the second bottom 315 creates the prevention means 316. The arrow G indicates the direction of extraction of the second bottom 315.

In this manner, the chicks have available an environment that is extended only above the slot 313, preventing their outward access.

In this representation also, it is possible to distinguish, for each unit of the cage 311, perches 318, water dispensers 319 for drinking, feed dispensers 320 and a nest 321.

Use of the module according to the invention is as follows.

In the first embodiment, the second bottom 15 of the module 10 is inserted in the cage 11 so as to be superimposed on the first bottom 12, with the inclined edge 17 in front of the slot 313, so as to close it.

When the chick becomes a hen, the second bottom 15 is extracted from the cage 11, freeing the opening of the slot 13. The cage 11 in these conditions is already livable by hens for laying eggs. If the second bottom 215 is constituted by the element in sheet form, it dissolves in the first months of life of the animal, leaving it already in contact with the first bottom 12.

In the second embodiment of the module 110, the second bottom 115, if present, is superimposed on the first bottom 112 and the movable wall 124 of the partition 122 is rotated downward so as to be arranged in front of the slot 113, according to the position A.

When the chick has grown, the second bottom 115 is extracted from the cage 111 and the movable wall 124 is made to rotate and locked below the fixed wall 123, according to the position B, freeing the passage for the eggs through the slot 113. As an alternative, in the case of a second bottom 115 constituted by an element in sheet form, the latter is intended to wear during the growth of the chick.

In the third embodiment of the module 210, the first bottom 212, which is pivoted to the structure of the cage 211 at the opposite side with respect to the slot 213, is locked with the opposite side to the outer wall of such cage 211, above the slot 213, according to the configuration D.

When the chick has grown, the first bottom 212 is rotated downward, locking its opposite side with respect to the side for pivoting to the wall of the cage 211, below the slot 213, according to the configuration E, and the second bottom 215, if present, is extracted from the cage 211, unless it is constituted by the element in sheet form.

In the third embodiment of the module 310, the second bottom 315 is inserted in the cage 31 1 through the window and at a height that is higher than the slot 213 for the chicks.

When the chick has grown, the second bottom 315 is simply extracted from the cage 311.

It should be noted that the module according to the invention can be used in different types of cage, in particular also in cages for barn batteries.

In practice it has been found that the invention achieves the intended aim and objects, by providing a module that allows to use the same cage both for farming chicks and for farming laying hens, meeting the specific requirements of the animals in the various phases of their life.

The invention thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims; all the details may further be replaced with other technically equivalent elements.

In practice, the materials used, so long as they are compatible with the specific use, as well as the contingent shapes and dimensions, may be any according to requirements and to the state of the art.

The disclosures in Italian Patent Application No. 102015000038326

(UB2015A002508) from which this application claims priority are incorporated herein by reference.

Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, those reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly such reference signs do not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs.

Claims

1. A module for poultry farming cages, to be inserted within a cage (11, 111, 21 1, 311) of the type that comprises a bottom (12, 112, 212, 312) that is inclined toward a slot (13, 113, 213, 313) that is lateral with respect to said cage (11, 111 , 211, 31 1) for the exit of eggs toward egg collection means (14, 114, 214, 314) installed on said cage (11, 11 1, 21 1, 31 1) so as to correspond to said slot (13, 113, 213, 313), said module (10, 110, 210, 310) being characterized in that it comprises means (16, 1 16, 216, 316) for preventing the exit of chicks through said slot (13, 1 13, 213, 313).

2. The module according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises another bottom (15, 1 15, 215, 315) to be arranged above said bottom (12, 112, 212, 312) and suitable for chick walking.

3. The module according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that said prevention means (16) comprise an inclined edge (17) of said other bottom (15), adapted to cover said slot (13) from the inside of said cage (11).

4. The module according to one or more of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that said prevention means (116) comprise a partition (122) to be installed detachably at said slot (1 13).

5. The module according to one or more of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that said bottom (212) is substantially pivoted along one of its sides to said cage (211) on the opposite side with respect to said slot (213), in order to pass from a first configuration for use (D) for the chicks, for which the side of said bottom (212) that is opposite the pivoting side is arranged above said slot (213), to a second configuration for use (E) for laying hens, for which the side of said bottom (212) that lies opposite the pivoting side is arranged substantially below said slot (213), in said first configuration for use (D) said bottom (212) creating said prevention means (216).

6. The module according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that said other bottom (315) can be inserted and extracted from an external side of said cage (311), above said slot (313), upon insertion said other bottom (315) creating said prevention means (316).