Patent Application
20230247972
This disclosure relates to an improved method of producing an animal of a particular breed. This disclosure also relates to a method for integrating a network of household pet owners into a pet supply chain. The pet industry continues to make explosive growth as more and more people enjoy pet ownership. Since many people have an affinity for particular breeds, there is a substantial market for pure bread pets, that is pets conforming to a particular set of characteristics that define a certain breed. One reason some prefer a particular breed is that dogs within a particular breed, apart from their physical characteristics, tend to have similar dispositions to other dogs in the particular breed. For example, some dog breeds have a particularly keen sense of smell, while other breeds are naturally adept and hunting birds. As such, choosing a particular dog by its breed can be particularly beneficial to a prospective pet owner looking to own a dog with particular qualities. However, methods for providing a secure and convenient way for owning a pet of a particular breed have not improved substantially over the years.
Additional problems in breeding animals include inhumane treatment of animals that are usually being farmed on high-volume breeding facilities e.g. puppy mills. In such facilities, there is often little human interaction, and animals are kept in stacked wire cages (some milled dogs never touch grass). Also, pets produced from high-volume breeding facilities are often develop serious health and behavioral issues. These issues can be due to the cruel conditions in which these animals are bred. Small and intermediate breeders who can be capable of providing better facility and give better treatment to animals are also facing problems such as retail space or having a better platform in which breeders can conveniently market their animal’s offspring.
Furthermore, most breeding facility does not have the proper method in producing a desired breed of animal. Having a method in determining a way to find a suitable match, such as genetic sampling, for each animal being bred can help in the biodiversity in the breed of animal. This method can also help breeders in producing healthy offspring that are less susceptible to common diseases.
Affordability is another common problem faced by individuals interested in buying high standard animal. Usually, individuals would have to pay a large amount of money upfront to buy a specific breed, which can deter most buyer in purchasing a pet. Thus, having a method of being able to offer the pet through staggard payment can make ownership of a pet with a high standard breed be convenient and possible. As such it would be useful to have an improved method of producing an animal of a particular breed. It would also be useful to have a method for integrating a network of household pet owners into a pet supply chain.
This disclosure relates to an improved method of producing an animal of a particular breed. The method can comprise the step of determining genetic test results. The genetic test results can relate to one or more genetic characteristics of the animal. The method can also comprise the step of comparing the genetic test results to each other genetic test result of a plurality of other genetic test results to determine a probability that if the first animal is mated with an animal associated with the other genetic test result that resulting offspring would have characteristics each within a predetermined threshold. One or more of the predetermined thresholds can relate to a breed of such animal. The method can also comprise the steps of determining the other animal to be a suitable match if the probability is above an acceptable probability threshold, and producing offspring with the animal and at least one of the other animals determined to be a suitable match.
This disclosure also relates to a method for integrating a network of household pet owners into a pet supply chain. The method can comprise the steps of developing a network of pet owners and information of one or more household pets of each of the pet owners, and determining a suitable match of pets to produce offspring having positive characteristics in relation to a breed. Furthermore, the method can comprise the steps of obtaining permission from each of the owners of matched pets to produce offspring using the matched pets, and facilitating the breeding of the matched pets and commercialization of the offspring with a plurality of services from the following: seminal fluid collection and storage, artificial insemination, birthing, whelping, marketing of the offspring, and sale of the offspring.
Described herein is an improved method of producing an animal of a particular breed as well as a method for integrating a network of household pet owners into a pet supply chain. The following description is presented to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention as claimed and is provided in the context of the particular examples discussed below, variations of which will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. In the interest of clarity, not all features of an actual implementation are described in this specification. It will be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation (as in any development project), design decisions must be made to achieve the designers’ specific goals (e.g., compliance with system- and business-related constraints), and that these goals will vary from one implementation to another. It will also be appreciated that such development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the field of the appropriate art having the benefit of this disclosure. Accordingly, the claims appended hereto are not intended to be limited by the disclosed embodiments, but are to be accorded their widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.
In one embodiment, pets 101 can be sourced from small breeders 103. In such embodiment, pet store 102 and small breeders 103 can sign a consignment agreement 105, which allows pet store 102 to sell pets 101 on behalf of small breeders 103. Once the offspring are produced by small breeders 103, the offspring can be profiled as discussed further below and then sold by pet store 102. In another embodiment, pets 101 can be sourced from hobby breeders 104. In this embodiment, pet store 102 and each hobby breeder 104 can sign a hobby breeder’s program 106 agreement, which permits pet store 102 to facilitate the breeding process of pets 101 bought by hobby breeder 104. Facilitating the breeding process can include determining a suitable match for a specific pet 101 to produce a desired offspring, which is further detailed below. In such embodiments, each pet owner 107 can be a supplier of pets 101 for pet store 102. Furthermore, a percentage of the profit made from selling the pets can be paid to the small breeder or hobby breeder.
For purposes of this disclosure, pet store 102 can range between 5,000 to 10,000 square feet. As such, pets can be displayed in glass display with no more than 4-6 pets per display. Furthermore, each pet store 102 can have an interaction room where a prospective pet owner can spend time with pet 101 before purchasing. This can ensure that future pet owners are comfortable and will be satisfied with the pet their trying to purchase. Each pet store 102 can also have an office space for a veterinarian, and veterinarian staffs such as veterinarian technician and pet caregivers. Thus, a licensed veterinarian can be on site at each pet store 102. This can ensure that there is always a veterinarian to provide consultation and services at pet store 102. In one embodiment, pet care givers can stay and watch pet store 102 around the clock or 24/7. In another embodiment, pet care givers can watch the pets offsite via camera placed within pet store 102. Such services can give a good impression to customers that pet’s needs are taken care off and that pets are treated properly.
Genetic test 201 can be performed on a genetic sample 202 of an animal. Genetic sample 202 can be materials such as blood, hair, skin, amniotic fluid, or other tissue taken from an animal. Furthermore, genetic testing 201 can be done to look for changes in an animal’s genes or changes in the amount, function, or structure of key proteins coded by specific genes. Some examples of genetic test 201 can include but are not limited to chromosome studies, DNA studies, and biochemical genetic studies. For purposes of this disclosure, chromosomes are parts of the cells that contain an animal’s genes. As such, genes are parts of DNA passed down from a parent to offspring. Chromosomes studies can be done when an offspring is born with multiple birth defects in order to look for specific changes in the order of the chromosome material linked with the defects. Further, DNA studies can be used to identify changes in DNA sequence or chromosome structure. Tests for cancer susceptibility genes are usually done by DNA studies. Lastly, biochemical genetic studies involve the study of enzymes in the body of the animal that may be abnormal in some way.
The result of genetic testing 201, which is known as genetic test result 203, can confirm or rule out a suspected genetic condition of an animal. Moreover, genetic test result 203 can help determine if an animal has a chance of developing or passing a genetic disorder to their offspring. Thus, genetic test result 203 can help in producing offspring 200 with a desired genetic characteristic, which will be discussed further below.
After receiving genetic test result 203, offspring 200 can then be registered by pet store 102 into one of one or more animal club registries 204. This is to ensure pet owners 107 that pets 101 being sold at pet store 102 maintains a breed standard. Animal club registries 204 can be a club that maintains breed standards and/or records pedigrees of an animal. An example of animal club registry 204 is a kennel club registry which can include but is not limited to the American Kennel Club, True Bully Kennel Club (TBKC), and Bully Breed Kennel Club (BBKC). As such, animal club registries 204 can manage a list of adult purebred animals and lists of offspring born to purebred parents.
Further, genes can also contribute to behavioral characteristics 303 of an animal. Although each dog or animal can have their individual personality, there are still some behavioral characteristics 303 that can be attributed to different breed types. As illustrated in
Non-disposition to a disease 304 can be the genetic susceptibility of an animal to a disease. Though most breeds can have a high probability of developing a breed-specific diseases, each individual animal can have their own medical history 805 and each animal may have a low or reduced chance in developing a disease, which can be associated to each animal’s genes. As shown in
Identifying genetic characteristics 300 of each offspring 200 can be very useful, as such process can help pet supply chain 100 identify a good match amongst the network of pets 101 within the supply chain system.
Further in one embodiment, add-pet screen 700 can also comprise username field 703. Username field 703 can allow the pet personnel to associate pet 101 with username 601 that is associated with a pet owner’s user account 603. In one embodiment, by selecting a specific username 601 on username field 703, the application can determine whether the selected user has signed up with either consignment agreement 105 or hobby-breeder program 106. In this embodiment, user account 603 associated to username 601 can receive a portion of agreed payment once pet 101 associated with pet account 701 is sold. In such embodiment, payment can be automatically sent to the associated billing information 602 of user account 603.
In an example scenario, pet owner 107 can click on notify-me widget 806a to be notified for the next vaccination date of his pet 101. In one embodiment, pet owner can set the duration of the notification through duration widget 806b and can select the frequency of the notification through frequency widget 806c. In one embodiment, pet owner 107 can choose to be notified through the contact information such as e-mail address or contact number, which was set up during the sign-up registration on pet application 401. In another embodiment, pet application 401 can send a notification alert 807 to users on the scheduled appointment date and time, when there is a request for breeding permissions, and when a match is found for the pet owner’s pet 101.
Pet application 401 can then determine other pet 101 to be a suitable match with first pet 101a if probability is above an acceptable probability threshold. After determining a suitable match for first pet 101a, an offspring 200 can then be produced with first pet 101a and at least one of other pets 101 that was determined to be a suitable match. Once supply of pets 106 are obtained, pets 106 can then be displayed and sold in pet store 102.
In an example scenario wherein pet store 102 wants to find a match for a first pet owner’s 107a with a first pet 101a that is a Bulldog breed 301, pet application 401 can query data store 204 to determine other pets 101 within pet application 401 that is within a predetermined threshold 1001. The predetermined threshold can be related to breed 301 of pet 101. In this example scenario wherein predetermined threshold 1000 on pet application 401 can be set to color of the animal such as “black with tan spots” and animal that has less likely to develop a heart disease, the application can start to query genetic characteristics 300 of each pet account 701 whose breed 301 is “Bulldog”. The application can query through other pet accounts 701 to find a suitable mate for first pet 101a that has “black with tan spots” color with minimal or no history of heart disease on medical history 805, and whose non-disposition to a disease for heart disease is “low”. The results of such query can create matched pets 1100 on pet application 401 and matched pets 1100 can be associated with first pet 101a. Matched pets 1100 can comprise other pet accounts 701 that have the positive characteristics described on predetermined threshold 1000.
In one embodiment, pet application 401 can notify first pet owners 107a that a suitable match for their pet 101 exists. Pet application 401 can then solicit first owner 107a to have their first pet 101a participate in producing offspring 200. In one embodiment, pet application 401 can send notification alert 807 to the owner to inform them that their pets 101 is a suitable match for another pet 101. In another embodiment, pet application 401 can send a message via email or SMS (short message service) to ask permission from the owner to breed their pets. Further in another embodiment, the owner can be notified through notification alert 807 on pet application 401. Once the first owner agrees, the application can then get permission from other owner’s whose pets 101 is a suitable match for first pet 101a. After receiving permission from both owners, pet store 102 can start with facilitate the breeding of matched pets 1100 and then eventually start the commercialization of the pet’s offspring 200, which can be further discussed below.
In another example scenario wherein pet 101 is a female dog, on pet’s 101 2nd heat pet owner 107 can set up an artificial insemination appointment through pet application 401. After the artificial insemination is done, pet owner 107 can then return home with his pet 101. In one embodiment, pet application 401 can suggest to pet owner a follow-up pet service appointment scheduled on the pet’s labor day. In such embodiment, pet application 401 can determine the estimated labor date of pet 101. In one embodiment, pet application 401 can notify pet owner 107 within the application. In another embodiment, pet application 401 can send a message on pet owner’s registered contact information. Then on pet’s labor day, pet 101 can be assisted by the veterinarian on the pet store’s birthing and whelping facility. In one embodiment, the owner can bring pet 101 to pet store 102 on its labor day. In another embodiment, pet store 102 can schedule a pickup of pet 101 from pet owner’s home. Pet 101 and its offspring can then remain within pet store’s whelping facility for six to eight weeks, and can be under the care of the store’s veterinary technicians. Pet account 701 for each offspring 200 can be created and added to data store of pet application 401 and the offspring can be moved to the showroom to be sold and displayed. Pet 101 can then be picked up by the owner or dropped by the pet store to the pet owner’s residence through the delivery service of pet store 102. A percentage of a completed sale for each pet 101 sold can then be paid or sent to billing information 602 of pet owner 107. Further, the delivery and/or pickup services can be offered to pet owners 107 who signed the contract with pet store 102. The convenience of pickup and delivery service for pets before and/or after labor can encourage more pet owners 107 to sign up with the contract.
The flowcharts of
Also, any logic or application described herein that comprises software or code, including pet application 401, can be embodied in any computer-readable storage medium for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system such as, server processor in a computer system or other system. The logic can comprise statements including instructions and declarations that can be fetched from the computer-readable storage medium and executed by the instruction execution system.
In the context of the present disclosure, a “computer-readable storage medium” can be any medium that can contain, store, or maintain the logic or application described herein for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system. The computer-readable storage medium can comprise any one of many physical media, such as electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor media. More specific examples of a suitable computer-readable storage medium can include, but are not limited to, magnetic tapes, magnetic floppy diskettes, magnetic hard drives, memory cards, solid-state drives, USB flash drives, or optical discs. Also, the computer-readable storage medium can be a random access memory (RAM), including static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM) or magnetic random access memory (MRAM). In addition, the computer-readable storage medium can be a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or other type of memory device.
It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure are merely possible examples of implementations set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the disclosure. Many variations and modifications can be made to the above-described embodiment(s) without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and protected by the following claims.
Various changes in the details of the illustrated operational methods are possible without departing from the scope of the following claims. Some embodiments may combine the activities described herein as being separate steps. Similarly, one or more of the described steps may be omitted, depending upon the specific operational environment the method is being implemented in. It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments may be used in combination with each other. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.”
