Abstract:
A management system for domesticated animals, such as cows, which comprises an animal identification system, a central unit provided with a computer which has a memory. The memory contains for each animal of the herd data which relates to the animal&#39;s position or status in the hierarchic order of the herd. The memory also contains data for each animal relating to its jostling behavior. This management is used in an automated system wherein procedures such as feeding and milking are performed on animals of the herd. The position or status of each animal in the hierarchic order of the herd is determined and the data thereof are stored in the memory. At least one of the procedures affecting each animal in the herd is governed, at least in part, by data in the memory relating to the animal&#39;s status or position in the hierarchic order of the herd and also by data concerning the animal&#39;s jostling behavior.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The invention relates to an arrangement for managing a herd of animals, said arrangement comprising an animal identification system. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Such an arrangement is generally known. Although the arrangement functions satisfactorily and relieves a dairy farmer of a considerable amount of time-consuming work, in practice there appears to be a need for an improved arrangement, because, for example, great differences may occur in waiting time for admitting animals to a certain area. 
   It is an object of the invention to provide an arrangement for managing a herd of animals that provides improved management. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   For that purpose an arrangement of the above-described type according to the invention comprises providing a central unit with a computer having a memory which includes data relating to the hierarchic order of animals in a herd. The invention is based on the insight that not only the arrangement for managing a herd is active for managing the herd, but that also the animals of the herd themselves participate in the management. In this connection especially the hierarchic order appears to play an important part. It occurs for example that a dominant animal pushes other animals away and is for example the first to take fodder. With dairy animals it often appears that a dominant animal wishes to be the first to enter a milking compartment and that other dairy animals are pushed away by this dominant animal. By this partially self-managing behavior of the animals of the herd the management carried out by the arrangement may be negatively influenced, which is not only undesirable for less dominant animals (undesired increase of waiting time for these animals), but also for the efficiency of the arrangement, for example when it comprises a milking robot. By taking into account, according to the invention, the hierarchic order within the herd, measures can be taken for providing an improvement both for the animals of the herd and the production of the arrangement. 
   In an embodiment an arrangement according to the invention is characterized in that there is provided a hierarchic order determining means for determining data in relation to the hierarchic order, said hierarchic order determining means supplying the determined data in relation to the hierarchic order to the memory that stores these data. Such a hierarchic order determining means may be constituted by the animal identification system, a camera or the like, possibly in combination with a computer. Due to this the arrangement generates itself the data in relation to the hierarchic order. Preferably the data are updated in the memory. 
   The herd is preferably managed by the arrangement at least with the aid of the data regarding the hierarchic order. 
   Although in general dominant animals try to be the first to gain access to an area or to obtain fodder, in some cases it may occur that dominant animals are the last to gain access, precisely because the first desire of these dominant animals is to dominate all the other animals. This behavior is also called “jostling behavior” and is present, as every farmer knows, to a greater or lesser extent with each animal. By not only taking the hierarchic order but also the jostling behavior into account, it is possible to obtain an optimally functioning arrangement. In an embodiment of an arrangement according to the invention this is achieved in that the memory is adapted to contain data for each animal in relation to the jostling behavior. The herd is preferably managed by the arrangement at least with the aid of the data regarding the jostling behavior. 
   If desired, the central unit may comprise an input means for inputting per animal by, for example, a farmer, data about the hierarchic order and about the jostling behavior. Additionally or alternatively these data may be generated by the arrangement itself. 
   In particular it has appeared that in the vicinity of gates the circulation may be negatively influenced by dominant, jostling animals. In an embodiment of an arrangement according to the invention said circulation can be improved when the arrangement is provided with an area for containing a number of animals, said area having an entrance gate and an exit gate, the operation of at least one of the gates being controlled at least with the aid of data from the memory. 
   In order further to promote the circulation said area is preferably provided with at least two, possibly juxtaposed, entrance gates and exit gates. As a result thereof the animals are enabled to choose another gate than that wherein passage is obstructed by a jostling animal. 
   The invention is in particular advantageously applied to an arrangement in which the area is constituted by a treatment area. 
   The treatment area is preferably constituted by a milking compartment provided with a milking robot. Precisely in the situation of a milking compartment provided with a milking robot the dominant and the jostling behavior may play an important part. Owing to the natural instinct of dairy animals to be milked, an animal may experience extremely much stress when it is prevented by a jostling animal from entering the milking compartment, which has a negative influence on the health of the dairy animal. Moreover, it may negatively influence the milk production. In an embodiment of an arrangement according to the invention, said disadvantageous behavior is prevented at least for the greater part when in front of the entrance gate or the entrance gates of the milking compartment a further area is provided having at least one entrance gate for containing a limited number of animals. 
   In order not to prolong unnecessarily the waiting time for dairy animals to enter the milking robot, an embodiment of an arrangement according to the invention is characterized in that the arrangement comprises a detection device for detecting animals in the further area and for issuing a detection signal, the detection signal indicating that animals are present in the further area keeping the entrance gate of the further area closed. As a detection device the animal identification may be used. As a result thereof first all the animals present in the further area are provided an opportunity to enter the milking compartment before new animals are admitted to the further area. 
   Further it has appeared that at feeding stations the eating behavior of certain animals may negatively be influenced by dominant, jostling animals. Therefore, the invention can in particular be applied advantageously to an arrangement provided with a feeding station with a feeding trough, an entrance opening to the feeding trough, a closing means for closing the entrance opening, and a feed supplying device for intermittently supplying an amount of fodder or drink or both into the feeding trough, the feeding trough being adapted to be closed at least with the aid of data from the memory. 
   To obtain optimal feeding of the animals of the herd, an embodiment of the arrangement according to the invention is characterized in that the arrangement comprises a feeding station with several juxtaposed feeding troughs, each feeding trough being adapted to be closed at least with the aid of data from the memory. When for example it is detected that an animal eating from a feeding trough is pushed away, the feeding trough can be closed. The animal that pushes away can then no longer obtain fodder from the relevant feeding trough and will soon leave said feeding trough, so that another animal, in particular the animal that has been pushed away, can regain access to the feeding trough by controlling the operation of the closing means by the computer with the aid of the data obtained from inter alia the animal identification system. 
   In a preferred embodiment of an arrangement according to the invention, the arrangement is provided with a detection device for determining the quantity of feed present in the feeding trough at a point of time after the supply of a quantity of fodder or drink or both to the trough and for issuing a first signal for operating the closing means based on the quantity determination. It has appeared that animals having made use of the feeding trough, even after there is no more feed present therein, still keep their heads in the feeding trough for a short to a longer period of time while waiting for additional feed that may still be supplied. As a result thereof another animal that is ready to be fed cannot gain access to the feeding trough immediately. According to the invention this is prevented by operating, after an animal has consumed at least a part of the quantity of fodder or drink or both, the closing means, that is by moving the closing means into the closing position, so that further access to the feeding trough is impossible for that animal. An animal that has just made use of the feeding trough is thus inclined to move away from entrance to the feeding trough. 
   The detection device preferably comprises a weighing device for weighing the quantity of feed present in the feeding trough. Said weighing device communicates whether or not there is feed present in the feeding trough. As a result thereof it is possible for the weighing device, after, for example, detecting that there is no more feed present in the feeding trough, to issue a signal which causes the closing means to close the feeding trough. 
   When the detection device includes a clock, it is possible to measure how long the quantity of feed in the feeding trough remains untouched. By setting, for example, an upper limit, after said upper limit has elapsed, that is after a predetermined threshold period of time has elapsed, the clock can issue a first signal for causing the closing means to close. In particular when data from the weighing device and the clock are combined, an extremely efficient use of the feed metering device is possible. 
   In a preferred embodiment the arrangement is provided with a clock for determining the duration from the supply of a quantity of fodder or drink or both and for issuing, based on the duration, a second signal for operating the closing means. The arrangement is preferably provided with a closing means operating device for operating the closing means on the basis of the first or second signal, or both. 
   An embodiment of an arrangement according to the invention is provided with a device for detecting jamming for the closing means. This prevents an animal from being injured during closing of the entrance opening to the feeding trough. 
   There is preferably provided an obstacle detector for detecting an obstacle in the entrance opening. Such an obstacle detector is preferably adapted to distinguish animals and other objects from each other. 
   Animals, after having taken the quantity of fodder, may knock or kick the feeding trough or a construction supporting same with force in attempting to obtain additional fodder. According to the invention this undesired behavior is prevented by providing an anti-violence detector. When said anti-violence detector, which may comprise, for example, a vibration detector, detects that the feeding trough has been knocked or the like, it issues a signal for operating the closing means for closing the feeding trough. 
   Preferably the feeding station is further provided with an animal identification device for identifying a particular animal that visits the feeding unit. Such an animal identification device can be used extremely advantageously for supplying a quantity of fodder or drink or both to the feeding trough. With the aid of data from the animal identification device, the operation of the closing means is controlled in an advantageous manner so that it is possible to forbid a particular animal to enter the feeding trough. Because the animal identification device is adapted to identify a particular animal, it is in particular suitable for obstructing an animal from using the feeding trough that wishes to make use of it at an undesired point of time. Moreover, the animal identification device is adapted to cooperate with the obstacle detector for obtaining an extremely efficient functioning of the obstacle detector. 
   An arrangement according to the invention is in particular characterized in that there is provided a device for issuing a warning signal indicating that the closing means is going to close. In this manner an animal is made aware that the closing means is going to close and thus it is possible to teach the animal to leave the feeding trough at the issue of the warning signal, which may be, for example, a sound or a light signal. 
   Not only jostling animals may cause a disturbance of the normal order of things at a feeding station, but also so-called “gourmets” may cause a disturbance. A gourmet is an animal that goes from one feeding trough to another and each time only takes a small quantity of fodder (usually the best part). Such a disturbance is avoided in an embodiment of an arrangement according to the invention because of the fact that the computer is programmed in such a manner that the closing means of a third feeding trough is operated when the data in the memory indicate that, within a predetermined period of time, an animal has taken less than a first quantity of fodder from a first feeding trough, and less than a second quantity of fodder from a second feeding trough. The first or second quantity, or both, preferably amounting to 0.75 kilograms, while the period of time preferably amounts to fifteen minutes. 
   The arrangement is preferably provided with a camera for observing the behavior of an animal. By means thereof and by means of other devices, such as the animal identification system, the data in the memory can be updated. 
   In order to be able to influence the behavior of dominant, jostling animals and to promote the management of the herd, the arrangement is provided with means of punishment for punishing animals impeding the management of the herd. Such means of punishment may preferably comprise loudspeakers, punishment means that are adapted to use an electric voltage or blowing means or the like. 
   It is particularly advantageous when the means of punishment comprise a punishment device that is movable from an invisible to a visible position. The punishment device is preferably constituted by an inflatable object which, for example, may be in the form of a cow, a wall or the like; a picture showing a frightening image; a partition wall or guide wall or the like. 
   It is particularly efficient when the means of punishment comprise a vehicle moving forward automatically. Said vehicle may for example be controlled by cameras and image recognition programs. However, a particularly accurately functioning vehicle is obtained when the animals are provided with an animal identification adapted to be detected by a positioning system for determining the position of the animal, and when the vehicle moving forward automatically is controlled at least with the aid of data from the positioning system. As a positioning system GPS may, for example, be used. 
   The disadvantage of jostling behavior for other animals can be obviated when the means of punishment comprise a punishment path that can be reached via an exit gate, so that the jostling animal is not rewarded for its behavior. 
   The invention also relates to a method of managing a herd of animals, in which method a number of automatic animal related procedures are performed, characterized in that the method comprises the step of determining the hierarchic order of an animal. 
   The performance of at least one of the automatic animal related procedures is preferably controlled at least on the basis of the determined hierarchic order of an animal. 
   An embodiment of a method according to the invention comprises the step of determining the jostling behavior of an animal, the performance of at least one of the automatic animal related procedures being controlled at least on the basis of the determined jostling behavior of an animal. 
   The animal related procedure comprises, in particular, opening or closing a gate. The animal related procedure preferably comprises providing access to a feeding trough. 
   The determination of the hierarchic order of the animals preferably takes place initially by manual input of data based on experience. 
   Alternatively or additionally the hierarchic order or the jostling behavior is determined and updated by determining the order in which animals of a herd enter leave an area. 
   It is advantageous when the hierarchic order and the jostling behavior are ascertained or updated, or both, by determining the order in which animals of a herd make use of a feeding or drinking station. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The invention will be elucidated hereinafter by way of example with reference to the drawing, in which: 
       FIG. 1  shows a schematic plan view of an arrangement according to the invention; 
       FIG. 2  shows a part of a feeding station in an embodiment of an arrangement according to the invention; and 
       FIG. 3  shows a part of a feeding station in an alternative embodiment of an arrangement according to the invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     FIG. 1  shows a schematic plan view of an arrangement according to the invention comprising a shed  1  for containing a herd of animals. Shed  1  comprises inter alia a number of cubicles  2 , feeding stations  3   a  and  3   b , a milking compartment  4  with milking robots  5 , and a further area (waiting area)  6 . 
   The arrangement is further provided with an animal identification system which comprises reading units  10 ,  11 ,  12 ,  13 ,  14  and  15  for reading the animal identification device worn by an animal, in particular a cow. As known, data from the animal identification are centrally stored by a central unit  7  provided with a computer  8  having a memory  9  containing several memory files. Central unit  7  centrally controls the functions of the arrangement. 
   The waiting area  6  has a number of entrance gates  16 ,  17  and  18  (in the embodiment shown three). In the case that the entrance gates  16 ,  17  and  18  are side-by-side, as shown, there may be disposed partitions  19  and  20 . Waiting area  6  further has a number of exit gates  21 ,  22  and  23  (in the embodiment shown three). One of these exit gates as indicated by reference number  23  constitutes at the same time an entrance gate into milking compartment  4 . There are further provided selection gates  24  and  25  by means of which animals coming from the other exit gates  21  and  22  may be guided to milking compartment  4 . Exit gate  21  and a selection gate  26  can also give access to a punishment path  27  in which a waiting gate  28  may be provided. 
   In the embodiment shown each feeding station  3   a  and  3   b  has several, side-by-side, as shown, feeding troughs  32 . A feeding station having, however, only one feeding trough can also be applied within the scope of the invention. Each feeding trough  32  is provided with a closing means for closing the entrance to the feeding trough. 
   According to the invention, memory  9  is provided for each animal of the herd with data in relation to the hierarchic order of the animal. These data can initially be inputted with the aid of the data based on the dairy farmer&#39;s experience. Additionally, when known, there can be inputted data for each animal relating to its jostling behavior into the memory. However, the data in relation to the hierarchic order and jostling behavior can also automatically be generated and updated by the arrangement. 
   The functioning of the arrangement according to the invention will be explained in further detail with reference to the entrance to milking compartment  4  and the operation of the feeding stations  3   a  and  3   b , in particular the operation of the closing means for the feeding troughs. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to these two examples, but may be applied to all automatic animal related procedures that are customary in managing a herd of animals. 
   When dairy animals wish to make use of a milking robot  5  in the milking compartment  4 , they first have to enter the waiting area  6  via one of the entrance gates  16 ,  17  or  18 . When one of the entrance gates is blocked by a dominant, jostling animal, another animal can use one of the other two entrance gates. A reading unit  12  detects which cow is present at which gate. With the aid of data regarding the hierarchic order (and data regarding the jostling behavior, if any), and data regarding the history of the animal to be milked, central unit  7  is enabled to control the opening of the entrance gates. There is in particular provided a detection device, for example constituted by a counting device at the entrance gates or a camera  29  provided for detecting the number of animals in the waiting area  6 . When a predetermined number of animals has been reached, it is possible for central unit  7  not to allow animals to enter the waiting area  6  until said area is completely empty. For that purpose the detection device supplies a detection signal to the central unit  7 . 
   It is noticed that the camera  29  (and possibly other cameras) is not only adapted to determine the number of animals in the waiting area, but also to determine the behavior of the animals, for enabling updating of the data in the memory if desired. 
   When the limited, predetermined number of animals is present in waiting area  6 , central unit  7  will control the entrance to milking parlor  4 . Also in this case an animal can choose between several exit gates  21 ,  22  and  23 . Central unit  7  opens one of these exit gates, based on, for example, data regarding milking history of hierarchic order, so that the waiting time per animal does not increase in an undesired manner. For that purpose there is provided reading unit  13 . When an animal need not be milked, or shows an undesired jostling behavior, it is possible for the central unit to control the exit gates and the selection gates  24 ,  25  and  26  so that an animal is not guided to the milking compartment  4 , but to a punishment path  27 . 
   A dairy animal that has been milked by a milking robot  5  can leave milking compartment  4  through exit gates  34 ,  35  or  36 . Also in this situation there are provided a number of gates, which are disposed side by side, because it has appeared that very dominant, jostling animals may wait for milked animals thus preventing them from leaving the milking compartment. Now that there are provided several exit gates, an animal that has been milked is able to choose a free exit gate. 
   Only when all the animals admitted to the waiting area  6  have been milked, or in any event have left the waiting area and the milking compartment, which can be detected by the reading units  13  and  15 , are the entrances to the waiting area opened. 
   The gates controlled by central unit  7  also provide the possibility of punishing an animal for undesired behavior. When for example the presence of an animal at a certain gate is undesirable, said gate can be moved so that the animal is chased away. Furthermore, as described, the animal can further be guided via a punishment path. It is possible temporarily to apply an electric voltage to a gate (or to all the gates if desired). 
   Loudspeakers  37  issuing a sound that is unpleasant to animals may be used alternatively or additionally. There may further be used blowing means  38  for chasing animals away from locations where they are not undesired by means of a strong air flow. 
   A very effective means of punishment is provided by a vehicle  39  moving forward automatically. Said vehicle  39  may for example be controlled by cameras  29 ,  30 ,  31  and  40  and known image recognition programs. However, a particularly accurately functioning vehicle  39  is obtained when the animals are provided with an animal identification adapted to be detected by a positioning system for determining the position of the animal, and when the forward movement of vehicle  39  is automatically controlled at least with the aid of data from the positioning system. For that purpose the vehicle  39  may be provided with an aerial  41 . Of course, the vehicle is also provided with means to apply punishment. 
   Due to the fact that each feeding trough  32  is adapted to be closed at least with the aid of data from the memory, a correct feeding behavior can be stimulated. When for example an animal eating from a feeding trough  32  is pushed away by another animal, this can be detected by a camera  31  or  30  or by an animal identification at feeding station  3   a  or  3   b  or other means and the relevant feeding trough  32  can be closed. The animal that does the pushing is then no longer allowed to obtain fodder from the relevant feeding trough  32  and will quickly leave said feeding trough  32 , so that another animal, in particular the animal that has been pushed away, can regain access to feeding trough  32 , with reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3  the functioning of the arrangement at the feeding station will be set forth in further detail. 
   As described, the actions can be controlled on the basis of data, inputted manually by a farmer, in relation to the hierarchic order and the jostling behavior of the animals. 
   However, the arrangement may be self-educating, or such that the inputted data are updated continuously with the aid of means determining the hierarchic order and the jostling behavior of the animal. The hierarchic order and jostling behavior is preferably determined by determining the order in which animals of a herd enter respectively leave an area. This can take place by making use of, for example, a camera or the animal identification device. An extremely accurate indication of the hierarchic order and the jostling behavior are obtained by determining the order in which animals of a herd make use of a feeding or drinking station, or both. Also in this situation a camera or the animal identification can be used. 
   Although only a number of means of punishment are described, it will be appreciated that alternative means of punishment may be used, for example a punishment device that is movable from an invisible to a visible position. In this connection there may be an inflatable object, for example, in the form of a cow, a wall or the like, a picture showing a frightening image, a partition wall or guide wall or the like. 
     FIG. 2  shows schematically a part of an embodiment of a feeding station  3   a  according to an embodiment according to the invention. At feeding station  3   a  fodder or drink or both (hereinafter to be denoted by “feed,” by which is meant fodder or drink or both) is supplied to an animal in metered portions. Feeding station  3   a  is provided with a feeding trough  42  for containing feed. An entrance opening  44  provides an animal, for example, but not exclusively, a cow, access to a feeding trough  42 . An animal identification device  54  is preferably disposed at the feeding station  3   a  and recognizes a particular animal approaching feeding trough  42  to make use of it. A feed supplying device  56  supplies a quantity of feed into feeding trough  42 , possibly with the aid of data from the animal identification device  54 , the feed from a feed stock landing for feeding trough  42  via, for example, a cover and a chute. 
   Feeding station  3   a  is thus capable of recognizing a particular animal, such as a cow, by means of a transponder fitted on or to the cow. Feed supplying device  56  is controlled in a known manner by computer programs to ensure that the correct quantity of feed is supplied to the relevant cow. 
   A closing means  46  is movable across an entrance opening  44  of feeding trough  42 . When closing means  46  is moved across the entrance opening  44 , feeding trough  42  is made inaccessible to a particular animal, after which, as learned from practice, the animal will of its own accord leave the entrance to feeding trough  42  for a next animal. In the example shown, closing means  46  is constituted by a plate-like element that is capable of rotating about an axis  60 . Said axis  60  may be constituted by an axle driven by a motor which, as will be described hereinafter, is controlled with the aid of data in relation to the quantity of feed present in the feeding trough. 
     FIG. 3  shows schematically a part of an alternative embodiment of a feeding station  3   a . In this embodiment the closing means is constituted by a feeding trough  43  itself which is designed as a movable one. In the shown situation feeding trough  43  is rotatably disposed about an axis  59  that may be constituted by a motor-driven axle, said motor being controlled with the aid of data in relation to the quantity of feed present in the feeding trough, as will be elucidated hereinafter. In order to prevent that, in the position in which the feeding trough  43  closes the entrance opening  45 , feeding trough  43  is provided with a wall portion  61  for catching remaining feed. Said wall portion  61  can also act as a feed guide means for feed that is supplied by a feed supplying device  55  into feeding trough  43 . 
   In the embodiments described, the closing means rotates about an axis, the closing means being driven by a motor controlled with the aid of data in relation to the quantity of feed present in the feeding trough. For the purpose of providing, not only a simple but also a reliable and compact construction, a roll  64  or  65  is preferably driven by a motor  62  or  63 , which roll  64  or  65  contacts closing means  46  or  43 . According to the invention the feeding stations  3   a  and  3   b  are provided with a corresponding detection device  58  or  57  for detecting, after the supply of a quantity of fodder or drink, or both, that at least a part of the quantity of feed from the feeding trough  42  or  43  has been removed and for issuing thereupon a signal for operating closing means  46  or  43 . Thus, after an animal has consumed at least a part of the quantity of feed, if said animal remains standing at the feeding trough  42  or  43 , by operating the closing means  46  or  43  after receipt of a signal from the detection device  58  or  57 , the animal will be induced to leave. Accordingly, an animal that has just made use of the feeding trough is then induced to leave the entrance to the feeding trough. Such a detection device may be constituted for example by a camera capable of giving an estimation of the quantity of feed present in the feeding trough by means of an image recognition program. 
   However, the detection device is preferably constituted by a known weighing device for weighing the feed present in the feeding trough. With these means it can be determined how much feed a particular animal has used, and also whether remaining feed is present in the feeding unit. Closing means  46  and  43  are then preferably controlled with the aid of data both from the animal identification device and data from the weighing device, so that the eating behavior of a particular animal can be taken into account. The weighing device is capable of measuring whether or not, after the supply of a quantity of feed into the feeding trough, there is still feed present in the feeding trough, and how much remaining feed is left. As a result thereof the weighing device, for example after detection that there is no more feed present in the feeding trough, can issue a signal for operation of the closing means for closing the feeding trough. 
   A shown in  FIG. 2 , the weighing device is constituted by a device  58  for determining the degree pivoting of feeding trough  42 , and for deducing therefrom the weight of the feed present in feeding trough  42 . In this situation feeding trough  42  is supported by a load sensor  66  via a supporting arm, feeding trough  42  pivoting about a hinge pin  67 . 
   In the embodiment of  FIG. 3  the weighing device comprises the movable feeding trough  43  for weighing the feed present in the feeding unit. The feeding trough  43  is moved in a reciprocating manner by a motor  63  driving a roll  65 . As a result of this movement there occurs a torque, the magnitude of which is determined by a device  57  for measuring the magnitude of the torque. Device  57  deduces the weight of the feed present in the feeding trough from the torque determined. The exact correlation between torque and quantity of feed can previously be determined by means of simple calibration tests. 
   Detection devices  58  and  57  preferably include a clock, so that it is possible to measure how long the quantity of (remaining) feed in the corresponding feeding trough  42  or  43  remains untouched. By setting for example an upper threshold, after said upper threshold has elapsed, that is after a predetermined threshold period of time has elapsed, the clock can issue a signal for closing means  46  or  43 . In particular when data from the weighing device and the clock are combined, an extremely efficient use of the feed metering device is possible. This makes it possible for example to use for each animal a combination of data in relation to a lower threshold for remaining feed and an upper threshold for the time for operating the corresponding closing means  46  or  43 . Thus the closing means are operated when less than the lower feed threshold is present in feeding troughs  42  and  43  longer than the threshold time. As a non-limiting example approximately 2% to 10% of the quantity of feed supplied by the feed supply device to the feeding trough may be a threshold for the quantity of remaining feed, and approximately ten to sixty seconds as a threshold period of time. 
   The embodiments of a feed metering device shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3  are provided with a respective device  48  or  47  for detecting jamming for closing means  46  and  43 . Thus it is prevented that an animal is injuring during closing of the entrance opening to the feeding trough. A known device for detecting jamming exists, for example, for automatically closing car windows. When the device for detecting jamming detects a jamming, said device ensures by controlling the closing means that the latter releases the entrance gate. Preferably the closing means is re-closed automatically after a short time, such as less than two seconds. When an animal does not release the feeding trough after the first closing of the closing means, the closing means will repeat the closing action until the entrance opening is completely closed. When the closing means continues to open and close, there may be a defect. Consequently it is advisable for an alarm signal to be issued after a selected maximum number of anti-jamming openings has been reached. Said alarm may be audible, visible or otherwise. 
   Obstacle detectors  50  and  49  are provided for detecting an obstacle in the entrance opening. Such an obstacle detectors  50  and  49  are preferably suitable for distinguishing animals and other objects from each other. For that purpose, the combination of same with the animal identification device is advantageous, although image recognition equipment is possible as well. An obstacle could for example be constituted by the hand of a person cleaning the feeding trough, it being apparent that the closing means must not be closed when the hand is present in the entrance opening. 
   The embodiments of the invention according to  FIGS. 2 and 3  also comprise an anti-violence detector  52  and  51  for detecting undesired kicking, knocking or the like against parts of feeding stations  3   a  and  3   b . When the anti-violence detectors  52  and  51 , which may comprise, for example, a vibration detector, detect when a part is being kicked or knocked or the like, then said detector issues a signal for operating the corresponding closing means  46  or  43  for closing the feeding troughs  42  and  43 . 
   There is preferably provided a device for issuing a warning signal, such as a sound signal or a light signal, or both, indicating closing of the closing means, so that the animals are warned of closing. 
   Not only jostling animals may cause a disturbance of the normal order of things at a feeding station, but also so-called gourmets may cause a disturbance. A gourmet is an animal going from one feeding trough (or feeding station) to another and each time only takes a small quantity of fodder (usually the best part). Such a disturbance is avoided according to the invention in that the computer is programmed in such a manner that the closing means of a third feeding trough is operated when the data in the memory indicate that an animal has taken within a predetermined period of time less than a first quantity of feed from a first feeding trough and less than a second quantity from a second feeding trough. The first or second quantity, or both, preferably being about 0.75. kilograms (another quantity being possible), while the period of time preferably amounts to fifteen minutes (another period of time being possible). 
   Although we have disclosed the preferred embodiments of an invention, it will be understood that it is capable of other adaptations and modifications within the scope of the following claims: