Abstract: A feeding system for feeding individual animals of a herd feed, supplements, and combinations thereof. The feeding system includes one-to-many feed bin assemblies or feeding stations such that the system is able to dispense a specified mass of feed to specific animals at user-defined intervals. In this way, each animal of a herd is provided with optimal, individualized amounts of feed or feed material. Multiple feed bin assemblies in a single pasture, for example, can automatically form a network of feeders so that regardless of the specific feed bin assembly or feeding station within the feeding system that an animal visits, the specified amount and type of feed or feed material is delivered. Each feed bin assembly or feeding station can also be equipped to download, archive/store, and/or synthesize data into an individual animal record and/or to transmit data from additional onboard animal sensors such as activity and rumination sensors.

Abstract: A livestock feed system adapted to be modular and readily scalable from one bin assembly to multiple bin assemblies that can be communicatively networked together. The system includes a stainless steel feed bin with an opening on a first surface of the one or more sidewalls for receiving an animal head. The feed bin further includes an access door on a second surface of the one or more sidewalls that is pivotally, slidably, or removably coupled to adjacent portions of the one or more sidewalls to allow easy cleaning of the bin. The system includes a portable support frame supporting the feed bin, and a controller mounted on the support frame. The controller includes a self-contained computer with a processor executing code (programs or software) to provide an animal monitoring and management module that causes the controller to determine intake by an animal accessing the feed bin through the opening.

Abstract: A method for managing health of ruminants or other animals. The method includes providing a feed dispenser for feeding ruminants nutrient supplements, and the feed dispenser includes a gas analyzer where a ruminant places its head. The method includes determining a particular ruminant has accessed the feed dispenser such as by reading an identifier from an RFID ear tag and operating the feed dispenser to provide a ration of methane-controlling nutrient supplement. The method may include using the identifier to determine that the animal should be vaccinated such as based on their age and no record of prior vaccination. The method includes dispensing a dose of a nasal vaccine into the feed dispenser near the animal's nostrils. The method may include discharging a diagnostic agent such as propane or carbon monoxide and processing data collected to diagnose the animal as having a disease or condition such as a lung-related sickness.

Abstract: A method for managing health of ruminants or other animals. The method includes providing a feed dispenser for feeding ruminants nutrient supplements, and the feed dispenser includes a gas analyzer where a ruminant places its head. The method includes determining a particular ruminant has accessed the feed dispenser such as by reading an identifier from an RFID ear tag and operating the feed dispenser to provide a ration of methane-controlling nutrient supplement. The method may include using the identifier to determine that the animal should be vaccinated such as based on their age and no record of prior vaccination. The method includes dispensing a dose of a nasal vaccine into the feed dispenser near the animal's nostrils. The method may include discharging a diagnostic agent such as propane or carbon monoxide and processing data collected to diagnose the animal as having a disease or condition such as a lung-related sickness.

Abstract: A method and system for reducing methane emissions by ruminants. The method includes providing a feed dispenser for feeding ruminants nutrient supplements, and the feed dispenser includes a gas analyzer where a ruminant places its head. The method includes determining a particular ruminant has accessed the feed dispenser such as by reading an identifier from an RFID ear tag and operating the feed dispenser to provide a ration of methane-controlling nutrient supplement. The method includes using the gas analyzer to determine levels of carbon dioxide and methane and operating a data analyzing station to determine a ratio of methane to carbon dioxide and modify the type or amount of nutrient supplement for the ruminant for a next feeding to control methane production or achieve an animal production goal, such as by operating a hopper with supplement compartments. The unit can be monitored remotely and controlled through an Internet connection.

Abstract: A method, and systems implementing such method, for reducing methane emissions by ruminants. The method includes providing a feed dispenser for feeding ruminants one or more nutrient supplements, and the feed dispenser includes a gas analyzer proximate to where the ruminant places its head. The method includes determining a particular ruminant has accessed the feed dispenser such as by reading an identifier from an RFID ear tag and operating the feed dispenser to provide a ration of methane-controlling nutrient supplement. The method includes using the gas analyzer to determine levels of carbon dioxide and methane and operating a data analyzing station to determine a ratio of methane to carbon dioxide and modify the type or amount of nutrient supplement for the ruminant for a next feeding to control methane production or achieve an animal production goal, such as by selectively operating a hopper with two or more supplements compartments.