Abstract: A chute safety system for selectively enclosing a bovine in a calf shoot by selectively closing a rear gate assembly behind the bovine. The chute safety system comprises an entryway at a rear portion, a first side enclosure, a second side enclosure and a front gate assembly at a front portion, a trigger foot plate assembly and the rear gate assembly. The chute safety system can comprise a bovine enclosure defined by a space between the rear gate assembly, the first side enclosure, the second side enclosure, and the front gate assembly. The rear gate assembly comprises a rear gate crossbar having a crossbar distal end and a crossbar proximate end, a crossbar hinge and a crossbar rotational axis.

Abstract: A method and control unit for controlling a moveable crowd gate of a holding area at an entrance of a milking parlour at a farm where the control unit obtains information from at least one sensor regarding animals present in the holding area, determines a stress level among the animals in the holding area, based on the obtained information, and controls movement of the crowd gate, via an actuator configured to adjust position of the moveable crowd gate, based on the determined stress level.

Abstract: The disclosed technology includes systems and methods for continuously supplying livestock to a processing plant. The disclosed technology can include an enclosure configured to house livestock. The enclosure can include an enclosure entrance, an enclosure exit, and moveable walls to partition the enclosure into separate pens and automatically direct the livestock from the enclosure entrance toward the enclosure exit. A passageway can be connected to the enclosure exit and include moveable walls to automatically direct the livestock from the enclosure exit toward a processing plant. The moveable walls can be configured to move at a predetermined speed such that the plurality of livestock enter the enclosure as offspring, are reared in the enclosure, and are directed through the enclosure exit into the passageway approximately when the plurality of livestock have reached slaughter weight.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rack (10) for receiving fattening poultry cages, (20) comprising: a frame structure (12), a plurality of levels (14) for receiving a plurality of fattening poultry cages (20), and a plurality of conveying means (16) associated with each of the levels (14). The means of conveyance (16) are arranged in such a way that they transport the cages (20) located in the rack (10) within the respective level (14) to and/or away from a unloading point (30). Further, the invention relates to a fattening poultry cage (20) for arrangement in such a rack (10). Finally, the invention relates to a system of racks (10) and cages (20) according to the invention. The system may comprise an industrial truck (22) with lifting means for removing cages (20) from or feeding cages into the rack (10), the lifting means comprising a plurality of fork carriages (24) arranged vertically one above the other and movable in a vertical direction relative to one another.

Abstract: A livestock identification system/method configured to identify individual animals from a pool of livestock is disclosed. The system/method utilizes images of individual animals and determines the identity of a specific animal based on markers extracted from the image of the animal. These markers may then be used to characterize the state of the animal as to weight, health, and other parameters. The system is configured to log these parameters in a temporal database that may be used to determine historical activity of the animal, including but not limited to activity relating to food and/or fluid intake. This historical record in conjunction with analysis of the animal state parameters is used to determine the animal health status and may also be used to determine whether the animal is ready for harvesting.

Abstract: A cart enabling a single person to pull a livestock chute across the ground. The cart includes a bar having a handle and wheels provided at opposing ends. The bar includes first and second members pivotally engaged together. A crossbar pivotally mounted on the bar includes first and second arms configured to engage handles on a lower front end of the chute. When the bar is in a collapsed position, where the first and second members are disposed at an angle to each other, the first and second arms are insertable into the chute handles. When the bar is moved to an erected position, where the first and second members are aligned along the same plane, a force is applied to a footrest on the bar. The arms lift the front end of the chute off the ground and the cart's wheels move under the front end of the chute.

Abstract: A stabilizer for use with a trackable surgical instrument can include a first member, a second member and a retaining member. The first member can have a first annular body portion and a first pair of legs extending therefrom. The first annular body portion can include a plurality of locating slots for engaging a selectively positionable portion of a surgical instrument. The second member can have a second annular body portion and a second pair of legs extending therefrom. The second annular body can engage a drive device of the surgical instrument. The first pair of legs can be telescopically coupled with and adjustable relative to the second pair of legs such that the first member can be axially adjustable relative to the second member. The retaining member can cooperate with at least one leg to retain the first member adjustably coupled to the second member.

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: Disclosed herein is a method of using biologically-relevant attractants for marine predators through deployment of the attractants into air and/or water in concentrations which will encourage the specific marine predators to move toward the deployment source. The method could be used in a number of situations, including, but not limited to, situations in which animals are in a hazardous situation, such as the immediate danger of an oil spill or clean-up activities in which the marine predators must be enticed to safety.

Abstract: The invention relates to a passage device for fauna, which includes a first support structure to which is connected an overhead door, and which has been designed both to enable the passage of fauna and to prevent said fauna from accessing the inside of an enclosure for roads, railway lines and other infrastructures or premises enclosed by a fence.

Abstract: A mobile cart for isolating an animal from a herd has a protective enclosure for housing an operator and the animal, and for concealing and protecting the operator from the herd. The cart has several modes of operation including a drive mode allowing the operator to move the cart toward the animal, a capture mode allowing the operator to capture the animal within the enclosure and conceal it from the herd, and a treatment mode allowing the operator to treat the animal within the enclosure before releasing or moving it elsewhere. In the capture mode the cart's front end may be lifted over the animal to trap it, or a gate may be raised to bring the calf into the enclosure, or both. A rear end basket for holding the captured calf has a screen with multiple positions for controlling visibility into the basket and enclosure.

Abstract: An apparatus including a first compartment and a second compartment is disclosed through which livestock animals move. The first compartment includes a first extension that is horizontally extendable and retractable. The second compartment is vertically movable and includes a second extension that is horizontally extendable and retractable. A method includes positioning a first end of an apparatus proximate a doorway of a building that contains a plurality of livestock animals; extending a first extension to the doorway; positioning a vehicle proximate a second end of the apparatus; moving at least one of the livestock animals from the building and into a first compartment; moving the animal from the first compartment to a second compartment; vertically moving the second compartment to a level of a deck of the vehicle; extending a second extension to the deck; and moving the animal from the second compartment onto the vehicle deck.

Abstract: A portable stretcher apparatus includes a pack having a first portion and a second portion removably coupled to said first portion with a fastener, said pack defining an internal compartment when said first portion is coupled to said second portion. The pack may be made of a suitable material such as canvas, vinyl or plastic. The pack may have straps, handles, grips or the like. The pack may contain a variety of first aid products and medicine for animals. The pack may also contain a stretcher that is collapsible and situated within storage compartment defined by the pack.

Abstract: A device to motivate an animal to leave a milking stall includes at least a first unit configured to motivate the animal to leave the milking stall by a first motivation means; a second unit configured to motivate the animal to leave the milking stall by a second motivation means which is of a different type than the first motivation means; and a control unit configured, when it is time for the animal to leave the milking stall, to activate at least one of the first and second units such that the animal in the milking stall will be motivated to leave the milking stall.

Abstract: A cart-handler for mobile carts within narrow confines is provided. The cart-handler is constructed from an elongate frame having at least one upright support rail and opposite ends supported on wheels. A pair of stabilizers is connected to the frame with each stabilizer being movable into a retracted position on the frame and into a laterally-extended position in which the stabilizer directly engages an underlying floor surface to aid in supporting the cart-handler on the floor. When the stabilizers are placed in the laterally-extended position, each stabilizer extends outward from a common side of the elongate frame. A cart-lifter is mounted on the support rail of the frame and is movable vertically along the support rail so that the cart-lifter can engage, elevate, and support a separate mobile cart above the underlying floor surface. The cart-handler can be interconnected to a pair of elevated mobile work platforms.

Abstract: A wheeled dog cover (1) having a frame (3) wheels (24) located thereon. Said frame having a top panel (7) and side panels (6, 8) that cover side portions (9a, 9b) and a top portion (10) of the frame to protect a dog from rain and other elements. Panels may also be located on the front and back of the frame to fully enclose the frame. A push handle (22) is provided for controlling movement of the wheeled dog cover. In addition a leash attachment bar (23) is located on the wheeled dog cover for attaching a dog's leash to so as a dog walks the wheeled dog cover moves with the dog. The front wheels of the walker are preferably swivel wheels to allow the wheeled dog cover to be steered right or left.

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 method of feeding different diets to different groups of pigs is disclosed which includes a two-way or three-way sorter in combination with a walk-through scale which directs pigs into different feed courts to feed the same different diets depending on their detected weights. The detected weights of the pigs are compared to weight set points of a pig weight growth curve in the software of the microprocessor associated with the invention.

Abstract: A mobile animal care station includes a wheeled chassis with an enclosure supported above the ground for movement to and from a treatment location. The enclosure defines a treatment space therein and presents an opening that permits ingress and egress relative to the treatment space. The enclosure presents an open bottom to permit animals within the enclosure to be supported directly on the ground. The mobile animal care station also includes a doorway restriction mounted along the opening to provide a doorway of the enclosure.

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 of release and dispersion of genetically altered flies or other insects to control insect population. The apparatus can be carried by an aircraft and includes removable fly chambers that contain fly containment cylinders. A refrigeration system operates to physically retard the fruit flies. The flies are then released from the fly containment cylinders and fall to the bottom of the fly chamber. Gates on the bottom of the fly chamber are opened manually or remotely to allow the refrigerated flies to fall through the nesting chute into the spiral release controllers. The spiral release controllers dispense the genetically altered flies into the exit chute. The genetically altered flies travel through the exit chute, fall to the earth below and mate with the population thus serving to decrease population by capitalizing on a weakness in the reproductive cycle of the fruit fly or other insect.

Abstract: A system for handling animals includes: a movable series of modules to contain the animals; a plurality of stations at a first location in a facility, at least one station to communicate with at least one module, whereby substances may be dispensed to a module from a station and/or materials may be collected from a module by a station; a first transporter for transporting the series in a first direction and to transport a module from a second location in the facility to a first position between the first and second locations; a second transporter for transporting the series in a second direction and to transport a module from the first position to a second position nearer the stations; a source of a first motive force to move modules on the first transporter; and a source of a second motive force to move modules to the second transporter.

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 cart-handler for mobile carts within narrow confines is provided. The cart-handler is constructed from an elongate frame having at least one upright support rail and opposite ends supported on wheels. A pair of stabilizers is connected to the frame with each stabilizer being movable into a retracted position on the frame and into a laterally-extended position in which the stabilizer directly engages an underlying floor surface to aid in supporting the cart-handler on the floor. When the stabilizers are placed in the laterally-extended position, each stabilizer extends outward from a common side of the elongate frame. A cart-lifter is mounted on the support rail of the frame and is movable vertically along the support rail so that the cart-lifter can engage, elevate, and support a separate mobile cart above the underlying floor surface. The cart-handler can be interconnected to a pair of elevated mobile work platforms.

Abstract: A ladder placed on the top rail of a gate which has either a ramp or at least one step on one side of the safety gate to aid a small animal to traverse the gate.

Abstract: A fowl-loading vehicle is described, the vehicle comprising: a chassis, wheels or tracks for supporting the chassis relative to the ground; a pick-up conveyor belt for picking up fowl from the ground and a storage conveyor belt which receives fowl from the pick-up conveyor belt and which is movable in the same direction as the pick-up conveyor belt, the speed of the pick-up conveyor belt, during loading of the fowl, being greater than the speed of the storage conveyor belt.

Abstract: A headgate including pair of upright frame members with a pair of weight members disposed therein which are connected to a pair of stanchions operable to move from an open position to a closed position by pivoting linkages. A release mechanism simultaneously releases the weight members from a first position such that gravity causes the weight members to move from the first position to a second position located at a lower height than the first position upon receiving a signal from a tripping mechanism which automatically detects the presence of an animal, wherein the release of the weight members causes the pair of stanchions to move from an open position, which allows an animal to pass therethrough, to a closed position, which causes the stanchions to close so as to confine the animal.

Abstract: A system and method for moving livestock includes a sequence of interconnected semicircular enclosures in which the periphery of each enclosure extends generally to the center of the next enclosure. At the center of each enclosure is a turret unit including a support frame, a turret frame and a panel. The panel extends generally to the edge of the enclosure. The turret frame and panel are capable of two modes of movement: a sweeping mode and a shuttle mode. In the sweeping mode, the turret frame rotates the extended panel as the panel sweeps around the semicircular enclosure. In the shuttle mode the panel is translated across the enclosure from one side of the turret frame to the other side of the turret frame. Panels can thus be alternately swept around their respective enclosures and shuttled across their respective enclosures to present translating enclosed areas for livestock as the livestock progress through a series of interconnected semicircular enclosures.

Abstract: A livestock chute insert that adapts a livestock chute for use with smaller livestock. One embodiment of the insert reversibly modifies existing gated livestock chutes to prevent smaller livestock from turning around in the chute or jumping up and hurting themselves.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a system includes a milking parlor entrance lane with an entrance positioned adjacent to a cattle holding pen and an exit positioned adjacent to one or more stalls of a rotary milking platform. The system also includes an exit lane positioned on a side of the entrance lane opposite a forward direction of rotation of the rotary milking platform, the milking parlor exit lane positioned adjacent to one or more stalls of a rotary milking platform such that dairy cows may enter the exit lane from the one or more stalls of the rotary milking platform after being milked. The system also includes a pressure sensor positioned adjacent to the exit lane, the pressure sensor operable to generate a trigger in response to detecting a triggering pressure on the pressure sensor. The pressure sensor is additionally operable to communicate the generated trigger to initiate the stopping of the rotary milking platform.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a system includes a first wall positioned substantially parallel to a second wall, a first end of the first wall and a first end of the second wall defining an entrance to a milking platform entrance lane having a width in the range of thirty inches to thirty-six inches. The system further includes a flare wall having a first end coupled to a second end of the second wall, the flare wall extending outwardly from the second wall at an angle in the range of thirty-five degrees to forty-five degrees with respect to the second wall. A second end of the flare wall and a second end of the first wall define an exit from the milking platform entrance lane having a width in the range of forty inches to fifty-four inches.

Abstract: A system and method for moving livestock includes a sequence of interconnected semicircular enclosures in which the periphery of each enclosure extends generally to the center of the next enclosure. At the center of each enclosure is a turret unit including a support frame, a turret frame and a panel. The panel extends generally to the edge of the enclosure. The turret frame and panel are capable of two modes of movement: a sweeping mode and a shuttle mode. In the sweeping mode, the turret frame rotates the extended panel as the panel sweeps around the semicircular enclosure. In the shuttle mode the panel is translated across the enclosure from one side of the turret frame to the other side of the turret frame. Panels can thus be alternately swept around their respective enclosures and shuttled across their respective enclosures to present translating enclosed areas for livestock as the livestock progress through a series of interconnected semicircular enclosures.

Abstract: A reminder apparatus and method are employed to by a dwelling occupant to provide a reminder concerning a pet's whereabouts. The apparatus features a carrier member that is adapted to hang from a door knob or handle, and a timer device is supported on the carrier member and operable to indicate expiration of an interval of time from a selected starting point. When the occupant lets the pet outside, they activate the countdown function of the timer and an alarm sounds when the countdown expires, providing a reminder to let the pet back inside the dwelling. Indications of an indoor and outdoor status are provided on opposing sides of the carrier member, so that reversing of the facing direction of the carrier member every time the pet transfers between the indoors and outdoors results in an ongoing accurate indication of whether the animal is inside or out.

Abstract: A method of feeding different diets to different groups of pigs is disclosed which includes a two-way or three-way sorter in combination with a walk-through scale which directs pigs into different feed courts to feed the same different diets depending on their detected weights. The detected weights of the pigs are compared to weight set points of a pig weight growth curve in the software of the microprocessor associated with the invention.

Abstract: A method of collecting and loading a plurality of insects of a particular type into respective insect holders includes extracting a plurality of insects from an insect habitat to a storage chamber which is operable to allow access to a plurality of exit holes and allowing access to the exit holes, followed by luring and/or compelling the insects to leave the storage chamber via the exit holes for subsequent loading into an insect holder.

Abstract: A portable chute for immobilizing an animal having a frame structure configured to receive an animal, an entrance gate having a movable retainer member associated therewith for selectively engaging the rear portion of the animal, an exit gate having a selectively movable stanchion member for adjustably controlling the size of an opening associated therewith for immobilizing the head and neck area of the animal, at least one belly strap associated with an elongated arm operatively coupled thereto for engaging the animal's midsection when positioned within the frame structure, and an arm assembly operatively connected to the frame structure for pivotally rotating the entire chute between an upright vertical loading/unloading position and a horizontal operative position for treating the hooves of the animal. The chute assembly can be mounted to the bed of a vehicle and is always maintained in its vertical position above ground level.

Abstract: A system and method of release and dispersion of genetically altered flies or other insects to control insect population. Disclosed is an apparatus designed to be carried by an aircraft which implements a method of insect population control. The apparatus features one or more removable fly chambers that contain fly containment cylinders. The fly chambers are seated upon one or more nesting chutes. A refrigeration system operates to physically retard the fruit flies. Once the flies have been successfully immobilized by the refrigerated air, they are released from the fly containment cylinders and fall to the bottom of the fly chamber. Gates on the bottom of the fly chamber are opened manually or remotely to allow the refrigerated flies to fall through the nesting chute into the spiral release controllers. The spiral release controllers dispense the genetically altered flies into the exit chute.

Abstract: A veterinary procedure table includes an animal support member upon which an animal may be placed during the performance of a veterinary procedure. A basin associated with the animal support member is adapted to receive fluid material that may be generated during the performance of the veterinary procedure. The veterinary procedure table further includes a grille associated with the animal support member. The grille includes a frame and a plurality of elongate rods rotatably coupled to the frame. In one embodiment, at least one rod is fixed against rotation.

Abstract: One embodiment of a remotely controlled apparatus for selectably admitting a large animal into and then selectably releasing the animal from a livestock chute uses the weight of the animal as its primary energy source for opening and closing the entry and exit gates. The livestock chute has a linking mechanism for communicating with the entry gate, the exit gate, a moveable floor, and a biasing force wherein the weight of the animal is used to overcome the biasing force to open the entry gate and to store energy that can be selectively activated to open the exit gate on the livestock chute.

Abstract: A system and method for moving livestock includes a sequence of interconnected enclosures in which the periphery of each enclosure extends generally to the center of the next enclosure. At the center of each enclosure is a turret unit including a support frame, a turret frame and a panel. The panel extends generally to the edge of the enclosure. The turret frame and panel are capable of two modes of movement: a sweeping mode and a shuttle mode. In the sweeping mode, the turret frame rotates the extended panel as the panel sweeps around the semicircular enclosure. In the shuttle mode the panel is translated across the enclosure from one side of the turret frame to the other side of the turret frame. Panels can thus be alternately swept around their respective enclosures and shuttled across their respective enclosures to present translating enclosed areas for livestock as the livestock progress through a series of interconnected semicircular enclosures.

Abstract: One embodiment of a remotely controlled apparatus for selectably admitting a large animal into and then selectably releasing the animal from a livestock chute uses the weight of the animal as its primary energy source for opening and closing the entry and exit gates. The livestock chute has a linking mechanism for communicating with the entry gate, the exit gate, a moveable floor, and a biasing force wherein the weight of the animal is used to overcome the biasing force to open the entry gate and to store energy that can be selectively activated to open the exit gate on the livestock chute.

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: Disclosed herein is an animal isolator and method for isolating one or more animals from a herd. The animal isolator comprises a meshing enclosure for confining the animals. The meshing enclosure comprises a front wall, a rear wall, and a pair of opposing side walls, a partially closed base partially closing a first end of the open ended enclosure, a vehicle mounting assembly, and a gate. The meshing enclosure is detachably attached to the rear end or the front end of a vehicle using the vehicle mounting assembly and is raised above ground surface. The vehicle is driven through the herd. The meshing enclosure is then lowered over the animals and the animals are captured through the opening of the partially closed base. The captured animals are driven onto the platform and are confined to a region defined by the platform using the gate.

Abstract: An adjustable livestock alleyway includes an alleyway frame, a center frame and first and second panels which define two side by side alleyways within the alleyway frame. The first and second panels are pivotably mounted to the center frame to pivot between a first open position in which the panels are pivoted toward the center frame and a second constricted position in which the panel are pivoted away from the center frame. A linkage connecting between the center frame and the first and second panels is powered by an actuator in order to pivot the first and second panels between the first and second positions such that the widths of both side by side alleyways may be changed to a desired width.

Abstract: An automatic animal retrieving platform assembly (10) and its method of operation for retrieving a domestic animal (12) from a stall (29) is described. The platform assembly retrieves and at least partly confines the domestic animal from a stall to effect a job function with the animal, such as for milking a cow in a dairy barn. The platform assembly (10) is displaceable on wheels (13) to position an entrance opening (24) thereof behind the animal stall. A displaceable floor (17) extends to the rear of the stall and retrieving arms (26, 27) are provided to grasp the animal and cause it to back-up slowly onto the displaceable floor where it is at least partly confined in a cage 18. After the job function is completed the retrieving arms (26, 27) release the animal and it returns freely to its stall. To help it return to its stall a tether (70) may be secured to a neck collar 30 of the animal.

Abstract: A method is provided for managing animals (10) in a milking system which comprises a milking stall (11) provided with a milking apparatus (13) for milking the animals, a gate arrangement (18a-b; 18a-b, 32; 55a-b) allowing the animals to enter said milking stall, one at a time, from at least two different locations, and a control device (15) which holds and updates a milking suitability index for each of the animals. According to the method a first animal is identified and received at a first location, and a milking suitability index for the first animal is retrieved. A second animal is identified and received at a second location, and a milking suitability index for the second animal is retrieved. The milking suitability indexes for the first and second animals are compared and an animal at either one of said first and second locations is allowed to enter the milking stall depending on the outcome of the comparison.

Abstract: A limiting device (9) for limiting the freedom of movement of a standing cow in a lying box (1) in a loose house for keeping cattle, in a direction towards a front end (8) of the lying box. The limiting device (9) is intended to be placed near the front end, on and projecting from the bottom (11) of the lying box. At least one top part (13) of the limiting device is movable between a limiting position operatively projecting from the bottom for limiting the freedom of movement of the standing cow towards the front end of the lying box, and a releasing position, for leaving, for the purpose of the front legs of the cow lying down, at least a part of the space the limiting device occupies in the limiting position. A lying box and a loose house with such limiting device are also described.

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: A device for transporting animal carcasses, that includes a flexible, durable material, wherein flexible, durable material further includes at least two layers bound to one another, wherein a cavity has been formed at a predetermined location between the layers for receiving an animal carcass, and wherein an opening has been formed in one of the layers for accessing the cavity formed between the layers; and means for sealing the opening formed in one of the layers after an animal carcass has been placed in the cavity formed between the two layers.

Abstract: A garment for the trunk of a dog. The garment includes a body member for covering the trunk of the dog, and a handle that does not extend above the outer surface of the body member to allow the body member, and dog, to be grasped and lifted.