Abstract: Auger assembly for use in feed dispensing hoppers comprising in combination an elongate housing member with feed dispensing openings on the underside thereof, web portions extending above the dispensing openings, feed admitting cutouts longitudinally spaced from the openings and on the upper side of the housing member; at least one drive shaft disposed in the housing member and extending the full length thereof; a multi-sectional auger device having a bore disposed around the drive shaft and secured thereto for rotation therewith. Each section of the auger device is adapted to convey feed into the space under a web portion of the housing member and dispense feed out through a dispensing opening.

Abstract: A feed dispensing hopper of the type adapted to travel along the length of a battery cage arrangement to dispense feed into feed troughs extending along the battery cage arrangement which includes at least a pair of inclined wall portions converging to a channel portion to which feed is funneled by gravity. An auger device is provided in the bottom of the channel and is adapted to convey feed out through feed discharge outlets into the troughs. An agitating mechanism is provided to break up the feed that is funneled into the channel and a canopy or hood is disposed above the agitator to divert feed to opposite sides of the agitator and thus prevent packing of feed all around the agitator.

Abstract: A method of controlling feed ingredients and quantity consumed by livestock including the steps of confining the livestock in an area, segregating the livestock into two or more groups, providing each of the segregated groups of livestock with its own individual feed receptacle, dispensing accurately measured uniform quantities of feed into each receptacle at numerous intervals each day. In the case of poultry, for example, groups of five chickens each may be confined in a cage with a feed receptacle that is on the order of 15 inches in length provided therefor. Feed may be dispensed into each receptacle on the order of about 4 to 20 times each day. For groups of five chickens fed 16 times a day, for example, the quantity of feed dispensed into each receptacle at each feeding interval may be about one ounce per 15 inches or five chickens.