Abstract: An animal rear leg position control device includes a body having a lower side; a first lateral side; a second lateral side; a front end; a rear side, where a longitudinal direction is defined by a line extending from the front end to the rear side; a first transition area defines a first rear corner of said body; and a second transition area defines a second rear corner of said body, where the front end is configured to be turned towards a front part of a milking stable when the body is in an operative position, and the rear side is configured to be turned towards a rear part of a milking stable when said body is in the operative position in the milking stable. The first rear corner and the second rear corner are positioned at different longitudinal positions in the longitudinal direction of the body.

Abstract: To produce chicks from hatching eggs, the eggs are incubated in a hatcher incubator. After hatching, chicks of lesser quality are screened out, and the remaining chicks are transferred to a poultry barn. During the first week in the barn, a number of chicks are lost. When the loss rate exceeds a certain value, treatment with antibiotics is usually applied. Methods and compositions for reducing the loss rate during the first week and thus the number of antibiotic treatments are disclosed. The methods include providing in the air of the hatcher incubator at least during a final stage of the incubation and hatching of the eggs in the hatcher incubator, an active amount of a pheromone composition with the appeasing effect of the mother hen pheromone. The pheromone composition can be applied in the hatcher incubator at a specific height in the form of a formulation.

Abstract: A restraint system for an animal includes a frame having top and bottom frame parts and a plurality of frame risers extending therebetween to maintain the top and bottom frame parts in a spaced apart manner; a perforated support surface affixed the frame; riser support members coupled to the frame, at least one of which is slidably coupled to the frame; a first riser arm affixed to a first riser support member; a first coupler coupled to the first riser arm; a second riser arm affixed to a second riser support member; a second coupler coupled to the second riser arm; and a first restraining loop configured to be placed around a neck of a first animal and to cross tie between the first coupler and the second coupler.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pesticidal control device that includes at least one pesticidal active ingredient, cellulose fibers, and a polymer or polymer matrix. The combination of the cellulose fibers with the polymer allows for a higher loading of liquid pesticidal active ingredients within the pesticidal control device, maintains the active ingredient within the control device during transportation, storage and handling, and provides higher efficacy or control of pests during treatment. The pesticidal control device may be an ear tag, collar, or bee strip.

Abstract: A method for extending the use of water during the production of products for human consumption in food production facilities for an extended period of time of at least two production days and up to seven production days by delivering an initial chemical charge at the beginning of each production day to return the process water to the desired antimicrobial solution concentration to provide acceptable antimicrobial control of the process water over the extended period of time. The method providing acceptable antimicrobial control in the processing of any protein or non-protein based food products that require batch or continuous chilling as part of the production process. The length of time that the water may be used in a processing tank may be dramatically and safely increased before the processing tank is emptied for cleaning, sanitizing and refilling.

Abstract: Generally, compositions which can be applied to hair, fur or skin of an animal and are useful for reducing, removing or eliminating undesirable materials or odors or parasites (“extraneous matter”) from the hair, fur or skin of the animal. Specifically, compositions which can be applied to hair, fur or skin of an animal and can reduce, remove or eliminate undesirable materials or odors or parasites (“extraneous matter”) from the hair, fur or skin of the animal without a need of a rinse composition.

Abstract: A pouch for liquid bathing products suitable for dispensing liquid bathing products and directing the products upward, where the pouch is made of flexible and non-resilient or low-resilience materials, has bilateral symmetry, a shoulder, a base, a two sides, with a gripping portion, and a nozzle approximately centered on the shoulder to dispense the liquid bathing product; the base is sufficiently flat to rest on a flat surface and allow the pouch to stand up-right, and the nozzle is perpendicular to the base.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a plasticizer, polymeric compositions containing the plasticizer, and conductors coated with the polymeric composition. The plasticizer includes (i) an epoxidized fatty acid methyl ester, (ii) an epoxidized natural oil, and (iii) an epoxidized tallate ester. Polymeric compositions containing a polymeric resin and the plasticizer exhibit a weight loss less than 50 mg/cm2 after exposure to 100° C. for seven days. Conductors coated with the polymeric composition (containing the plasticizer) pass the low temperature unwind test of UL719 and exhibit a weight loss less than 50 mg/cm2 after exposure to 100° C. for seven days.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a teat cleaning and disinfectant before a milking operation is started that comprises one or more controllers that are configured to monitor various operating parameters of the system. In an embodiment, the current supplied to a motor that drives scrubbing elements in an applicator in order to identify or determine when a teat of a cow is inserted and then removed from the applicator during a wash mode and dry mode. The controller is programmed to count each teat that is properly prepped for milking in order to determine the number of cows that have been properly prepped for milking. If certain thresholds, such as predetermined number of teats on a cow, have not been met a cow is not counted as having been properly prepped.

Abstract: Therapeutic compositions comprising substituted imidazole or imidazolium compounds may be used for a number of medical purposes, such as treatment of undesirable conditions or diseases, including disease or conditions related to bone, cancer, and/or pain.

Abstract: Systems for cleaning, sanitizing and stimulating the udder or teats of milk-producing animals include a hand-held washer. The hand-held washer has an ergonomical handle and a trigger that engages a valve and releases sanitizing wash and compressed air when actuated. An airmotor within the washer engages spindles and powers conveyance of teat belts mounted on the spindles. Teat belts with flaps clean and stimulate the teat present in the top opening of the washer. Air is also injected for drying. The teat belts are effective in removing sand from the animal when animals are raised in a sandy bedding environment and are advantageously durable. Methods of using the washer for preparing the animals are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems for cleaning, sanitizing and stimulating the udder or teats of milk-producing animals include a hand-held washer. The hand-held washer has an ergonomical handle and a trigger that engages a valve and releases sanitizing wash and compressed air when actuated. An airmotor within the washer engages spindles and powers conveyance of teat belts mounted on the spindles. Teat belts with flaps clean and stimulate the teat present in the top opening of the washer. Air is also injected for drying. The teat belts are effective in removing sand from the animal when animals are raised in a sandy bedding environment and are advantageously durable. Methods of using the washer for preparing the animals are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device that integrates a manually operable fluid dispenser for dispensing and applying a contained fluid to clean and/or disinfect a surface or care for a pet's fur coat. The device is preferably equipped with washable and reusable cleaning pads or various combing and brushing appliances thus obviating the need for a separate cleaning cloth or brush/comb.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a positioning device (10) that encourages animals to stand in a desired position to enable efficient and effective treatment of a part of their body. The positioning device (10) of the invention may optionally comprise one or more spraying nozzles (56) adapted for spraying the teats of the animal with a treatment chemical either pre- or post-milking.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for cleaning pet paws providing a bounded container containing a plurality of soft scrub brushes defining a paw cleaning region within an outer container wall wherein cleaning solution can flow freely within the container between a paw-for-cleaning, the container wall, and the brushes while allowing space for sediment. A spill resistant lid allows easy transport. An optional splash resistant lid containing a further brush boundary enables an enhanced side leg cleaning. The proposed method and system enables an enhanced deep cleaning through repeated submersion within the container and removable of debris. The system aids in prevention of infection and disease.

Abstract: A system for operating a robotic arm comprises a carriage and a robotic arm. The carriage is mounted on a track adjacent to a rotary milking platform having a substantially circular perimeter and a stall for a dairy livestock. The carriage moves along a substantially straight portion of the track tangent to and outside the perimeter of the rotary milking platform at a rate based at least in part upon a speed of rotation of the rotary milking platform. The carriage moves in a direction corresponding to the direction of rotation of the rotary milking platform and such movement of the carriage is independent of any physical coupling between the carriage and the rotary milking platform. The robotic arm extends between the legs of the dairy livestock, and remains extended between the legs of the dairy livestock as the stall rotates adjacent to the robotic arm.

Abstract: A system for operating a robotic arm, comprises a controller and a robotic arm. The controller receives an indication that a stall of a rotary milking platform in which a dairy livestock is located has moved into an area adjacent a robotic arm that is detached from the rotary milking platform. The controller also determines whether a milking cluster is attached to the dairy livestock. The robotic arm is communicatively coupled to the controller and extends between the legs of the dairy livestock if the controller determines that the milking cluster is not attached to the dairy livestock. The robotic arm does not extend between the legs of the dairy livestock if the controller determines that the milking cluster is attached to the dairy livestock.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a teat cleaning and disinfectant before a milking operation is started that comprises one or more controllers that are configured to monitor various operating parameters of the system. In an embodiment, the current supplied to a motor that drives scrubbing elements in an applicator in order to identify or determine when a teat of a cow is inserted and then removed from the applicator during a wash mode and dry mode. The controller is programmed to count each teat that is properly prepped for milking in order to determine the number of cows that have been properly prepped for milking. If certain thresholds, such as predetermined number of teats on a cow, have not been met a cow is not counted as having been properly prepped.

Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid personal cleaning composition. The present inventors have found that inclusion selected di or tricarboxylic acid or a salt thereof, when combined with thymol or terpineol provide synergistic antimicrobial action in a rapid fashion and such efficacy is very low concentrations of thymol and/or terpineol.

Abstract: A micro layering pest control system that includes combining generally immiscible ingredients in a container, maintaining the ingredients in a combined state by substantially continuously agitating and homogenizing the combined ingredients under pressure, and discharging the combined ingredients in one or more applications. The system further includes selecting an insecticide for controlling certain insects and selecting an oil, based on predetermined conditions, for mixing and applying to animals via the micro layering pest control system.

Abstract: A method for applying disinfectant to the teats of a dairy livestock, comprises receiving a trigger signal indicating that a stall of a rotary milking platform housing a dairy livestock is located adjacent to a track, the track having a carriage carrying a robotic arm mounted thereto. The method continues by communicating a first signal to a first actuator coupled to the track and the carriage, the first signal causing operation of the first actuator such that the carriage moves along the track in relation to the rotary milking platform. The method concludes by communicating one or more additional signals to one or more actuators of the robotic arm, the one or more additional signals causing operation of the one or more actuators of the robotic arm such that at least a portion of the robotic arm extends between the hind legs of a dairy livestock.

Abstract: A method comprises determining a tangent to the rear of an udder of a dairy livestock, and determining a tangent to the bottom of the udder of the dairy livestock. The method continues by determining a position relative to the intersection of the two tangents, and extending a robot arm to the determined position.

Abstract: A device for delivering an agent to the skin or the hair or the fur of a recipient. In one form the device has a comb-like extent of tines which are of a carrier material that will melt on contact with skin and thereby deposit an agent that is mixed with the carrier. In other form there is an abrading material in the mixture so as to abrade the skin and thereby allow the agent to be deposited. In the latter case the agent may be an inoculant. The tines may also be placed on a glove so that the agent can be delivered by moving the tines over a selected area to deposit the agent. The device can be in the form of a finger condom having a tine strip. The methods allow delivery of the agent using the various forms of the device and to accomplish various purposes.

Abstract: An identification tag (10,100) is provided which comprises a first body portion (12), a second body portion (14) and a web portion (13) located between the first and second body portions (12,14). The web portion (13) permits the second body portion (14) to be pivoted relative to the first body portion (12). The tag (10,100) further comprises a drive member (26,126) projecting from the first body portion (12). The drive member (26,126) has a drive surface (32,132) adapted to be driven, in use, by a tag loading mechanism of a tag applicator. A lock (16,22) is also provided on the tag (10,100) to lock the free ends of the first and second body portions (12,14) together after application. The drive member (26,126) may also include a fixing surface (36,136) for fixing the second body portion (14) at a chosen angle relative to the first body portion (12) prior to application of the tag (10,100) to an item.

Abstract: An insecticide impregnated strip configured for convenient and reliable attachment to conventional animal ear tags. The insecticide strip comprises an elongated integrally molded member having a key-hole shaped aperture formed in an upper portion thereof, enabling the elongated strip to be pendularly suspended from the ear tag. Various methods are disclosed for attaching the strip to different types of known ear tags.

Abstract: Process for controlling the development of parasites in an animal environment equipped with an air introduction device, according to which a parasiticidal powder composition is introduced into the air introduction device, preferably according to which the air introduction device comprises one or more point(s) of introduction of air into the animal environment located close to the animal droppings. The invention also relates to the use of the process, to the use of a parasiticidal composition in an air introduction device for controlling the development of parasites in an animal environment, to a device for controlling the development of parasites in the animal environment, and to a livestock building equipped with such a device.

Abstract: A robotic milking system suitable for use with conventional milking clusters. Clusters are withdrawn to a generally known position upon release from a cow with the cups hanging down below the bowl. The cups are then located in a confined region from where they are picked up by a robotic arm and attached to teats of a cow. The cups may be located into recesses or slots or be drawn through a guide. The arrangement allows a single robotic arm to service multiple bales of a rotary milking parlor. The application of a vacuum to milking cups may be controlled by applying sufficient pressure to the pulsation line of a cup to collapse the cup liner when that cup is not attached to a teat or by bending a feed line to a cup to close the flow path.

Abstract: Described herein are animal feeding apparatuses that include a plurality of protrusions extending into a feeding well. The protrusions clean the teeth or gums of an animal as it feeds from the feeding well. Also described herein are methods of cleaning an animal's teeth with such a bowl and animal s that feed from such a bowl.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a teat cleaning and disinfectant before a milking operation is started that comprises one or more controllers that are configured to monitor various operating parameters of the system. In an embodiment, the current supplied to a motor that drives scrubbing elements in an applicator in order to identify or determine when a teat of a cow is inserted and then removed from the applicator during a wash mode and dry mode. The controller is programmed to count each teat that is properly prepped for milking in order to determine the number of cows that have been properly prepped for milking. If certain thresholds, such as predetermined number of teats on a cow, have not been met a cow is not counted as having been properly prepped.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a teat cleaning and disinfectant before a milking operation is started that comprises one or more controllers that are configured to monitor various operating parameters of the system. In an embodiment, the current supplied to a motor that drives scrubbing elements in an applicator in order to identify or determine when a teat of a cow is inserted and then removed from the applicator during a wash mode and dry mode. The controller is programmed to count each teat that is properly prepped for milking in order to determine the number of cows that have been properly prepped for milking. If certain thresholds, such as predetermined number of teats on a cow, have not been met a cow is not counted as having been properly prepped.

Abstract: Systems and methods to create and maintain desired geometrically shaped volumes of an effective dynamic mixture of volatile compounds encompassing an object of protection for very long times, up to one or more years, for control of pests and pest-borne diseases in open outdoor environments of importance to humans, animals and plants.

Abstract: Oral care devices (including cleaning devices and delivery devices), oral care compositions, and related methods for using such devices and compositions are disclosed herein. A cleaning device may include a plurality of bristles and a plurality of tongue scrapers. A delivery device may include a delivery surface that is configured to retain an oral care composition. The oral care composition may include an incentivizing agent to entice an animal to lick the disclosed cleaning and/or delivery devices and may be in the form of a foam, liquid spray, gel or paste. The oral care composition may be dispensed onto a surface of a cleaning and/or delivery device. The device and composition may then be presented to an animal. The animal may lick the surface of the device. The licking action of the animal in licking the oral care device may clean the oral cavity and/or deliver an oral care composition.

Abstract: Oral care devices (including cleaning devices and delivery devices), oral care compositions, and related methods for using such devices and compositions are disclosed herein. A cleaning device may include a plurality of bristles and a plurality of tongue scrapers. A delivery device may include a delivery surface that is configured to retain an oral care composition. The oral care composition may include an incentivizing agent to entice an animal to lick the disclosed cleaning and/or delivery devices and may be in the form of a foam, liquid spray, gel or paste. The oral care composition may be dispensed onto a surface of a cleaning and/or delivery device. The device and composition may then be presented to an animal. The animal may lick the surface of the device. The licking action of the animal in licking the oral care device may clean the oral cavity and/or deliver an oral care composition.

Abstract: Livestock insect-removal systems and methods. According to one embodiment, the system may comprise a structure with a defined path for passage of livestock. The system may comprise a container removably attached to the structure and a vacuum device within the container configured to generate a change in pressure within the container. The system may comprise a first duct to expel air from the container and direct air across the path and displace or dislodge insects. The first duct may further comprise a vent to expel bypass air from the first duct. The system may comprise a second duct, positioned along the path to draw air and dislodged insects into the container.

Abstract: Methods of processing four-legged animals are described. The methods comprise contacting exterior surfaces of the live animal at least once when the animal is en route to being slaughtered but before it is killed by exsanguination, with a microbiocidal solution. The microbiocidal solution is comprised of: water having a bromine residual derived from (a) (i) at least one bromine source, (ii) at least one alkali metal base, and/or at least one alkaline earth metal base, and (iii) at least one halogen stabilizer; (b) (i) ammonium bromide, and/or at least one alkali metal bromide, and/or at least one alkaline earth metal bromide, and (ii) at least one alkali metal hypohalite and/or at least one alkaline earth metal hypohalite; or (c) a mixture or combination of any one or more of (a) and/or (b); the bromine residual in each of (a), (b), and (c) sufficient to provide microbiocidal activity.

Abstract: Livestock insect removal systems and related methods are disclosed. According to one aspect, a system can comprise a structure defining a pathway for passage of livestock. The system can also comprise a duct including first and second ends defining first and second openings, respectively. The first opening is positioned along the pathway such that the livestock moving through the pathway passes near the first opening. Further, the system comprises a vacuum device connected to the second opening and configured to draw air through the duct and away from an area surrounding the first opening such that one or more insects are displaced from the livestock or an area surrounding the livestock when the livestock passes near the first opening. The displaced insects can be drawn into the duct for placement in an insect trap.

Abstract: A pet drying towel includes: a first, ring-shaped, absorbent surface including an inner circumference and a concentric outer circumference, wherein the first absorbent surface faces a first direction and the length of the first absorbent surface between the inner circumference and the outer circumference is generally sized to span the length of the pet from the pet's front shoulders through the pet's hindquarters; and a second, ring-shaped, absorbent surface including an inner circumference and a concentric outer circumference, wherein the second absorbent surface faces a second direction opposite to the first direction; wherein the inner circumference of the first absorbent surface and the inner circumference of the second absorbent surface form an inner circumference of the towel; further wherein the inner circumference of the towel forms a central circular opening sized to allow the pet's head to pass through, but not to allow the pet's front shoulders to pass though.

Abstract: A pet drying towel includes: a first, ring-shaped, absorbent surface including an inner circumference and a concentric outer circumference, wherein the first absorbent surface faces a first direction and the length of the first absorbent surface between the inner circumference and the outer circumference is generally sized to span the length of the pet from the pet's front shoulders through the pet's hindquarters; and a second, ring-shaped, absorbent surface including an inner circumference and a concentric outer circumference, wherein the second absorbent surface faces a second direction opposite to the first direction; wherein the inner circumference of the first absorbent surface and the inner circumference of the second absorbent surface form an inner circumference of the towel; further wherein the inner circumference of the towel forms a central circular opening sized to allow the pet's head to pass through, but not to allow the pet's front shoulders to pass though.

Abstract: Pesticide strips used to control parasitic mites in honeybees. The pesticide strips are designed to have a lifetime or period of existence, after which the strip no longer exists in its original form. The strip breaks down, such as by disintegration, dissolving, decomposition, being eaten or carrier away, or otherwise degrading over time, so that at the end of the recommended lifetime, the strip is no longer in its original form. In most embodiments, at least 50% of the strip is no longer present, and in other embodiments at least 75% of the strip is no longer present. Preferably, at the end of the recommended lifetime, the strip no longer exists, at least the body of the strip that included the active ingredient. With this design, the strip does not provide extended low-dose pesticide that can be detrimental in treating the mites.

Abstract: Livestock insect removal systems and related methods are disclosed. According to one aspect, a system can comprise a structure defining a pathway for passage of livestock. The system can also comprise a duct including first and second ends defining first and second openings, respectively. The first opening is positioned along the pathway such that the livestock moving through the pathway passes near the first opening. Further, the system comprises a vacuum device connected to the second opening and configured to draw air through the duct and away from an area surrounding the first opening such that one or more insects are displaced from the livestock or an area surrounding the livestock when the livestock passes near the first opening. The displaced insects can be drawn into the duct for placement in an insect trap.

Abstract: A micro layering pest control system that includes combining generally immiscible ingredients in a container, maintaining the ingredients in a combined state by substantially continuously agitating and homogenizing the combined ingredients under pressure, and discharging the combined ingredients in one or more applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions including peroxyacetic acid and peroxyoctanoic acid and methods for reducing microbial contamination on poultry. The methods include the step of applying a mixed peroxycarboxylic acid composition to poultry.

Abstract: A brush assembly simultaneously separately controllably releases a fluid and liquid solution directly onto a surface, such as a coat of an animal during grooming, or onto an inanimate surface such as an exterior surface of a land vehicle. The brush assembly includes a molded brush having a plurality of apertures for fluid delivery, preferably water, as well as a secondary aperture for delivery of a liquid solution, such as soap, shampoo, or other treatments. At least one base plate with grooming implementations, such as bristles or a sponge may be interchangeably attached to the brush base. An ergonomical handle is provided having a palm conforming top and finger indentation sides constructed to form an internal cavity. The ergonomical handle is ambidextrous in nature for interchangeable left and right handedness. A center cylinder is located within the ergonomical handle and includes a bladder which aligns with the mid portion of the brush base for fluid delivery from a flow regulator.

Abstract: A composition that includes ethylhexyl sulfate or a salt thereof, an alkylbenzenesulfonic acid or a salt thereof, and a carrier. The composition can be used for killing or inhibiting a microorganism or pathogen (e.g., bacteria, gram-negative bacteria, gram-positive bacteria, enteric bacteria, virus, fungus, mold, mildew or powdery mildew), located on a topical surface of an animal, located on a surface of an object that will contact a topical surface of an animal, or a combination thereof, wherein the microorganism or pathogen is associated with the transmission of communicable diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a positioning device (10) that encourages animals to stand in a desired position to enable efficient and effective treatment of a part of their body. The positioning device (10) of the invention may optionally comprise one or more spraying nozzles (56) adapted for spraying the teats of the animal with a treatment chemical either pre-or post-milking.

Abstract: A dipping device for a milking system, especially for an automatic milking system designed as a milking robot with teat cups to be placed onto the teats of an animal to be milked, which is designed for contacting the teats of the animal with at least one fluid or several fluids, and the device has several dipping valve arrangements so that the dipping agent introduction to each teat of the animal can be controlled separately.

Abstract: A single use and disposable pet cleaning bag that is coated on the inside with a dry shampoo or a water-activated shampoo or pre-moistened with a wet shampoo on the inside or throughout the bag. The caretaker places the bag around the pet and massages the shampoo into the coat of the animal, allowing for a much easier method of cleaning pets while providing a safer, more relaxing experience for the animal. When the cleaning is complete, the caretaker removes the bag which contains the dirt and hair that is shed by the animal and discards the bag, eliminating the required cleanup of the bathing area.

Abstract: A method of treatment and a package that is designed to accomplish this. The package provides the pet owner with a pack containing individual doses of topically applied medications pre-packaged with an oral taste treat. The topically applied medication contains at least one pharmaceutically active ingredient selected from the group of chemical families comprising phenylpyrazoles, macrocyclic lactones, neonicotinoids, synthetic pyrethroids, insect growth regulators, amidines, semicarbazones, spinosyns, octadepsipeptides, and pyrazinoisoquinolines, or any combination thereof. The treat can be administered either before the topically applied treatment is given so as to relax and distract the pet, or after the treatment is given so as to reward the pet and help it forget the stress of treatment. The treat can also be shaped to signify the type of animal to be treated.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that includes at least two substantially parallel pressure sensing members adapted to detect location of an animal foot. The apparatus also includes a system for delivering ingredients to the pressure sensing members, and a system for discharging the ingredients on the animal foot.

Abstract: A system for applying disinfectant to the teats of a dairy livestock includes a carriage mounted on a track, the carriage operable to translate laterally along the track. The system further includes a robotic arm including a first member pivotally attached to the carriage, a second member pivotally attached to the first member and a spray tool member pivotally attached to the second member. The robotic arm further includes a spray tool attached to the spray tool member. The system further includes a controller operable to cause at least a portion of the robotic arm to extend between the hind legs of a dairy livestock such that the spray tool may discharge a disinfectant to the teats of the dairy livestock.