Abstract: Method and device for the management of lactating animals wherein the reproduction stage of an animal is correlated with the lactation stage of the animal. A state of the animal is determined by means of automatically obtained sensor data. The state of the animal is graphically illustrated.

Abstract: A euthanasia device is provided for euthanizing animals through hypoxia. The euthanasia device has a pressure adjustment vessel having an inner chamber and first and second ends. A chamber access door is in communication with the first end of the pressure adjustment vessel. Further an atmospheric pressure adjustment assembly and an atmospheric pressure control assembly are in communication with the pressure adjustment vessel. A method of use for the euthanasia device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for powering a device, such as a data recorder or other device, according to an adjustable schedule. One example of the apparatus includes a programmable timer having an alarm output, a power regulator having an enable input coupled to the alarm output, a controller coupled to the power regulator and to the programmable timer, the controller being configured to receive operating power from the power regulator, and a powered device coupled to the power regulator and configured to receive power from the power regulator. The regulator has an operating state in which the operating power is provided to the powered device and an idle state in which the operating power is not provided to the powered device. The regulator is configured to be activated into the operating state by activation of the alarm output and deactivated into the idle state by deactivation of the alarm output, under the control of the controller.

Abstract: Vitality sensing electronic system and method for monitoring the health of a livestock group, comprising: a vitality sensing unit attached to a sample of individual sentinels in a group of livestock, the unit configured to measure a plurality of physiological and behavioral parameters indicative of the sentinel's health condition, location means configured to locate each of the individual sentinels and a computing and storage unit communicating with the vitality sensing unit adapted to determine the group's health based on the sample of measured parameters.

Abstract: Disclosed are arrays of nucleic acid molecules, kits, methods of genotyping and marker assisted bovine breeding methods using SNPs on genes of the bovine interferon tau signaling pathway for improved bovine fertilization rate, or embryo survival, or both.

Abstract: A wild animal care device is provided for use with wild animals, such as wild birds. The wild animal care device includes a device body. The device body includes a silver-containing, antimicrobial agent applied to the body in a sufficient quantity to exhibit antimicrobial activity.

Abstract: A pet food elevating device having a food platform and wheels coupled to the food platform with a vertical track positioned to slidably receive the wheels. A rope is movably engaged with an upper pulley positioned to allow the pet food elevating device to be raised to a desired elevation within the vertical track. A first end of the rope is coupled to the food platform, and a second end of the rope is available to a user of the pet food elevating device to raise or lower the food platform. The second end of the rope may be secured to hold the pet food elevating device at a desired elevation.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method of maintaining rumen health in ruminants. The method includes providing to a ruminant a low-moisture block made of molasses and having a buffer. The low-moisture buffer block is specifically designed such that licking rather than chewing consumes the block. The licking action of the cows increases salivation, which acts as a natural buffer for the maintenance of the overall rumen health.

Abstract: A paw-supporting element, mountable to a hinged door at a suitable location, enables a dog easily to either pull or push the door open depending on which way the door is operable. A pivotable plate mounted above the paw-supporting element, linked to a liftable latch of the door if one is provided, enables the dog to also unlatch the door to open the same.

Abstract: A temperature measuring, algae cleaning and feeding system which includes a thermometer mounted on one side of a first support, At least one first magnet is mounted on an opposite side of the first support. The opposite side of the first support is adapted to engage the outer surface of a first wall of the aquarium. At least one second magnet is mounted on one side of the second support. A scrub pad for removing algae is mounted on the one side of the second support, the opposite side of the second support being adapted to engage the inner surface of the first wall of the aquarium opposite the first support such that the first and second magnetic means attract each other to thereby attach the first and second supports to the first wall of the aquarium. A fish feeding dispenser is mounted on the opposite side of the second support.

Abstract: An animal monitoring system, comprising a real time location system (RTLS) for individually identifying and tracking the movements of tagged animals in three dimensions within a monitoring zone, and means for discriminating between different activities of at least one animal based upon the location of the animal's tag within the zone.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for raising poultry, such as chickens, for food production. In a first embodiment, the method includes the steps of: providing a facility for housing the poultry, providing at least one light-absorbing ventilation fan associated with the facility for ventilating the facility, exposing an interior of the facility to natural light cycles of an outside environment for a first period and regulating light cycles of the interior for a second period, thereby mimicking daylight duration variation representative of seasonal changes for stimulating sexual development of the poultry. In a second embodiment, the method includes the steps of: providing a facility for housing the poultry, providing at least one light-absorbing ventilation fan associated with the facility for ventilating the facility, limiting exposure of an interior of the facility to light to produce a brown-out effect therein for enhancing physical development of the poultry.

Abstract: A portable box-like carrier with an insert which holds absorbent pads that are easily found in any pet store and allows dogs to eliminate indoors inside a designated area and makes clean-up easy and sanitary. The waste box can be used as an easy solution to housebreak dogs and as a permanent indoor toilet fixture thereafter. The device eliminates the problems associated with other indoor housebreaking and dog waste disposal methods and brings the qualities of both a lifter box and absorbent pad into one product. The device is a portable, suitcase style box that can travel easily and uses a nesting insert that makes clean up more sanitary by keeping a portion of the absorbent pad from contamination.

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: The bird guard provides a device to protect electrical insulators comprising a central shaft; a clamp attached to an end of the shaft to secure the device to a transmission tower; a top and bottom cover to shield transmission tower insulators; and bearings to allow the guard to rotate in order to frighten birds away from the insulators.

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: A business method for conducting pet, death, DNA and other related transactions over a computer network is disclosed. A one-stop site on the Internet permits remote users to establish accounts, run user sessions, obtain information, and order pet, death, DNA and other related products and services from a variety of sources and vendors. The one-stop site performs multiple services that are ordinarily done by many both for the initial user and for subsequent related users that are referenced to the site. Charges for all transactions are made to user accounts and payments need only be made to the one-stop site.

Abstract: An identification and sampling device, in particular for animals, comprises an ear tag and a sample container. The ear tag comprises a male part, which includes a shaft and a tip, and a female part, which can be latched with the male part. The sample container includes a receiving space for a sample and a punch.

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: 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 poultry weighing apparatus includes a support surface configured to permit at least one fowl to stand thereon. A force sensor is operably connected with the support surface, and detects the weight of the fowl or fowls on the support surface. A second sensor is operably connected with the support surface, and detects at least one additional physical characteristic, other than weight, of the fowl or fowls standing on the support surface.

Abstract: A method for the production of milk with increased melatonin content or a milk product made therefrom. The method comprises dividing the daily cycle of a female mammal into a daytime phase under a first light regime with a proportion of blue light and a night-time phase under a second light regime and milking the mammal at least once during the night-time phase in order to obtain milk with an increased melatonin content. For the second light regime there is used at least one light source which emits light in the wavelength range of 500 nm or above and substantially no light in the wavelength range below 500 nm.

Abstract: A spray device including a fan located in a housing provided with an air outlet guide for generating an air stream having a predetermined velocity. A nozzle unit for the discharge of liquid therefrom, producing a mist stream capable of being propelled to a predetermined location and having a measurable and controllable lateral dimension at the predetermined location. The spray device is used particularly for moistening cattle, especially cows, in sheds, and taking into account the effect of the wind. Rows of sprayers project water sprays directed toward the cattle. The sprayers may be angularly shifted to take into account the deviating effect of the wind. A processor calculates the angular shift that is needed for the existing wind direction and intensity. All the sprayers concurrently receive the angular shift, which is transmitted to the first sprayer from a control station and successively from each sprayer to the next.

Abstract: An apparatus for displacing objects. The apparatus comprises a displaceable support and a holding device for holding objects that is fastened to the support (1). The holding device is detachably fastened to the support (1). An assembly of such an apparatus and a stable with a lying area and a walking area for calves and with a treatment place for calves. The holding device is a gripper or a container for holding a calf.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing susceptibility to diabetes in a dog, the method comprising: (a) (i) detecting in a sample from the dog the presence or absence of a genotype in any one of the following immune system genes: CTLA-4, IGF-2, IL-1?, IL-4, IL-6, IL-1O, IL-12?, IFN?, PTPN3, PTPN15, PTPN22, TNF, or RANTES; and/or (ii) determining in a sample from the dog whether a genotype identified in Table 1 or 3A, or a genotype in linkage disequilibrium with said genotype identified in Table 1 or 3 A, is present in an insulin or IGF gene of the dog; and/or (iii) determining in a sample from the dog whether a genotype identified in Table 2 or 3B, or a genotype in linkage disequilibrium with said genotype identified in Table 2 or 3B, is absent in an insulin or IGF gene of the dog; and (b) thereby diagnosing whether the dog is susceptible to diabetes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a feed composition which contains silver-carrying zeolite and an animal-breeding method comprising the step of administering, to an animal, the foregoing silver-carrying zeolite-containing feed composition. The feed composition has almost no influence on the useful lactobacillus, but exerts an antimicrobial effect on various kinds of harmful microorganisms, in particular, bacteria belonging to the genus Salmonella or the like. Accordingly, the feed composition would permit the improvement of the healthiness of enteric canal of domestic animals, domestic fowls and cultivated fishes and the composition would in thus permit the acceleration of their growth, while maintaining their good healthiness.

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: An apparatus for keeping young animals warm, in the absence of their mother, for example. A warm air channel is provided by a pervious envelope which has a warm air feed to it. The envelope is placed in a container or housing for receiving the animals, e.g. a whelping box for puppies. The animals may move to the warm air envelope in order to receive warm air.

Abstract: Single nucleotide polymorphic sites at positions 3117, 12195, 13244, 13319, and 13516 of the bovine STAT5 gene are associated with improved fertilization rate and/or improved embryo survival rate. Also disclosed are nucleic acid molecules, kits, methods of genotyping and marker assisted bovine breeding methods.

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: A collar comprises a strip of material. A buckle couples to the strip of material. A plurality of attachment ports couple to the strip of material. A fashion attachment comprises a plurality of coupling ports, and each coupling port couples to one of the plurality of attachment ports. A method for customizing an animal companion collar comprises selecting a first fashion attachment. The first fashion attachment comprises a plurality of coupling ports configured to couple to a plurality of attachment ports of a fashion collar. The method detaches a second fashion attachment from a first fashion collar. The first fashion collar comprises a plurality of attachment ports. The method attaches the first fashion attachment to the first fashion collar by coupling one or more of the plurality of coupling ports to one or more of the plurality of attachment ports.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining a consumer response. At least two attributes are obtained for a sample product, the at least two attributes are associated with a feeding experience of an animal are determined. A regression analysis is performed on one or more factor scores for the sample product derived from the at least two attributes. A consumer response of the feeding experience as a function of the at least two attributes is determined independently of the consumer. The at least two attributes are determined based on an assessment of a plurality of technical measures associated with the feeding experience of an animal. The technical measures may be selected from the group consisting of analytical components (AN), daily feeding patterns based on automatic feeding station (AFS), chemical sensory headspace aroma compounds (CHEM), human sensory descriptive panel (HUMAN), monadic feeding patterns (VIDEO), and preference assessment (PREF).

Abstract: This invention is to be used primarily in the reception and disposal of urination from animals within a set area. It is comprised of a base tray, a vertical, hollow cylinder and absorbent pads designed and crafted to securely cover the exterior of the cylinder and tray. The absorbent pads are contained within the hollow cylinder and removed through an opening at the top of the cylinder. The vertical aspect of the invention attracts animals to urinate as per their instinct similar to an animal urinating on a bush or fire hydrant. The soiled absorbent pad is removed and another clean pad will take its place after being removed from the interior of the cylinder through the top opening in the cylinder.

Abstract: Described herein is a method of enhancing the reliability and reproducibility of animal experiments. As described herein, the method relates to an improved oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in animals, wherein the set up of the test has been optimized in comparison to the standard procedure for OGTT.

Abstract: A cattle management system and method are provided 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 hummingbird feeder includes a solar panel power source for illuminating a reservoir of liquid hummingbird food so that the hummingbird can find it at night. The solar panel itself preferably hangs below the feeder in a flexible manner so that it can collect the maximum amount of sunlight and swing in the breeze. An LED attached to the solar power source is positioned to illuminate the liquid reservoir from within the reservoir. The parts that comprise the feeder are easily disassembled for washing and cleaning.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for identifying an entity comprising placing an internal tag within the entity and placing an external tag proximate the entity wherein the internal tag and external tag are coupled.

Abstract: A method of removing a dart, having a base and a tip and wherein the base is wider than the tip, from animal soft tissue. The method makes use of a dart removal facilitating assembly, including a sharps container defining an opening sized to accept the base of the dart and also defining a slot contiguous with set opening, the slot being narrower than the base of the dart. The base of the dart is moved through the opening and the sharps container is moved so that the tip of the dart extends through the slot. Finally, the sharps container is to pull the dart out of the animal soft tissue.

Abstract: A detecting method for dairy cattle comprises the steps of: automatically measuring lying and standing times for a milking animal by a sensor; automatically comparing the measured lying and standing times for said milking animal with reference values of lying and standing times; and automatically establishing whether said milking animal is in heat or not based on said comparison. The automatic sensor may also be used for measuring a health parameter of the milking animal.

Abstract: The present invention is particularly applicable to cattle and buffalo livestock, and allows the individualization of animals by observation of codes and characteristics that are visually perceptible and available in various manners in the animal in order to allow the correlation of the information collected in non-electronic means and relative to the management practices performed on the animals at any phase of breeding thereof, providing an unambiguous individualization of the animal for subsequent inclusion in a database. The said identification is provided by a combination of at least, a portion of an Integral Code with a portion or a complete sequence of another Integral Code, according to standards previously defined by the managers/administrators of the system. One of the Integral Codes may be compatible with the ISO 11784 or equivalent standards, and the other, not related to the said standards, may be assigned to the animal by a specific entity, by the owner or the manager of the herd.

Abstract: A portable scent detection system for moving air from a search area to an animal's nose that can include a hand-held pickup for collecting air from a target area, an air moving unit containing at least one fan, a return hose coupled between the pickup and the air moving unit, and a scent presentation device worn on the animal's head with a one or more presentation ports near the animal's nose. The preferred animal is a dog; however, any animal which can be trained to indicate detection of a target scent can be used. The air moving unit can be double or single. A single unit can contain one fan, while a double unit can contain a second fan. More fans can be added in series or parallel as needed to provide adequate airflow. The pickup device can also optionally contain a fan. The fans can be battery powered using fixed or rechargeable batteries. The battery or batteries can be external or internal to the unit. The air moving unit can be contained in a waist or backpack for ease in use.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing by-catch of seabirds or turtles during fishing include a fish hook (220) and a barrier or shield (227) mounted in a position relative to the fish hook (220) such that the barrier (227) reduces or prevents hooking of a seabird or turtle by the fish hook or ingestion of the hook by a seabird or turtle. The apparatus includes a degradable component (226) that degrades when placed in water such that when the degradable component degrades the barrier moves away from the position relative to the fish hook or no longer exists to allow the fish hook to be taken by a fish. The degradable component (226) may be a retaining means or a mounting means. The degradable component may form part of, or all of, the barrier.

Abstract: An animal therapy system includes an animal therapy article and a scented article disposed therein. The animal therapy article includes a body defining an inner volume and an opening in communication with the inner volume. The body has a closure for releasably closing the opening and filling arranged in the inner volume. A pouch is also arranged in the inner volume and is at least partially removable from the body through the opening. The scented article is removably disposed within the pouch. An animal therapy method includes scenting an article with a scent familiar to an animal, opening a closure on an animal therapy article having a pouch disposed internally thereto, at least partially withdrawing the pouch through the opened closure, inserting the scented article into the animal therapy article within the pouch, closing the closure, and placing the animal therapy article adjacent to the animal.

Abstract: A remotely-controllable and Internet-based pet entertainment and training system includes an at-home pet interaction device connected to a smart controller, such as a home PC, which in turn is connected through the Internet to any remote PC at which the pet owner may input commands. The system allows the owner to interact in real-time with his pet to mete out punishments, rewards, and food and drink. The system encourages well behaved pets, increases stimulus and positive interaction, and assures peace of mind to pet owners.

Abstract: A cattle management system and method are provided 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.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to identify and provide a substance that influences the protein concentration of animal organisms as well as to provide preparations based on said substance for use in food for animals and humans. Said aim is achieved by using tartronic acid or the derivatives thereof. The invention thus relates to the use of tartronic acid or the derivatives thereof for producing preparations that are suitable for increasing the protein concentration of animal organisms. Also disclosed is the use of preparations containing tartronic acid or the derivatives thereof in animal fodder or food for humans.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method for identifying individual animals, and for using such identification in the creation of a secured interest therein. It relies on a unique and immutable characteristic of each animal, together with a system for representing such characteristic by a symbolic indicator. The symbolic indicator is used in instruments that create or relate to an interest in the animal, to facilitate subsequent identification of the animal, and execution of the secured interest by the secured creditor and search of recorded interests by third parties.

Abstract: Airway disorders in a horse are relieved by electrical stimulation of the airway tissue. Particular disorders and techniques include electrical stimulation to relieve laryngeal hemiplegia. A pacemaker processor generates an electrical treatment signal to be applied to upper airway tissue of the horse for treating the upper airway disorder. One or more stimulation electrodes interfaces with the upper airway tissue for delivering the treatment signal to the upper airway tissue.

Abstract: A method for screening for useful dog candidates comprises a step of investigating the genotype of the allele in exon 1 or intron 2 of dog dopamine receptor D4 gene, and a step of selecting a dog with genetic aptitudes beneficial to people by making the selection based on that genotype. The step of investigating the genotype comprises a step of amplifying the allele using a pair of PCR primers that bond in the vicinity of both terminals of the allele, and a step of determining the genotype of the allele based on the lengths of the PCR products obtained by that step. A dog having the nucleotide sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 5 for at least one of the alleles in exon 1, or a dog having the nucleotide sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 9 for at least one of the alleles in intron 2, is useful as a seeing-eye dog or other service dog.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for the prediction of the merit of at least one individual in a population, the method comprising the steps of: (a) in the population, where information of individuals are known, using dimension reduction on the information to project the information to a low dimensional space whilst retaining the complexity of the information to generate a set of explanatory variables; (b) utilising the explanatory variables to generate a predictor function with respect to merit; and (c) utilising the predictor function to predict the merit of the individual.