Abstract: This invention relates to systems and methods for managing livestock, such as cattle, from conception to consumption. More particularly, this invention relates to systems and methods in which users, such as producers, feedlot managers, packers, buyers, sellers, and consumers, are brought together through shared information and improved communication. Users may access one or more applications, tools, and/or systems to increase the value of each animal, monitor and track each animal, and improve the efficiency of their operation.

Abstract: This invention relates to systems and methods for managing livestock, such as cattle, from conception to consumption. More particularly, this invention relates to systems and methods in which users, such as producers, feedlot managers, packers, buyers, sellers, and consumers, are brought together through shared information and improved communication. Users may access one or more applications, tools, and systems to increase the value of each animal, monitor and track each animal, and improve the efficiency of their operation.

Abstract: This invention relates to systems and methods for managing livestock, such as cattle, from conception to consumption. More particularly, this invention relates to systems and methods in which users, such as producers, feedlot managers, packers, buyers, sellers, and consumers, are brought together through shared information and improved communication. Users may access one or more applications, tools, and/or systems to increase the value of each animal, monitor and track each animal, and improve the efficiency of their operation.

Abstract: This invention relates to systems and methods for managing livestock, such as cattle, from conception to consumption. More particularly, this invention relates to systems and methods in which users, such as producers, feedlot managers, packers, buyers, sellers, and consumers, are brought together through shared information and improved communication. Users may access one or more applications, tools, and/or systems to increase the value of each animal, monitor and track each animal, and improve the efficiency of their operation.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is disclosed a system and a method for detecting the presence of fecal contamination or ingesta on objects, such as a protein source, a worker's hands or utensils. In one embodiment, there is included a supporting structure which supports a diffuse light source, the light source emitting light having a wavelength effective to elicit fluorescence from the ingesta or fecal matter at a wavelength between about 660 to 680 nm into an area adjacent to the system, and a light detection device to detect light at a wavelength between about 660 to 680 nm from the area adjacent to the system. The detection of light at a wavelength between about 660 to 680 nm indicates the presence of fecal contamination or other ingesta. There is also disclosed a method of using such a device to detect the presence of such contamination, optionally including further steps to identify the source of any contamination and to modify any practices so that the spread of contamination may be reduced.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is disclosed a hand-held system and a method for detecting the presence of fecal contamination or ingesta on objects, such as a protein source, a worker's hands or utensils. In one embodiment, there is included a system comprised of a housing having a first end, where said housing supports a light source which emits light out of said housing first end having a wavelength effective to elicit fluorescence at a wavelength between 660 to 680 nm, and a light filter allowing the user to distinguish light at a wavelength between about 660 to 680 nm from any other light the vicinity of the object. The detection of light at a wavelength between about 660 to 680 nm indicates the presence of fecal contamination or other ingesta.

Abstract: A continuous conveyor belt for transporting a stream of objects to an inspection station includes a plurality of links matingly joined together to form a surface for supporting the objects for movement along a given path of travel to the inspection station, and wherein the continuous conveyor belt is entrained between a drive roller and a nose bar which has a given diametral dimension, and wherein the continuous conveyor belt propels the objects into free flight and in a given pattern through a sorting station which is disposed downstream of, and in spaced relation relative to the nose bar, and wherein the individual links when passing about the nose bar effectively minimizes the size of the object pattern passing through the sorting station, while simultaneously maintaining product separation which permits imaging of substantially the entire surface area of each product.