Abstract: A detector for detecting a signal from one or more feeders. A processor is in communication with the can be configured with an artificial intelligence module and a library of pre-recorded action events and for comparing the signal with the library of pre-recorded action events and determining a likely action event. A warning device can be in communication with the processor for providing an output in response to the likely action event. At least one false positive sensor in communication with either the processor or the warning device or both of the processor and the warning device can be used for stopping the output from the warning device upon a predetermined condition.

Abstract: A method for weaning calves from their mothers without direct human intervention. The method consists of a specialized weaning gate that allows calves to creep graze into an adjacent paddock but does not allow the mother to follow. The gate allows the calves to return to the mothers, to acclimate the calves to moving through the gate and grazing independently and to acclimate the mothers to being temporarily separated from the calves. Once the calves have reached the appropriate age to be weaned, the gate is adjusted to become a one-way gate so that the calves will creep graze into the adjacent field but will not be able to return to the original field with the mothers, which allows the calves to be fully weaned without direct human intervention.

Abstract: The number of piglets dying at birth is reduced by providing a temperature sensor in a farrowing crate at the piglet area thereof on a movable cover so that, when the sow is expected to give birth, the sensor is located in the crate at a location to detect the presence of one or more piglets after birth. On detection by a control unit using the sensor signal of the one or more piglets, the sensor communicates a signal to a pager carried by an operator indicating to the operator that birth of piglets is in progress and activates a heating lamp for the piglets in the pen to attract them away from the area of the sow to reduce crushing. The control unit and the sensor also control the heat output. The cover can slide along the piglet area and can lift to expose the piglet area.

Abstract: The number of piglets dying at birth is reduced by providing a temperature sensor in a farrowing crate at the piglet area thereof on a movable cover so that, when the sow is expected to give birth, the sensor is located in the crate at a location to detect the presence of one or more piglets after birth. On detection by a control unit using the sensor signal of the one or more piglets, the sensor communicates a signal to a pager carried by an operator indicating to the operator that birth of piglets is in progress and activates a heating lamp for the piglets in the pen to attract them away from the area of the sow to reduce crushing. The control unit and the sensor also control the heat output. The cover can slide along the piglet area and can lift to expose the piglet area.

Abstract: In a farrowing pen which includes a pit and over the pit a first floor portion on which the sow can stand and lie and two further floor portions on each side of the first floor portion for receiving piglets of the sow and confining walls for locating the sow on the first floor portion there is provided an apparatus for lifting the sow away from the piglets to prevent crushing. The apparatus includes a base carries above the pit on a cradle and a gas bag lift mechanism carried on the base above the manure and arranged to raise a plate carrying two parallel rails with the first floor portion thereon. An air valve extends through the flooring and is operated by pressure from contact with the sow for actuating the controlling the flow of the air. The rate of lifting is faster than the rate of lowering. A scissors lever arrangement mounted on the base above the pit acts to support and guide the floor on the bag.

Abstract: In a farrowing pen which includes a pit and over the pit a first floor section on which the sow can stand and lie and two further floor sections on each side of the first floor section for receiving piglets of the sow and confining walls for locating the sow on the first floor section there is provided an apparatus for lifting the sow away from the piglets to prevent crushing. The apparatus includes a base carries above the pit either on legs or on a cradle and a gas bag lift mechanism carried on the base above the manure and arranged to raise a plate carrying two parallel rails with the first floor section thereon. An air valve extends through the flooring and is operated by pressure from contact with the sow for actuating the controlling the flow of the air. The rate of lifting is faster than the rate of lowering. Extendible legs around the base support and guide the floor on the bag.

Abstract: In a farrowing pen which includes a pit and over the pit a first floor section on which the sow can stand and lie and two further floor sections on each side of the first floor section for receiving piglets of the sow and confining walls for locating the sow on the first floor section there is provided an apparatus for lifting the sow away from the piglets to prevent crushing. The apparatus includes a base carries above the pit either on legs or on a cradle and a gas bag lift mechanism carried on the base above the manure and arranged to raise a plate carrying two parallel rails with the first floor section thereon. An air valve extends through the flooring and is operated by pressure from contact with the sow for actuating the controlling the flow of the air. The rate of lifting is faster than the rate of lowering. Extendible legs around the base support and guide the floor on the bag.

Abstract: A pig pen has side walls joined together by end walls to form a substantially rectangular enclosure. An angled divider is pivotable inside the pen, having a first end pivotably arranged on a pivot on one end wall and second end attachable to any one of a plurality of mounts on the opposite end wall. The divider has a first straight portion joined at an angle to a second straight portion, and a lower bar attached with one end adjacent the first end and an opposite end adjacent the second end of the divider. The lower bar is shorter than the total length of the divider and arranged below it, to break the fall of a sow lying down on her side adjacent the divider to provide time for any piglets close to the sow to move away from the sow.

Abstract: A sow farrowing station to reduce the mortality of piglets includes a slab, a surrounding crate to constrain the sow, the slab defining within a crate a floor transport region consisting of independent pressure sensitive members which travel over the region to transport piglets from beneath the sow, but when the sow itself steps onto one of the pressure sensitive transport members, that member stops its travel so that the sow does not have to continually "walk" yet, when the sow lies down all the transport members are arrested and the piglets can then move to nurse from the sow.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nesting pad for poultry confinement structures in egg laying operations. The nesting pad is wire mesh with a plurality of longitudinal wires connected by a plurality of horizontal wires. The longitudinal wires have molded thereupon a pliable material such as a rubber composition. The pliable material forms ridges upon an upper surface of the longitudinal wire members. The horizontal cross members are molded with a sheath of said pliable material. The molded pad is acceptable to egg laying hens. The nesting pads are easy to clean and provide a poor habitat for poultry pests. Pliable ridges support freshly laid eggs and the pads can be shaped to fit existing confinement structures.

Abstract: A gray poultry nest pad is taught. The gray color is defined by the "Munsell System" comprising a hue of 2.5R through 10RP inclusive, a value of 3 through 9 inclusive and a chroma of 0 through 2 inclusive.

Abstract: A laying nest for poultry includes a housing having an entrance and a two-part nest bottom, with the respective parts being inclined toward one another and substantially toward a center of the nest so as to create a slit through which laid eggs may roll down onto a conveyor. A barring arrangement is provided in front of the entrance of the housing so as to selectively permit the poultry to enter and leave the housing.