Technical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to foddering of animals and in particular to determining whether an animal is properly fed or not.

Background

[0002] The health and well-being of an animal is important, not only from a moral perspective, but also for the animal to produce large quantities of milk and milk of good quality in case the animal is a dairy cattle or livestock. The same applies to beef or meet cattle, wherein it is desirable that the animal produces good quality of meet. Generally, a farm of animals usually has a large amount of animals and the animals are often fed in common and not individually. The group as a whole may be monitored such that they are given fodder of an amount based on the number of animals in the group. However, since animals are individuals thereby there is a variation among animals with respect to how much they eat, how fast/slowly they eat. These variations may lead to some animals being overfed and some animals being under-fed.

[0003] Using, fodder-station it is possible to fodder animal individually according to their nutrient need however actual total fodder intake is unknown because there is no system to measure e.g. individual roughage intake.

[0004] Nutrient balance of dairy and/or a beef animal is important. Nutrient balance is the difference between nutrient intake and nutrient consumed.

Monitoring nutrient balance is an important task of a herdsman and animal health and foddering efficiency depends very much on it.

Summary

[0005] The object is to obviate at least some of the problems outlined above. In particular, it is an object to provide a monitoring device and a method performed by the monitoring device for determining whether an animal is properly fed. These objects and others may be obtained by providing a monitoring device and a method performed by a monitoring device according to the independent claims attached below.

[0006] According to an aspect, a method performed by a monitoring device for determining whether an animal is properly fed is provided. The method comprises obtaining a measured value of at least one parameter related to fodder intake of said animal during a time period; and obtaining an estimation of energy needed by said animal during the time period. The method also comprises determining an animal-specific factor based on the measured value of the at least one parameter and the energy needed by the animal.

[0007] According to an aspect, a monitoring device for determining whether an animal is properly fed is provided. The monitoring device is configured for obtaining a measured value of at least one parameter related to fodder intake of said animal during a time period; and for obtaining an estimation of energy needed by said animal during the time period The monitoring device is also configured for determining an animal-specific factor based on the measured value of the at least one parameter and the energy needed by the animal.

[0008] The monitoring device and the method performed thereby have several advantages. One advantage is that the animal may be individually monitored and kept track of. Another advantage is that it enables easy detection of a possible malnutrition of the animal. Yet another advantage is that it may provide an indication of which fodder is beneficial to the animal and which is not. Still an advantage is that the animal-specific factor may provide an indication of whether an animal is more or less suited to be used for breeding since an animal tending to overeat or not consuming enough fodder to accommodate its energy need may be less suitable than an animal consuming fodder corresponding to its energy need.

Brief description of drawings

[0009] Embodiments will now be described in more detail in relation to the accompanying drawings, in which: [00010] Figure 1 a is a flowchart of a method performed by a monitoring device for determining whether an animal is properly fed, according to an exemplifying embodiment.

[00011] Figure 1 b is a flowchart of a method performed by a monitoring device for determining whether an animal is properly fed, according to yet an exemplifying embodiment.

[00012] Figure 1c is a flowchart of a method performed by a monitoring device for determining whether an animal is properly fed, according to still an exemplifying embodiment.

[00013] Figure 1d is a flowchart of a method performed by a monitoring device for determining whether an animal is properly fed, according to another exemplifying embodiment.

[00014] Figure 1e is a flowchart of a method performed by a monitoring device for determining whether an animal is properly fed, according to a further exemplifying embodiment.

[000 5] Figure 1f is a flowchart of a method performed by a monitoring device for determining whether an animal is properly fed, according to an exemplifying embodiment.

[00016] Figure 1g is a flowchart of a method performed by a monitoring device for determining whether an animal is properly fed, according to yet a further

exemplifying embodiment.

[00017] Figure 1 h is a flowchart of a method performed by a monitoring device for determining whether an animal is properly fed, according to still a further exemplifying embodiment.

[00018] Figure 2a is a schematic illustration of a barn comprising animals having free access to fodder. [00019] Figure 2b is a schematic illustration of a field wherein animals have free access to fodder and/or grass.

[00020] Figure 3 is a block diagram of a monitoring device for determining whether an animal is properly fed, according to an exemplifying embodiment.

[00021] Figure 4 is a block diagram of a monitoring device for determining whether an animal is properly fed, according to another exemplifying embodiment.

[00022] Figure 5 is a block diagram of an arrangement in a monitoring device for determining whether an animal is properly fed, according to an exemplifying embodiment.

Detailed description

[00023] Briefly described, a monitoring device and a method performed thereby for determining whether an animal is properly fed are provided. Using e.g. one or more sensors, the time the animal spends eating fodder composition, eating grass, ruminating and/or the water intake of the animal may be monitored and/or measured. The above are non-limiting examples of parameters related to fodder intake.

[00024] The energy need of the animal is also estimated. The monitoring device performing the method may then determine an animal-specific factor based on the monitored parameter related to fodder intake, and the energy needed by the animal.

[00025] Estimations of nutrient consumed or needed may be obtained quite accurately by for instance the National Research Council, NRC, model for individual animal. However the nutrient intake (fodder intake) for individual animal is not easy to measure except in some research farms, in which all fodders are weighed for individual animals. The nutrient balance is estimated in group base. In this strategy all animals are considered as equal. Due to the difference between animals some animals are overfed and some are underfed. .

[00026] One way to monitor fodder intake is to measure the eating time.

Assuming fodder-intake is proportional to the eating time and nutrient content of the fodder, the fodder-intake of the animal may be estimated. However this assumption works if all animals eat with the same speed and/or metabolism. Using eating time only it is likely the fodder-intake estimate is not accurate enough for monitoring nutrient balance of individual animals.

[00027] Embodiments of a method performed by a monitoring device for determining whether an animal is properly fed will now be described with reference to figures 1a-1h.

[00028] Figure 1a illustrates the method 100 comprising obtaining 110 a measured value of at least one parameter related to fodder intake of the animal during a time period; and obtaining 120 an estimation of energy needed by the animal during the time period. The method 100 also comprises determining 140 an animal-specific factor based on the measured value of the at least one parameter and the energy needed by the animal.

[00029] The animal and its activities may be monitored in different ways. For example, the animal may be wearing or carrying one or more sensors that monitor(s) the animal's activities and position. Often, the animal has a positioning device, e.g. an RFID tag in its ear by means of which it is possible to always determine where the animal is located, either within a barn or on an enclosed field. For example, the RFID tag may identify the animal at a fodder table or at a water station, wherein it may be determined where and for how long the animal is staying at a certain location or position. The animal may also be wearing a neckband comprising one or more sensors that monitor(s) different activities of the animal such as chewing, swallowing, rumination, position of the head relative the body of the animal or relative ground, and/or movement of the head. The neckband may also comprise the above described RFID tag, a Global Positioning System, GPS, device or any other positioning device for keeping track of the whereabouts of the animal. [00030] There may be other sensors or monitoring arrangements in the barn or in the field in which the animal is located that may monitor the animal and collect statistics and/or information of the animal. Merely as an example, a water station where the animal may drink water may be equipped with a flowmeter in order to monitor the water intake of the animal. Water intake may be measured in a unit of volume for example.

[00031] Using this sensor or these different sensors the at least one parameter related to fodder intake of the animal may be monitored and statistics and/or information may be collected. The statistics and/or information may be in the form of the value of the at least one parameter. Examples of the at least one parameter are given in more detail below.

[00032] There are various ways of obtaining 120 the estimation of energy needed by the animal during the time period. This will also be explained in more detail below, however some illustrative examples are a predefined model, a standard, historical data or information of the animal etc.

[00033] The method also comprises determining 140 the animal-specific factor based on the measured value of the at least one parameter and the energy needed by the animal.

[00034] Assume the animal is in balance for sake of simplicity. When the animal is in balance, the animal consumes the amount of energy needed by the animal, wherein the animal neither gains nor loses weight. An energy balance equation may be described as: where E _content t) is energy content of the animal at time t. The time period during which the at least one parameter is monitored runs from T1 to T2. Energy content is related to the weight, size and/or amount of body fat of the animal and possibly also breeding status of the animal. E _in is the energy intake of the animal during the time period running from T1 to T2 and E _out is the accumulated energy

consumption of the animal during the current time period. E _out depends on e.g. milk production and energy needed for the animal's daily activity. E _out is the estimation of energy needed by the animal during the time period.

[00035] If E _consumption (t) is a function of the energy consumption of the animal at time t, then E _out is the integration of the function between T1 and T2:

Eout ~ ϊγι Econsumption(.t)> (^) wherein E _consumption (t) is defined by the National Research Council, NRC, model which will be explained in more detail below.

[00036] Again for simplicity, assume that the only energy source is fodder intake and that there is one fodder (e.g. mixed fodder) for simplicity of discussion. E _in may then be calculated as the following:

Ein ⁼ f _T1 Fintake (t) * Fenergy_content(.t)dt, (3) where F _intake t) is the fodder intake of the animal and F _{energy content} (t) is the energy content of the fodder. The energy conversion efficiency is included in the function F _{energy content} (t). These two functions are functions of time because fodder intake varies and so may the energy content in fodder. F _{energy content} (t) is a known function if the fodder is analysed e.g. on a daily basis and is described below.

[00037] The function of fodder intake F _intake (t) is a unit of kg per time unit. In an example, it is estimated by:

Fintake t = k * E(t) , (4) where E(t) is the eating time and k is the eating speed. It implies that the amount of fodder intake during a time unit is proportional to the time the animal spends eating during the time period. The parameter k is animal dependent. It does not assume all animals eat fodder at the same speed.

[00038] It is further assumed in an illustrative example that F _{energy content} (t) is constant during the time period and that e.g. the obtained measured value of at least one parameter related to fodder intake is related to time spent eating one type of fodder. Then the energy intake during the time period may be calculated by: Ε _ίη = Κ * Τ, (5) where T is the total eating time during the time period, which in this example is the obtained measured value of at least one parameter related to fodder intake.

[00039] Assuming the animal is in balance implies that E _in = E _out , wherein E _in = K * T = E _out . Since E _out is the obtained estimation of energy needed by the animal during the time period, K may be determined as

K = E _out /T, (6) wherein K is the animal-specific factor.

[00040] The method performed by the monitoring device has several

advantages. One advantage is that the animal may be individually monitored and kept track of. Another advantage is that it enables easy detection of a possible malnutrition of the animal. Yet another advantage is that it may provide an indication of which fodder is beneficial to the animal and which is not. Still an advantage is that the animal-specific factor may provide an indication of whether an animal is more or less suited to be used for breeding since an animal tending to overeat or not consuming enough fodder to accommodate its energy need may be less suitable than an animal consuming fodder corresponding to its energy need.

[00041] The method 100 may further comprise, as illustrated in figure 1 b, estimating 50 amount of intake of freely accessible fodder based on the animal- specific factor and the measured value of the parameter, whereby a more accurate amount of intake of freely accessible fodder may be calculated.

[00042] The animal may be in a barn or in an open field, wherein the animal may eat as much fodder as it wishes and also drink as much water as it wishes, see also figures 2a and 2b. The animal 251 -259 has access to a fodder table 210 from which the animal may eat as much fodder as it desires. The animal 251 -259 also has access to a water station 230 from which the animal may drink as much water as it desires. The water intake of the animal is proportionate to its fodder intake. Consequently, the fodder intake of the animal (i.e. the amount of fodder the animal eats) may be determined, or at least estimated by the water intake of the animal. [00043] As described above, various sensors and/or devices monitor the activities of individual animals. These sensors and/or devices may themselves or together in any combination provide information about the activities of individual animals within the barn 200 or open field 205 during the time period. An open field is generally enclosed by a fence or similar.

[00044] Since the animals have free access to fodder it becomes cumbersome to weigh and control the amount of fodder individual animals consumes. By using the animal-specific factor and the measured value of the parameter, the amount of intake of freely accessible fodder may be estimated 150. Generally, the fodder on the fodder table has a known energy content per unit of weight. Consequently, the amount of freely accessible fodder may be estimated 150 based on the animal- specific factor, the energy content of the fodder and the measured value of the parameter. Merely as an example, assume that the measured value of the parameter is time spent eating fodder off the fodder table 210 and denote the measured value of the parameter with T. Let C denote the energy content per unit of weight of the fodder consumed by the animal and K denote the animal-specific factor. Then the amount of fodder intake is estimated by K*C*T. However, it shall be pointed out that this is merely an example and that the same is valid when the measured value of the parameter relates to e.g. time spent ruminating or water intake.

[00045] The parameter may be water intake, time spent eating from a fodder table, time spent eating grass, or time spent ruminating.

[00046] As stated above, the water intake of the animal is proportionate to its fodder intake and hence water intake is thus related to fodder intake of the animal. It is clear that time spent eating from a fodder table and/or time spent eating grass are related to fodder intake of the animal. Time spent ruminating is also related to fodder intake of the animal, since the animal regurgitates (casts up) previously consumed fodder and masticates it a second time. The re-chewed fodder with saliva is formed into a bolus and swallowed a second time. [00047] It shall be pointed out that different animal-specific factors may be determined depending on which parameter or parameters is/are monitored and/or measured. Merely as an example, the monitoring device may determine one animal-specific factor based on water intake, one based on time spent at fodder table, one based on time spent ruminating, one based on time spent eating grass etc. Alternatively, two or more parameters may be combined so that one animal- specific factor may be based on water intake together with time spent at the fodder table for example.

[00048] The method may further comprise, as illustrated in figure 1c, predicting 160 the amount of fodder intake of the animal for a subsequent time period based on the determined animal-specific factor.

[00049] In case there is no change in fodder composition, it is likely that the animal should consume close to the same amount of fodder, e.g. daily, as the animal did daily during the time period that just passed from which the animal- specific factor was determined. There may be a change in circumstances affecting the fodder intake such as giving birth, but it is assumed that no major change in circumstances affecting the fodder intake has occurred.

[00050] A farmer may have a very large number of animals wherein it may be difficult to estimate amount of fodder to purchase so that the farmer does not have to store too much fodder or does not have enough to meet the requirements of the animals.

[00051] Using the animal-specific factor, the farmer may, for each animal, predict the amount of fodder intake of the animal for the subsequent time period based on the determined animal-specific factor. Then the total amount of fodder needed in the farm for the animals may be determined by adding the amount of fodder intake of all individual animals together.

[00052] The method may further comprise monitoring 170 the amount of fodder intake for the subsequent time period to determine whether the animal is properly fed during the subsequent time period. [00053] Not only is the predicting of the amount of fodder intake of the animal for a subsequent time period useful for fodder management on the farm, it may also be used to monitor the amount of fodder intake for the subsequent time period of the animal.

[00054] Also after the subsequent time period, an animal-specific factor may be determined based on measured value(s) of at least one parameter related to fodder intake of the animal. In case there is a relatively big change between two determined animal-specific factors, there may be something wrong. For example, the animal has become ill or a change in fodder composition between two time periods may be disadvantageous to the animal.

[00055] In case the animal deviates to a relatively large extent from the predicted amount of fodder intake, there may be something wrong with the animal. The monitoring device may be configured to generate an alarm of sort indicating to the farmer that the monitored animal is not eating as much fodder as predicted or is eating more fodder than predicted. This enables the farmer to investigate if something is wrong with the animal so that the farmer may take necessary measures if needed.

[00056] The method may further comprise, as illustrated in figure 1d, obtaining 30 a measured possible physiological change of the animal during the time period.

[00057] A physiological change may be a change in weight and/or a change in body fat. The change may be the animal has gained weight or increased its body fat; and the change may be that the animal has lost weight or reduced its body fat. Any physiological change is an indication that the animal is not in balance with regard to nutrition and/or energy intake stemming from its fodder consumption. If there is no physiological change, the animal is referred to as being in balance meaning that it is consuming the right amount of fodder and thereby right amount of energy. If there is a physiological change, the animal is referred to as being in imbalance meaning that it is not consuming the right amount of fodder/energy. If there is a physiological change between the two time periods, and that physiological change is not desired, an action may need to be taken in order to get the animal in balance. The change may be desired, e.g. if the animal has previously been underfed and has gained weight during the time period, e.g. due to some action that has been taken after the previous time period(s).

[00058] The determining 140 of the animal-specific factor may further be based on the possible physiological change of the animal during the time period.

[00059] As described above, if there is no physiological change of the animal during the time period, the animal is in balance meaning that the animal consumes an adequate amount of fodder and thereby energy.

[00060] If the animal is in balance, then the animal-specific factor should be relatively constant over time assuming little or no change in fodder composition and/or eating and/or drinking habit of the animal. The animal-specific factor for the animal in balance is related to the specific energy need of the animal, which takes into account the metabolism and/or eating speed of the animal and/or water intake of the animal, and/or time spent ruminating.

[00061] However, if the animal is in imbalance, the more general model for energy consumed by the animal should be used, i.e. equation (1 ) above. The physiological change results in a difference in energy content of the animal between time T1 and time T2. This difference may be expressed as ΔΕ =

E _content (T2) - E _content (Tl). As will be explained below, there are various ways of determining the physiological change, e.g. a change in weight, wherein the difference AE\s estimated using the physiological change of the animal. Then the animal-specific factor may be determined as:

£ _ E _0Ut +AE-E _c where E _c is possible energy from concentrated fodder, which may also be referred to as concentrated fodder and T is time spent eating at the fodder table. It shall be pointed out that the animal may be in imbalance without being given concentrated fodder, wherein E _c in equation (7) above is zero. [00062] An animal may be feed with additional concentrated fodder. If so, the concentrated fodder is generally strictly controlled such that the animal is given a defined amount of concentrated fodder, wherein the energy consumed by the animal stemming from the concentrated fodder is well known. The scheme of providing both regular freely accessible fodder and concentrated fodder is also referred to as Partial Mixed Ratio, PMR. With PMR, the above equation (5) for the energy intake becomes:

E _in = K * T + E _c . (8)

[00063] Then the animal-specific factor for PMR may be expressed as:

K = (g)

[00064] There are various ways of obtaining 130 the measured possible physiological change during the time period. A first example comprises weighing the animal, wherein the possible physiological change is a change in weight.

[00065] Looking at figures 2a and 2b, the animal 251 -259 in the barn 200 or in the open field 205 has free access to the fodder table 210 and the water station 230. The animal also has access to a parlour 240 in which the animal may be milked. Going in to, or out of, the animal goes through a passage 245 which may be equipped with a scale, wherein the animal is weighed as it goes through the passage 245. As described above, there may be one or more sensors/devices keeping track of the animal and its various activities, wherein the animal may be identified going through the passage, e.g. an RFID or a GPS device. In this manner, the animal may be identified and weighed going through the passage. The obtained weight of the animal may then be compared to one or more previous weights having previously been obtained and stored, wherein the monitoring device may obtain 130 the measured possible physiological change in the form of a weight change of the animal.

[00066] Another example obtaining 130 the measured possible physiological change during the time period comprises optical scanning of the animal, wherein the possible physiological change is a change in weight and/or a change of body fat. [00067] The optical scanning of the animal may be performed by a Body

Condition Score, BCS, camera that takes a 3D image of the animal's lower backs and calculates the body condition score of the animal.

[00068] The body condition score is indicative of the amount of body fat the animal has and may facilitate determining whether the animal is under-weight, has appropriate weight or is over-weight. This may be correlated to whether the animal is properly fed or not.

[00069] In figure 2c, a table is illustrating an example of the relationship between BCS and body fat.

[00070] Just as for the scale weighing the animal described above, the BCS camera may be arranged in the passage 245, wherein the BCS camera may take a 3D image of the animal's lower backs when the animal goes through the passage 245 entering and/or leaving the parlour 240.

[00071 ] The determining 140 of the animal-specific factor may then be based on a relationship between the obtained estimation of the energy needed by the animal, the possible physiological change and the value of the parameter related to fodder intake of the animal.

[00072] As described above, the animal-specific factor is determined based at least on the measured value of the at least one parameter and the energy needed by the animal. The animal-specific factor may be determined using equation (6). If the animal displays a physiological change, the animal-specific factor may be determined using equation (7).

[00073] The determining 140 of the animal-specific factor of the animal may be performed at least once during any time period under which the value of at least one parameter related to fodder intake of the animal is measured.

[00074] Merely as an illustrative example, if the time period is a week, then the animal-specific factor may be determined at least once at the end of the time period, but the animal-specific factor may also be determined every day, every second day or a couple of times during the week. During the time period, the one or more parameters is/are monitored and measured in order to obtain the measured value of the at least one parameter. During this period, measured values of the at least one parameter may be obtained for shorter intervals of the time period, e.g. a daily measured value of the at least one parameter may be obtained, wherein the animal-specific factor of the animal may be determined based on one or more measured values of the at least one parameter for one or more intervals of the time period. In this manner, a possible deviation in the animals eating and/or drinking habits during such a shorter interval may be detected.

[00075] Again as an example, in case the animal spends five hours a day at the fodder table. This means that K generally is relatively constant over time. The time period is in this illustrative example two weeks. Further in this illustrative example, the animal-specific factor is determined on a daily basis. The monitoring device may determine the animal-specific factor daily based on the measured value of the at least one parameter obtained every day. The monitoring device may also determine the animal-specific factor based on the measured value of the at least one parameter for all the days that have passed of the time period so far. For example, on day 8, the monitoring device may determine the animal-specific factor for day 8 and it may determine the animal-specific factor for days 1-8. Further in this illustrative example, assume that on day 9 the animal spends only 3 hours at the fodder table. This will radically affect the animal-specific factor. Consequently, the monitoring device may generate an alarm of sort indicating that there is a deviation in K for day 9, wherein a farmer may investigate the reason why the animal displays the deviation in K and take appropriate action(s) if needed.

[00076] The estimation of the energy needed by the animal may be based on the National Research Council, NRC, model, historical data related to the animal, and/or the possible physiological change(s) of the animal.

[00077] The NRC provides models for different animals that give an estimation of the energy needed by the different animal. The model gives a generalisation or average estimation for the types of animal, race of animal and so on. There is a variation between individual animals of the same type and race that cannot be seen from the different NRC models.

[00078] Historical data related to the animal may comprise previously obtained measured values of one or more parameters related to fodder intake of the animal, previously determined animal-specific factors etc. The more historical data available, the more accurately the energy needed by the animal may be estimated. Further, the energy needed by the animal may vary over time depending on different circumstances, e.g. if the animal is pregnant or not, the age of the animal, etc. The more historical data available, the more accurately the variations in the energy needed by the animal may be estimated.

[00079] Further, the possible physiological change(s) of the animal may be used to estimate the energy needed by the animal. In case the animal gains weight during the time period, the animal is overfed and thus needs less energy/fodder than actually consumed. Thereby the energy needed by the animal is at least less than the energy consumed (by the consumed fodder). This may provide a more rough estimation of the energy needed by the animal than compared to the NRC model and/or the historical data.

[00080] The same is valid if the animal has lost weight, then the animal is underfed and needs more energy/fodder than actually consumed. Also if there is no change in weight, then the animal consumes just the right amount of fodder to meet its energy need.

[00081] The NRC model takes into account one or more of milk production of the animal, size of the animal and lactation number, breeding status, race and energy needed for maintenance of the animal's daily activity.

[00082] As stated above, the NRC provides models for different animals that give an estimation of the energy needed by the different animal. The animal may be a cow, a pig, a sheep, a goat, a duck, a chicken, dog etc. All these different types of animals comprise different races and the NRC may provide models for all or some of these animals and/or respective types thereof. The animal may be bred for e.g. its meat or for milk production.

[00083] Merely as an illustrative and non-limiting example, in case the animal is a cow, then there is a vast plurality of different types wherein some are adopted for hot climate, some for cold climate, some for meat and some for dairy. Different individuals of a particular race may be in different stages of life, e.g. the cow may be a heifer, pregnant, just having given birth, ready to become pregnant etc. which affects the lactation number and breeding status. Different individuals of a particular race may be of different sizes, age and different individuals may have a high, average or low milk production. All these different factors may affect the energy intake of the animal, i.e. the cow in this illustrative example.

[00084] The method may further comprise, as illustrated in figure 1e and 1f, comparing 180 the determined animal-specific factor for the time period with a previously determined and stored animal-specific factor for a previous time period; and/or comparing 181 the determined animal-specific factor of the animal to determined animal-specific factor(s) of respective other animal(s).

[00085] By comparing 180 the determined animal-specific factor for the time period with a previously determined and stored animal-specific factor for a previous time period, it is possible to detect if there is a change in the animal- specific factor between two or more time periods. A change in the animal-specific factor between two or more time periods may indicate a change in the animal's well-being, e.g. with regard to how well the animal assimilates its fodder intake.

[00086] The change in the animal-specific factor may be desired due to an intended change in the circumstances of the animal, e.g. a change in fodder composition in order to improve the well-being of the animal. Then the change may be interpreted as a confirmation that e.g. the new fodder composition suits the animal better than the previous fodder composition. The change in the animal- specific factor may not be desired and/or expected. Such a change in the animal- specific factor may be due to e.g. the animal being ill, or that a new fodder composition is poorly suited for the animal. [00087] In the manner described above, comparing 80 the determined animal- specific factor for the time period with a previously determined and stored animal- specific factor for a previous time period is a way of evaluating whether the animal is properly fed.

[00088] The monitoring device may also compare 181 the determined animal- specific factor of the animal to determined animal-specific factor(s) of respective other animal(s). Two individual animals of the same type and race may have different characteristics in many aspects. For example, they may have different eating speed, different metabolism, different energy need, different milk

production, different sleeping needs, different abilities to assimilate different nutrients in the fodder etc. The list can be made long. By comparing 181 the determined animal-specific factor of the animal to determined animal-specific factor(s) of respective other animal(s), the farmer may evaluate e.g. if the animal is profitable and may thus be used for breeding or if the animal is non-profitable and should not be used for breeding, should be sold or should be culled.

[00089] The method may further comprise, as illustrated in figure 1g,

comparing 182 fodder composition, water intake, time spent eating grass, time spent eating from the fodder table, time spent ruminating and/or amount of concentrated fodder intake of the time period to that of the previous time period.

[00090] If there is a change in the animal-specific factor that is not expected, it is desirable to know what may have caused the unexpected change. As described above, the fodder composition may have been changed. This may lead to an expected or unexpected change in the animal-specific factor of the animal. Thus, in case it is established that there was a change in fodder composition, the new fodder composition may not agree with the animal, wherein the animal may be given the previous fodder composition if the change in the animal-specific factor is for the worse.

[00091] The animal may e.g. drink less than before, which means that the animal correspondingly most likely also eats less fodder thereby consumes less energy than before. This may be an indication that the animal is ill and the farmer may investigate what may be the cause.

[00092] The change in the animal-specific factor may be due to the animal spending less time eating grass, less time eating from the fodder table, and/or less time ruminating. Thus by comparing these parameters, it may be established that something has happened to the animal and that an investigation to find the reason therefore is necessary.

[00093] Some animals may be given a specific amount of concentrated fodder. If the animal is given a first specific amount of concentrated fodder during the time period and has been given a second specific amount of concentrated fodder during a previous time period, then that may account for the change in the animal- specific factor. Generally, the amount of concentrated fodder is controlled so that if the change in the animal-specific factor may be due to a change in amount of concentrated fodder given to the animal, then the animal may be alright even if the animal-specific factor has changed.

[00094] The method may further comprise, as illustrated in figure 1h,

determining 190 an action to take with respect to one or more of: (i) the obtained measured physiological change of said animal during the time period, (ii) the determined animal-specific factor, (iii) change in the animal-specific factor from the previous time period, (iv) change in fodder composition, water intake, time spent eating grass, time spent eating from a fodder table, time spent ruminating and/or amount of concentrated fodder intake between the time period to that of the previous time period.

[00095] As described above, it is generally desirable to take actions in case the animal is not properly fed. Any of the above factors/circumstances may be an indication that something needs to be done in order to ensure that the animal is properly fed.

[00096] Depending on the type of change, the "size" of the change different actions may be appropriate. Below follows some illustrative and non-limiting examples of different changes possibly requiring an action to be taken. Some changes may be desired in case an action has been taken after the previous time period(s) to improve the foddering of the animal. Some changes may be unwanted and/or unexpected. The unwanted and/or unexpected changes may give rise to an action to be taken for a subsequent time period following the current time period.

[00097] The monitoring device obtains the estimation of the physiological change of the animal during the time period. Any physiological change is an indication that the animal is not in balance with regard to fodder/energy intake. The change may be desired, e.g. if an animal has previously been underfed and has gained weight during the time period, e.g. due to some action that has been taken after the previous time period(s).

[00098] If the animal-specific factor is too low or too high, then there might be something wrong with e.g. the fodder composition, and/or an amount of

concentrated fodder consumed by the animal. Alternatively, the animal may be ill.

[00099] If there is a change in the animal-specific factor between the two time periods, and the change is not desired, there may be cause to take some action in order to restore the animal-specific factor to be close to one or more previous values.

[000100] If there is a change in fodder composition, water intake, time spent eating grass, time spent at the fodder table eating fodder, and/or amount of concentrated fodder intake between the time period to that of the previous time period(s), it might be an indication that the animal is becoming ill or is recovering from a previous illness. It might also be an indication that e.g. the fodder composition consumed by the animal during the time period agrees better or worse with the animal than the fodder composition consumed by the animal during the previous time period(s).

[000101] In addition, for a dairy animal, an obtained measurement of the amount of milk being milked from the animal and the energy content of the milk with regard to protein, lactose and/or fat during the time period may itself serve as an indication that the animal is not properly fed. The milk production is individual but it is also affected by various factors and circumstances associated with the animal. For example, amount of fodder, grass and/or water consumed by the animal; the composition of the fodder and/or the nutrition values of the grass may affect the animal's milk production.

[000102] In case there is a change in the amount of milk being milked from the animal and the energy content of the milk between the current and the previous time period(s), the change may serve as an indication that something has happened that needs to be addressed. The change may be an improvement after an action that has been taken after the previous time period(s), but the change may also be a deterioration which may stem from e.g. the animal falling ill or a change in fodder composition that does not agree with the animal and thus negatively affect the milk production.

[000103] Depending on one or more of the above factors, the monitoring device may determine the action(s) to take in order to ascertain that the animal is properly fed, thereby also increasing its well-being.

[000104] The action to take may be one or more of (a) adding, increasing, removing or decreasing an amount of concentrated fodder given to the animal, (b) changing a composition of the fodder given to the animal, (c) putting the animal in a group of animals having similar characteristics as the animal with regard to one or more of: (I) the animal-specific factor, (II) physiological characteristics of the animal, and (III) physiological change of the animal during the time period.

[000105] There are several single actions or combination of actions that may be appropriate to take. Which action or actions to take depend on the animal-specific factor, the physiological characteristics of the animal, and/or the physiological change of the animal during the time period.

[000106] The actions to take may also depend on the above described obtained measurements during the time period and possible changes having occurred between the time period and the previous time period(s). [000107] The changes are taken in order to improve or even optimise the well- being of the animal, which may result in improved or even optimised quality of meat and/or milk production of the animal.

[000108] The milk production and meat quality are individual for each animal and may depend on several factors. Thus one possible action is to add, increase, remove or decrease the amount of concentrated fodder given to the animal.

Concentrated fodder may be given to the animal in different amounts in order to boost the quality of the meat and/or the milk production. However, consuming too much concentrated fodder is not good for the animal. Thus depending on the above described animal-specific factor, the physiological characteristics of the animal, and/or the physiological change of the animal during the time period, the amount of concentrated fodder may be changed.

[000109] Different fodder compositions comprise different amounts of protein, minerals and vitamins relative to each other. Different animals assimilate different compositions differently. Thus changing the composition of the fodder given to the animal may lead to a composition better suited for the animal, wherein the quality of the meat and/or the milk production and the well-being of the animal may be increased.

[000110] In a farm having many animals, the animals may be divided into groups, wherein the groups may be characterised by one or more of meat quality, body fat percentage, milk production, fodder composition, relative amount of fodder concentrate given to the animals etc. By grouping the animals in this manner, each group comprises animals similar to each other and may be fed together using the same fodder, the same relative amount of fodder concentrate etc.

[0001 1] The method may further comprise determining 180 a fodder digesting efficiency of the animal based on a change in the animal-specific factor.

[000112] The digesting efficiency of the animal may be depending upon different factors, for example the fodder composition, the amount of fodder composition versus amount of grass consumed by the animal, the amount of water and so on. [000113] A change in the animal-specific factor could be an indication of change in nutrition contents in the fodder, which may be known by fodder nutrition analysis, or digestion efficiency which can be affected by the fodder processing or recipe of the fodder.

[000114] Below a few different examples of use or implementation of the monitoring device performing the method will be described.

[0001 15] In a first example, the monitoring device is used on a farm on which animal, e.g. cows, are fed with a Total Mixed Ratio, TMR, which is a fodder composition comprising all nutrients the cows require. The cows are divided into groups depending on their milk production, which is dependent on the

fodder/energy intake. A cow having a relatively large milk production generally requires a larger fodder/energy intake than a cow having a relatively small milk production. The cows in the different groups are being fed different mixtures of TMR, wherein e.g. a group of high milk producing cows is given a first TMR, a group of low producing cows is given a second TMR, a group of dry cows is given a third TMR and a group of sick cows is given a fourth TMR. The cows are not given any other fodder than the TMR. The cows are kept in a barn, e.g. like in figure 2a.

[000 16] As described above, the time each individual cow spends at the fodder table 210 is measured, and/or the water intake of each individual cow is

measured.

[000117] The energy intake may then be expressed as E _in = Kl * T, where T is the time spent eating TMR at the fodder table. K1 in this equation is the animal- specific factor for the cow. The energy intake may also be expressed as E _ln = K2 * amount_of_water. Thus there are two different ways of determining the energy intake if the respective animal-specific factor K1 and K2 are previously determined as described above, e.g. using equations (6) and/or (7). These two animal-specific factors may be correlated and may be used together to obtain a more correct calculation of amount of intake of freely accessible fodder. [0001 18] Consequently, once the animal-specific factor for individual cows has been determined, it is possible to predict the energy intake for individual cows for e.g. an upcoming day. If any cow in any group deviates to a certain extent from the predicted energy intake, e.g. by spending more or spending less time at the fodder table and/or by water intake, appropriate action(s) may be taken.

[000 19] In a second example, the monitoring device is used on a farm on which cows are fed both a fodder composition and a portion of concentrated fodder. The fodder composition is given to the cows on a fodder table 210 from which the cows may eat freely wherein the monitoring device may obtain a measurement of the time spent at the fodder table associated with individual cows by Also in this example, the cows may be divided into groups as in the first example above, wherein the fodder composition on the fodder table may be different for different groups, meaning that each group may have its own fodder table upon which the respective fodder composition for respective group is provided.

[000120] The portion of the concentrated fodder is predetermined or known so the energy intake coming from the concentrated fodder need not be estimated but is known based on the amount of concentrated fodder (the portion) and the energy content per unit of the fodder. The total energy intake E _in for each individual cow may be expressed as E _in = K * T + E _concentrate , where K is the animal-specific factor for individual cows, and E _concentrate is the energy intake stemming from the portion of concentrated fodder and T is the time spent eating at the fodder table. Individual animal-specific factors K are determined again as described above, wherein the energy intake for individual cows for e.g. an upcoming day may first be predicted and then determined using E _in = K * T + E _concentrate . If the animal- specific factor for a cow in any group deviates to a certain extent from the predicted energy intake, appropriate action(s) may be taken, which may comprise (1 ) putting the cow into another group having another fodder composition on its fodder table, or (2) changing the amount in the portion of concentrated fodder given to the cow. [000121] In a third example, the monitoring device is used on a farm on which cows are fed with a TMR but are also allowed to grace on a field eating grass, e.g. as in figure 2b. Each cow may be wearing a neckband comprising one or more sensors, e.g. an accelerometer for determining the position of the head of the cow relative the ground, a sensor for determining whether the cow is chewing, ruminating, drinking, swallowing and/or a sensor for determining the position of the cow.

[000122] The monitoring device obtains a measured value of at least one parameter related to fodder intake of the animal during a time period, e.g. time spent eating grass, time spent at the fodder table 210, time spent ruminating, and/or water intake. The total energy intake may be expressed as E _in = Kl * T + K2 * E _grass . As before, Kl * T represents the energy intake stemming from the consumed fodder composition, wherein K1 is the animal-specific factor for individual cows with regard to the fodder composition and T is the time spent eating at the fodder table. K2 * E _grass represents the energy intake stemming from the consumed grass, wherein K2 is the animal-specific factor for individual cows with regard to the grass. Both K1 and K2 has been previously determined, e.g. using any of equations (6) and/or (7).

[000123] The monitoring device described in this disclosure may receive the herein described values (e.g. the measured value of the at least one parameter related to fodder intake of the animal during the time period) from another device having collected the above described measurements from the one or more sensors of the animal and then having made the estimate. Alternatively, the monitoring device may receive the above described measurements (e.g. water intake, time spent eating from the fodder table) from the one or more sensors of individual animals and then process the received measurements to obtain one or more values (e.g. the measured value of the at least one parameter related to fodder intake of the animal during the time period).

[000124] Embodiments herein also relate to a monitoring device for determining whether an animal is properly fed. The monitoring device has the same technical features, objects advantages as the method described above. The monitoring device will only be described in brief in order to avoid unnecessary repetition.

[000125] The monitoring device will be described with reference to figures 3 and 4 both being block diagrams of different embodiments and/or implementations of the monitoring device.

[000126] Figures 3 and 4 illustrates the monitoring device 300, 400 being configured for obtaining a measured value of at least one parameter related to fodder intake of the animal during a time period; and obtaining an estimation of the energy needed by the animal during the time period. The monitoring device 300, 400 further is configured for determining an animal-specific factor based on the measured value of the at least one parameter and the energy needed by the animal.

[000127] The monitoring device 300, 400 may be realised or implemented in various different ways. A first exemplifying implementation or realisation is illustrated in figure 3. Figure 3 illustrates the monitoring device 300 comprising a processor 321 and memory 322, the memory comprising instructions, e.g. by means of a computer program 323, which when executed by the processor 321 causes the monitoring device 300 to obtain a measured value of at least one parameter related to fodder intake of the animal during a time period; and to obtain an estimation of the energy needed by the animal during the time period. The memory further comprises instructions, which when executed by the processor 321 causes the monitoring device 300 to determine an animal-specific factor based on the measured value of the at least one parameter and the energy needed by the animal.

[000128] Figure 3 also illustrates the monitoring device 300 comprising a memory 310. It shall be pointed out that figure 3 is merely an exemplifying illustration and memory 310 may be optional, be a part of the memory 322 or be a further memory of the monitoring device 300. The memory may for example comprise information relating to the monitoring device 300, to statistics of operation of the monitoring device 300, information relating to animals being monitored by the monitoring device, just to give some illustrating examples. Figure 3 further illustrates the monitoring device 300 comprising processing means 320, which comprises the memory 322 and the processor 321. Still further, figure 3 illustrates the monitoring device 300 comprising a communication unit 330. The communication unit 330 may comprise an interface through which the monitoring device 300 communicates with other devices and/or sensors associated with the animal. Some non-limiting examples of the interface are a keyboard, a USB or similar computer contact for receiving data and/or outputting data, a CD player, a DVD player, antenna for wirelessly receiving and/or outputting data, a screen and any combination thereof. Figure 3 also illustrates the monitoring device 300 comprising further functionality 340. The further functionality 340 may comprise hardware or software necessary for the monitoring device 300 to perform different tasks that are not disclosed herein.

[000129] An alternative exemplifying implementation of the monitoring device 300, 400 is illustrated in figure 4. Figure 4 illustrates the monitoring device 400 comprising an obtaining unit 403 for obtaining a measured value of at least one parameter related to fodder intake of the animal during a time period; and for obtaining an estimation of the energy needed by the animal during the time period. The monitoring device 400 further comprises a determining unit 404 for

determining an animal-specific factor based on the measured value of the at least one parameter and the energy needed by the animal.

[000130] In figure 4, the monitoring device 400 is also illustrated comprising a communication unit 401. Through this unit, the monitoring device 400 is adapted to communicate with other devices and/or sensors associated with the animal. The communication unit 401 may comprise more than one receiving arrangement. For example, the communication unit 401 may comprise one or more of a USB or data contact/connector, an antenna, a keyboard, a CD player, a DVD player, and/or a screen by means of which monitoring device 400 is enabled to communicate with other devices and/or sensors associated with the animal. The monitoring device 400 is further illustrated comprising a memory 402 for storing data. Further, the monitoring device 400 may comprise a control or processing unit (not shown) which in turn is connected to the different units 403-404. It shall be pointed out that this is merely an illustrative example and the monitoring device 400 may comprise more, less or other units or modules which execute the functions of the monitoring device 400 in the same manner as the units illustrated in figure 4.

[000131] It should be noted that figure 4 merely illustrates various functional units in the monitoring device 400 in a logical sense. The functions in practice may be implemented using any suitable software and hardware means/circuits etc. Thus, the embodiments are generally not limited to the shown structures of the monitoring device 400 and the functional units. Hence, the previously described exemplary embodiments may be realised in many ways. For example, one embodiment includes a computer-readable medium having instructions stored thereon that are executable by the control or processing unit for executing the method steps in the monitoring device 400. The instructions executable by the computing system and stored on the computer-readable medium perform the method steps of the monitoring device 400 as set forth in the claims.

[000132] The monitoring device has the same advantages as the method performed by the monitoring device. One advantage is that the animal may be individually monitored and kept track of. Another advantage is that it enables easy detection of a possible malnutrition of the animal. Yet another advantage is that it may provide an indication of which fodder is beneficial to the animal and which is not. Still an advantage is that the animal-specific factor may provide an indication of whether an animal is more or less suited to be used for breeding since an animal tending to overeat or not consuming enough fodder to accommodate its energy need may be less suitable than an animal consuming fodder corresponding to its energy need.

[000133] According to an embodiment, the monitoring device 300, 400 is further configured for estimating amount of intake of freely accessible fodder based on the animal-specific factor and the measured value of the parameter.

[000134] According to yet an embodiment, the parameter is water intake, time spent eating from a fodder table, time spent eating grass, or time spent ruminating. [000135] According to still an embodiment, the monitoring device 300, 400 is further configured for predicting amount of fodder intake of the animal for a subsequent time period based on the determined animal-specific factor.

[000136] According to another embodiment, the monitoring device 300, 400 is further configured for monitoring the amount of fodder intake for the subsequent time period to determine whether the animal is properly fed during the subsequent time period.

[000137] According to a further embodiment, the monitoring device 300, 400 is further configured for obtaining a measured possible physiological change of the animal during the time period.

[000138] According to an embodiment, the monitoring device 300, 400 is further configured for determining the animal-specific factor further based on the possible physiological change of the animal during the time period.

[000139] According to yet an embodiment, the monitoring device 300, 400 is further configured for obtaining of the measured possible physiological change during the time period by weighing the animal, wherein the possible physiological change is a change in weight.

[000140] According to still an embodiment, the monitoring device 300, 400 is further configured for obtaining of the measured possible physiological change during the time period by optical scanning of the animal, wherein the possible physiological change is a change in weight and/or a change of body fat.

[000141] According to another embodiment, the monitoring device 300, 400 is further configured for determining the animal-specific factor based on a

relationship between the obtained estimation of the energy needed by the animal, the possible physiological change and the value of the parameter related to fodder intake of the animal.

[000142] According to a further embodiment, the monitoring device 300, 400 is further configured for determining the animal-specific factor of the animal at least once during any time period under which a value of at least one parameter related to fodder intake of the animal is measured.

[000143] According to an embodiment, the estimation of the energy needed by the animal is based on the NRC model, historical data related to the animal, and/or the possible physiological change(s) of the animal.

[000144] According to yet an embodiment, the NRC model takes into account one or more of milk production of the animal, size of the animal and lactation number, breeding status, race and energy needed for maintenance of the animal's daily activity.

[000145] According to still an embodiment, the monitoring device 300, 400 is further configured for comparing the determined animal-specific factor for the time period with a previously determined and stored animal-specific factor for a previous time period; and/or comparing the determined animal-specific factor of the animal to determined animal-specific factor(s) of respective other animal(s).

[000146] According to another embodiment, the monitoring device 300, 400 is further configured for comparing fodder composition, water intake, time spent eating grass, time spent eating from a fodder table, time spent ruminating and/or amount of concentrated fodder intake of the time period to that of the previous time period.

[000147] According to a further embodiment, the monitoring device 300, 400 is further configured for determining an action to take with respect to one or more of: (i) the obtained measured physiological change of the animal during the time period, (ii) the determined animal-specific factor, (iii) change in the animal-specific factor from the previous time period, (iv) change in fodder composition, water intake, time spent eating grass, time spent eating from a fodder table, time spent ruminating and/or amount of concentrated fodder intake between the time period to that of the previous time period.

[000148] According to an embodiment, the action to take is one or more of (a) adding, increasing, removing or decreasing an amount of concentrated fodder given to the animal, (b) changing a composition of the fodder given to the animal, (c) putting the animal in a group of animals having similar characteristics as the animal with regard to one or more of: (I) the animal-specific factor, (II)

physiological characteristics of the animal, and (III) physiological change of the animal during the time period.

[000149] According to yet an embodiment, the monitoring device 300, 400 is further configured for determining a fodder digesting efficiency of the animal based on the animal-specific factor.

[000150] Figure 5 schematically shows an embodiment of an arrangement 500 in a monitoring device 400. Comprised in the arrangement 500 in the monitoring device 400 are here a processing unit 506, e.g. with a Digital Signal Processor, DSP. The processing unit 506 may be a single unit or a plurality of units to perform different actions of procedures described herein. The arrangement 500 of the monitoring device 400 may also comprise an input unit 502 for receiving signals, information and/or data from other entities such as other devices and/or sensors associated with the animal, and an output unit 504 for providing signal(s) to other entities. The input unit and the output unit may be arranged as an integrated entity or as illustrated in the example of figure 4, as one or more interfaces 401.

[000151] Furthermore, the arrangement 500 in the monitoring device 400 comprises at least one computer program product 508 in the form of a non-volatile memory, e.g. an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory,

EEPROM, a flash memory and a hard drive. The computer program product 408 comprises a computer program 510, which comprises code means, which when executed in the processing unit 506 in the arrangement 500 in the monitoring device 400 causes the monitoring device 400 to perform the actions e.g. of the procedure described earlier in conjunction with figures 1a-1h.

[000152] The computer program 510 may be configured as a computer program code structured in computer program modules 5 0a-510e. Hence, in an exemplifying embodiment, the code means in the computer program of the arrangement 500 in the monitoring device 400 comprises an obtaining unit, or module, for obtaining a measured value of at least one parameter related to fodder intake of the animal during a time period; and obtaining an estimation of the energy needed by the animal during the time period. The computer program further comprises a determining unit, or module, for determining an animal-specific factor based on the measured value of the at least one parameter and the energy needed by the animal.

[000153] The computer program modules could essentially perform the actions of the flow illustrated in figures 1a-1h, to emulate the monitoring device 400. In other words, when the different computer program modules are executed in the processing unit 506, they may correspond to the units 403-404 of figure 4.

[000154] Although the code means in the embodiments disclosed above in conjunction with figure 4 is implemented as computer program modules which when executed in the respective processing unit causes the monitoring device to perform the actions described above in the conjunction with figures mentioned above, at least one of the code means may in alternative embodiments be implemented at least partly as hardware circuits.

[000155] The processor may be a single Central Processing Unit, CPU, but could also comprise two or more processing units. For example, the processor may include general purpose microprocessors; instruction set processors and/or related chips sets and/or special purpose microprocessors such as Application Specific Integrated Circuits, ASICs. The processor may also comprise board memory for caching purposes. The computer program may be carried by a computer program product connected to the processor. The computer program product may comprise a computer readable medium on which the computer program is stored. For example, the computer program product may be a flash memory, a Random-Access Memory RAM, Read-Only Memory, ROM, or an EEPROM, and the computer program modules described above could in alternative embodiments be distributed on different computer program products in the form of memories within the monitoring device. [000156] It is to be understood that the choice of interacting units, as well as the naming of the units within this disclosure are only for exemplifying purpose, and nodes suitable to execute any of the methods described above may be configured in a plurality of alternative ways in order to be able to execute the suggested procedure actions.

[000157] It should also be noted that the units described in this disclosure are to be regarded as logical entities and not with necessity as separate physical entities.

[000158] While the embodiments have been described in terms of several embodiments, it is contemplated that alternatives, modifications, permutations and equivalents thereof will become apparent upon reading of the specifications and study of the drawings. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims include such alternatives, modifications, permutations and equivalents as fall within the scope of the embodiments and defined by the pending claims.