Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for administering micro-ingredient feed additives to animal feed rations. The apparatus may be referred to as a system which includes a number of discrete components which cooperate together to ultimately deliver micro-ingredients to a desired location, such as a feed mixer containing a feed ration. Structure is provided for storing, measuring, dispensing, and conveying the micro-ingredients. Measuring of the micro-ingredients may be achieved by loss in weight, gain in weight, or volumetric metering methods. Transport by a liquid carrier such as water may be achieved by providing one or a plurality of conveyance pumps connected to a transport line. The system is operated by a control unit which controls components of the system to achieve delivery of specified amounts and types of micro-ingredients to the feed ration.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for administering micro-ingredient feed additives or supplements to feed rations. The amount of each particular micro-ingredient to be delivered to a feed ration may be determined by a bulk density measurement. Alternatively, bulk density measurement may be used in combination with existing weight measurement and volumetric metering methods for multiple micro-ingredients. Delivery by bulk density requires determination of a bulk density value along with use of a dispensing device that dispenses a calculated amount of the micro-ingredient ration. The dispensing calculation may be achieved by analysis of delivery time, pulse count, or some other quantitative measure such as magnitude. Use of bulk density as a measurement technique eliminates the requirement for use of scales in the micro-ingredient delivery system.

Abstract: A cattle management system and method are provided for managing numerous routine and non-routine management activities. The system and method incorporate a data processing system wherein comprehensive data is gathered and maintained on each individual animal as well as on selected groups of animals. Preferably, a central database is used which allows enhanced functionality with respect to not only data entry and data transfer, but also with respect to providing system generated management recommendations.

Abstract: A computer network and method for feeding animals in a feedlot, in which discretion and direct control over the various suboperations of the feed ration assignment and delivery process are distributed among the individual operators in the system, while the feedlot manager is capable of indirectly monitoring the performance of the various suboperations through use of a satellite based global positioning system.

Abstract: An animal feedlot management system including: (a) a main feedlot computer system which stores a feedlot layout database for maintaining geographic coordinate information representative of a model of the feedlot and objects contained therein, (b) at least one feedlot vehicle, and (c) a mobile computer system installed on-board the feedlot vehicle. The mobile computer system includes a display for viewing at least a portion of the model maintained in the feedlot layout database. The mobile computer system is coupled to a GPS receiver that acquires vehicle information related to at least one of the geographic coordinates, orientation, and speed of the feedlot vehicle. The main feedlot computer system is coupled to at least one of a wireless transceiver and a wired or wireless Internet connection for communicating with the mobile computer system.

Abstract: An animal feedlot management system for uniformly delivering assigned feed rations to feedbunks associated with animal pens in a feedlot, in which discretion and direct control over the various suboperations of the feed ration assignment and delivery process are distributed among the individual operators in the system while the feedlot manage is capable of indirectly monitoring the performance of the various suboperations through use of a satellite based global positioning system.

Abstract: An animal feedlot management system for uniformly delivering assigned feed rations to feedbunks associated with animal pens in a feedlot, in which discretion and direct control over the various suboperations of the feed ration assignment and delivery process are distributed among the individual operators in the system while the feedlot manager is capable of indirectly monitoring the performance of the various suboperations through use of a satellite based global positioning system.

Abstract: An animal feedlot management system is disclosed, wherein each feed delivery vehicle employed therein uses real-time virtual reality (VR) modelling and coordinate acquisition techniques supported upon an Internet-based (i.e., Cyberspace) communications platform in order to carry out various types of feedlot operations. Each feedlot vehicle has an on-board computer system which includes a VR subsystem, for accessing a VR database maintaining information representative of a VR model of the feedlot and the objects present therein (eg., tagged animals, pens, alley ways, feedbunks, buildings, vehicles, etc.

Abstract: A system and method for uniformly delivering assigned feed rations to the feedbunks associated with animal pens. The system includes a feed delivery vehicle having a feed storage compartment and a scale. The function of the scale is to weigh the amount of feed in the storage compartment at sampled time intervals, and produce a first data signal indicative of the weight of the feed at these sampled time intervals. The vehicle also has a ground speed radar unit which measures the true ground speed of the vehicle at sampled time intervals as the vehicle travels alongside of the feedbunk, and produces a second data signal indicative of the vehicular speed at these sampled time intervals. A computer aboard the vehicle processes the first and second data signals along with information regarding the length of the feedbunk and produces a control signal as the vehicle travels alongside the feedbunk.

Abstract: A computer network and method for feeding animals in a feedlot, in which discretion and direct control over the various suboperations of the feed ration assignment and delivery process are distributed among the individual operators in the system, while the feedlot manager is capable of indirectly monitoring the performance of the various suboperations.

Abstract: A computer-based microingredient inventory accounting system and process for use with programmable microingredient dispensing and mixing machinery. In the illustrative embodiment, the computer-based microingredient inventory accounting system is coupled with a programmable microingredient dispensing and mixing system. The programmable microingredient dispensing and mixing system includes weight measuring mechanisms that are interfaced with a computer system programmed to continuously monitor the weight of microingredients stored on a plurality of inventory storage scales, as well as in a plurality of dispensing bins and tanks. The computer-based microingredient inventory accounting system is programmed to perform a number of inventory monitoring functions including: automated detection of microingredient loss (e.g.

Abstract: A system and method for uniformly delivering assigned feed rations to the feedbunks associated with animal pens. The system includes a feed delivery vehicle having a feed storage compartment and a scale. The function of the scale is to weigh the amount of feed in the storage compartment at sampled time intervals, and produce a first data signal indicative of the weight of the feed at these sampled time intervals. The vehicle also has a ground speed radar unit which measures the true ground speed of the vehicle at sampled time intervals as the vehicle travels alongside of the feedbunk, and produces a second data signal indicative of the vehicular speed at these sampled time intervals. A computer aboard the vehicle processes the first and second data signals along with information regarding the length of the feedbunk and produces a control signal as the vehicle travels alongside the feedbunk.

Abstract: A computer-based microingredient inventory accounting system and process for use with programmable microingredient dispensing and mixing machinery. In the illustrative embodiment, the computer-based microingredient inventory accounting system is coupled with a programmable microingredient dispensing and mixing system. The programmable microingredient dispensing and mixing system includes weight measuring mechanisms that are interfaced with a computer system programmed to continuously monitor the weight of microingredients stored on a plurality of inventory storage scales, as well as in a plurality of dispensing bins and tanks. The computer-based microingredient inventory accounting system is programmed to perform a number of inventory monitoring functions including: automated detection of microingredient loss (e.g.

Abstract: A computer network and method for feeding animals in a feedlot, in which discretion and direct control over the various suboperations of the feed ration assignment and delivery process are distributed among the individual operators in the system, while the feedlot manager is capable of indirectly monitoring the performance of the various suboperations.