Abstract: Embodiments of a method and system are described for tracking and managing animals and/or food products. Identification data and location data for animals is entered into a computer system. A data service provider may collect this data and transmit it to a data trustee. The data trustee may filter the data into official and non-official data, and send official data to an official database. When a public health issue arises, the government may use an identifier for a diseased animal or a location identifier to request a trace report. The data trustee may then use the official data to provide a report showing, for example, which animals have commingled with the diseased animal. Based on this report, other animals can be treated, quarantined, or slaughtered. The disclosed embodiments also may be used to facilitate commercial transactions by providing data that validates an animal's health and food quality.

Abstract: A non-choking harness for a pet which evenly distributes stress throughout the chest area and away from the neck area of the pet when the leash is pulled to prevent choking. A center portion of the body part substantially covers the chest area of the pet. The two neck ends are configured to wrap around a neck of the pet and the two torso ends are configured to wrap around a torso of the pet. The adjustable strap removably connects a first torso end to a second torso end, and adjusts the size of the torso opening to provide a comfortable fit. The connection part is configured to removably connect to the two neck ends, removably connect to the adjustable strap; and to adjust the size of the neck opening. The non-choking harness completely opens up for easy access in fitting the pet.

Abstract: An apparatus to prevent a pet climbing up a Christmas tree includes a screen member having a first predetermined shape and a first predetermined size. The screen member is formed from a pre-selected material. An aperture, having a second predetermined size, is formed through the screen member at a predetermined location for receiving therein a trunk of such Christmas tree. A slit is formed through the screen member beginning at an outer edge thereof and extending to an edge of a perimeter of such aperture to enable placing the screen member around the trunk. There is further a mechanism engageable with each of the screen member and a bottom branch of the Christmas tree for connecting such screen member to such Christmas tree beneath bottom the bottom branches thereof.

Abstract: A habitat (1) having a framed enclosure (2) with removable panels (25), preferably constructed out of a screen material and a basin (3) that collects waste, such as bird food and feces, and is use to collect and dispose of water when cleaning the habitat or to drain water if the habitat is being used for gardening. A removable perch (18) and carrying bag (21) allows a user a way to easily transport an animal from location to location. A cleaning perch (21) attaches to the top of the frame and provides a location for an animal to rest while the habitat is being cleaned. The cleaning perch also provides a ring (22) for attaching a shower curtain (23) that surrounds the habitat while it is being cleaned. One of many alternative uses for the habitat is as a portable garden.

Abstract: A semi-rigid animal head enclosure with a handle effective in muzzling and controlling a fractious animal using a lead passing through a portion of the enclosure and secured thereto or in corporation with a special capture stick having a lead forming a loop secured to the enclosure, one end of the stick and loop passing through the head enclosure and encircling the neck of an animal the stick having a method for releasing the lead from the capture stick, removing the stick from enclosure allows the lead to be secured to the head enclosure thus maintaining the enclosure over the head of the animal.

Abstract: An “implant and forget” device for interacting with biota after a pre-established time period. Preferably, the biota are fauna and more particularly fish. In select embodiments, the device comprises packaging enclosing an apparatus for timing interaction via opening the packaging. In select embodiments of the present invention, the device is a sealed capsule inserted in fish. Embodiments of the present invention are implanted in triploid grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) to facilitate control of aquatic weeds in bodies of water. When the carp have been in the water for a pre-established approximate period of time, toxins in the device are dispensed via long term bioerosion of the sealed opening in the packaging. Otherwise, the carp may destroy all vegetation and harm the aquatic environment for other aquatic life. Several alternative bioerodible seal configurations are provided as embodiments.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods to discover and use single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) for identifying breed, or line and breed, or line composition of a bovine subject. The present invention further provides specific nucleic acid sequences, SNPs, and SNP patterns that can be used for identifying breed or breed combinations for Angus, Holstein, Limousin, Brahman, Hereford, Simmental, Gelbvieh, Charolais and Beefmaster breeds. These patterns can be utilized to manage animals in a feedlot to obtain optimum performance based on known characteristics of specific breeds and identify animals for breeding in selection programs. In another aspect, these patterns can be used to ensure labeling on breed specific branded products.

Abstract: A pet feeding and weighing system for efficiently providing a weighing platform having one or more feeding bowls therein to allow for a pet to be weighed in a consistent manner when the pet returns for food or drink. The pet feeding and weighing system generally includes a platform having a feeding portion and a weighing portion extending therefrom, wherein the feeding portion includes at least one opening extending therethrough and at least one feeding container is positioned within the opening. A plurality of weight sensors are in communicative contact with the weighing portion and a local digital display responsive to the weight sensor indicates a weight applied upon the weighing portion of the platform over the weight sensor. The present invention may also include a controller having memory for storing and allowing the retrieval of past weight measurements along with their respective date and time taken.

Abstract: A method of reducing herbaceous fuels may include identifying a region to reduce herbaceous fuels, dividing the region into susceptible areas, placing the susceptible areas in an order, and introducing an ingestible into a first susceptible area in the order. The method may also include selecting an ungulate group and the ingestible may be highly palatable, portable, and self-limiting. Placing the susceptible areas in an order may include analyzing the susceptible areas for a level of susceptibility, prioritizing the susceptible areas based on each area's conditions and surroundings, and/or considering practical aspects of treating all of the susceptible areas of the region. The ingestible may be moved throughout the region to reduce herbaceous fuels.

Abstract: A molded decorative yard stake having a basin for containing an animal attractant and a cover removeably locking in place over, and sufficiently spaced from, the basin to permit gradual aerosolization of the animal attractant.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for safer and more effective deep trans-cervical intra-uterine artificial insemination (AI) is provided. Such a deep AI catheter causes minimal discomfort and risk of trauma, and does not require the services of a highly trained AI professional. First, a catheter is inserted into the cervical tract of the animal. A membrane, initially positioned inside a tube section of the catheter, is then extended from an opening in the tube and into the tract under pressure. The membrane extends into the tract without friction thereby reducing the discomfort and the risk of trauma or injury to the animal. When the membrane is fully extended into the tract, pressure causes the tip of the membrane to open thereby releasing the AI fluid and depositing the genetic material suspended in the fluid into the reproductive tract.

Abstract: An automated workstation or apparatus for disinfecting an object in a controlled environment is provided. A method for disinfecting an object in a controlled environment is provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a direct correlation between milk production in livestock animals and the presence of alleles of a gene encoding an adipocyte-specific polypeptide, termed leptin, which gene is hereinafter referred to as ob. The invention also provides novel compositions consisting essentially of specific oligonucleotides that are useful as primers to amplify particular regions of the genome during enzymatic nucleic acid amplification, thus providing a rapid, sensitive and specific method for the detection of the ob-gene polymorphism which may be present in a specimen. The invention further provides for methods of screening bovine to determine those having predictably more milk productivity and advantageously selecting those livestock for future breeding and management purposes based on the ob polymorphisms.

Abstract: Methods for preparing dog food compositions adapted for dogs with certain body conformation types by categorizing a dog for which the food composition is intended as a robust or athletic body conformation type and formulating a dog food composition to contain feed ingredients beneficial for the categorized dog. Typically, the protein and fat content of the food composition will be adjusted based upon the robust or athletic category for a particular dog or dog type.

Abstract: In the long-term space human living environment, the biological wastes from human, animals, and plants can be fully digested and recycled by rearing six kinds of recycling animals which will be nourishing feed stuff for feeding edible animals. These edible animals and their eggs combined with space plants will be various food for human. Water and nutrition left in the residues after rearing these recycling animals can be recycled and used to fertilize plants. All the animals and plants can be solidly reared in same cabin on the shelf with high densities in boxes, cages, trays and tanks which are all in minimum volume and weight. It is the basis for realizing mini space farm which provides a self-sufficient food regenerative system that enable humans to live and work in space independent of food supply from earth.

Abstract: A method and system for livestock breeding and management for use with a herd where each female animal carries a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. The system comprises a herd management system and one or more breeding activity monitors to be carried by each male animal. Each breeding activity monitor is adapted to detect when the male animal is mounting a female animal based on the body position of the male animal, read identification data from the RFID tag carried by the mounted female animal, and generate breeding activity data including the identification data of the mounted female animal, mounting male animal and timing data for each mounting for output to the herd management system. The herd management system is adapted to process breeding activity data output from the breeding activity monitors to generate herd management data.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for selecting racehorse candidates. Provided herein are methods for increasing the likelihood of selecting candidates that will be high earners, while reducing the likelihood of selecting candidates that will be low earners, on the basis of certain ultrasonographically-obtained cardiac measurements.

Abstract: An animal management system and scanning access device are disclosed. The scanning access device accesses RFID label disposed on/in animal body, and the information of the accessed RFID label is subsequently processed and transmitted to the animal management system via a communication transmission module for comparison.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method and system are described for tracking and managing animals and/or food products. Identification data and location data for animals is entered into a computer system. A data service provider may collect this data and transmitted it to a data trustee. The data trustee may filter the data into official and non-official data, and send official data to an official database. When a public health issue arises, the government may use an identifier for a diseased animal or a location identifier to request a trace report from the data trustee. The data trustee may then use the official data to provide a report showing, for example, which animals have commingled with the diseased animal. Based on this report, other animals can be treated, quarantined, or slaughtered. The disclosed embodiments also may be used to facilitate commercial transactions by providing data that validates an animal's health and food quality.

Abstract: An animal cooling device includes a housing with front, rear, top, and bottom portions, a fluid container removably positioned adjacent the top portion of the housing, a nozzle disposed remotely from the cooling device for dispensing a fluid adjacent an animal, a length of tubing connecting the nozzle with the cooling device, and a pump for pressurizing the fluid. The housing includes a handle with a trigger for dispensing the fluid from the container.

Abstract: A security lighting system and method are intended to dispel and/or affect unwanted humans or animals by providing lighting that varies with a suitable switching frequency, such as between 5 and 70 Hz. The lighting of a light source of the system may be varied by a control unit as to intensity, color, pattern etc., with a preferred switching frequency being between about 15 and 20 Hz for humans. A proximity detector may be provided to activate the system when an unwanted presence is detected. Such varying lighting causes feelings of physical and psychological discomfort, which have found to be effective in chasing away animals and dispelling or disorienting humans.

Abstract: The present invention is a portable and compact inflatable or expandable wildlife protection device, to be held by a person in the presence of a dangerous wild animal, such as a grizzly bear, to make said person look bigger and intimidating to the wild animal, thus preventing the animal from attacking.

Abstract: A system for demarcating an area comprises a movable demarcating element, and a control system for determining the magnitude and/or the moment of a next move of the movable demarcating element. The system furthermore comprises one or more observation devices for observing an entity near the movable demarcating element, such as a position of a dairy animal or an amount of grass in the area. The observation devices are operatively connected to the control system for transmitting a signal from the observation means to the control system. The control system is designed to receive and process the signal from the observation means to determine the magnitude and/or the moment of the next move of the movable demarcating element.

Abstract: A computer-enabled method and system for generating a script for veterinary pharmaceutical and other animal-related product transactions comprising aggregation of participant data, including animal hospital data, veterinarian data, client data and animal data into the script, adding treatment regimen data to one or more orders associated with the script in accordance with the veterinarian's treatment plan, to enable determination of the initial date to begin filling the product, quantity of product, the number of fills and frequency to enable automatic generation of a series of autoship records including projected dates for shipping the orders to the animal owner upon verification of funds available, to print usage instructions, Rx labels, product information, shipping labels and packing slips, and to send notification emails to the animal owner and confirmation emails to the animal hospital.

Abstract: The inventive device for automatically detecting the mating of animals is wearable by an animal. The device includes a fixing to an animal mechanism, a detector for an attempt of mating a female animal by the animal with the fixing mechanism, and an identifier for an electronic label which is introduced in the body of the female animal and actuated by the detector and/or by the female animal identification device by processing the image of at least one part of the female animal triggered by the detector. The identifier includes a communicator with an electronic label carried by a female animal. The communicator can read the electronic label identifier of each female animal which the animal attempts to mate. The communication can also be provided with a device for storing representative information on the attempted mating in the random access memory of the electronic label.

Abstract: A bag dispenser includes an axle having a plurality of spaced-apart interior annular rings. A roll of bags are wound about the axle and a rod is insertable into the axle. When inserted into the axle, the rod engages at least one of the annular rings to connect the rod to the axle.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for managing livestock for breeding or production based on one or more measurements of mitochondrial function. Measurement of mitochondrial function may also be correlated with a calculated or known feed efficiency of livestock animals to yield a predicted feed efficiency for the animal. The invention overcomes deficiencies associated with phenotypic assays for predicted breeding and production value.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for safer and more effective deep trans-cervical intra-uterine artificial insemination (AI) is provided. Such a deep AI catheter causes minimal discomfort and risk of trauma, and does not require the services of a highly trained AI professional. First, a catheter is inserted into the cervical tract of the animal. A membrane, initially positioned inside a tube section of the catheter, is then extended from an opening in the tube and into the tract under pressure. The membrane extends into the tract without friction thereby reducing the discomfort and the risk of trauma or injury to the animal. When the membrane is fully extended into the tract, pressure causes the tip of the membrane to open thereby releasing the AI fluid and depositing the genetic material suspended in the fluid into the reproductive tract.

Abstract: A method, and systems implementing such method, for reducing methane emissions by ruminants. The method includes providing a feed dispenser for feeding ruminants one or more nutrient supplements, and the feed dispenser includes a gas analyzer proximate to where the ruminant places its head. The method includes determining a particular ruminant has accessed the feed dispenser such as by reading an identifier from an RFID ear tag and operating the feed dispenser to provide a ration of methane-controlling nutrient supplement. The method includes using the gas analyzer to determine levels of carbon dioxide and methane and operating a data analyzing station to determine a ratio of methane to carbon dioxide and modify the type or amount of nutrient supplement for the ruminant for a next feeding to control methane production or achieve an animal production goal, such as by selectively operating a hopper with two or more supplements compartments.

Abstract: A handle capable of being used by a household pet to access food or litter is described. The handle includes: (i) a front portion capable of supporting thereon features to attract the household pet; (ii) a back portion that is disposed on or capable of being disposed on an opposite side of the front portion and the back portion protrudes outwardly away from the front portion such that a space is created between the front portion and the door when the back portion is connected to the door; and (iii) wherein the space allows the household pet to open the door and access the food or litter.

Abstract: This invention relates to a squirrel or critter barrier device comprising two two-liter plastic bottles, stacked together, with holes drilled through the bottom and lid of each to provide for a wire or pole to go through the center, to be placed on the top or bottom of a bird feeder to prevent squirrel or critter passage.

Abstract: A method and system for managing at least one animal is disclosed. The method can include imaging, such as ultrasound imaging, a lung of a live animal, such as a ruminant animal or bovine animal. The imaging can be performed to determine a degree of respiratory damage from past respiratory illness. After imaging, information regarding respiratory damage can be used to select at least one aspect of the treatment, care or disposition of the animal. For example, the information can be used to select the amount or type of feed provided to the animal at a feedlot. The information also can be used to select how long the animal should be housed at the feedlot prior to slaughter. If an animal is diagnosed with a respiratory illness, information about its degree of respiratory damage from past respiratory illness also can be used to select the appropriate medical treatment or lack of treatment.

Abstract: An animal waste bag dispenser wherein a roll of waste bags with the leading waste bag protruding from the center is inserted into a holder with an aperture on one end, and the holder is inserted into a plush animal with a second aperture aligned with the first aperture so that waste bags may be dispensed therefrom.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring laboratory animals includes a tag comprising an inductive element and a capacitive element attached to a portion of a laboratory animal. The position of the portion is detected by monitoring the effect of the tag on a time-varying magnetic field having different frequencies, one near tag resonance, and one away from tag resonance.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for monitoring a herd of animals. Each of multiple sensors are attached to one of the animals and is in peer-to-peer communication with another of the sensors to define a dynamically network arrangement of sensors. A base station is in communication with at least one of the sensors to access the networked arrangement of sensors. A central system is in communication with the base station and has instructions to monitor a position of the herd with data collected by the sensors.

Abstract: Methods and systems for enhancing of quality of liquid by treating a source liquid to enhance the concentration of low zeta potential crystals and produce a treated liquid having a higher concentration of low zeta potential crystals that that of the source liquid. The inventive system comprises an aqueous liquid source having a threshold concentration of selected minerals and a low zeta potential crystal generator for treating the aqueous source liquid to produce treated liquid having an enhanced concentration of low zeta potential crystals, and at least one filtration device for substantially removing bacteria, viruses, cysts, and the like from the treated source liquid.

Abstract: A system (100) and method (900) of training or modifying the behavior of pets and, in particular, dogs is disclosed and could include using scratch-resistant protector (104, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800) having adhesive (202, 402, 602, 802), additive (302, 404, 502, 604, 702, 704, 804, 806), or both to protect the integrity of door (102). Adhesive (202, 402, 602, 802) could generally provide a securing or coupling relationship between door (102) and protector (104, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800), while additive (302, 404, 502, 604, 702, 704, 804, 806) could provide a material that canines find unpleasant to smell, taste, touch, or scratch. In one embodiment, additive (302, 404, 502, 604, 702, 704, 804, 806) could include an additive that may be reapplied if it wears off or otherwise diminishes in strength, quantity, quality, or overall effectiveness.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a non-powered calming device for use on an animal's fur, and a method of using the same. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a non-powered animal calming device comprises an anti-static material disposed on a sheet, held on a dispensing structure, wherein the anti-static material is suitable to neutralize a sustained separation of positive and negative charges in the animal's fur without the use of a power source. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a method of calming an animal comprises providing a non-powered animal calming device comprising an anti-static material disposed on a sheet, held in connection with a dispensing structure, contacting the animal's fur with the animal calming device, and neutralizing a sustained separation of positive and negative charges in the animal's fur without the use of a power source.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for detecting estrus in animal by sensing along time the motion of the animal and identifying when the sensed motion is not related to eating periods of the animal. Based on the sensed motion which is not related to eating periods the estrus in the animal is identified.

Abstract: An automated workstation or apparatus for disinfecting an object in a controlled environment is provided. A method for disinfecting an object in a controlled environment is provided.

Abstract: A cattle management system and method for managing numerous routine and non-routine management activities. The system and method incorporate a data processing system wherein comprehensive data is gathered and maintained on each individual animal as well as on selected groups of animals. Preferably, a central database is used which allows enhanced functionality with respect to not only data entry and data transfer, but also with respect to providing system generated management recommendations. Some significant functionality of the present invention includes the ability to track the location of each individual animal by utilizing unique identification data for each animal, recording all monitored events that take place at each location during the animal's production cycle, and reporting the events and locations as required to government entities, financial institutions, and other entities within the cattle industry.

Abstract: A pet health management system allows a pet owner to transmit image data of a pet to a care service provider so that the care service provider is enabled to preliminarily assess the pet's health conditions by observing the image data. Furthermore, the pet health management system allows the care service provider to deliver advice as feedback to the pet owner.

Abstract: Animal euthanasia devices include an animal receiving region, a user input mechanism operatively connected to the animal receiving region, and a control system configured to be operatively connected to a current source. The control system is configured to selectively permit current to flow from the current source through an animal to be euthanized that is positioned within the animal receiving region to effectively and humanely euthanize the animal.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for improving desirable dairy traits through the use of a genetic profile. Also provided are methods for determining an animal's genotype with respect to multiple markers used in the analysis of the genetic profile. In some embodiments, the genetic profile includes at least one marker associated with the polled trait. The invention also provides methods for selecting or allocating animals for predetermined uses, for picking potential parent animals for breeding, and for producing improved dairy products.

Abstract: A pet tracking system includes a pet positioning device and a pet monitoring device. The pet positioning device is worn on a pet and includes a positioning unit which is configured for detecting a position of the pet. And, the pet positioning device builds a direct wireless communication to the pet monitoring device by a wireless communication unit to send back the position of the pet. Therefore, the pet monitoring device is able to acquire the position of the pet without a mobile communication provided by a telecommunication proprietor. In preferred embodiment, the pet monitoring device can provide a warning signal to remind pet owners to pay attention to the pet while the pet is out of a predetermined range.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method and system are described for tracking and managing animals and/or food products. These embodiments can include entering into a computer system identification data for animals and location data for locations occupied by the animals. This data can be collected, for example, by a data service provider and transmitted to a data trustee. The data trustee may filter the data into official data and non-official data. The official data may be sent to an official database. When a public health issue arises, such as an occurrence of mad cow disease, the government may use an identifier for a diseased animal or a location identifier to request a trace report from the data trustee. The data trustee may then use the official data to provide a report showing, for example, which animals have commingled with the diseased animal. Based on this report, other sick or potentially sick animals can be treated, quarantined, or slaughtered.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method and system are described for tracking and managing animals and/or food products. These embodiments can include entering into a computer system identification data for animals and location data for locations occupied by the animals. This data can be collected, for example, by a data service provider and transmitted to a data trustee. The data trustee may filter the data into official data and non-official data. The official data may be sent to an official database. When a public health issue arises, such as an occurrence of mad cow disease, the government may use an identifier for a diseased animal or a location identifier to request a trace report from the data trustee. The data trustee may then use the official data to provide a report showing, for example, which animals have comingled with the diseased animal. Based on this report, other sick or potentially sick animals can be treated, quarantined, or slaughtered.

Abstract: The invention is a collapsible, sound-deadening shelter that can provide pets a place of refuge from noise. The shelter has a top panel formed from a sound-deadening material; at least two flaps coupled to the top panel; at least two side panels formed from a sound-deadening material, wherein each of the side panels is coupled to one of the two flaps; a rear panel formed from a sound-deadening material, wherein the rear panel is coupled by an additional flap to one of the top panel or the two side panels; and wherein the rear panel is removably coupled to the remaining of the top panel and the two side panels to which the rear panel is not already coupled by the additional flap. The shelter may be used as a stand-alone shelter, but it may also be placed over a pet container in order to make the container quieter.

Abstract: A computerized security system which enhances the security provided by watchdogs on a given premises by analyzing the auditory and physiological indications given by the dogs to assess the level of security at any point in time. By attaching sensors to the dogs and placing microphones in their proximity the system continuously collects information about the dogs' auditory and physiological behavior, and according to predetermined parameters it assesses the watchdogs' physiological and emotional state. Having concluded that any of the dogs sense a threat or has been neutralized in any way the system may update the state of security on the users' security terminals. The system determines between three possible security states: no alert when no irregular activity is registered, medium alert if the dogs indicate a state of moderate alertness and high incase there are indications for a definite hostile presence.

Abstract: An apparatus to prevent birds from crashing into glass is affixed over the exterior of a window glass. It comprises two parallel rods of equal length between which are affixed a plurality of fine strings. The strings are perpendicular to the rods and parallel to one another. Either of the rods, which are identical, is affixed horizontally to a surface above the glass window. The second rod is positioned horizontally beneath the glass area so that the said strings run straight and parallel over the glass. Thus, by placing strings at a distance in front of the glass so as to allow their reflections to be noticed by approaching birds, which reflections will be seen by the birds as converging and separating and perceived as motion that will warn them off. The second horizontal rod can be affixed to the surface directly below the glass, or alternatively, it may simply hang by its own weight. The apparatus is adjustable to fit windows of varying heights by means of rolling one rod towards the other.