Abstract: A tiller including a walking element configured to move the tiller, a tine rotatable about a rotational axis; a first motor configured to drive the walking clement to move the tiller, and a counterweight, wherein the tine is disposed on a first side of the tiller and wherein the counterweight is disposed on a second side of the tiller opposite the first side.

Abstract: An agricultural system includes a tillage implement with a frame, a shank mount coupled to or integrally formed with the frame, a rotary sensor coupled to the shank mount, and a shank coupled to a bracket via a first fastener. The tillage implement also includes a rod assembly with a first end portion coupled to the bracket via a shear bolt that is configured to shear upon contact by the shank and a second end portion coupled to a rotary shaft of the rotary sensor.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and method for generating agricultural guidance comprising defining a first non-straight path, mapping a second path adjacent to the first path, the second path having less than a threshold amount of crowding of the first non-straight path and less than a threshold amount of gap between the first non-straight path and second path, iteratively mapping subsequent paths path having less than a threshold amount of crowding of an adjacent pass and less than a threshold amount of gap between adjacent paths until a straight path is mapped, and commanding a steering system for traversal of the first non-straight path, second path, and subsequent paths.

Abstract: Harvesting fruits or vegetables—comprises providing a tractor and a plurality of storage bins in a supply location for the fruit or vegetable; deploying the storage bins to a harvesting area using the tractor; providing a harvester; harvesting fruit or vegetable and storing same in the storage bins at the harvesting area; relocating the fruit or vegetable in the filled storage bins with the tractor to a storage location; providing an operation control and management system (OCMS) configured to receive and process data; receiving storage bin location data indicative of a location of the storage bins from the storage bins; receiving harvesting data indicative of at least one harvesting process parameter in the OCMS; and providing tractor control data in the OCMS in response the received process parameter(s). Tractor control data controls an operation mode of the tractor for deploying and/or relocating—the storage bins. Also a system is disclosed.

Abstract: An agricultural machine includes a trail frame, a wheel arm, a field wheel, a tongue, and a latch mechanism for releasably securing the trail frame to the tongue. The latch mechanism includes a catch mounted on the trail frame for pivoting about a fulcrum, a receiver on the tongue, the catch engageable with the receiver, a spring acting between the catch and trail frame on a first side of the fulcrum for biasing the catch into engagement with the receiver, and a rigid link acting between the wheel arm and the catch on a second side of the fulcrum. Pivoting motion of the wheel arm moving the field wheel away from the trail frame causes movement of the rigid link, and, once a pre-defined lost motion is overcome, continued movement of the rigid link causes pivoting of the catch about the fulcrum and disengagement of the catch from the receiver.

Abstract: A method and system for evaluating and predicting a set of crop-associated features at an agriculture site, the method comprising: receiving a set of samples associated with the agriculture site; generating a sample dataset upon processing the set of samples with a set of sample processing operations; generating a set of microbiome-associated features upon performing a set of transformation operations upon the sample dataset; and returning an analysis characterizing the set of crop-associated features based upon the set of microbiome-associated features. The method can further include steps for executing an action for producing a desired outcome in relation to the agriculture site, with respect to a specific soil type and a specific crop, based upon the analysis.

Abstract: Digging machine having a body with an at least partially hollow interior and one or more odd-shaped wheels attached to the body, one or more motors disposed inside the body, and each motor can be configured to independently power one of the one or more odd-shaped wheels, where each of the one or more odd-shaped wheels include one or more digging members.

Abstract: An implement revolving around agriculture, prepared for quickly planting and germinating seeds. No device has seen all these classifications incorporated into one apparatus successfully. Each apparatus contains one or more seeds. The depth of each seed is positioned on the apparatus so that the depth of planting into the ground is correct. Each apparatus is impregnated with fertilizer directly into the substrate. The Fertilizer then acts as a slow time release application, during plant growth. Each Seed is affixed with an organic adhesive to protect the end user and fully adhere the seed to the apparatus. The novel apparatus also has a final quality of digging the appropriate size hole for the seed to be planted in. EFFECT: This novel apparatus will increase consumer productivity and success in gardening.

Abstract: A material spreader is provided. The material spreader includes a hopper for storing material to be a spread which feeds to a rotary spreader assembly. The rotary spreader assembly includes an impeller that rotates about a hub which is secured to an impeller shaft. The impeller includes two or more blades extending radially from the impeller shaft which spin to cause the material to be discharged from the assembly through a chute. The spreader includes a base with a pair of wheels linked via a wheel axle that allows for manual movement. A wheel axle gear set is mounted to the wheel axle such that the wheel axle and wheels mesh with an impeller gear set mounted on the impeller shaft. When the wheels rotate, the movement causes the impeller shaft to rotate and discharges the material through the chute.

Abstract: A control method of an outdoor power equipment includes: determining corresponding initial current limiting values and maximum rotating speeds of a cutter motor and a walking motor of the outdoor power equipment according to a previous mowing data; monitoring an input current of each of the motors, and determining whether the input current of each motor is less than the current limiting value; when the input current of the walking motor is continuously equal to or greater than the current limiting value and an output value of a battery pack of the outdoor power equipment is less than a maximum discharging capacity, resetting the current limiting values and the maximum rotating speeds of the walking motor and the cutter motor according to a current slope of the outdoor power equipment and the maximum discharging capacity of the battery pack.

Abstract: Embodiments of a kernel-level grain monitoring system include a grain camera positioned to capture bulk grain sample images of a currently-harvested grain taken into and processed by a combine harvester, a moisture sensor, and a display device. A controller architecture is coupled to the grain camera, to the moisture sensor, and to the display device. The controller architecture is configured to: (i) analyze the bulk grain sample images, as received from the grain camera, to determine an average per kernel (APK) volume representing an estimated volume of a single average kernel of the currently-harvested grain; (ii) repeatedly calculate one or more topline harvesting parameters based, at least in part, on the determined APK volume and the moisture sensor data; and (iii) selectively present the topline harvesting parameters on the display device for viewing by an operator of the combine harvester.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to the fields of mechanical engineering and agriculture, and more specifically to platform technology for harvesters, specifically grain harvesters.

Abstract: A cut stock measurement system and method for a work machine that cuts stock. The cut stock measurement system includes distance sensors that generate distance measurements to the cut stock, and a geolocation unit that generates a machine geolocation. The system computes a stock width measurement, and a stock geolocation. The distance sensors can include left and right distance sensors coupled to the left and right sides of the machine, or coupled to left and right foldable arms. The foldable arms can be coupled to the machine, and have ends that trail the machine as it moves forward. An adjustable leveling apparatus with left and right leveling blades can be coupled to the left and right foldable arms with a hinge pin in-between. Left and right leveling mechanisms can adjust heights of the left and right leveling blades above the ground.

Abstract: Produced PAR neither replicates the spectral bandwidth of sunlight at the surface of the earth, nor the absorption spectrum of green plants, nor the absorption spectrum of photosynthetic processes, but—based on discovery that PAR at only a number of unique wavelengths is optimally energy-efficient to promote normal or better plant growth—instead desirably concentrates PAR emissions in a limited number, preferably about nine (9), narrow bands. Narrowband, even extremely narrowband, radiation is preferred at 430 and 662 nanometers wavelength (first and second absorption peaks of chlorophyll A); 453 and 642 nanometers wavelength (first and second absorption peaks of chlorophyll B); and still other wavelengths (only). Preferably more than 50% of the total PAR flux is within a total bandwidth of less than 160 nanometers wavelength in the range between 360 and 760 nanometers wavelength, and more preferably 90% of the PAR flux is within a total bandwidth of less than 80 nanometers wavelength within this range.

Abstract: A modular vertical plant cultivation wall system configured to produce minimal carbon footprint from fabrication through erection, to be built of sustainable material and to be installed rapidly by low skilled labor is provided. The modular vertical cultivation wall system includes at least two vertical posts, at least two planter shelves, at least two endcap walls, and at least one of: a pipe, a seed/plant root retaining matrix, and irrigation fluid. Further, a method of providing a modular vertical cultivation wall is provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system for growing and harvesting living matter. The system includes trays. The system also includes a racking portion, including at least one rack having shelves vertically spaced apart from each other and a robot selectively operable to deliver the trays to and retrieve the trays from the shelves. The system further includes a processing portion, including a harvester configured to receive the trays from the shelves and to remove living matter from the trays, and a seeder configured to receive the trays from the harvester and to distribute seed to the trays. The system additionally includes an electronic controller operable to autonomously control operation of the robot to deliver the trays, after seeded by the seeder, to the shelves and to retrieve the trays, when the seed has grown into the living matter, from the shelves.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a laminated film, a film for protected horticulture, a woven or knitted fabric, and the like which are excellent in durability and can maintain high light transmittance without blocking the growth of plants. A laminated film comprising a heat-ray reflection layer and a surface functional layer on at least one surface of the heat-ray reflection layer, wherein the surface functional layer is formed of a resin composition containing particles and a resin, the particles have an average particle diameter of 4 ?m to 10 ?m, and the particles are contained in an amount of 0.3 parts by mass to 1.5 parts by mass with respect to 100 parts by mass of the resin.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention disclosed herein, there is provided a programmable drip irrigation emitter device, comprising: an input port; a gathering chamber; a flow selection knob; an orifice sized to deliver the desired flow rate of water; one or more output ports; an output distribution chamber, wherein the water is splashed against the chamber surface while being redirected and channeled to pass through several diffusor pin arrays used to achieve nearly uniform water flow rate at the output ports; and an external case comprised of a top piece and a bottom piece.

Abstract: An emitter (200B) comprises an inlet section, at least one pressure reducing section, and an outlet section. The inlet section includes inlet features defining inlet apertures in fluid communication with a lateral flow path. The at least one pressure reducing section is in fluid communication with the inlet section, and the at least one pressure reducing section includes resistance features configured and arranged to reduce pressure in irrigation water flowing through the at least one pressure reducing section. The outlet section is in fluid communication with the at least one pressure reducing section and an at least one outlet aperture in the lateral. The outlet section includes at least one suspension feature configured and arranged to keep any debris in suspension in the irrigation water so that it flows (221) out the at least one outlet aperture with the irrigation water.

Abstract: An anti-blocking drip infiltration pipe strip is provided, relating to the technical field of agricultural irrigation water delivery. The anti-blocking drip infiltration pipe strip includes a drip infiltration pipe strip, a dripper is arranged on the drip infiltration pipe strip, a shielding layer is connected to an outer side of the drip infiltration pipe strip along a length direction through sewing, the dripper is covered by the shielding layer, and drip irrigation water seeps out along a sewing gap of the shielding layer. Blockage of the dripper of the pipeline due to external buried soil and negative pressure is avoided, a water flow at the drip opening is stable, and the uniformity of the drip irrigation infiltration amount is effectively improved.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for imager calibration and image collection within a field irrigation system. According to a first preferred embodiment, the system of the present invention includes imagers, sensors and controllers for calibrating imagers for use within a field irrigation system and for executing an algorithm for analyzing and storing target crop disease image indicators, insect/pest image indicators and crop health/growth image indicators. According to further preferred embodiments, the system of the present invention preferably may analyze these range of factors to determine one or more test chart parameters for use with testing and calibrating one or more imagers.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of improving post-harvest cold stress tolerance in a plant part comprising applying an effective amount of a mixture of abscisic acid and a jasmonate to the plant part. The present invention is further directed to methods of improving plant part quality in plant parts subjected to post-harvest chilling temperatures comprising applying an effective amount of a mixture of (S)-abscisic acid and a jasmonate to the plant part.

Abstract: The present invention relates to tropical root-knot nematode resistant carrot plants comprising a first tropical root-knot nematode resistance providing genomic fragment. The present invention further relates to methods for identifying tropical root-knot nematode resistant carrot plants, methods for providing tropical root-knot nematode resistant carrot plants and means for identifying tropical root-knot nematode resistant carrot plants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Lactuca sativa seed designated 44-CL5535 RZ. The present invention also relates to a Lactuca sativa plant produced by growing the 44-CL5535 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the lettuce cultivar, represented by lettuce variety 44-CL5535 RZ.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for enhancing oil characteristics in Brassica oilseed plants by growing said plants and harvesting seed from said plants by straight cutting. The harvested seeds are useful for the production of oil with enhanced characteristics which can be used, for example, as food ingredient.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided a novel hemp Cannabis cultivar which produces a skewed ratio of female plants. This invention thus relates to the seeds of hemp Cannabis cultivar of the invention, to the plants of hemp Cannabis cultivar of the invention, to plant parts of hemp Cannabis cultivar of the invention, to methods for producing a Cannabis cultivar by crossing the hemp Cannabis cultivar of the invention with another Cannabis cultivar, and to methods for producing a Cannabis cultivar containing in its genetic material one or more backcross conversion traits or transgenes and to the backcross conversion Cannabis plants and plant parts produced by those methods.

Abstract: Inbred corn line, designated CB121, is disclosed. The disclosure relates to the seeds of inbred corn line CB121, to the plants and plant parts of inbred corn line CB121 and to methods for producing a corn plant, either inbred or hybrid, by crossing inbred corn line CB121 with itself or another corn line. The disclosure also relates to products produced from the seeds, plants, or parts thereof, of inbred corn line CB121 and/or of the hybrids produced using the inbred as a parent. The disclosure further relates to methods for producing a corn plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic plants produced by that method and to methods for producing other corn lines derived from inbred corn line CB121.

Abstract: Inbred corn line, designated KW4FP1932, is disclosed. The disclosure relates to the seeds of inbred corn line KW4FP1932, to the plants and plant parts of inbred corn line KW4FP1932 and to methods for producing a corn plant, either inbred or hybrid, by crossing inbred corn line KW4FP1932 with itself or another corn line. The disclosure also relates to products produced from the seeds, plants, or parts thereof, of inbred corn line KW4FP1932 and/or of the hybrids produced using the inbred as a parent. The disclosure further relates to methods for producing a corn plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic plants produced by that method and to methods for producing other corn lines derived from inbred corn line KW4FP1932.

Abstract: Inbred corn line, designated CB18718Y1, is disclosed. The disclosure relates to the seeds of inbred corn line CB18718Y1, to the plants and plant parts of inbred corn line CB18718Y1 and to methods for producing a corn plant, either inbred or hybrid, by crossing inbred corn line CB18718Y1 with itself or another corn line. The disclosure also relates to products produced from the seeds, plants, or parts thereof, of inbred corn line CB18718Y1 and/or of the hybrids produced using the inbred as a parent. The disclosure further relates to methods for producing a corn plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic plants produced by that method and to methods for producing other corn lines derived from inbred corn line CB18718Y1.

Abstract: Inbred corn line, designated KW9EY0067, is disclosed. The disclosure relates to the seeds of inbred corn line KW9EY0067, to the plants and plant parts of inbred corn line KW9EY0067 and to methods for producing a corn plant, either inbred or hybrid, by crossing inbred corn line KW9EY0067 with itself or another corn line. The disclosure also relates to products produced from the seeds, plants, or parts thereof, of inbred corn line KW9EY0067 and/or of the hybrids produced using the inbred as a parent. The disclosure further relates to methods for producing a corn plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic plants produced by that method and to methods for producing other corn lines derived from inbred corn line KW9EY0067.

Abstract: Inbred corn line, designated CB80, is disclosed. The disclosure relates to the seeds of inbred corn line CB80, to the plants and plant parts of inbred corn line CB80 and to methods for producing a corn plant, either inbred or hybrid, by crossing inbred corn line CB80 with itself or another corn line. The disclosure also relates to products produced from the seeds, plants, or parts thereof, of inbred corn line CB80 and/or of the hybrids produced using the inbred as a parent. The disclosure further relates to methods for producing a corn plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic plants produced by that method and to methods for producing other corn lines derived from inbred corn line CB80.

Abstract: A pet excrement collecting device capable of closing an excrement collecting bag, comprising a device body and a garbage collecting box. The garbage collecting box comprises a guide rail, a fixed pressing rod, a movable pressing rod, and at least one elastic buckle. An elastic rod is further provided in the device body, such that when the garbage collecting box is inserted into the device body, the elastic rod pushes the elastic buckle, the movable pressing rod can translate on the guide rail, and the movable pressing rod is buckled on the device body; when the garbage collecting box is extracted from the device body, the movable pressing rod can translate toward the fixed pressing rod on the guide rail; and when the garbage collecting box is taken out, the excrement collecting bag is in a fully closed state.

Abstract: A litter conditioning vehicle has a drive system coupled to a chassis and configured to move the vehicle along a floor of an animal enclosure. A collection system is coupled to a front portion of the chassis and includes a flailer that can reduce a particle size of the litter as the collection system collects litter from the floor. A conditioning system is coupled along a length of the chassis and includes a drum and a conditioning element. The drum receives the collected litter and can be rotated to tumble the litter. The conditioning element can transfer energy such as, for example, microwave radiation to the litter being tumbled in the drum, thereby conditioning the litter. A dispersement system is coupled to a back portion of the chassis and is configured to disperse conditioned litter received from the conditioning system on the floor behind the vehicle.

Abstract: An excrement treatment material is composed of a plurality of grains having a hydrophobic property. The plurality of grains include a first grain and a second grain. The second grain has a smaller hydrophobicity rate than the first grain.

Abstract: Disclosed is a smart cage system for housing and assaying multiple vertebrate animals having at least one inner and outer housing assembly including at least one controller designed to monitor and record data from sensors, the at least one or more sensors operationally synchronized at least one or more of before, in real time, and after sensing an action, wherein data captured by each at least one or more sensors can be synchronized by way of at least one time measuring device. A multi object tracking software system is operationally coupled to at least one optical sensor by the at least one controller, designed to track individuals of the multiple vertebrate animals. At least the outer housing assembly includes at least one or more from a group of ports, slots, shelves, pockets, hooks, fasteners, and sleeves each designed to retain sensors and other elements.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a multipurpose modular pet tower that includes a modular pet tower. The modular pet tower comprises sidewalls arranged vertically and spaced from each other, and connection plates arranged horizontally between the sidewalls to couple with the sidewalls. The multipurpose modular pet tower further includes an auxiliary attachment coupled to the modular pet tower. The auxiliary attachment extends vertically from at least one of the connection plates. The multipurpose modular pet tower further includes a locking attachment to couple the auxiliary attachment with the modular pet tower. A male locking member is coupled to the auxiliary attachment and a complementary female locking member is removably coupled to the at least one of the connection plates. The auxiliary attachment includes at least one of a cat feeding arrangement. The auxiliary attachment includes a cat playing arrangement.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a variety of embodiments which all provide an apparatus, either standalone or attached to a piece of furniture, that enables a pet to sit or lay down next to its owner, and includes safe and accommodating ascending and descending structures for the pet's mobility and comfort.

Abstract: A system for monitoring individual food intake of a livestock animal includes a calibration system configured to measure weight or volume of food intake of an animal over a pre-defined period of time and to calibrate a mathematical model for the animal based on the measure, a tracking system configured track animal eating behavior at times other than the pre-defined period of time and a computing system. The pre-defined period of time is less than three weeks. The mathematical model relates eating behavior of the animal and defined physiological parameters of the animal with food intake. The computing system determines food intake of the animal over a lactation period based on the mathematical model for the animal as calibrated and the eating behavior at the times other than the pre-defined period of time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for supplying water to identified animals (1) which supplies water to a drinking trough (10) depending on whether an identified animal (1) approaches it, providing a constant supply to the animals and preventing unidentified animals from accessing it. The system comprises a collection surface (2), a tank (5), a water pump (8), a device for controlling the water flow (9), a drinking trough (10), a power generator (11), identifiers (12), intended to be linked to the identified animals (1), and an automation panel (14) from which the opening or closing of the device for controlling the water flow (9) is controlled based on the presence of identified animals (1) in the vicinity of the drinking trough (10).

Abstract: A sensor tag includes a sensor unit located within a unit pouch and at least in part encapsulated by a protective barrier. The protective barrier is made of a polymeric material. The sensor tag weighing a total of no more than about 34.5 grams. The sensor tag may be a positioning tag, a gas composition tag, an accelerometer tag, an environmental tag, or a signal relay tag. A method for using a sensor tag includes detecting that a detrimental event to an animal has occurred during a period. The sensor tag is configured with a geo-locating sensor for detecting geo-location and producing geo-location data. The method includes obtaining the detected geo-location data for the period for the animal impacted by the detrimental event from the associated sensor tag using a signal connection. The method includes determining the location where the detrimental event occurred using the detected geo-location data.

Abstract: A cat deterrent kit, system, and method of deterring a domesticated house cat from entering a restricted area or engaging in an unwanted behavior are disclosed. The cat deterrent kit contains a cylindrical spray bottle, first and second puck-shaped rattlers, and an elastic sleave sized and configured to detachably connect the bottom section of the spray bottle to the first or second rattlers. In some embodiments, the puck-shaped rattlers comprise a plurality of small spherical beads contained within a chamber, and may optionally include an outer magnet that allows magnetic attachment of the rattlers to certain metal surfaces (such as, for example, a refrigerator door or other steel objects). In the method of the invention, a cat is deterred by spraying the spray bottle while simultaneously shaking the rattler to thereby spray the cat with water while the cat is entering the restricted area or engaging in the unwanted behavior.

Abstract: The present disclosure introduces a dog training device, an electronic communication system for dog training, and various other interoperable methods, features, and components. The dog training device may allow dogs or other animals to activate a button, initiating communication with a user's computerized device through a wireless transmission system. Upon activation, the training device may send a signal to the computerized device, enabling remote authorization for an automated door system to open. A video monitor may facilitate real-time interaction between the user and their pet. An integrated smart home system may further enhance convenience and control. This comprehensive solution offers seamless training, monitoring, and interaction, fostering a stronger bond between pet and owner.

Abstract: An animal play glove device is provided that allows a user to safely play with an animal such as, but not limited to, a cat. The device has a glove-like body that is designed to be worn on a user's hand during use. The body of the device further protects the fingers, hand, and arms of a user while playing with the animal. To do so, the body preferably encloses the fingers, hand, and upper (or in one embodiment, entire) arm of a user. At least one toy is attached to the body via at least one string.

Abstract: Provided is a pet toy including a base having a basin and a chute extending from the basin, a cover removable coupled to the base, and at least one extendable assembly including an actuator. The at least one extendable assembly is configured to extend into the basin toward a center of the basin and capture food for a pet when the actuator is depressed and to haul the captured food to the chute when the actuator is released.

Abstract: A container and pod system includes an elastomeric casing with a top and bottom and a bore forming a throat open at said casing top. The receptacle configured for containing objects is received in said casing bore. Objects within said receptacle, such as pet treats, medications and other consumables can be discharged through said throat.

Abstract: An improved leash allows a child/partner and an adult to walk a dog at the same time using the same co-walk leash. The leash has a primary handle connected to a primary leash section and a secondary handle connected to a secondary leash section. The secondary leash section is shorter than the primary leash section. A top portion of a common leash section may be connected to both an end of the primary leash section and an end of the secondary leash section. A harness connection may be connected to the bottom of the common leash section. A shock absorbing section may be added to the end of the primary leash section and/or the secondary leash section. Means may be provided for connecting the primary leash section with the secondary leash section. Means may be provided for separating the common leash section into two separate linear pieces.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an electronic tag for behavioural monitoring of animals, the electronic tag comprising a microprocessor and at least one sensor. The electronic tag is configured to obtain, via the at least one sensor, movement data of an animal to which the electronic tag is attached and to determine, based on the obtained movement data, a behaviour of the animal. The disclosure further encompasses a corresponding method as well as an ear tag.

Abstract: A game scoring camera system is disclosed for capturing images of game animals for the purpose of scoring the antlers using an accepted scoring method. One or more cameras are used in a multiscopic arrangement for capturing two-dimensional (2-D) images which are then converted to three-dimensional (3-D) data models, the resulting 3-D data models being used for determining measurements of various antler structures for calculating a score for the set of antlers captured in the images, the score being based on existing antler scoring systems. Some embodiments include one or more cameras, each being mounted on an unmanned aerial vehicle or drone, for capturing images during an aerial survey of game animals located within a particular area. Other embodiments include at least two cameras mounted in a stationary configuration for capturing images of game animals located within a particular area.

Abstract: A coop system, methods and services related thereto are provided. In particular, the coop system and features related thereto prevents predators from entering a coop, simplifies maintenance of the coop, and enables a poultry keeper to order services for overseeing chickens and cleaning coop environments. The coops described herein are automated, eliminate the use of wood in its construction, comprise pest-resistant materials and improve ventilation mechanisms. The coops further include cameras with smart predator detections and event recording capabilities. A mobile application is also provided which allows a poultry keeper to remotely access the coop's smart technology, thereby allowing the poultry keeper to better monitor, maintain, and safekeep coops.

Abstract: The invention provides an illumination system arranged to illuminate a space for rearing a flock of birds, wherein the illumination system comprises: a visible light source configured to emit visible light; an ultraviolet light source configured to emit ultraviolet light; a controller configured to: (i) entrain a circadian rhythm of the flock of birds by controlling the visible light source to emit the visible light for a predetermined period of light, and not to emit the visible light for a predetermined period of dark; (ii) control the ultraviolet light source to emit the ultraviolet light at an ultraviolet light intensity for at least one subperiod within the predetermined period of dark, wherein the ultraviolet light comprises a peak wavelength within the UV-A wavelength range.