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: This invention provides a method for initiation of farrowing of pregnant domestic swine within a predictable number of hours by administering a progesterone receptor antagonist. The present method also significantly reduces reduce stillborn pigs. A preferred progesterone receptor antagonist for use in the present method is RU38,486. The progesterone receptor antagonist can be administered to a pregnant swine via an appropriate route of administration, such as orally, intramuscularly or intravaginally. The present invention greatly facilitates human supervision and assistance during parturition, and is important for the production and profitability of farrowing operation.

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: An indicator apparatus 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. Removal of the floodcoat layer exposes the indicator layer indicating that the first animal has been mounted, thereby indicating that the first animal is in heat. The floodcoat layer is highly visible and may be seen from a distance. The indicator apparatus may be used as part of a system for managing a herd.

Abstract: A historical information recording device provided in a product for storing in a recorder product historical information relating to the product's manufacture, physical distribution, sale, registration, repair, and disposal and transmitting the information in response to information input from the outside, having a plurality of transmission modes and provided with a mode switcher for selecting a first transmission mode at the time of usual use and switching the transmission mode in response to an input signal to a second transmission mode with at least an output, frequency, method of modulation, or transmission time different from that of the first transmission mode, a historical information tamper prevention unit for prohibiting a write operation in the storage unit under predetermined conditions to prevent tampering of the product historical information, and a discriminator for discriminating if the recorder is the specific historical information recorder which should be covered by the recording and/or

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved cattle management method utilizing a franchised cattle management system licensed to contract cattle producers. The contract grower contract producers manage cattle according to given production guidelines from the franchiser that increases the carcass value at sale. The cattle producer retains a profit from the increased market value of the cattle produced according to the franchisor's cattle production method. The franchiser receives a royalty from the contract cattle producer with little or no capital expenses or costs associated with the maintenance and production of the cattle herd operated by the contract cattle producer.

Abstract: A medical record coat for a dog comprises a transparent coat upon which can be marked the location and size of various tumors as they are discovered on the animal's body. The ability to maintain a visual record of the tumor history of the dog allows the treating professional to track the treatment process of the animal. The medical record coat is then maintained as part of the medical history of the animal.

Abstract: The invention relates to biological compositions comprising yeast cells that can be added to animal feed which upon ingestion by an animal can reduce the odor of manure produced by the animal. The invention also relates to methods for manufacturing the biological compositions, and methods of using the biological compositions as animal feed additives.

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: The present invention is directed to a method of determining dog's emotions from its voice with objective supports.

Abstract: A device for measuring the length of a spur on the leg of a turkey. A pair of leg cradles are placed on the back side of a turkey leg with the spur being located between two slide rails. A slide indicator is moved towards the spur until a spur bar comes in contact with the spur. The length of the spur is then determined by reading the measurement on the scale where the slide indicator is aligned.

Abstract: A system and method for creating and delivering personalized veterinary advice for pets over the web. The invention provides a service to pet owner, which fills the gap between information & advice provided in a book, and the information & advice delivered during a visit to a veterinarian.

Abstract: The invention is a new pet blanket that drapes around an animal in an outdoor kennel. The invention is installed in a pet kennel or animal enclosure. It comprises bundles of fabric that are attached to a platform or attached directly to the ceiling of a kennel. The attachment means comprises a Velcro® connection means or a mechanical safety snap connection means. The blanket fabric may be cotton, wool, a synthetic blend, or other suitable material, shaped into strands and gathered into bundles. The bundles of fabric hang down loosely from the ceiling or supporting platform, to within one to three inches from the floor of the kennel or animal stall. The bundles of fabric are spaced to allow the animal to move about freely in the kennel. At the same time, the bundles of fabric automatically provide a blanket that shelters the animal from the outside elements.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and system for the recordation, retrieval and management of pet information and capitalization of same, wherein the present invention provides for the recordation and membership-based selective access and retrieval of pet or animal medical conditions, drug allergies, vaccination history and other relevant health or identification related information, and wherein the present invention further provides for the recordation and sponsorship-based selective access and retrieval of pet or animal owner spending habits and expenses attributed to the general maintenance and care of the pet or animal, thus permitting animal food and drug providers, veterinary hospitals, insurance carriers and/or other pet related product or service providers to conduct market analyses of consumer demographics, demands, needs and spending habits for subsequent capitalization upon same via direct marketing, promotional discount offers and the like.

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: 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: A method and apparatus for safer and more effective deep trans-cervical intrauterine 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: The present invention relates to an improved cattle management method utilizing a franchised cattle management system licensed to contract cattle producers. The contract grower contract producers manage cattle according to given production guidelines from the franchiser that increases the carcass value at sale. The cattle producer retains a profit from the increased market value of the cattle produced according to the franchisor's cattle production method. The franchiser receives a royalty from the contract cattle producer with little or no capital expenses or costs associated with the maintenance and production of the cattle herd operated by the contract cattle producer.

Abstract: A novel euthanasia composition for animals, especially companion animals, utilizes a combination of sodium pentobarbital with dibucaine. The composition is easy to administer, fast-acting and relatively painless. A humane method for euthanasia involves administering the composition to animals for which euthanasia is desired.

Abstract: A pet training device designed to alert a pet owner that his/her pet would like to enter or exit the home.

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.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for predicting an accurate body condition score (BCS) for pets. The method includes selecting a BCS based upon a BCS chart, answering a questionnaire regarding the pet, and applying the selected BCS and at least one answer from the questionnaire to a model to determine a predicted body condition score.

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: An indicator apparatus 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. Removal of the floodcoat layer exposes the indicator layer indicating that the first animal has been mounted, thereby indicating that the first animal is in heat. The floodcoat layer is highly visible and may be seen from a distance. The indicator apparatus may be used as part of a system for managing a herd.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a system wherein an animal (10) at birth is provided with at least one electronic tag (20), comprising communicating means and an identification code. The code represents a specific location in a network-connected database (60,) being updated wirelessly (50) from the tag (20) to at least one receiver (40) connected to the position determining means and a time determining means and in connection with said network, registering time- and positioning information related to the animal (10). Additional information about the animal is provided to the database (60). The registered information is utilized for authorizing at least one of slaughtering and distributing actions for the purpose of at least one of meat production, meat product manufacturing and breeding.

Abstract: Dynamic management of the health care, nutrition and well-being of pet animal, such as a dogs and cats. Data relating to the species of the animal, a selected group of the species, and the animal, including diagnostic laboratory test data of the animal are related by a computer. A management regimen for the animal is based on this. Updating the data picks up drifts in different populations of the animals, groups and species over time to enhance the management.

Abstract: A system for detecting the relative inverted posture of an equine specimen. When such a posture, or positional attitude, of an equine specimen is greater than 90 degrees but less than 270 degrees as measured with respect to the rotation of the animal's body around the lateral axis—anterior to posterior—whereby the normal standing position of the animal is zero degrees, then a sensing switch will activate and transmit a corresponding radio frequency signal to a receiver at a remote location and sound an alarm to alert monitoring personnel.

Abstract: An apparatus and corresponding method obtains time-integrated samples of fluid from the rumens of cattle, sheep, goats or other animals through a cannula. The apparatus allows ruminal fluid to be sampled under standard conditions. It reduces the labor required to obtain samples and allows dynamic fermentation patterns to be followed. The apparatus includes a ceramic filter connected to a sampling tube assembly. The filter is placed in the rumen and vented to atmosphere by a first tube. A second tube connects an inside region of the filter to a peristaltic pump which removes fluid for time-integrated sampling.

Abstract: An animal monitoring system comprises a plurality of sensors positioned in a containment area and emitting infrared light across the containment area. A plurality of infrared light-detecting sensors receive said infrared light from said transmitters and provides a signal indicating such reception to a controller. The controller monitors the presence of interruptions in said light beams and infers that, in the presence of said interruptions, the animal is standing. If no interruption is present for a predetermined amount of time, an alarm may be generated to alert an individual monitoring the animal.

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 internal catheter has a flexible plastic inner tube with an integrally formed protruding head with an axial channel. The internal catheter extends through an axial channel in an exterior catheter. With the internal catheter head withdrawn within the foam or spiral tip of the exterior catheter, the assembly is advanced into a sow cervix, and the internal catheter is then advanced through the tip of the catheter and remaining portion of the cervix and into the uterine body and possibly into a uterine horn. Semen or embryos are then introduced through the axial cavity. The tip of the exterior catheter may have a protective flap which is not penetrated until the inner tube is advanced therethrough. The internal catheter axial channel may have a constricted portion within the head, to engage a semen or embryo containing straw.

Abstract: A system for calculating one or more dimensions of an animal. The system comprises at least three fiducial reference points, each having different X, Y, and Z coordinates in 3-dimensional space. In addition, the system further comprises at least two sensors for obtaining dimensional measurements of the fiducial reference points and the animal from at least two different fields of view. In one embodiment, the at least two different fields of view are at least a side view and a top view. The system also comprises a processing system configured to receive the dimensional measurements from the at least two sensors and calculate one or more dimensions of the animal by relating positions of animal features to known locations of the fiducial reference points. The system also may create and measure a 3-dimensional image of the animal.

Abstract: The method is for treating ear injuries of an animal with a bandage device that is mounted to the animal's head. The bandage device has a first holder portion and a first disc attached thereto. The first holder portion has a first opening and a second opening defined therein. The first ear is inserted through the first opening and the ear is placed on the first disc disposed over the second opening. A first layer is attached on the first holder portion so that a net of the first layer is aligned with the first disc. The net is placed on an inside of the first ear so that the ear is captured between the net and the first disc.

Abstract: This invention is an automated livestock counting system utilizing a computer-controlled transponder interrogating RFID eartags to display to determine and display a highwater mark of initial occurrences each 24 hours. As counting livestock or other entities is it's only function, a uniquely written program is the core of the invention.

Abstract: Deer are attracted by playing the sound of a deer feeder distributing feed.

Abstract: Deer are attracted by playing the sound of a deer feeder distributing feed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a detectable heavy duty needle cannula (12) for use in hypodermic syringes and the like. Needle cannula (12) comprises a magnetizable or magnetized stainless steel alloy, which enables needle cannula (12) to be detectable in metal detectors that are commonly used in the meat processing industry to detect broken needle cannulas in the flesh of slaughtered animals. Needle cannula (12) further comprises a sidewall (17) that is thicker than the sidewalls of prior art needle cannulas. The thicker sidewall imparts to needle cannula (12) greater resistance to breakage during the process of injecting animal health products into an animal and greater detectability in a metal detector.

Abstract: The bolus is intended to be received in the reticulum of a ruminant. It comprises a body (10) having a housing (12) for containing a data interchange device (14). According to the invention, the body (10) is made of a material based on alumina, Al2O3, and/or on silica, SiO2.

Abstract: An indicator apparatus 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. Removal of the floodcoat layer exposes the indicator layer indicating that the first animal has been mounted, thereby indicating that the first animal is in heat. The floodcoat layer is highly visible and may be seen from a distance.

Abstract: A pet training device designed to alert a pet owner that his/her pet would like to enter or exit the home.

Abstract: An unmanned vehicle for use in a stable such as a cowshed or for use in a meadow or for use in both which is provided with detection components for determining the health and behavior of the animals in the stable or meadow. The detection components comprise an animal identification system including a radar and an infrared camera. The animals are fitted with identifying reflectors. The vehicle also has a herd control element for herding animals and for segregating one or more of the animals from other animals in the herd. Also the vehicle includes an extendible disinfecting member for disinfecting at least portions of the stable as well as parts of animals in the stable or meadow. An alarm is provided on the vehicle for alerting an operator that an animal is ill or acting abnormally. The vehicle also carries a mechanism to analyze manure on the stable floor.

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 subject invention provides materials and methods for gathering and/or relaying information about animals. In a specific embodiment, the present invention provides an animal identification system in which a biologically compatible, implanted device serves to accurately identify the location of a live animal and, in the case of livestock, its carcass after slaughter. In a preferred embodiment of the subject invention, the device to be implanted is coated with a bioactive glass to make the device bioactively bond to soft tissue. The coatings may be, for example, sintered, glued, sprayed, plasma sprayed, formed as a composite in the base material of the device or mixed with binders to be painted onto the device.

Abstract: Animal management systems that utilizes artificial insemination (27) samples of isolated X-chromosome bearing and Y-chromosome bearing populations of spermatozoa to inseminate female animals (17) an embodiment of which can provide an alternative to traditional harvesting or marketing (20) of non-replacement heifers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a poultry drinking water additive containing live bacteria of the genus Bacillus and monosaccharides, which can alleviate body weight loss of poultry for meat production after feed withdrawal before slaughter, and which can reduce harmful bacteria such as of the genus Salmonella in the intestine of poultry for meat production and layers during the period of fasting by feed withdrawal. Also disclosed are a method for orally administering the poultry drinking water additive to poultry, a method for alleviating body weight loss of poultry for meat production using this method, and a method for reducing harmful bacteria in the intestine of poultry for meat production or layers.

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: A method of increasing the feed efficiency of an animal, the method including applying a suppression agent to surfaces of manure that are exposed to atmosphere, the suppression agent including acidulated plant-based soapstock, the manure located proximate the animal, the method also including providing feed to the animal.

Abstract: A support for a casing containing a detector for detecting estrus in cows. The support comprises a natural fiber patch having a surface area in the range from approximately 0.04 m2 to approximately 0.06 m2 which supports a substantially rectangular case which receives the detector and is placed substantially at the center of the patch. The detector for detecting estrus in cows is housed in a casing supported by the support. The support comprises a baseplate capped by a cover.

Abstract: A method of detecting a first cow when mounted by a second cow. One or more beams of light are directed wholly or substantially horizontally at one or more detectors, and at a level above the first cow and corresponding to the additional height of the second cow when mounting the first cow, such that the mounting of the first cow by the second cow breaks one or more of the beams of light to one or more of the detectors and the one or each detected break causes activation of an alarm or a cow identification device or both. Mounting is an indication to the farmer that the cow is ready for insemination, and the invention provides an automatic method of alerting when a cow is in heat, or immediately identifying a cow in heat, which is only activated as and when the cow allows herself to be mounted. Preferably, two or more beams of light and two or more detectors are used, and the detectors work in partnership to coordinate two or more differently located cameras to the location of breakage of the light beams.

Abstract: This invention is a simple device and method of measurement that employs a mechanical device having articulated transverse linkages comprising a parallelogram assembly having the first arm as one link, an opposing link, and further comprising a hub member, with transverse opposing wings each of the wings being pivotingly joined to the hub member for defining shape and indicia to determine a series of angles, and thereby be able to describe angles and arcs in order to determine the convex and concave portions of polyform shapes—in this preferred embodiment relating to animal backs and their corresponding saddles. A method and formula to adjust the shape of such a device to compensate for the weight of the rider relative to the weight of the animal as well as additional factors is also provided by this process. Additional calibration can also be refined by employing interface pressure measurement.