US 12,219,934 B2
Detecting estrus in animals for insemination
Jacquelin Labrecque, Saint-Lambert-de-Lauzon (CA); Gabrielle Germain, Saint-Narcisse-de-Beaurivage (CA); Eva Bourgeais-Boon, Levis (CA); and Joel Rivest, Levis (CA)
Assigned to Groupe Ro-Main Inc., Saint-Lambert-de-Lauzon (CA)
Filed by Groupe Ro-Main Inc., Saint-Lambert-de-Lauzon (CA)
Filed on Aug. 15, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/819,759.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/235,266, filed on Aug. 20, 2021.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/235,270, filed on Aug. 20, 2021.
Prior Publication US 2023/0057738 A1, Feb. 23, 2023
Int. Cl. A01K 29/00 (2006.01); A61B 5/00 (2006.01)
CPC A01K 29/005 (2013.01) [A61B 5/0077 (2013.01); A61B 5/4368 (2013.01); A61B 2503/40 (2013.01)] 16 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method for raising livestock comprising:
defining a confinement area in which a group of sows are contained, where the sows are potentially in estrus;
periodically collecting images of a rear profile of each sow;
analyzing, using a control system, the images to make a determination from features relating to a shape, size, and/or color of the vulva whether the sow is in estrus;
and providing an output signal in response to a determination that the sow is in estrus;
wherein the sows of the group are potentially reaching their first estrus;
wherein the analyzing includes providing a database of a plurality of images showing the vulva including the shape, size, and/or color of the vulva of a plurality of sows known to be in estrus and images showing the vulva including the shape, size, and/or color of the vulva of a plurality of sows known not to be in estrus;
wherein the judgement is based solely on a program using the obtained image in comparison with the data base;
and wherein the output signal is provided in response to said determination that the sow is in said first estrus.