Abstract: A demountable alley stop for preventing livestock from backing up in process alleys, includes a deflectable triangular arm component hingedly engaged with an alley stop framework wherein the resting position of the triangular arm component extends into the process alley. The triangular arm component comprises a rearward-facing deflection arm component engaged at its distal end to the distal end of a forward-facing backstop arm component. The proximal ends of the deflection arm component and the backstop arm component are engaged with a bracing arm component. The juncture of the deflection arm component and the backstop arm component is provided with a resilient pliable hose for contacting process alley side rails when the triangular arm component is deflected out of the process alley. The alley stop framework is provided with a resilient hose to stop the bracing arm component when the triangular arm component returns to its resting position.

Abstract: Technologies are described for a domestic animal identification service. In one example, domestic animal profiles can be dynamically displayed in a profile display region of a graphical user interface. Domestic animal profiles that correspond to one or more phenotypes can be obtained from a profile data store, and the domestic animal profiles can be displayed in a profile display region of the graphical user interface to allow user-identification of a profile that may be associated with the domestic animal. The profile display region of the graphical user interface can be dynamically updated to include domestic animal profiles that correspond to identification parameters input to the graphic user interface.

Abstract: A pet tent support structure includes a top-portion support, a bottom-portion support, and two lateral supports capable of being sequentially folded towards the bottom-portion support. The top-portion support includes two horizontal rods capable of being respectively folded towards the lateral supports. The bottom-portion support is a rectangular structure formed by four horizontal rods. The two lateral supports each comprise a horizontal rod and two vertical rods respectively connected to two ends of the horizontal rod. The vertical rods are connected to the bottom-portion support via bottom-portion connection members, and the bottom-portion connection members of the two lateral supports have a difference in height therebetween. The pet tent support structure can be folded easily and quickly, and the size of the structure after folding is small and occupies a small space, thus enabling convenient storage and carrying.

Abstract: An adjustable crowding alley used to route livestock or other animals towards a destination. The adjustable crowding alley includes an adjustable panel that allows the width of the alleyway to vary according to the width of the animals being routed through the adjustable crowding alley. The adjustable crowding alley includes one or more backup blockers that allow animals to move forward through the adjustable crowding alley, but restrict backwards movement of the animals within the adjustable crowding alley after passing each backup blocker.

Abstract: A milking stall that houses one animal at a time. The milking stall includes a fence arrangement defining an interior space of the milking stall and made up of i) a stationary first long side, ii) a second long side extending along the first long side and having a central fence portion supporting a first entrance gate and a first exit gate, iii) a first short side attached to the first long side as a second entrance gate (5), and iv) a second short side attached to the first long side as a second exit gate.

Abstract: Methods are provided for estimation of birthing data (such as birthing date and birthing weight) by consideration of a mother animal's weight over an expected birthing period. The method includes: measuring or providing the weight of the mother animal at intervals over an expected birthing period to provide a series of dated weight records, estimating the underlying weight of the mother animal over the expected birthing period from the series of dated weight records, and identifying a significant weight drop of the mother animal by reference to the estimated underlying weight, wherein the estimated birthing date is on or before the date of the significant weight drop. The methods are particularly useful in animals associated with production, such as cattle.

Abstract: A system for controlling escape of pets during emergency, such as a fire, smoke, gas or odor emission, includes a passageway from the inside of the enclosure to the outside thereof. The passageway is normally closed by a door and an apparatus is provided for enabling opening of such door during emergency. A pre-recorded message urges the pet or pets to the open passageway only when the alarm device annunciating such emergency is intermittently disabled. A control apparatus is also provided for enabling passage of the pet or pets through the passageway and annunciates location of the pet or pets with respect to interior or exterior of the enclosure. A method is disclosed for remote operation of the controlled pet door to enhance safety of the pet owner attempting to enter residential dwelling.

Abstract: A system for controlling escape of pets during emergency, such as a fire, smoke, gas or odor emission, includes a passageway from the inside of the enclosure to the outside thereof. The passageway is normally closed by a door and an apparatus is provided for enabling opening of such door during emergency. A pre-recorded message urges the pet or pets to the open passageway only when the alarm device annunciating such emergency is intermittently disabled. A control apparatus is also provided for enabling passage of the pet or pets through the passageway and annunciates location of the pet or pets with respect to interior or exterior of the enclosure. A method is disclosed for remote operation of the controlled pet door to enhance safety of the pet owner attempting to enter residential dwelling.

Abstract: Assembly comprising a passageway for livestock, the passageway being delimited by side delimitations, for passage of the livestock from a first space to a second space. The assembly comprises a gate system mounted in the passageway, the gate system comprising at least one self-closing gate leaf which is movable between a closed position and one or more open positions which include a pass position wherein passage to the second space is possible for an animal from the livestock, and wherein the gate leaf is moveable to an open position by pressure exerted by an animal from the livestock for passing through the passageway to the second space. The assembly also comprises a device for determining an ID of an animal from the livestock, and a device for blocking the gate leaf from moving to the pass position, wherein the blocking device can be activated to a blocking position in response to data from the ID determining device.

Abstract: A method of controlling nematode response in a microfluidic environment is provided comprising exposing the nematode to an electric field that induces a nematode response. In one embodiment, a method of sorting a group of nematodes based on a selected parameter is provided comprising the step of exposing the nematodes to an electric field that induces a differential response among the nematodes based on the selected parameter, wherein the differential response functions to separate the nematodes based on the selected parameter. Devices useful to achieve these methods are also provided.

Abstract: Monitoring activity of an animal in a system for housing freely moving animals including a plurality of animal ID stations, includes the steps of a) recording a first visit of said animal at a first of said animal ID stations, b) recording a subsequent second visit of said animal at a second of said animal ID stations, and c) determining a distance covered by said animal as the distance between said first animal ID station at said first visit and said second animal ID station at said second visit. With such simple means, parts of which are already present in e.g. most robot dairy stables, important information about activity of animals can easily be gathered.

Abstract: A system facilitates the selection of livestock animals requiring action from group of livestock animals. The system includes a tag, a power supply, a signal receiver, lights, a signal transmitter and an electronic computing device. By sending a signal through the transmitter, the electronic computing device is able to illuminate one or more of the lights to visually identify an animal wearing the tag. In this way, a user may easily identify and select for action, one or more livestock animals.

Abstract: A system and method for managing a herd of animals possibly requiring medical treatment, such as cows in a feedlot. The animals are herded individually into a chute, where identification data is collected from a tag, and core temperature data is collected using a special non-contacting core temperature sensor. The animal is tagged with a color coded tag representing a range of temperatures into which that animal's temperature falls. The animal is then delivered to a pen corresponding to that range of temperatures, where appropriate medicinal treatment is automatically dosed and applied to the animal.

Abstract: A safety bypass gate is provided for use with a livestock management system having a sorting scale arranged between watering and feeding areas. The safety bypass gate changes from a closed position to an open position to provide an emergency exit from the watering area when a condition exists that prevents animals from passing over the sorting scale. The safety bypass gate includes a pair of pivoting gate members and a channel member that fits over the top edges of the gate members to secure them closed. The channel member is attached to a pneumatic actuator that uses air pressure to hold the channel member in its locked position, and a spring return that moves the channel member to its unlocked position upon a drop in air pressure. Springs bias the gate members from their closed positions to their open positions when the channel member moves to its unlocked position.

Abstract: A livestock positioning apparatus for data collection and subsequent sorting is provided including a singulating transport, a livestock data collection station, and a sorting transport. The singulating transport singulates livestock from a collection thereof and feeds them into the data collection station. The data collection station positions the livestock through a pair of body conveyors and accumulates specific measurements thereof. The sorting transport then moves the livestock along the path determined by the collected data as compared to any predetermined parameters.

Abstract: A method for control of milking of animals permitted to move within an area including at least one grazing paddock wherein the animals graze, a milking area located remote from the grazing paddock, and a raceway via which animals in the grazing paddock access the milking area, the milking area including a milking system for milking the animals that access the milking area. The animals that access the milking area via the raceway are counted in at least one position located remote from the milking system, a future amount of animals in the milking area is predicted based on the animals counted in the at least one position located remote from the milking system, and the operation of the milking system or other arrangement in the area is controlled in a manner and at a point of time based on the predicted future amount of animals in the milking area.

Abstract: Assembly comprising a passageway for livestock, the passageway being delimited by side delimitations, for passage of the livestock from a first space to a second space. The assembly comprises a gate system mounted in the passageway, the gate system comprising at least one self-closing gate leaf which is movable between a closed position and one or more open positions which include a pass position wherein passage to the second space is possible for an animal from the livestock, and wherein the gate leaf is moveable to an open position by pressure exerted by an animal from the livestock for passing through the passageway to the second space. The assembly also comprises a device for determining an ID of an animal from the livestock, and a device for blocking the gate leaf from moving to the pass position, wherein the blocking device can be activated to a blocking position in response to data from the ID determining device.

Abstract: Assembly comprising a passageway for livestock, the passageway being delimited by side delimitations, for passage of the livestock from a first space to a second space. The assembly comprises a gate system mounted in the passageway, the gate system comprising at least one self-closing gate leaf which is movable between a closed position and one or more open positions which include a pass position wherein passage to the second space is possible for an animal from the livestock, and wherein the gate leaf is moveable to an open position by pressure exerted by an animal from the livestock for passing through the passageway to the second space. The assembly also comprises a device for determining an ID of an animal from the livestock, and a device for blocking the gate leaf from moving to the pass position, wherein the blocking device can be activated to a blocking position in response to data from the ID determining device.

Abstract: Assembly comprising a passageway for livestock, the passageway being delimited by side delimitations, for passage of the livestock from a first space to a second space. The assembly comprises a gate system mounted in the passageway, the gate system comprising at least one self-closing gate leaf which is movable between a closed position and one or more open positions which include a pass position wherein passage to the second space is possible for an animal from the livestock, and wherein the gate leaf is moveable to an open position by pressure exerted by an animal from the livestock for passing through the passageway to the second space. The assembly also comprises a device for determining an ID of an animal from the livestock, and a device for blocking the gate leaf from moving to the pass position, wherein the blocking device can be activated to a blocking position in response to data from the ID determining device.

Abstract: A system and method for managing a herd of animals possibly requiring medical treatment, such as cows in a feedlot. The animals are herded individually into a chute, where identification data is collected from a tag, and core temperature data is collected using a special non-contacting core temperature sensor. The animal is tagged with a color coded tag representing a range of temperatures into which that animal's temperature falls. The animal is then delivered to a pen corresponding to that range of temperatures, where appropriate medicinal treatment is automatically dosed and applied to the animal.

Abstract: A counterweighted, crowd gate includes parallel overhead tracks extending from end to end of a holding area for cows. A wheeled carriage extends between and rides on the tracks. An electric motor drives the carriage between the entrance and exit of the holding area. A counterweighted gate pivotally attached to the carriage extends perpendicularly to the floor of the holding area. A latch on the carriage holds the gate in essentially a vertical orientation. An operator trips the latch and the counterweight pivots the gate to a substantially horizontal position, so the gate passes over animals in the holding area upon return to the entrance. The gate is pivotally mounted to the carriage by bushings that electrically insulate the gate from the carriage to prevent harm to animals or individuals that come in contact with the gate. A control panel allows operation of the crowd gate from a remote location.

Abstract: A method of controlling nematode response in a microfluidic environment is provided comprising exposing the nematode to an electric field that induces a nematode response. In one embodiment, a method of sorting a group of nematodes based on a selected parameter is provided comprising the step of exposing the nematodes to an electric field that induces a differential response among the nematodes based on the selected parameter, wherein the differential response functions to separate the nematodes based on the selected parameter. Devices useful to achieve these methods are also provided.

Abstract: A safety bypass gate is provided for use with a livestock management system having a sorting scale arranged between watering and feeding areas. The safety bypass gate changes from a closed position to an open position to provide an emergency exit from the watering area when a condition exists that prevents animals from passing over the sorting scale. The safety bypass gate includes a pair of pivoting gate members and a channel member that fits over the top edges of the gate members to secure them closed. The channel member is attached to a pneumatic actuator that uses air pressure to hold the channel member in its locked position, and a spring return that moves the channel member to its unlocked position upon a drop in air pressure. Springs bias the gate members from their closed positions to their open positions when the channel member moves to its unlocked position.

Abstract: A system for managing a group of dairy animals to be milked fully automatically, where the dairy animals go through a lactation cycle comprising phases of calving, inmilking, producing milk, and being dry. The system includes a computer executing program instructions for recording information and processing data indicating a division of the group of dairy animals into subgroups of a plurality of dairy animals, an insemination period determined per subgroup within which the dairy animals of the subgroup concerned are to be inseminated, which insemination period is so short that substantially all dairy animals in the subgroup concerned go simultaneously through the lactation cycle, and a separation of pregnant dairy animals of at least one of the subgroups in a separate area, around the beginning of the being dry phase of the subgroup concerned.

Abstract: The invention includes an assembly to provide an animal access to a space. The assembly includes an entrance gate which, in a first position provides access to the space and, in a second position, blocks the access to the space. The assembly further incldues a measuring device configured to measure a walking speed of the animal, and to transmit a signal indicative of the measured walking speed. The assembly also includes a control device configured to receive the signal from the measuring device, and to control the entrance gate depending on the received signal. By using the measured walking speed of the animal, the control device can, for example, close the entrance gate sooner or close it more quickly if there is a threat of an animal being crushed.

Abstract: A method for management of animals in an area (11) including a plurality of grazing paddocks (12a-f), in which the animals graze, and a milking area (13), in which the animals are milked, wherein the milking area is accessible from each of the grazing paddocks and each of the grazing paddocks is accessible from the milking area via a sorting gate arrangement (17a, 17c). According to the method, each of a plurality of animals which have grazed in the grazing paddocks is identified (21) and milked (22) in the milking area. A nutritional need and/or a milk production capacity of each of the animals which have been identified and milked is/are established (23). Finally, each of the animals is automatically guided (24) by the sorting gate arrangement, subsequent to the milking of the animal, to enter a selected one of the grazing paddocks depending on the nutritional need and/or the milk production capacity of the animal.

Abstract: A safety bypass gate is provided for use with a livestock management system having a sorting scale arranged between watering and feeding areas. The safety bypass gate changes from a closed position to an open position to provide an emergency exit from the watering area when a condition exists that prevents animals from passing over the sorting scale. The safety bypass gate includes a pair of pivoting gate members and a channel member that fits over the top edges of the gate members to secure them closed. The channel member is attached to a pneumatic actuator that uses air pressure to hold the channel member in its locked position, and a spring return that moves the channel member to its unlocked position upon a drop in air pressure. Springs bias the gate members from their closed positions to their open positions when the channel member moves to its unlocked position.

Abstract: Assembly comprising a passageway for livestock, the passageway being delimited by side delimitations, for passage of the livestock from a first space to a second space. The assembly comprises a gate system mounted in the passageway, the gate system comprising at least one self-closing gate leaf which is movable between a closed position and one or more open positions which include a pass position wherein passage to the second space is possible for an animal from the livestock, and wherein the gate leaf is moveable to an open position by pressure exerted by an animal from the livestock for passing through the passageway to the second space. The assembly also comprises a device for determining an ID of an animal from the livestock, and a device for blocking the gate leaf from moving to the pass position, wherein the blocking device can be activated to a blocking position in response to data from the ID determining device.

Abstract: A cattle management system and method 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. Some significant functionality of the present invention includes the ability to track the location of each individual animal by utilizing unique identification data for each animal, recording all monitored events that take place at each location during the animal's production cycle, and reporting the events and locations as required to government entities, financial institutions, and other entities within the cattle industry.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sorting animals includes a housing having a basket area and a measuring device. An entry gate is mounted to the housing and is moveable between open and closed positions. A sort gate is mounted to the housing and moveable between a first and a second position based on a measurement taken by the measuring device. A trainer gate is mounted to the housing and moveable through an operating position whereby the trainer gate contacts an animal in the basket area and urges the animal toward the sort gate. A programmable controller communicates with the measuring device, the entry gate, the sort gate and the trainer gate and controls actuation of the entry gate, the sort gate and the trainer gate.

Abstract: A one way gate primarily for pigs is located between a pair of parallel panels to be mounted in a fence line and includes two gate portions each defined by a transverse rail across the passage between the panels at a height above the passage and a plurality of fingers hanging from the rail separately pivotal in one direction only to the animal to pass and prevented from rotation in the opposite direction. The distance between the gate portions is less than 3.0 feet so as to be less than the length of the animal to prevent an animal being located between the rails and greater than 0.5 feet such that an animal attempting to lift the second fingers cannot simultaneously lift the first fingers.

Abstract: Computer executable instructions adapted to control an animal's access to a channel leading to a remote resource, the instructions being adapted to execute steps of: retrieving a specific animal record based on the output of an identification component, and issuing a control signal to an animal selection system to allow an animal access to the remote resource if the retrieved animal selection record indicates priority animal status, and that an existing number of animals present in the channel is below a queue threshold value.

Abstract: An alley for processing animals such as cattle or buffaloes is described which includes a pair of spaced-apart alleys at the entrance end of the alley and a single alley at the exit end of the pair of alleys at the entrance end of the alley. The outer side walls of the alleys are easily adjusted to vary the width thereof thereby enabling the alley to accommodate animals of different sizes. Rear-up prevention device mechanisms are also provided in each of the alleys to prevent the animals from raring up and falling over backwards. The alley may be either portable or stationary.

Abstract: An animal sorting paddle comprises a handle having a paddle head attached to a lower end thereof. The tip of the paddle head can be positioned adjacent a corner formed by the ground and by a substantially vertical wall of a pen, stall or chute when the user holds the handle at an upper end of the handle at an angle relative to the ground. The tip of the paddle head has a pointed, arrowhead shape so that the sides of the arrowhead shape are generally adjacent the ground and the wall of the pen, stall or chute when the tip of the paddle head is adjacent the corner. This pre-vents small animals from squeezing beneath the paddle head. The paddle head can be reversibly mounted to the handle to allow either the pointed, arrowhead shaped tip to be used or a flat, straight tip formed on the other end of the paddle head.

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. Some significant functionality of the present invention includes the ability to track the location of each individual animal by utilizing unique identification data for each animal, recording all monitored events that take place at each location during the animal's production cycle, and reporting the events and locations as required to government entities, financial institutions, and other entities within the cattle industry.

Abstract: A sorting assembly for sorting animals. The sorting assembly comprises a plurality of gates forming a visual barrier, each gate leading to a separate animals area. The gates are configured for movement between an opened position and a closed position. Only one gate may be in an opened position at a time. The gate in the opened position provides a contrast with gates in the closed position.

Abstract: Operations in a livestock facility can be automated and made more efficient by utilizing an interrogator system that reads and writes data to tags associated with livestock. For instance, gates can be automated to sort livestock based on data read by interrogators from tags and livestock can be identified for examination when data suggest that their behavior deviates from expected or normal behavior. The tag associated with a livestock can carry and accumulate information across multiple facilities throughout the livestock production and processing cycle. Gathering information across facilities allows for more informed decision making and a more cooperative approach to improving the livestock production and processing cycle.

Abstract: A system that compares, ranks, sorts and grades animals into groups of like kinds according to previously determined predicted maximum values. The system uses a single method such as multi-dimensional single voxel(s) of MR, NMR, MRI, ultrasound, C.A.T. scan, CT scan, P.E.T. scan, or a combination of these, or any equivalent internal measuring device, on a single occasion, to evaluate the animal and determine a number of days the animal must be fed to reach a maximum value. The system also combines internal evaluation with an external animal evaluation system to refine the number of days remaining for the animal to reach a maximum value, and the system, when used in a feedlot, will direct the animal to a feed pen based on the number of days remaining for the animal to reach maximum value.

Abstract: A highly automated method and system for providing individual animal electronic identification, measurement and value based management of cattle in a large cattle feedlot. Through the use of (1) a computer system integrated with (2) automatic individual animal identification (3) multiple measurement and remeasurement systems with automatic data input and (4) a cattle handling and sorting system, animals are individually (a) identified and (b) measured by weight, external dimensions and characteristics of internal body tissue. With this information together with animal physiological characteristics and historical data, the computer system calculates the optimum (c) slaughter weight, (d) economic end point and (e) marketing date for shipment to a packing plant. After measurement, individual animals are (f) sorted by direction of the computer in response to calculations from the measurements.

Abstract: A creep feeder features a frame having an enclose defined thereon and a trough supported within the enclosure, the enclosure including end walls disposed at opposite ends of the trough and blocking access to the trough from three sides thereof while defining an open side of the feeder through which the trough is accessible. A panel assembly having opposite ends pivotally supported on the frame proximate the end walls features a plurality of panels pivotally interconnected between the opposite ends to allow folding of the panel assembly. The panels are foldable from a deployed condition, in which the panel assembly extends from the opposite ends thereof away from the trough to enclose a feeding area spanning from the trough past the open side of the feeder, to a stowed condition in which the panel assembly extends between the end walls in proximity to the open side to effect closing thereof.

Abstract: An animal management system provides an alley to control the handling of animals when procedures are to be performed on the animals by veterinarians or cattle producers. The alley is formed by a base frame, and included therewith are a headgate and preferably two wedge-shaped access doors rotatably mounted with the base frame. The headgate is movable between an entrapping position to a releasing position for an animal, and coordinated movement of the at least one access door ensures that a lead animal is properly positioned while other down line animals do not interfere with care given to, or procedures performed on, the lead animal in the headgate. Each access door allows convenient access for persons to the lead animal, and the selective use of one of two doors at a time facilitates the access to and movement of animals of different sizes in the alley.

Abstract: An identification apparatus for animals or carcasses carrying electronic identification devices, (EID) (2) moving past an antenna (10). The identification apparatus including motion sensing means (12, 13, 14, 17) and marking means (16) adapted mark the animals or carcasses according to whether EID (2) is present, absent or non-functioning, whereby the animals' carcasses can be identified, drafted or sorted according to marking supplied.

Abstract: A system that compares, ranks, sorts and grades animals or carcasses into groups of like kinds according to previously determined predicted maximum values. For live animals, the system uses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on a single occasion to evaluate the animal and determine a number of days the animal must be fed to reach a maximum value. For carcasses, the system evaluates the carcass to grade the quality and quantity of meat the carcass will provide. The system also combines MRI imaging with a three-dimensional system to refine the number of days remaining for the animal to reach a maximum value, and the system, when used in a feedlot, will direct the animal to a feed pen based on the number of days remaining for the animal to reach maximum value.

Abstract: A collapsible animal container 10 having a lightweight construction is disclosed. The animal container 10 is constructed of a flexible housing 12 suspended by rigid panels 14 separated by struts 16. The housing 12 includes a top wall, bottom wall, a pair of end walls and a pair of side walls. One or more struts 16 are provided and are biased between the rigid panels 14 to maintain the animal container 10 in an open and usable configuration. When removed, the struts 16 may be stored in pockets 20 formed in the side walls to simplify transport. A strap 36 and/or leash may also be provided to bundle the rigid panels 14 together when not in use or for transport. A handle 18 may also be incorporated into the animal container 10 or strap 36, particularly, to further simplify transport.

Abstract: A highly automated hog management system and method for housing, feeding and sorting hogs comprising a finishing barn partitioned into two separate pens each capable of holding at least 400 hogs in a large open area, with each room having a living or pen area and central shared but divided feeding area, such that through the adjustment of a gating and fencing system enclosing the feeding area, two pens of hogs can be sorted using a single electronic sorting scale, and wherein hogs are made to sort themselves by weight upon passing through the electronic sorting scale, which designates the animals as either light or heavy, and whereafter a diversion gate ushers them either into the regular feeding area with access back to the living area if they are designated as “light,” or into a separate holding pen if they are designated as “heavy. In addition, light and heavy hogs can be sorted between pens rather than in each pen separately.

Abstract: A swinging gate assembly is provided for use in an electronic livestock feeding station and an automated sorting system. The gate assembly has a generally V-shaped configuration in plan view with first and second side openings defined on each side of the V-shape. A gate panel has a first side edge pivotally connected to the frame for rotation about a substantially vertical first pivot axis at the apex of the V-shape. The gate panel is swingable about the first pivot axis between a first position in which the first side opening is closed by the gate panel and a second position in which the second side opening is closed by the gate panel. A mechanical actuator and locking assembly is provided for moving the gate panel between the first and second positions and locking the gate panel in a selected one of the positions.

Abstract: A system for calculating one or more dimensions of an animal. The system comprises at least three fiducial reference points, each having different X, Y, and Z coordinates in 3-dimensional space. In addition, the system further comprises at least two sensors for obtaining dimensional measurements of the fiducial reference points and the animal from at least two different fields of view. In one embodiment, the at least two different fields of view are at least a side view and a top view. The system also comprises a processing system configured to receive the dimensional measurements from the at least two sensors and calculate one or more dimensions of the animal by relating positions of animal features to known locations of the fiducial reference points. The system also may create and measure a 3-dimensional image of the animal.

Abstract: A highly automated hog management system and method for housing, feeding and sorting hogs comprising a finishing barn partitioned into two separate pens each capable of holding at least 400 hogs in a large open area, with each room having a living or pen area and central shared but divided feeding area, such that through the adjustment of a gating and fencing system enclosing the feeding area, two pens of hogs can be sorted using a single electronic sorting scale, and wherein hogs are made to sort themselves by weight upon passing through the electronic sorting scale, which designates the animals as either light or heavy, and whereafter a diversion gate ushers them either into the regular feeding area with access back to the living area if they are designated as “light,” or into a separate holding pen if they are designated as “heavy. In addition, light and heavy hogs can be sorted between pens rather than in each pen separately.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method for the milking of dairy animals (9), comprising individual identifiers (11) attachable to each individual diary animal (9); simple feeding station (3′-3″″), provided with food dispenser (4) for dispensing fodder and sensor (15) for sensing the individual identifiers (11); combined feeding and milking stations (5′, 5″), provided with food dispensers (6) for dispensing fodder, milking apparatus (7) for milking animals (9) and sensors (15) for sensing the individual identifiers (11); and control device (8, 19) for controlling the simple feeding stations (3′, 3″″) and combined feeding and milking stations (5′, 5″), wherein the control device (8, 19) comprises determining apparatus (19) for determining a time for the next milking of said individual animal (9); and output apparatus (21) for commanding the single feeding stations (3′,3″″) to stop dispensing food to the individual animal

Abstract: A highly automated hog housing, feeding and sorting system and method comprising a finishing barn partitioned into two separate pens each capable of holding at least 400 hogs in a large open area, with each room having a living area and central shared but divided feeding area, such that through the adjustment of a gating and fencing system enclosing the feeding area, two pens of hogs can be sorted using a single electronic sorting scale, and wherein hogs are made to sort themselves by weight upon passing through the electronic sorting scale, which designates the animals as either light or heavy, and whereafter a diversion gate ushers them either into the regular feeding area with access back to the living area if they are designated as “light,” or into a separate holding pen if they are designated as “heavy. A sick pen area at each end of the building, having its own feed and water supply, is also provided.