Abstract: In order to promote longevity and a healthy vitality of a pet, the pet's condition is assessed. For a pet that is overweight, a recommended food regimen is determined that takes into account the pet's lifestyle and pet feeding preferences of the pet's owner. The recommended food regimen reduces the daily calorie intake of the pet without significantly reducing the quantity of food consumed by the pet on a daily basis. The owner may select from a plurality of options for satisfying the food regimen. In this way, the owner can have an enhanced pet feeding experience by being able to provide the pet with a variety of different foods that help the pet to lose weight.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the production of alkaline water is provided, wherein the water, when administered to cattle, is effective for the treatment and prevention of rumen acidosis. Additionally, the alkaline water is effective for increased production of milk and increased quality of milk produced.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of selecting and maintaining a population of pigs having a low copy number of porcine endogenous retrovirus, and the use of such pigs as a source of cells, tissue and/or organs suitable for xenotransplantation. The invention further relates to methods for selecting cells, tissue and/or organs from such pigs for suitability for use in xenotransplantation.

Abstract: Estrus and ovulation of animals and particularly sows is determined for planning of a preferred time zone of fertilization by a sensing system arranged to detect standing of the animal. Data from the sensing system is collected and analyzed using an algorithm and information that is displayed on an indicating system to provide an indication to a worker of the time zone of estrus and ovulation and of a useful fertilization time zone and a preferred fertilization time zone of the animal. The indicating system includes a countdown clock to the preferred time zone of fertilization. In the event that the fertilization fails, an indication is provided about whether the actual time of fertilization occurred at the preferred time of fertilization indicated to the worker. When estrus is completed, a confidence level is provided about the position of the actual time of fertilization relative to ovulation.

Abstract: The present invention provides splice variants of myostatin that promote muscle growth, and include polynucleotides and polypeptide sequences, constructs comprising the sequences and compositions for regulating muscle growth and treating diseases associated with muscle tissue. The splice variants include the consensus sequence X1 I F L E X2 X3 X4 Q X5 C S I L X6 X7 X8 X9 X10 wherein X1 is I or L, X2 is V or L, X3 is Y, C, G or S, X4 is I or F, X5 is F or L, X6 is G or E, X7 is E or V, X8 is A or T, X9 is A or V and X10 is absent, F or L. The present invention also provides for the use of the present sequences in identifying animals with altered muscle mass, and for use in selective breeding programs to produce animals with altered muscle mass.

Abstract: A method of determining breeding status in animals by (a) determining a breeding event (cyclicity, mounting, pregnancy, open) time, (b) providing an estrus or other breeding event detection apparatus, (c) affixing the estrus detection apparatus at a predetermined location on a female animal at a predetermined application time prior to the breeding event time, and (d) monitoring the estrus detection apparatus for activation thereof. An indicator apparatus is provided for use in indicating when an animal is in estrus. The apparatus is configured to be affixed to the rump of an animal to detect and indicate when the animal has been mounted and, thus, when the animal is in estrus. The apparatus is affixed to the animal by an adhesive layer. Layered on the top surface of the adhesive layer is an indicator layer that is in turn covered with a floodcoat layer. The floodcoat layer is adapted for removal upon the mounting of the first animal by a second animal.

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: The present invention concerns an apparatus for stimulation of an animal for preparing and performing artificial insemination, the apparatus adapted for placing on a back part of the animal and provided with a holder for a container with semen and associated catheter, where the apparatus includes a frame (1), a number of rocker arms (4), at least one displacing unit (3), a number of pressing pads (2) and at least one valve arrangement (7), where the rocker arms (4) are connected to the displacing unit (3) and to the frame (1), where each of the rocker arms (4) are connected to the frame (1) and provided with at least one of the pressing pads (2), and where the valve arrangement (7) is adapted to control the displacing unit (3) for establishing a pulsating action on the animal with the pressing pads (2).

Abstract: The present disclosure includes various method, device, and system embodiments for meat processing. One such method embodiment includes obtaining animal data for an animal selected to have a solution introduced into its circulatory system in a rinsing process and determining an insertion location based on the animal data. This method embodiment also includes establishing a fluid conduit from a reservoir through the insertion location into the circulatory system of the selected animal by inserting a cannula in fluid communication with the reservoir through the insertion location. The method further includes activating flow of a solution from the reservoir through the fluid conduit to introduce the solution into the circulatory system 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 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: 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: Devices and methods for tracking animals include assigning an animal identification to a first animal. Collecting a biological sample from the first animal and associating the first animal with each premises at which the first animal is located. The invention further provides an identification device that includes a tag portion and a sample portion. The tag portion can be configured to be attached to an animal in any method known in the art. The sample portion can be detachably coupled to the tag portion and can include a biological collector that can collect a biological sample from the animal.

Abstract: A cover for a distribution line conductor includes a cover body defining a channel extending along a lengthwise axis and adapted to receive the conductor. A unitarily formed attachment structure adjoins the cover body. The attachment structure includes first and second jaws positioned adjacent the channel. The first and second jaws are positioned at different locations along a jaw axis parallel to the lengthwise axis and, in a closed position, overlap one another across the jaw axis. The first and second jaws are relatively deflectable from the closed position to an open position to permit passage of the conductor therebetween and into the channel and the first and second jaws can thereafter return toward the closed position to secure the conductor in the channel.

Abstract: A system for producing a sound having a certain frequency range to maintain laying hens in stable and comfortable conditions. includes a basic wave generator for generating a pair of first basic waves having the same phase and a pair of second basic waves having opposite phases, a relaxation wave generator for generating a pair of relaxation waves by combining the pair of first basic waves and the pair of second basic waves with time, a modulator for generating a pair of relaxation sounds by modulating the pair of relaxation waves with a sound wave having an audible frequency, and an audio output unit composed of two left and right parts such that stereo sound is outputted, for receiving the pair of relaxation sounds and outputting the pair of relaxation sounds to the left and right parts, respectively.

Abstract: A method and system to generate the highest level of return on investment of a cattle ranch producing beef to the consumer. Through the use of computer software integrated with an individual cow and calf identification system, the method and system disclosed herein allows a cattle producer to analyze the yearly production characteristics of each individual cow's calf or calves through all the various phases of growth and production with an accumulation of the economic cost and gain of value up to the end product as a feeder or cull. The total value of the carcass at the end of production, expressed as a sum of the costs associated with producing each animal minus the market value of the animal, allows the animal's economic value to be expressed by one figure which can then be used to judge the cow's ability to produce animals that meet all predetermined economically important genetic traits.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for waterproofing game birds is provided. The game birds are sprayed with a waterproofing composition in amounts that prevent excessive water absorption by the feathers of the birds in wet weather, while still permitting the game birds to fly.

Abstract: An animal data gathering device comprise: a radio transmitter and receiver, a processor for controlling the operation of the device, and memory for storing, information including a first unique identifier associated with the device, wherein the processor is arranged to transmit a signal, by means of the radio transmitter, and to receive, by means of the radio receiver, one or more signals, each representing a second unique identifier from other devices and the processor is arranged to store in the memory each second unique identifier. Thus a record is kept of all radio devices with which the device has come into radio contact.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for detecting when an animal is in heat is provided. The apparatus includes a logic controller, a power source, a clock, an actuator, and a presentation interface such as an array of LEDs (Light-Emitting Diodes) that records breeding behavior in animals and presents corresponding data in a manner that can readily be observed from a distance. The method includes, according to some embodiments, receiving a first stimulus, validating that the first stimulus was received incident to a first mating-behavior event, receiving a second stimulus incident to a second mating-behavior event; and storing the occurrence of the first stimulus along with a time indicator for future retrieval and display on a presentation interface, wherein the presentation interface includes an LED array.

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: A device for interacting with biota either on a pre-specified schedule or via actuation by remote signal. Preferably, the biota are fauna and more particularly fish. In selected embodiments, it comprises frangible packaging enclosing means for timing interaction, at least part of the means for programming the device and means for opening the packaging. In select embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus is inserted in fish. Specific examples 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-specified period or, alternatively, long enough to effectively control the target aquatic plants, toxins in the device are dispensed to kill them. Otherwise, the carp may destroy all vegetation and harm the aquatic environment for other aquatic life.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for improving grazing distribution and an animal feed supplement for use therein. The method comprises the steps of identifying a plurality of underutilized rangeland areas and providing an animal feed supplement in a first underutilized rangeland area. The animal feed supplement attracts the livestock to the first underutilized rangeland area and encourages the livestock to graze once there.

Abstract: The present invention, in one embodiment, is a method of reducing ungulate pressure on burned sub-areas within a mosaic burn area. The method comprises identifying an unburned sub-area within the mosaic burn area and providing at least one highly palatable, portable, self-limiting, animal feed supplement in the first unburned sub-area. The highly palatable, portable, self-limiting, animal feed supplement attracts the ungulates to the first unburned sub-area and increases the length of the ungulates' stay in the first unburned sub-area. The ungulates are attracted to the first unburned sub-area by the supplement in preference to the burned sub-area with new growth.

Abstract: A quality assurance program for consistently producing high quality meat products broadly comprises selecting a plurality of calves that meet a set of standards and managing the calves according to a set of protocols. The standards are used to cull out low quality calves that are expected to yield low quality meat products. The protocols ensure the calves are properly nurtured so that they may yield high quality meat products by dictating how the calves are fed and treated. For example, the protocols preferably dictate what and when vaccines are given to the calves. The program may be broken down into three growth phases, such as an initiation phase in which the calves are managed during their first weeks, a growth phase in which the calves are managed during their growth, and a finishing phase in which the calves are managed leading up to slaughter.

Abstract: A method for enhancing the reproductive performance of poultry is provided.

Abstract: An egg is accelerated such that the inner and outer shell membranes separate and allow the air cell to move within the egg when the egg is repositioned. By separating the outer and inner shell membranes of an egg, the air cell will reposition itself at the upper portion of the egg shell. An egg may be accelerated in various ways according to embodiments of the present invention including, but not limited to, agitation, “flicking” by hand, spinning, rotating, centrifuging, etc.

Abstract: A cleaning system for a livestock feeding device which unclogs blockage without the need for a workman to enter the feed dispensing area. The system includes at least two swiping arms which are positioned at a lower area of the feed system. The system is environmentally advantageous since workman entry into a hazardous area is reduced. The swiping arms are activated by an external motor which is turned on upon sensing of a clogged or blocked condition of the feed. The system applies to the feeding of hogs, livestock or other dispensing mechanisms.

Abstract: The present invention, in one embodiment, is a method of using a plurality of domestic ungulates to precondition a foraging area to enhance the attractiveness of the foraging area to a plurality of wild ungulates. The method comprises selecting the foraging area to be preconditioned, selecting a target period, selecting a preconditioning period, and providing at least one highly palatable, portable, self-limiting, animal feed supplement in the foraging area during the preconditioning period. The target period is when the plurality of wild ungulates uses the foraging area once it has been preconditioned. The preconditioning period is when the plurality of domesticated ungulates preconditions (i.e., forages) the foraging area for use by the wild ungulates during the target period.

Abstract: The present invention 10 provides a system and method of monitoring and tracking a plurality of physical variables from a remote location. The invention 10 utilizes a plurality of radio frequency identification transponders 20 each coupled with a sensor for measuring physical data. The transponders 20 are powered by a radio frequency reader/interrogator 60 that provides radio frequency excitation to the transponders 20 and receives and demodulates back-scattered signals therefrom. The invention 10 is particularly advantageous in monitoring temperature in cattle herds as an aid to early diagnosis of bovine respiratory disease.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing carcasses of dead poultry randomly scattered throughout a poultry house are disclosed which reduce the amount of time and labor required to remove dead poultry during an entire growing session.

Abstract: Large, complex pedigrees of animals and plants group individuals for improved visualization. A computer transforms data from each mating to display nodes having separate symbols only for groups of offspring having common sex and/or traits. Pedigrees can include complex breeding structures. Input parameters select particular individuals, grouping, and formatting, including visual properties such as colors for distinguishing various aspects of a pedigree. Layout includes curved as well as straight lines.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for predicting the estrus and the delivery date of a cow, a swine, a horse or the like and discovering diseases such as fasciolisasis and ovarian tumor thereof by analysis of values from an attachable vibrograph attached to a leg portion, a neck portion, a chin portion or the like of the cow, the swine, the horse or the like to obtain frequency value information, such as vibrations, walking states and non-walking states, due to the excitement of the cow, the swine, the horse or the like caused by estrus. The obtained frequency value information is transmitted, inputted and stored into a centralized computer such as a personal computer in units of hours, and the stored frequency value information is converted to the numerical values to be analyzed.

Abstract: An animal registration management system which enables the individual identification of an animal correctly, quickly, and at a low cost using an animal identifier. This system is an animal registration management system which enables individual identification of an animal by an identifier printed or recorded with an animal registration number belonging to a predetermined management organization, wherein when an animal breeder registers an animal at a management organization, it first obtains an identifier, then reports an animal registration number included in the identifier to the management organization together with individual information unique to the animal which the breeder desires to register, then the management organization registers the reported animal registration number and the individual information in its database and issues an animal registration certificate linking the animal registration number and the individual information.

Abstract: A motor assisted swivel is disclosed which aids in proper rotation of a swivel in a tether system for animal testing. The swivel may have any number of fluid conduits or electrical or optical leads. A switching mechanism determines a direction of rotation of the tether and activates a motor to rotate the swivel in the direction of rotation. When rotation of the tether stops, further rotation of the swivel causes the switching mechanism to deactivate the motor. The switching mechanism may include a hinged connector with magnets on each side and reed switches to sense movement of the connector about its hinge.

Abstract: The invention discloses a device and vehicle for decomposition and discard of animal waste. It's an elongated hollow tubular housing made of aluminum or PVC, a detachable cylinder filled with a compressed freezing chemical or refrigerant, or compressed liquid enzymes, which is inserted into the hollow housing, an operation button exposed for use, empty space at the handle end for the placement of plastic trash bags, and a threaded top on the end of the housing encapsulating the empty space. The decomposition device is aimed at the animal waste to be removed, and the operation button is pressed, which in turn manipulates the pressurized freezing chemical or enzymes, forcing the contents out of the opposite end, to freeze or breakdown the animal waste, dependent upon the choice of cylinder.

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. Deployment of the membrane is facilitated by tapering its wall thickness towards its tip.

Abstract: A method for measuring a body composition measure of an animal includes steps of measuring a first electrical impedance between a front foot pad of the animal and a rear foot pad of the animal; measuring a second electrical impedance between two front foot pads of the animal in parallel with one another and two rear foot pads of the animal in parallel with one another; and utilizing the first electrical impedance, the second electrical impedance, and a regression relationship to determine the body composition measure of the animal.

Abstract: The present invention involves a terrarium substrate for an animal such as a reptile, arachnid or small mammals. The substrate includes fine glass sand that is healthy and ingestible by the animal.

Abstract: A quality assurance program for consistently producing high quality meat products broadly comprises selecting a plurality of calves that meet a set of standards and managing the calves according to a set of protocols. The standards are used to cull out low quality calves that are expected to yield low quality meat products. The protocols ensure the calves are properly nurtured so that they may yield high quality meat products by dictating how the calves are fed and treated. For example, the protocols preferably dictate what and when vaccines are given to the calves. The program may be broken down into three growth phases, such as an initiation phase in which the calves are managed during their first weeks, a growth phase in which the calves are managed during their growth, and a finishing phase in which the calves are managed leading up to slaughter.

Abstract: A system for and method of determining a formulation for an animal feed having a customized heat increment value. The system can include an animal profile, an animal nutrient requirement profile, an evaluation criteria, and/or ingredient nutrient content profiles. The information contained in the profiles and criteria can be used to calculate a formulation having a desirable heat increment value. The heat increment value can be used to maximize satisfaction of an evaluation criteria.

Abstract: A method of promoting pet care, by providing an insurance policy for the pet. Typically the insurance policy is for the health of the pet. A kit is provided to the caretaker of the pet. The kit contains a policy which provides a variable period of insurance care for the pet. At least some portion of the variable period of the insurance care is paid for by a third party. Typically, the third party seeks to promote its products in concert with the insurance to the caretaker. The caretaker may purchase future variable periods of the insurance policy or other products, if any, provided in the kit. Other products included in the kit may comprise food/medicine judged to be beneficial to the health of the pet, a pet tracking system, and/or a geofencing system.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an approach for noninvasively and remotely screening live animals for chronic wasting disease (CWD) via the processing of thermal and/or visible spectrum images. The image processing takes advantage of the anatomical observation that the prions and vacuoles associated with CWD first accumulate in a region of the brainstem, called the obex, which is strategically surrounded by the nuclei of the twelve cranial nerves. Using the cranial nerves as ‘implanted’ sensors, the sensitive image processing algorithms of this invention detect physiological indications of cranial nerve degradation indicating the presence and progression of the disease.

Abstract: A method for enhancing the reproductive performance of poultry, which employs at least two different wavelengths of light, is provided.

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. Deployment of the membrane is facilitated by tapering its wall thickness towards its tip.

Abstract: Large, complex pedigrees of animals and plants group individuals for improved visualization. A computer transforms data from each mating to display nodes having separate symbols only for groups of offspring having common sex and/or traits. Pedigrees can include complex breeding structures. Input parameters select particular individuals, grouping, and formatting, including visual properties such as colors for distinguishing various aspects of a pedigree. Layout includes curved as well as straight lines.

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 of determining a dog's emotions from its voice with objective supports.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for luring a member of an animal species to an area in an environment. In one aspect, a pre-recorded sound that simulates an environmental contact sound made by the animal species in the environment is played back to lure the member of the animal species to the area. In another aspect, first and second pre-recorded sounds that simulate first and second sounds made by the animal species in the environment are played back contemporaneously.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for improving the efficiency of a breeding program that has as its goal to alter desired traits which are influenced by competitive effects.

Abstract: Tail-mounted devices and methods for securing an object in an animal's, preferably a cow's, vagina, the device typically comprising a first and second tail anchor or ring, and a tether attached to the first tail anchor. The invention is most suited for and capable of attachment to a housing or object that is inserted into the cow's vagina. The purpose of the disclosed devices and methods is to hold an object resident in the vagina for an extended periods of time, including periods of 14 days or longer.

Abstract: A method for supplementing new antibody or adding additional titer of an already present antibody into the circulating system in a newborn by feeding antibody to the newborn within the first few days of its life. The antibody is preferably obtained from the egg of an immunized mother and fed to the newborn within the first 24 hours of its life.