Abstract: A tool for tilling and comminuting in a tool carrier with rotor which is rotatable about the rotor axis, the tool is received in a receptacle of the tool carrier arranged on the rotor. The receptacle is formed by a first face provided in the cutting direction and second face on which the tool is fastened by means of its face which faces away from the cutting direction, the tool has a body which has an end face in the direction of rotation of the rotor and a rear face opposite the end face. The rear face is inclined by 1° to 10° with respect to the end face and the tool is braced and held between the face in the cutting direction of the receptacle and the face of the receptacle that faces away from the cutting direction, play is left between the tool and receptacle base.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting an implement to mobile machinery comprises a first frame work, a slidable second frame work, and at least one support member. The support member provides support for the second framework as it slides back and forth along the first frame work.

Abstract: An agricultural tillage implement with a hydraulic system having a left wing hydraulic subsystem with an outer left wing hydraulic circuit supplying hydraulic pressure and flow to an actuator for actuating an actuator of an outer left wing folding implement section, and a right wing hydraulic subsystem having an outer right wing hydraulic circuit for actuating the actuator of an outer right wing implement section; the hydraulic system additionally having a hydraulic flow divider dividing hydraulic flow and pressure between the outer left wing hydraulic circuit and the outer right wing hydraulic circuit, the hydraulic flow divider being configured to coordinate the motion of the outer left wing section and the outer right wing section.

Abstract: A flow control system for controlling flow of materials such as seeds or fertilizer as the materials are fed into a manifold and meter unit of an air seeder. The flow control system generally includes a flow controller which is connected between a volume of materials, such as a tank, and a manifold of an air seeder. The flow controller is adapted to control flow of the materials into the manifold to be metered by a meter unit. The flow controller includes a plurality of movable gates; with each gate being adapted to selectively open or close a corresponding opening in the flow controller. The gates may be manually adjusted, such as by a handle, or may be automatically adjusted, such as by actuators. By selectively opening or closing various gates, the volume and speed of flow of materials into the manifold may be easily and efficiently adjusted.

Abstract: Described herein are systems, implements, and methods for seed orientation during planting operations of agricultural plants of agricultural fields. In one embodiment, a system for seed orientation includes a vision system positioned in proximity to a seed disk. The vision system determines seed orientation data for seed on the seed disk. A seed belt receives seed from the seed disk and the seed belt adjusts an orientation of the seed from the seed disk to a desired seed orientation with a furrow during planting.

Abstract: An apparatus for broadcasting particulate or granular material over a ground surface involves a variable speed spinner and a material conveyor. The spinner is positioned generally horizontally below a discharge end of a material conveyor. The spinner has a disk having a generally radially disposed fin fixed to an upper side of the disk and radiating outwardly from a center of the disk. The spinner is positioned to receive material from the material conveyor at a location about half way along a length of the fin. In a method broadcasting particulate or granular material over a ground surface, the spinner is preferably rotated at a speed of 900 to 1,000 rpm. The apparatus and method provide for distribution of material over greater distances and can do so without pulverizing the material, creating a uniform pattern of distribution over a 50% wider swath.

Abstract: Hand tools having a hand guard for protecting a user's working hand are provided. In one embodiment, the hand tool may be a paint roller that includes a roller assembly having a proximal end and an opposite distal end, and a hand guard attached to the roller assembly. The roller assembly may include a handle portion extending from the proximal end of the roller assembly, and a support portion extending from the distal end of the roller assembly to the handle portion. The support portion may include a support arm assembly attached to the handle portion and a cover support positioned at the distal end of the roller assembly and rotatably attached to the support arm assembly. The hand guard may be positioned over a top surface of the handle portion and may include a plurality of walls defining an interior space configured to receive a user's hand therein.

Abstract: A controller for a harvester. The controller is configured to receive crop flow information representative of how crop is flowing through the harvester and generate display information for providing a visual display to an operator of the harvester. The visual display includes an animation of crop flowing through the harvester. The controller is further configured to set one or more properties of the animation of the crop flowing through the harvester based on the received crop flow information.

Abstract: A mowing robot includes a body which forms an outer shape and an internal space; a first wheel and a second wheel which are independently rotatably provided at a first side and a second side respectively so that the body can rotate and move forward with respect to ground; a first motor which provides a rotational force to the first wheel; a second motor which provides a rotational force to the second wheel; and a sensor which is provided in the internal space, has a gyro sensing function for at least horizontal rotation, and has a magnetic field sensing function, wherein the sensor is provided between a wheel front end plane and a wheel rear end plane, and is provided above a first motor upper end plane and a second motor upper end plane.

Abstract: A mower and an attachment device or mount having a frame attachment clamp to removeably affix to the wheel support frame, a pivotable linkage arrangement to position a string trimmer proximate either front wheel of the lawnmower, and a grade wheel to maintain a designated height of string trimmer above grade. The attachment device or mount may enable the operator to attach the frame attachment clamp to either front wheel enabling the operator to look ahead and anticipate where the lawnmower needs to be driven and simultaneously to position the string trimmer for trimming and edging operation around landscapes and borders on either the left or right side of the lawnmower.

Abstract: A walk-behind, self-propelled machine includes a clutch having a driving state where a motor drives wheels to rotate and an unlocked state where the wheels freely rotate relative to the motor. The clutch includes a movable member and a driving member. The movable member is capable of moving between a locked position where the clutch is in the driving state and an unlocked position where the clutch is in the unlocked state. The driving member transfers power to the wheels by means of friction.

Abstract: An overall machine operational state (such as a problem state, field state, machine state, other non-problem state, etc.) is identified, and exit and entry conditions are monitored to determine whether the machine transitions into another operational state. When the machine transitions into a problem state, a multiple input, multiple output control system uses a state machine to identify the problem state and a solution is identified. The solution is indicative of machine settings that will return the machine to an acceptable, operational state. Control signals are generated to modify the machine settings based on the identified solution.

Abstract: A lawn mower includes a mower frame with a first connection point and a second connection point spaced apart from the first connection point. The lawn mower also includes a prime mover supported by the mower frame forward of the first and second connection points, a mower deck mounted to the mower frame, a cutting blade mounted below the mower deck, and an accessory releasably coupled to the mower frame. The accessory includes a first linkage member that extends from the accessory toward the first connection point, and a second linkage member that extends from the accessory toward the second connection point. A hook is coupled to an end of the first linkage member and engages the first connection point. A latch is coupled to an end of the second linkage member and is operable to engage the second connection point to selectively secure the accessory to the mower frame.

Abstract: A system and related method of applying forage treatment material to harvested forage is provided. The method can include harvesting forage, rotating an auger in a bin to convey a granular treatment material toward a tube, moving the material through the tube with a vacuum toward harvested forage moving in a chute to mix the material with the harvested forage, sensing rotation of the auger; displaying an RPM associated with the sensed auger rotation; displaying a measured harvested forage rate; adjusting the actuator to change the RPM to match the applied material amount to the harvested forage based on the measured harvested forage rate. The system can include a bin having an auger, a sensor that measures auger RPM, a tube, a display that displays the RPM in the cab, and an actuator to adjust applied material by changing the RPM based on a measured harvested forage rate.

Abstract: A plastic filler for a cylinder conveyor, wherein the cylindrical conveyor includes a drum supported on a central shaft and defines a void therebetween, and wherein the plastic filler at least partially fills the void and thereby prevents the entry of contaminants into the void.

Abstract: A threshing and separating system including a non-stationary rotor cage including a perforated cylindrical body extending in a longitudinal direction from a first open end portion to a second open end portion. The first open end portion supported by a first rotatable coupling point, and the second open end portion supported by a second rotatable coupling point. The threshing and separating system also includes a rotor configured to rotate within the non-stationary rotor cage to thresh harvested crop. The non-stationary rotor cage is configured to rotate about an axis extending between the first rotatable coupling point and the second rotatable coupling point, and to be rotationally driven by the rotor via the threshed harvested crop.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved method of continuously forming round bales of forage material, and particularly round bales with compressed side walls, from windrowed harvested lines of forage and continuous baling apparatus including a continuous pickup, a continuous rotary chopper, an accumulation chamber with a compressed and chopped forage material entry slot and a decompressing exit slot plus a standard form intermittent round baler.

Abstract: A land preparation tool includes a tool body having a cutting surface, a mounting surface, an opening, and a channel. The cutting surface has a blade positioned at a distal end thereof. The mounting surface has a non-planar profile and is disposed on the tool body opposite the cutting surface. The opening is disposed on the mounting surface and the channel extends from the opening at least partially into the tool body. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A plant-light system that includes a plurality of ducted plant-lighting plenum sheets, wherein each ducted plant-lighting plenum sheet includes a plurality of flexible perforated LED sheets, each LED sheet including a plurality of LEDs arranged on a grid, the plurality of LEDs including LEDs emitting light that appears red, light that appears blue, light that appears white, and light that is at least mostly infrared light, wherein each plant lighting sheet has a length and a width, and wherein the plurality of lighting sheets is arranged along a length of a room; a plurality of plant-holding pockets arranged along the length of the room generally parallel to the plurality of ducted plant-lighting plenum sheets; and a plant-lighting plenum sheets motion and withdrawal system arranged to move the plurality of ducted plant-lighting plenum sheets to a plurality of different locations relative to the plurality of plant-holding pockets for different time periods.

Abstract: A light control device and method for stimulating plant growth is disclosed. The light control device includes a light source capable of emitting light required for plant growth. The light control device further comprises a plurality of light conversion films rotatably mounted upon a film switching unit arranged around the light source, the film switching unit driven by a motor arranged therewithin. The plurality of light conversion films may further provide a plurality of light spectra required during a plurality of plant growth stages. The light control device determines plant growth stage based on the size and the height of the plants. The motor rotates the film switching unit, based on the plant growth stage of the plants, in such a manner that a light conversion film, associated with the plant growth stage of the plants, is positioned in front of the light source. Such positioning stimulates the plant growth.

Abstract: A plant support for centrifuging plants comprises at least first and second portions that are configurable in a closed configuration that defines an internal cavity adapted to radially support plants in a manner at least partially preventing the plants from deforming or changing orientation during centrifugation. The first and second portions are also configurable in an open configuration that allows the plants to be inserted between the at least first and second portions into what becomes the internal cavity from the side rather than axially. Another plant support comprises a plurality of plant support rods that are removably attached to a platform that holds the plant support rods perpendicular to the platform and parallel to each other during centrifugation. A method involves supporting a plant radially relative to the g-loading during centrifugation such that a treatment agent remains in contact with only a portion of the plant.

Abstract: Provided is a binding machine used to erect a post and bind a stem or branch of a plant to the post to enable the stem or branch to maintain a desired posture during the cultivation of fruits, vegetables, or flowers or gardening. The binding machine is configured not to allow an operating lever to be moved down when a binding tape is hooked to a tape pulling needle to prevent an erroneous operation while the binding tape is being drawn out and configured to prevent an iron pin bundle from being loaded upside down onto an iron pin supply part and to prevent an iron pin push bar from arbitrarily escaping the iron pin supply part and being lost when the iron pin push bar is separated from the iron pin supply part.

Abstract: A device for UV and low temperature treatment for increasing a functional material content in a plant including a work table having an upper plate elevated from a floor, a cultivation bed disposed on the upper plate and including an accommodation hole to accommodate soil or culturing solution therein, and a flow tube disposed in the soil or culturing solution to supply or drain water to and from the accommodation hole, a supply portion to circulate water in the flow tube to lower the temperature of water, a light emitting portion including a pillar adjustable in height and a UV light source emit UV light toward an upper portion of the cultivation bed, and a power generator including a servo motor disposed below the work table, and a bracket configured to adjust a location of the light emitting portion with respect to the side surface of the work table.

Abstract: In various embodiments, an apparatus for growing plants is provided. The apparatus may include an irrigation apparatus, an illumination apparatus, a climate control device, an accommodating space for accommodating one or more seed mats, a controller which is configured to control the irrigation apparatus, the illumination apparatus and the climate control apparatus by means of a program controller, at least one air humidity sensor for determining an air humidity in the accommodating space, and at least one temperature sensor for determining an air temperature in the accommodating space.

Abstract: A landscape edging for use on a stone surface, the edging solving the problem that known edging has a poor shaping effect, is higher in cost and cannot satisfactorily harmonize with vegetation. The landscape edging comprises an edging body, the edging body having flexibility, and an outer wall thereof being provided with a decoration layer made of stone granules. When in use, an isolation belt can satisfactorily harmonize with the surrounding environment, and has a certain flexibility, can achieve better shaping, has a better usage effect and is a good substitute for an existing landscape edging.

Abstract: A saw apparatus includes a guide bar, a chain driver, and an endless cutting chain trained about the guide bar and the chain driver. The guide bar includes a first chain retention feature along at least a portion of its periphery, and the cutting chain includes a second chain retention feature configured to interact with the first chain retention feature such that movement of the second chain retention feature away from the guide bar is restricted. A timber-working device includes a frame, at least one pair of arms pivotally attached to the frame and configured to be controlled to grasp at least one tree, and the saw apparatus mounted to the frame.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the collection of water and more specifically to the collection of rainwater. A challenge in rainwater collection is to minimize manual effort and operator inconvenience. Existing methods in the art do not gracefully handle situations in which insufficient rainwater is collected. Existing methods also require manual retrieval of collected rainwater. Accordingly, we present novel methods, components, and systems for automatically and intelligently collecting and using rainwater. More specifically, we describe methods, components, and systems for integrating rainwater collection systems with main line water sources and drip systems using a programmable controller that can direct water flow from the appropriate source using programmable logic that takes inputs from a plurality of sources, possibly comprising, but not limited to, the level of collected water and the parameters of the irrigation controller.

Abstract: A hydroponic growing system having multiple growing units, wherein each growing unit includes a container for a plant. The growing units are linked through a water recirculation system. The water recirculation system includes a sprayer located on an upper, inner portion of the growing unit above a water level. Water is sprayed downward onto the water surface and plants creating increased levels of oxygen for optimal growth. Each growing unit is connected to a water return channel that directs water to a water pump to circulate water throughout the system via a pressurized manifold system. Sprayers are connected to the manifold for introducing water into the growing unit. The system delivers limitless oxygen to roots and can produce healthy plants with fewer nutrients than conventional systems. The system provides increased oxygen levels such that plant life can thrive, even in less than optimal conditions.

Abstract: In various embodiments, an apparatus for growing plants is provided. The apparatus may include an irrigation apparatus, an accommodating space for accommodating one or more seed mats, and a controller which is configured to control the irrigation apparatus by a program controller. The irrigation apparatus includes a water circuit system for feeding water to the seed mats. The water circuit system includes at least one inlet, a water tank, at least one water circuit pump and at least one outlet. The irrigation apparatus includes a sensor which is configured to determine a conductance of the fed water.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for culturing photosynthetic microalgae with which xanthophyll can be obtained more efficiently than before.

Abstract: A cotton molecular breeding method includes (1) obtaining a chr.7 single QTL segment substitution line with high fiber strength, and (2) using the obtained chr.7 single QTL segment substitution line as a non-recurrent parent () to cross with a recurrent parent (?) to obtain an F1 generation. Then (3) the F1 generation is back-crossed with the recurrent parent to obtain a BC1F1 generation, and (4) plants of the BC1F1 generation are screened for plants carrying the chr.7 single QTL segment, and then the screened plants are back-crossed with the recurrent parent for 2-4 times to obtain a BCnF1 generation. The method also includes (5) screening plants of the BCnF1 generation for plants carrying the chr.7 single QTL segment, and selfing the screened plants for 1-3 times to obtain a bred line BCnFm having the high cotton fiber strength.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of melon hybrid SVMF5675 and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds, and tissue cultures of melon hybrid SVMF5675 and the parent lines thereof and to methods for producing a melon plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another melon plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a new and distinct lettuce variety NUN 06193 LTL, as well as seeds and plants and heads or leaves thereof. NUN 06193 LTL is a green long-day Romaine lettuce of the open type and with solid ribs, comprising resistance to Downy Mildew (Bremia lactucae) isolates B1:16-28 and 31-32 EU, Lettuce Mosaic Virus (LMV), and Rhizomonas subefaciens Strain Ls 1 (Corky Root).

Abstract: A plant corresponding to an item described in Standard Tables of Food Composition in Japan 2015 (Seventh Revised Version) and having a mass content of sodium which is at least 50 times a mass content of sodium of the item described in the Standard Tables of Food Composition in Japan 2015 (Seventh Revised Version), the mass content of sodium being measured per unit mass of edible portion of the plant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an eggplant plant, in particular a Solanum melongena plant comprising a QTL, which leads to the plant producing seeds that have a novel color, wherein said QTL is obtainable by introgression from a plant grown from seed of which a representative sample was deposited with the NCIMB under deposit number NCIMB 42507. The invention also relates to seeds and other propagation material of the plant and to its progeny as well as to food products that comprise the consumable parts of the plant.

Abstract: A latching mechanism for a kennel includes a first vertically extending latching bar, a second vertically extending latching bar, a latch bolt and a handle. The second bar extends substantially parallel to the first horizontally extending latching bar. The latch bolt is biased in a first direction by a spring. The handle is coupled to the first vertically extending latching bar, the second vertically extending latching bar, and the latch bolt, and is configured such that when rotated, the handle moves the first vertically extending latching bar and the second vertically extending latching bar.

Abstract: An animal structure fit for varying climates. The structure may have sub-assemblies that are assembled in a manufacturing facility, and then shipped as a group of sub-assemblies to an end customer. The animal structure may include a floor raised from the ground, insulation in walls, and insulated floor and top cover. A standard sized opening for animals to enter and exit may be placed in one of the walls. The top cover may be hinged for access to an interior of the animal structure, and the floor may be removable for ease of cleaning.

Abstract: A pet care article is provided which maintains excellent sanitary conditions and is not prone to causing bedsores. This pet care article (1) is provided with an absorbent sheet (2) having liquid retention properties, and a liquid-permeable cushion material (3) arranged on the top surface of the absorbent sheet and having a thickness of greater than or equal to 5 mm. The cushion material (3) comprises a fibrous structure configured from continuous fibers made from a thermoplastic resin and having a fiber diameter of 0.01-3 mm. No ends of the continuous fibers are contained in the top of said fibrous structure, and the continuous fibers are bonded together at intersections between the continuous fibers.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a free dome range (FDR) where dairy animals have a free access to their stall to concurrently eat and to be milked. The FDR comprises a plurality of stalls; at least one of said stalls is characterized by a front side and rear opposite side into which a dairy animal is at least temporarily accommodated, head fronting said front side; a plurality of main living areas (MLAs); at least one of said MLAs is in connection with at least one of said stalls by means a plurality of gates. The FDR further comprising a substantially horizontally positioned elevated rail system comprising a plurality of elevated rails, and a plurality of mobile milking units (MMUs), each of said MMUs is configured to transport on said elevated rail to a dairy animal at its stall, and milk the animal while it is eating.

Abstract: A pressure regulator for controlling flow of a fluid therethrough is provided. An upper housing member and a primary diaphragm define an upper chamber and a lower housing member and the primary diaphragm define a lower chamber. The pressure regulator further includes: a valve assembly provided within the upper chamber for controlling the flow of the fluid from an inlet body into the upper chamber; a secondary diaphragm provided within the lower chamber and defining a secondary diaphragm driving chamber; and a passageway connecting the inlet body and the secondary diaphragm driving chamber. During operation, the secondary diaphragm driving chamber is filled with the fluid at the inlet pressure, thereby subjecting the secondary diaphragm to the inlet pressure and generating the force for actuating the valve's disengagement from the inlet body. The pressure regulator functions to maintain the outlet pressure at a value that is a predetermined fraction of the inlet pressure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a quick release monitoring tag holder attached to cow's neck by a collar, comprising a first slot and a second slot configured for accommodating said collar therein; and a recess, provided in between said slots, configured for accommodating an identification tag having an upper portion and relatively smaller bottom portion, which is at least partially accommodated within said recess.

Abstract: An animal therapy device that allows for the effective pinpoint covering of an injury on the animal and securely holds that covering in place over that injury without causing undue discomfort to the animal and without being easily removed or displaced by the animal. Disclosed embodiments have a base portion sized to encircle a first uninjured portion of the animal, and a covering portion sized to encircle an injured portion of the animal, the covering portion having a neutral position in which it is substantially planar and an engaged position in which it operably conforms around the injured portion of the animal; and, an elongated member extending from the base portion to the covering portion whereby the base portion operably holds the covering portion in place over the injured portion of the animal. A temperature therapy device may be operably secured to the covering portion, and two or more covering portions may be secured to different injured areas on the animal.

Abstract: A method of using a reconfigurable pet enrichment system to help pets fulfill their natural behaviors is provided. The system can be arranged to facilitate an environment that helps stimulate, entertain, and exercise a pet, and also provides a defensible space for napping, resting, or sleeping. The system can be constructed from two pieces of pliable material: a base component and a top-covering component attached to the base component by means of semi-permanent fasteners to create a variety of forms such as ripples, nooks and tunnels. The top component can contain several openings of different sizes. Openings appeal to a pet's predatory nature, as the openings provide a source of stimulation and interaction. The system may also be configured with a plurality of members attached via semi-permanent fasteners.

Abstract: An animal toy includes an elongated body portion having a first end and a second end. A first wheel is disposed on a first rotating member adjacent the first end, the first rotating member extending in a first direction, the first wheel having a first opening disposed in the first direction. A second wheel is disposed on a second rotating member adjacent the second end, the second axle extending in a second axial direction, the second wheel having a second opening disposed in the second direction. A first electric motor is configured to drive the first wheel. The second electric motor is configured to drive second wheel independently. A controller is programmed to control the first electric motor to control the rotational direction of the first wheel and control the second electric motor to control the rotational direction of the second wheel.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for detection of estrus and optimal time for embryo transfer or artificial insemination in animals. An arched polycarbonate housing is attached to an animal. A circuit board is disposed within the housing. A rechargeable battery mounted on the circuit board provides power to the apparatus. A switch mounted on the circuit board is actuated when a breeding behavior occurs. A controller mounted on the circuit board detects actuations of the switch to generate data indicative of breeding behavior.

Abstract: An improved, self-balancing water distribution system uses siphon characteristics to maintain negative pressure within the water system and to enable distribution of water to one or more distribution points, such as drinker lines with drinker nipples, at a controlled pressure, for consumption by poultry. The system includes water conduit connected to and configured to distribute water from a water supply reservoir to the one or more distribution points. The water level of the water supply reservoir is used to control the water pressure within the system. A vacuum apparatus is connected to the water conduit to remove entrapped air within the system to help maintain negative pressure within the conduit and throughout the system.

Abstract: An unloading system for unloading at least one transport unit having at least one rack and at least one transport crate mounted for receiving poultry. The rack includes a transport restraint for each transport crate, which include a bottom and side walls. A cover arranged at a distance from the upper edge of the side wails. The system includes an unloading station for at least one transport unit, a pushing device for ejecting transport crates in an ejection position, and a receiving device for receiving and conveying ejected transport crates. In the ejection position, position of transport crate to the cover is vertically controllable during the entire ejection operation so a maximum distance between the upper edge of trailing side walls of the transport crates in the pushing direction and the cover are maintainable depending on the position of the transport crate within the rack during the ejection operation.

Abstract: A device for uncapping wax cappings (13) that cover honeycombs (14). Before extracting, the sealed honeycombs (14) have to be uncapped in order to be able to spin the honey out of the honeycombs (14). The cutting system of this device allows, besides full-sized honeycombs (14), also a precise uncapping of undersized honeycombs (14) or shallow and deformed honeycomb structures, which cannot be uncapped using traditional cutting systems. The device includes rotatably mounted perforating elements (11, 12), and supporting elements (5, 6), on which the perforating elements (11, 12) are mounted. Secondly, the supporting elements are pivoted on a base for turning movement. Thirdly, the device has supporting elements equipped with a spring for pressing them against the honeycomb (14) with such a force that enables the piercing elements to go through the wax cappings (13) and into the honeycombs without damaging the other structures of honeycomb frame (2).

Abstract: A genetically modified canine has at least one edited chromosomal sequence. The edited chromosomal sequence is insulin-like growth factor 1 gene (“IGF-1”). The IGF-1 gene contains intronic splicing efficiency regions. The individual intronic splicing efficiency regions are altered individually or as a set order to change the IGF-1 gene.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are genomically modified livestock animals and methods to provide them that express the SLICK phenotype. The animals disclosed herein express a truncated allele for the prolactin receptor (PRLR) gene. When expressed, the livestock animals produce a PRLR that is missing up to the terminal 148 amino acid (aa) residues of the protein all ranges and values within the explicitly stated range are contemplated: e.g., from 148 to 69. Animals expressing SLICK have superior thermoregulatory ability compared to non-slick animals and experience a less drastic depression in milk yield during the summer.