Abstract: The invention includes a breather valve used on containers that selectively allows a flow of air through the breather valve and which may be used to regulate the flow rate of fluid from a container or nursing bottle that includes the breather valve. The invention also includes containers and nursing bottles that include the breather valve along with methods of use of the breather valve, the containers and the nursing bottles. The breather valve, the containers, the nursing bottles and the methods of use allow for the ability to adjust flow rate rapidly, provision of a breather valve that may be retrofitted or sold with a new container or nursing bottle. The breather valve is designed in a manner that is semi-permanent to fit.

Abstract: An insect storage and release device includes a rigid container used to store and transport insects. The insect storage and release device holds compressed insects or non-compressed insects. The insect storage and release device includes a removable enclosure and a reticulated foam. The reticulated foam provides compliance during packing of the insects.

Abstract: A bird feeding system is provided having a body and a removable insert. The insert can be removed and refilled without removing the body from its support. The body has a receiver that can be a cage, collar, roof or other structure that has a guide that receives the insert. A plate is attached to the top of the receiver. The plate has at least two hooks, each with a channel. The hooks are opposite facing. The insert has a cylindrical wall with feed opening therethrough. A top bar is used as a handle and also as a securing element that is selectably engaged with the hooks. A bottom bar is used to grip the insert for insertion, locking, unlocking and removal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dog training clicker, including a first structural part, a sliding assembly and a second structural part overlaid and arranged in sequence along a first direction; the first structural part includes a first outer shell, the first outer shell is internally provided with a first accommodating space, an elastic sounding plate and a floating button are arranged in the first accommodating space, and the floating button abuts against the elastic sounding plate; the second structural part includes a second outer shell, the first structural part is in sliding connection with the second structural part through the sliding assembly, and the first direction is perpendicular to a second direction.

Abstract: Livestock feeders are provided. A livestock feeder can include a base, hopper and lid. The livestock feeder is suitable for providing feedstuffs such as nutritional supplements to a livestock animal on a free-choice basis. The livestock feeder can be durable, portable, non-corrosive and is designed to minimize spillage of feedstuffs and resist tipping over. The livestock feeder can be constructed from a molded polyethylene material.

Abstract: A pet toy is configured for use with a pet treat having a body with a gap therein that communicates with a central opening in the pet treat. The pet toy includes a body having an exterior surface and a core portion that is radially asymmetric and a slot formed in the body about the core portion. The slot has the core portion as a base and includes a sidewall having a second surface feature configured to cooperate with a first surface feature of the pet treat to promote retention of the pet treat in the slot. In some embodiments, one of the first and second surface features is a boss and the other is a recess. In some embodiments, the first and second surface features are engaged by rotating the pet treat within the slot with respect to the body of the pet toy.

Abstract: The present application discloses a feeding toy for providing food through shaking by pet, comprising a base and a granary, the base is provided with a food leakage channel, and a lower end of the food leakage channel is provided with a blocking wall, a tapered slideway is arranged at center of the base, the granary is arranged above the base, and food leakage holes are arranged on periphery of the granary, a food buffer area is arranged outside the food leakage hole, and an elastic telescopic rod is arranged at lower end of the granary, and the elastic telescopic rod is in contact with the tapered slideway on the base.

Abstract: An animal food and water bowl system for effectively dispensing food and water to an animal such as a pet. The animal food and water bowl system generally includes a platform having a support member and at least one leg extending downwardly from the support member. The support member includes an upper surface and a recessed portion within the upper surface that removably receives a lower surface of bowl. A first connector is adapted for removably connecting the first bowl to the upper surface of the support member in a substantially non-movable manner. At least a portion of the front upper edge of the bowl is below the rear upper edge of the bowl.

Abstract: A method for preparing a shelf stable spore-containing probiotic alimentary additive is disclosed, the method including providing a liquid slurry including spores from at least one spore-forming probiotic bacterial strain, a saccharide, and a humectant; and pasteurizing the liquid slurry to yield the alimentary additive. The alimentary additive may have a water activity (Aw) of less than about 0.7. The alimentary additive may have a pH from about 2.0 to 9.5. A plurality of the spores may remain in an un-germinated state and uniformly suspended for at least two months after the pasteurizing to yield a shelf stable spore-containing probiotic alimentary additive.

Abstract: A pet toy includes a hollow body defining an interior space with an interior surface and including a first portion having a first diameter, a second portion having a second diameter, a first opening in the first portion, a second opening in the second portion and a separation arm extending from the interior surface in the interior space and being disposed between the first and second openings.

Abstract: A method for producing a straw mat in a living space for livestock, in particular for sows and/or fattening pigs and/or piglets, confined in a straw pen, is disclosed. The method comprises the step of automatically and initially spreading straw, such as defibrated straw, into the living space up to a substantially uniform thickness (d) of the straw mat. Also disclosed is a straw pen and pen building in accordance with the disclosed method.

Abstract: An animal training device is configured to encourage an animal with a clicking sound and a gelatinous reward. The animal training device has a housing, joined to a housing end cap at a housing first end and a dispenser head at a housing second end. A dowel rod is arranged within the housing and through a dispensing lever. A push bar is arranged within the housing and joined to the dispensing lever with a drive plate and a first compressor spring; wherein the push bar further comprises a push bar first end and a push bar second end. A tube is fit over the end cap and accommodates the gelatinous reward. Depressing the dispensing lever moves the drive plate and thus the push bar, pushing the gelatinous reward through the dispenser head.

Abstract: Disclosed is an animal toy including a plurality of body portions each having an axial bore and axial ends. The plurality of body portions are connectable to each other about their axial ends to form a continuous channel configured to accommodate a solid food item. One or more caps may be sealed about the axial ends, wherein at least one axial end includes an exit opening configured to accept or dispense the solid food item. Also disclosed is a kit that includes a plurality of these components so that a user may attach the various components to provide a first configuration and may later reconfigure the various components to provide a second or third, etc., configuration. In this way, the user may change a location of the exit opening for the solid food item, extend the size of the toy, and/or change the shape of the toy.

Abstract: A decorative container assembly (10) has a container (12) having a bottom member (18) and an annular sidewall (20) extending from the bottom member (18). An end of the annular sidewall (20) defines a rim (22) and an opening (24) of the container (12). A first decorative member (16) is adhered to the sidewall (20) and covers an outer surface of the sidewall (20). The decorative container assembly (10) further has a lid assembly (14) operably removably connected to the rim (22) of the container (12). The lid assembly (14) has an annular ring member (42) and a top cover member (44). A second decorative member (16) covers a top surface of the cover member (44). A handle (34) has a first end connected to the sidewall (20) at a first position and a second end connected to the sidewall (20) at a second position, the first position being generally opposite to the second position.

Abstract: Livestock feeders are provided. A livestock feeder can include a base, hopper and lid. The livestock feeder is suitable for providing feedstuffs such as nutritional supplements to a livestock animal on a free-choice basis. The livestock feeder can be durable, portable, non-corrosive and is designed to minimize spillage of feedstuffs and resist tipping over. The livestock feeder can be constructed from a molded polyethylene material.

Abstract: An animal feed dispenser, in particular for horses, comprising a downwardly open, substantially vertically oriented tube with at least one filling opening for animal feed that is arranged in the upper portion of the tube. At least two elastic cables which project through in the interior transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tube are arranged above one another, wherein a clearance remains above each cable and in each case allows only the reception of an individual portion unit of the animal feed, and wherein each cable is connected to an end of an associated pulling element which is guided outwardly substantially normal to the respective elastic cable via an opening in the tube wall, wherein a biting element is fastened to the end of the pulling element that is situated outside the tube.

Abstract: The use of adjustable arms or flaps combined with hook and loop fasteners connect to toys or treat dispensers in different positions to create varying levels of play for all dog types and ages. Adjusting arm connections allows to create different difficulty levels keeps dogs entertained physically and mentally. The adjustable arms create adjustable connections that create new forms of play for varying dog sizes, strengths, and ages.

Abstract: An automated medication dispensing system includes a lightning sensor configured to detect an electromagnetic signature of a lightning strike and a dispenser bank configured to store and dispense a medication for a pet. A user interface is configured to input one or more dispensing parameters for dispensing the medication stored in the dispenser bank. A microcontroller is in signal communication with the lightning sensor, the dispenser bank, and the user interface. The microcontroller is configured to generate a dispensing signal for opening the dispenser bank based on data received from the lightning sensor and the user interface. The dispenser bank is configured to dispense the medication once receives the dispensing signal from the microcontroller.

Abstract: An automatic and autonomous feeding device comprising a feed kitchen having different feed varieties and a feed fetching device, and a control system for executing a feed composing cycle including receipt or generation of a feed order and controlling of the feed fetching device to fetch feed from the feed kitchen according to the feed order in order to compose a feed mixture, and comprising a feed determining device configured to deteiiiiine quantity information of the feed varieties, wherein the control device further contains fall-back information, for at least one feed variety, which fall-back information specifies what action the feeding device, during and/or after execution of a feed composing cycle, needs to perform if the feed determining device determines that that quantity of this feed variety which is desired in the feed order is greater than the available quantity.

Abstract: A smart pet toy capable of automatically rolling to leak food, including a chamber, where the chamber is in a ball shape or a cylindrical shape and is internally provided with a mechanism; the mechanism is internally provided with a driving apparatus, and the driving apparatus is connected to the chamber by using a drive rod, so that the mechanism can drive the chamber to roll; the chamber is internally provided with an annular storage area, and the wall of the chamber is provided with food leakage windows in communication with the storage area, so that pet food in the storage area leaks out through the food leakage windows. The toy can be flexibly controlled manually or by a remote controller to roll and leak food as required.

Abstract: A bird feeder which comprises a seed container having at least one seed port to permit birds to have access to seed, a shroud extending about the seed port, a base member being secured to the seed container, a hollow tube extending upwardly from the base member and being located internally of the seed container, a rod extending within the hollow tube and a spring extending about a portion of the rod, the rod having a flange extending outwardly to bias a first end of the spring, an insert secured to the base member, the insert extending upwardly into the hollow tube with a second end of the spring being biased against the insert, the rod having a lower end secured against a bottom portion of the shroud.

Abstract: A method of feeding a non-livestock ruminant animal a feed composition including a phytogenic composition for improving performance during periods of heat stress involves determining the non-livestock ruminant animal is experiencing heat stress during a period of heat stress conditions, and feeding the heat stressed non-livestock ruminant animal the feed composition including an amount of the phytogenic composition that is effective to improve performance. A method of feeding a non-livestock ruminant animal a feed composition including a phytogenic composition for improving performance in anticipation of periods of heat stress involves determining a potential for heat stress is increased based on one or more of historical weather patterns or short-term forecasts, and feeding the non-livestock ruminant animal the feed composition including the phytogenic composition based on the determined potential for heat stress.

Abstract: An automatic feeding system for preparing at least one feed ration from a plurality of feed types includes a feed kitchen with multiple feed storage places for storing a plurality of feed types, a feed distributing device for receiving feed from the feed kitchen, a feed loading device to load feed from each of the feed storage places into the feed distributing device, and a control system to control the automatic feeding system. The control system includes a graphical user interface with a display screen, including a floor plan with first representations of each of the feed storage places, which representations are formed based on at least the feed storage location data, and second representations of the feed types.

Abstract: A sound emitting bowl assembly capable of holding liquid or solid food where a plurality of light emitting photo diodes and photo sensors are aimed at each other across the top plane of the bowl so that when a spoon breaks the plane of light, a message or melody, that has been pre-recorded and stored below the base of the bowl, automatically plays. Additionally, LED lights located on the outside of the bowl become illuminated as the message or melody is played. The photo diodes, photo sensors and LEDs are mounted on a separate bowl retaining assembly so that the bowl may be removed from the bowl retaining assembly for cleaning purposes and then replaced into the bowl retaining assembly for further use.

Abstract: An animal-operated puzzle and treat toy, includes a body that includes a storage portion defining a treat cavity and a manipulator element connected to the body. The manipulator element is adjustable relative to the body to produce an access opening, to the treat cavity, that is large enough such that a food treat or other reward item may be released through the access opening to the environment. In an initial state, the manipulator element blocks the food treat or other reward item from being released from the treat cavity, and in an adjusted state, the manipulator element has been adjusted, relative to the body, such that the access opening is produced. A plurality of different possible initial states are provided to correspond to different levels of difficulty required to produce the access opening.

Abstract: A mountable feed bucket suitable for securing to a fence rail, having a receptacle and one or more brackets for securing the mountable feed bucket to the fence rail. The brackets include multiple bracket legs forming a vacuous area with the receptacle suitable for receiving a fence rail. Further, a removable secondary mount is provided to facilitate affixation to other structures, such as stall walls and doors, bars or girders of portable horse stalls, and like structures. Methods for mounting feed buckets are also provided.

Abstract: An elevated feeding tray apparatus includes an elevated base including a vertical side wall; a plurality of legs extending from the vertical side wall of the elevated base; and a tray including a bowl including a rim, the bowl being watertight below the rim; wherein the elevated base and the plurality of legs are integrally formed from substantially the same material and the elevated base is configured to hold the rim of the tray at an angle with respect to a horizontal plane.

Abstract: A bird feeder cable lid lock is provided for a bird feeder having a feed reservoir body with a removable lid having an aperture therein, and a wire or cable threaded through the aperture by which the feeder is suspended in use. The cable lid lock includes a threaded bolt having an axial hole through which the hanging cable is fed and an internally threaded base element in abutment with the lid and having a stepped or tapered bore with a diminishing diameter that receives the bolt. The bolt has a relief cut in the shank to form at least two arms on different sides of the cable. The arms are pressed toward one another as the bolt is tightened into the diminishing diameter base element bore, squeezing the cable where it extends through the bolt and exerting a significant force normal to the cable that, with the coefficient of friction, creates a very effective locking action on the cable to secure the lid against the feed reservoir body.

Abstract: A deer feeder includes an upper enclosure, a collapsible middle sleeve, a bottom enclosure, and a feed distribution mechanism. At least three support members may be attached to the upper enclosure for holding the deer feeder in a vertical position. The upper enclosure, collapsible middle sleeve, and bottom enclosure may form a feed storage area that is rainproof. The feed storage area may be made rainproof by attaching a top opening of the collapsible middle sleeve to an inner wall of the upper enclosure and a bottom opening of the collapsible middle sleeve to an outer wall of the bottom enclosure. The feed distribution mechanism may include an auger for removing feed from the feed storage area and/or a centrifugal force mechanism for dispersing feed around the deer feeder.

Abstract: A rotatable container includes a projection that protrudes into the container and is aligned with an opening at a first end of the container. The projection defines a concave surface with a ramp that guides treats through the opening when oriented vertically. The container may be cylindrical and sit on a base defining a cylindrical seat. A second end of the container engages a rotator on the base that is driven by a motor. A front wall of the container may define an opening that aligns with the opening of the container when the ramp is oriented vertically. A sensor may sense a position of the projection and invoke pausing of rotation by the motor.

Abstract: A method to determine a body condition score of an animal including: providing a three-dimensional camera system configured and arranged to record at least one three-dimensional image of the animal, and an image processing device to process the image; recording at least one three-dimensional image of the animal; processing the image. The processing the image includes: forming a three-dimensional surface representation of a part of the animal from the three-dimensional image recorded by the three-dimensional camera system; determining, in the image, reference points of the animal, at least including hook bone points and pin bone points of the animal; selecting a surface part of the animal representative for a body condition of the animal using the reference points; analyzing a first parameter representative for a body condition of the animal of the selected surface part; and determining the body condition score based on the first parameter.

Abstract: A tree mountable bracket for suspending a bucket therefrom. The tree mountable bucket bracket includes a V-shaped member with a first segment and a second segment extended from a vertex point forming an angle. The first segment has a first bar attached distally from the vertex point. The first bar has a first end and a second end, the first end and the second end each have a hole. The second segment has a brace attached distally from the vertex point. A cable is secured in the hole of the first end of the first bar. An extension arm is attached via a hinge to the V-shaped member at a point adjacent to the vertex point opposite of the first and the second segment. The extension arm has a chain slot on an end distal to the hinge. A pulley is attached to the extension arm adjacent to the chain slot.

Abstract: A biodegradable target disk device for hunters which breaks apart into edible pieces of food for small and larger animals in the hunting zone when struck by a shell from a shotgun.

Abstract: This invention relates to the administration of an animal immunoglobulin source to mammals such as dairy cattle to improve milk production without negatively affecting reproductive parameters.

Abstract: An illustrative embodiment of a top surface mover generally comprises a vertical portion engaged with a horizontal portion and an engagement pad. The horizontal portion may include a mounting member to engage the top surface mover with a prime mover. The vertical portion and horizontal portion may be of variable length so that the position of the engagement pad with respect to the prime mover may be variable in at least two dimensions. The illustrative embodiment of a top surface mover is complimentary to an illustrative embodiment of a method of use wherein the top surface mover is configured to position top surface pieces accurately.

Abstract: Reconfigurable pet toy products and releasable twist-locking interfaces which may be used in connection with the reconfigurable pet toy products are disclosed. Some example reconfigurable pet toy products may comprise at least one middle piece, a first end piece, and a second end piece. The different pieces may couple with one another in multiple different configurations. The middle piece may include an internal cavity and a chew access window. The end pieces, when coupled with the middle piece according to one configuration, may provide closures for the internal cavity. In another configuration, the first and second end pieces may be coupled directly together, without the middle piece. In still further configurations, multiple middle pieces may be coupled together, and a variety of different middle pieces and/or end pieces may be mixed and matched.

Abstract: A hanging assemblage holding plants and feed for a bird and protecting the bird and the feed from a rodent. The hanging assemblage includes a feeder assembly, a planter assembly, and a protective assembly. The feeder assembly holds the feed for the bird. The planter assembly extends replaceably upwardly from the feeder assembly and holds the plants 12. The protective assembly is affixed around the planter assembly, is spaced over the feeder assembly, and protects the bird and the feed from the rodent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for monitoring in real time the nutriment intake (feed and/or water) of farm animals, including but not limited to poultry, turkeys, pigs and cows, based on the measurement and identification of the nutriment uptake sounds and/or the working of the nutriment supply system, while the presence and eating position of the animals is monitored by using real-time image analysis.

Abstract: An apparatus for the portion wise dispensing of animal feed as reward or training aid and methods of use. An exemplary apparatus including an oblong handle, with a rear opening for inserting rod shaped animal feed, a front opening for leaving out, dispensing, or exposing the animal feed, a transport mechanism which comprises a first drive wheel and a second drive wheel which serves as a counter wheel, wherein the animal feed can be transported by rotating the first drive wheel forward as well as backward, and laterally arranged spring elements that prevent animal feed from falling from the apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a grid flap (1) for use in a filling device or scale, especially in food processing, wherein the grid flap (1) comprises a metal frame (2) and a metal grid (4), and wherein the grid (4) comprises a plurality of braces (4h, 4v), which are connected to the frame (2) on their respective final sections.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle for interacting with a pet. The unmanned aerial vehicle includes a processor-based monitoring device to provide a behavioral assessment of the pet, an activity recommender to select an activity program dependent on the behavioral assessment, a motor mounted on the unmanned aerial vehicle to provide aerial movement based on the activity program, and an activity coordinator to perform a function based on the activity program. The function includes activating feedback outputs upon completion of the activity program.

Abstract: A feed system (1) for the feeding of animals, comprising: —a feed wagon (3), having: •a holder (4), •a dispensing device (5), •a regulating unit (8), comprising a sending and receiving device (9), and being connected to a drive and control system, and —a feed loading device (12), —a feed site, —a central control system (16) provided with a sending and receiving device (17) which is configured to communicate wirelessly with the sending and receiving device of the regulating unit, and comprising a memory in which are stored navigation data on the basis of which the feed wagon is capable of covering a route from the feed loading site to the feed site, and wherein the central control system transmits a packet of data comprising these navigation data to the regulating unit. The regulating unit regulates the drive and control system on the basis of that packet of data.

Abstract: A hay feeder for large square bales (e.g., 3?×3?×8? ones weighting on the order of 700-800 pounds). The feeder is designed to be operable by one person to load the bale into the feeder and includes an elongated chute with four, vertical side members. In use, one of the side members can be pivoted downwardly to a substantially horizontal position and the elongated hay bale positioned on it. Thereafter, it can be raised back to its vertical position to lift the hay bale with it to a vertical position within the elongated chute. The chute and bale have respective upper and lower end sections and the chute has openings at its lower end section to provide access through them to the lower end section of the hay bale. Cover members are provided to selectively cover and uncover the openings to selectively permit and prevent access through them by the livestock.

Abstract: A pet proximity opened food dish device opens a pet food dish for a specific pet. The device includes a bowl having an interior space configured for holding pet food. A lid is positionable between an open position providing access to the interior space and a closed position wherein the lid inhibits access to the interior space. An actuator is coupled to the bowl and the lid. The actuator selectively positions the lid in the closed position and the open position. A remote transmitter is coupled to a pet and a sensor is coupled to the bowl. The sensor detects when the remote transmitter is within a threshold distance from the bowl. The actuator is communicatively coupled to the sensor wherein the actuator positions the lid in the open position when the remote transmitter is within the threshold distance from the bowl.

Abstract: A livestock feeder with improved corrosion resistance and collapse resistance is described. The feeder comprises a polymeric cylinder with an open top and an interior surface. The interior surface defines a hollow interior where feedstuffs can be placed. One or more feeding portals extend through the cylinder to provide livestock access to feedstuffs. The feeding portals include a lower ledge against which livestock exerts a force while accessing feedstuffs in the feeder interior. A reinforcing annulus extends around the interior surface of the feeder proximate to and below the lower feeding portal ledge. The reinforcing annulus may be integrally formed with the polymeric cylinder or separately formed and attached to the polymeric cylinder. The feeder can withstand repeated feedings without collapse.

Abstract: A seed port for a bird feeder, the seed port being insertable into an aperture formed in the wall of the bird feeder, the seed port having at least one protrusion formed on a rear face of a front wall, the protrusion extending into a notch formed in a wall defining the aperture in the side wall. The seed port is not removeable after insertion.

Abstract: A feed level sensor for a poultry feeding system is positioned within the drop tube of a control feeder of the feeding system. The sensor comprise a first light emitter/light detector pair to detect when the level of feed in the drop tube falls below a predetermined “empty” level and a second light emitter/light detector pair to detect when feed in the drop tube is at a predetermined “full” level in the drop tube. The sensor emits a “start” signal to activate a drive to deliver feed to the feeders along a feed line when it is detected that feed in the control feeder drop tube falls below the “empty” level and emits a “stop” signal to deactivate the drive when it detects that feed within the drop tube is at the “full” level.

Abstract: The present development is a toy for a pet having a housing and at least one rotatable member, wherein the toy has at least one hidden cavity for accommodating a treat. The rotatable member enhances the degree of difficulty for the pet to gain access to the cavity.

Abstract: A selective bird feeding apparatus includes a housing having an access opening and door mounted positionable in a closed condition or in an open condition relative to the access opening. A drive mechanism is actuated to move the door to the closed condition or to the open condition. An actuator coupled to the drive mechanism includes a sensor which radiates energy to a position adjacent to the opening. The sensor receives reflected radiation reflected off of an object adjacent to the opening. A control circuit assigns an input value to the reflected radiation which is compared with a stored standard value. The actuator actuates the drive mechanism to move the door to the closed condition when the input value is outside a threshold limit of the standard value and actuates the drive mechanism to move the door to the open condition when the input value is within the threshold limit.

Abstract: A container, a container-positioning stand, and a pan are provided. The pan is provided beneath the container and stand for containing liquid spills. The pan has primary spacers above forming a primary space and secondary spacers below forming a secondary space. The container has a generally cylindrical configuration with an annular lip. The stand has an annular top member removably receiving the container. The stand has downwardly extending legs.