Abstract: The health and behaviors of feedlot animals may be observed with monitoring and administering equipment or electronics. The equipment or electronics is contained in an attachment device, which attaches to an appendage of the feedlot animals. The device is closed about the appendage and may be further clamped on the appendage. A fastening mechanism holds the device closed on the appendage. An end piece on the device may bend a flexible appendage, such as a tail, to help hold the device on the appendage. A series of studs within the device may be provided to hold the device on the appendage. The device may also include a frusto-conical bore to accommodate the appendage and help hold the device thereon.

Abstract: Betaine transition metal complexes are formed by: a) reacting a solution including an alkali metal salt of chloroacetic acid with a solution including the transition metal salt to give a solution including a chloroacetate transition metal complex; and b) reacting the solution including the chloroacetate transition metal complex with trimethylamine to give a solution including the betaine transition metal complex. Such betaine transition metal complexes may be used as a feed supplement for animals in the process of preparing such animals for market.

Abstract: The health and welfare of feedlot animals are observed with a monitoring system that is simple to implement and easily expandable depending on the feedlot operator's need. The monitoring system uses a sleeve that is removably attached to an appendage of the animal, such as its tail. The sleeve contains a biosensor for sensing the animal's physiological parameters and a microprocessor for processing these sensed parameters. When the animal's monitored physiological parameter is out of a predetermined "healthy" range, the microprocessor activates an alarm to alert the feedlot operator of a potential health problem for that particular animal. The sleeve can optionally contain a transmitter so that the sensed physiological parameters can be transmitted to a base station. Additionally, the monitoring system can be expanded to include animal tracking capability so that the animal's feeding and watering habits can also be monitored at the base station.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a storage and metering system for delivery of a supersaturated feed supplement to a feed processing facility including a tank assembly for storing the supersaturated feed supplement; a recirculation and discharge system connected to the storage assembly to maintain the supersaturated feed supplement at an elevated temperature during recirculation and discharge; and a controller assembly for monitoring and controlling the supersaturated feed supplement being recirculated and discharged. The present invention also includes a method of storing, metering, and recirculating a supersaturated feed supplement.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method useful for applying feed supplements to feed, comprising: preparing an aqueous composition containing a metal-amino acid complex, such as zinc methionine, and directly applying the aqueous composition to the feed at a local manufacturing or feeding site. The method may further comprise transporting the aqueous composition to a feeding site after being prepared and before being applied onto the feed.

Abstract: An automated process is provided for controlling process parameters, such as moisture content and grain feed rate, in a grain processing system. Control of process parameters may be provided by an automatic control system which receives signals from input devices, such as moisture sensors, and generates signals to control the parameters. The automatic control system may provide control signals that are feedback, feedforward, or a combination of feedback and feedforward control. Grain processing system components may include a grain conveyor, a wetting system, a steam chest, a flaking mill, a livestock pelletizer, and/or a cooler assembly.