Abstract: A method and apparatus whereby livestock and poultry are administered feed additives in their feed ration. The apparatus stores additive concentrates separately until just prior to use, then on demand dispenses the additive concentrates into one or more weigh hoppers for weighing therein. The weighed contents of the weigh hoppers are discharged into a liquid carrier within a mixing vessel where the dispensed additives are diluted, suspended, and dispersed by mixing. The resulting carrier-and-additive slurry is pumped to a receiving station for mixing with a feed ration. The weighing components are isolated from movements that would affect additive weight determinations during the weighing process so that accurate measurements of additive weights are obtained. Dispensing and weighing of multiple additives within a single weigh hopper are sequential. Each additive may be weighed and discharged from the hopper individually or cumulatively with other additives.

Abstract: A method and system for providing improved drug treatment to selected animals in a retained group. Through the use of a computer system, an operator is immediately provided with the health and drug treatment history of an animal to be treated by identifying the animal. With this information and a diagnosis of the animal's health condition, a drug treatment is chosen. The diagnosis and treatment are entered into the computer system to update the animal's health and treatment history. If a drug treatment has a withdrawal time which requires the animal to remain in the group for a time after treatment, a release date is calculated. If a dosage of a drug treatment is weight-dependent, the weight of the animal is obtained and the proper dosage for the animal is calculated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus whereby livestock and poultry are administered feed additives in their feed ration. The apparatus stores additive concentrates separately until just prior to use, then on demand dispenses the additive concentrates into one or more weigh hoppers for weighing therein. The weighed contents of the weigh hoppers are discharged into a liquid carrier within a mixing vessel where the dispensed additives are diluted, suspended, and dispersed by mixing. The resulting carrier-and-additive slurry is pumped to a receiving station for mixing with a feed ration. The weighing components are isolated from movements that would affect additive weight determinations during the weighing process so that accurate measurements of additive weights are obtained. Dispensing and weighing of multiple additives within a single weigh hopper are sequential. Each additive may be weighed and discharged from the hopper individually or cumulatively with other additives.

Abstract: The system includes a portable computer for recording assignment data for each cattle pen and a host computer that stores feed consumption data for each of the plurality of cattle pens in the feedlot. The portable computer includes means for entering data such as a keyboard or other machine that enables a driver reading the feed bunks to identify each cattle pen and enter the assignment data as he views the feed bunks. The cattle pens may be identified by a conventional alphanumeric symbol or may have automated means such as an RF signal from a transmitter or a bar code that can be read from the truck cab. The driver has the option of reviewing the feed consumption data on the computer screen as he makes a feed assignment. The assignment data is used by the host computer to update its feed consumption data and to generate feed delivery data for feed trucks. This data may include a ration number and ration quantity for each cattle pen as well as a feeding route for each feed truck.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing at a livestock feedlot a concentrated suspension of anaerobic bacteria at a known, accurate concentration and for storing the prepared suspension for prolonged periods at the feedlot in a ready-to-use condition without significant loss of viability, allowing feedlot operators to conveniently administer such bacterial supplements to large numbers of livestock as a probiotic on a regular basis in accurate dosages. The apparatus comprises an insulated liquid-holding vessel cooled by a refrigeration means, and mixing and recirculation means to ensure temperature and concentration homogeneity of the bacterial suspension. The vessel and contents are gravimetrically monitored to ensure accuracy of bacterial concentration.

Abstract: A method and apparatus whereby livestock and poultry are administered feed additives in their feed ration. The apparatus stores additive concentrates separately until just prior to use, then on demand dispenses the additive concentrates into one or more weigh hoppers for weighing therein. The weighed contents of the weigh hoppers are discharged into a liquid carrier within a mixing vessel where the dispensed additives are diluted, suspended, and dispersed by mixing. The resulting carrier-and-additive slurry is pumped to a receiving station for mixing with a feed ration. The weighing components are isolated from movements that would affect additive weight determinations during the weighing process so that accurate measurements of additive weights are obtained. Dispensing and weighing of multiple additives within a single weigh hopper are sequential. Each additive may be weighed and discharged from the hopper individually or cumulatively with other additives.

Abstract: A method and apparatus whereby livestock and poultry are administered feed additives in their feed ration. The apparatus stores additive concentrates separately until just prior to use, then on demand dispenses the additive concentrates into one or more weigh hoppers for weighing therein. The weighed contents of the weigh hoppers are discharged into a liquid carrier within a mixing vessel where the dispensed additives are diluted, suspended, and dispersed by mixing. The resulting carrier-and-additive slurry is pumped to a receiving station for mixing with a feed ration. The weighing components are isolated from movements that would affect additive weight determinations during the weighing process so that accurate measurements of additive weights are obtained. Dispensing and weighing of multiple additives within a single weigh hopper are sequential. Each additive may be weighed and discharged from the hopper individually or cumulatively with other additives.

Abstract: A mathematics educating device includes a number rack having a plurality of number recesses; a plurality of number plates, each number plate bearing a numeral selected from the sequence 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 1, 0; an operator rack having a plurality of operator recesses; a plurality of operator plates, each operator plate bearing a mathematical operator; and a practice rack having at least three number practice recesses and at least one operator practice recess arranged for vertical or horizontal addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Each number recess has a unique shape and each number plate bearing a different numeral has a unique shape so that each number plate bearing a different numeral will fit within only one number recess and all number plates bearing the same numeral will fit within the same number recess. Similarly, and for the same purposes, each operator recess has a unique shape and each operator plate bearing a different mathematical operator has a unique shape.

Abstract: A method and apparatus whereby livestock and poultry are administered feed additives in their feed ration. In one disclosed form, the apparatus stores additive concentrates separately until just prior to use, then on demand dispenses the additive concentrates separately and sequentially into a weigh hopper for sequential, cumulative weighing therein. The weighed contents of the weigh hopper are deposited into a liquid carrier within a mixing vessel where the dispensed additives are diluted, suspended, and dispersed by mixing. The resulting carrier-and-additive slurry is pumped to a receiving station for mixing with a feed ration. The weigh hopper is isolated from movements that would affect additive weight determinations during the weighing process so that accurate measurements of the additive weights are obtained. A computerized control system controls the operation and sequencing of the apparatus.