Abstract: A suet bird feeder system for efficiently providing suet plugs for birds to consume. The suet bird feeder system includes a housing unit having at least one opening with a rear wall and a straight or tapered inner wall, a support member extending from the rear wall, and a suet plug having a tapered sidewall formed to fit within the opening. A storage tray preferably has a plurality of storage cavities having a tapered structure for receiving and storing the suet plugs prior to insertion within the opening.

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: An animal feeder, including a sturdy, molded plastic base, and a horizontally extending deck for receiving two or more water and food bowls, and legs or sidewalls secured to the deck for retaining same in an elevated position. Recesses are defined in the deck to receive the bowls. Wells are formed in the interior of the base, and communicate with the recesses. In the preferred embodiment, the wells store limited quantities of dry food, or treats, below each recess so that the food may be accessed by removing the bowl. In an alternative embodiment, the wells are formed with ledges or lips that engage the covers of food containers for “wet” food. Access to the wells, or to the interior of the base of a two component dog feeder, may be gained by removing the cover.

Abstract: A fodder mixing wagon including a fodder mixing container equipped with at least one vertical auger above the bottom region, and including an undercarriage having a chassis and ground wheels, is provided with an active adjusting system for adjusting the fodder distribution within the mixing container in at least two opposed directions being substantially parallel to the bottom region, the adjusting system being equipped with at least one sensor arrangement for detecting either the actual fodder weight distribution within and/or the inclination of the mixing container. The adjusting system allows to actuate actuators for adjustable counter blades provided in the mixing container and/or mixing container/slanting devices, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for supplying bioavailable methionine to a cow which comprises supplying to the cow an ester of methionine or methionine amide and/or an ester of the hydroxy analogue of methionine or a salt thereof.

Abstract: A treat dispensing device includes a dispenser mechanism for dispensing individual treats, and a clicking mechanism associated with the dispenser mechanism for providing a clicking noise to signal and reward an animal each time the dispenser mechanism is operated to dispense a treat. The device includes a housing and a dispenser wheel rotatably connected to the housing. The dispenser wheel and housing define a plurality of compartments for holding individual treats. A bottom opening is provided in the housing through which individual treats can be loaded into the compartments and from which the treats can be dispensed. The clicking mechanism includes a structure which is biased into engagement with an inner surface of the dispenser wheel. The inner surface has a plurality of circumferentially spaced grooves corresponding in number to the compartments, so that a clicking noise is made each time the dispenser wheel is rotated to expose another compartment.

Abstract: A feeding apparatus for use within a terrarium for feeding insects such as crickets to reptiles and/or other animals in the terrarium. The apparatus consists of a structure having a chamber in which the insects can move about, a cover that provides access to the chamber for introducing insects and powder supplements to the chamber, and a small port and manually removable port plug for enabling the insects to exit the chamber to the terrarium when the plug is removed. The structure and cover may create the image of a simulated rock. The feeding apparatus has a substantially flat surface for maintaining the rock structure in a stable position in the terrarium.

Abstract: A veterinary pill/capsule delivery device comprised of a dispensing head for holding a pill or capsule, the dispensing head being attached to the end of a syringe component for ejecting the pill or capsule out from the dispensing head into the animal's mouth while at the same time injecting a quantity of water into the mouth. The syringe component includes a push-rod that protrudes into dispensing head for ejecting the pill/capsule therefrom, plus water release holes near the dispensing head for simultaneously jetting water out of the syringe component into the animal's mouth, thereby compelling the animal to swallow the pill.

Abstract: An animal treat dispensing and training device formed of a resilient material and defining a closed end and an elliptically shaped, slightly convex, dispensing end having an arcuate slot extending about the lower periphery thereof such that upon squeezing the dispenser adjacent its dispensing end, the slot is caused to open allowing one or more treats to be readily dispensed therefrom. Upon releasing the pressure on the dispenser, it returns to its prior disposition, closing and sealing the slot to again secure the remaining treats within the dispenser. A bell is attached to the device for attracting the attention of the animal to be trained whereby the user can shake the dispenser to alert the animal to a command and dispense the treat with the simple squeezing motion of the same hand to effect patterned response learning.

Abstract: A static feeder system for supplying feed aggregate to animals and birds. A constant and controlled amount of protein pellets, grain, seeds, etc., is supplied to multiple feed stations within an environmentally protected bulk container. A bulk container is used as the primary storage hopper and appropriate cut-outs are made on the base periphery of the container equal to the number of feed stations desired. A single piece of material is inserted to provide the sealed walls and the base shape for each feed station on the drum periphery. The base absorbs and distributes the bulk load from the hopper and funnels it to the drum base. The base component and the multiple funnel component moldings to form a two component assembly which provides internally protected feed pockets that control the quantity and shape of the emerging feed aggregate flowing from the bulk container.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a flea feeding apparatus and method for obtaining in vivo feeding data for fleas feeding from a blood source. In particular, the present invention is directed to a flea feeding apparatus and method for obtaining in vivo flea feeding data for fleas feeding from blood sources such as, for example, a mammal or reptile. The flea feeding apparatus includes a containment system comprised of a subject-restraining apparatus and a removable housing that confine the fleas in proximity with the blood source in order to obtain in vivo flea feeding data. This invention allows a known quantity of fleas to feed on a test blood source undisturbed, followed by the recovery of all of the fleas for further observation and analysis, with minimal stress and manipulation of the blood source (test animal host).

Abstract: Agents for promoting fattening of animals which contain as the active ingredient(s) at least one member selected from among acids originating in hexoses, non-toxic salts thereof and intramolecular esterification products thereof; and a method of promoting fattening by using these agents.

Abstract: The invention relates to an animal feed supplement containing free D-pantothenic acid and/or its salts, and to an improved method for the production thereof. The invention also relates to the use of the animal feed supplement in the field of animal feeding.

Abstract: A pet feeding system having a support structure for supporting a feeding vessel in an elevated position. The feeding vessel is detachable from the support structure for convenient filling with foodstuff, or for use separate from the support structure. The feeding system provides a comfortable feeding position for a dog, or other such pet. Moreover, the feeding system provides a convenient internal storage compartment for storing foodstuff prior to dispensing in the feeding vessel.

Abstract: A system and method is shown for processing animals, such as calves, from birth to slaughter by utilizing hot-fed rations during the feeding process. The system and method reduces or eliminates the need to use hormones and simultaneously reduces or eliminates the need to sterilize the meat products. Each calf or animal is weaned at a weaning station, fed at a feeding station, slaughtered at a slaughter station to provide a carcass that is substantially the same size as other carcasses for the same breed of animal processed in the system. The consistent carcass size enables manufacture of consistent carcasses which, in turn, facilitates providing substantially the same size meat cuts. This feature enables use of a standard-size packaging, such as a case-ready package, which may be shipped for display and purchase at a store.

Abstract: A dispensing system (200) for chewable pet toys (100) contains multiple toys and dispenses them at intervals determined by one or more modes of operation. A display (220) and keypad (400) are used to enter programming data into the memory of a microprocessor (315). When the system is in operation, the display indicates progress through the program, the mode of operation whether MANUAL, RANDOM, or BMOD (behavior modification), the time elapsed, and the number of toys remaining. At various times, sounds emanate from a loudspeaker (320), vibration emanates from a vibrator (328), light emanates from a light source (325), and odor emanates from an odor generator (327). Toys are dispensed down a ramp (225), at predetermined times, or at predetermined times modified by random numbers. Predetermined dispensations permit modification of the pet's behavior (BMOD). Random variations on a predetermined schedule of dispensations (RANDOM) prevent the pet from memorizing a schedule.

Abstract: A unitary truncated conical insert for installation in the interior of flat bottom animal feeders to prevent accumulation of particulate or granular feed material on the flat bottom and allow all of the feed material to flow through the outlet hole of the feeder. The insert also has a cavity for receiving a desiccant to absorb moisture that may otherwise be absorbed by the feed material to flow through the outlet hole of the feeder, prevent sticking, clumping and spoilage of the feed material, and prevent wet feed material from damaging the feeder or its dispensing mechanism. The insert can be easily and quickly trimmed to fit the interior of a wide range of commercially available drum type and pail type animal feeders. In a preferred embodiment, the insert is formed of polystyrene foam material.

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, and applying the selected BCS and at least one other criterion including diet or activity level to a model to determine a predicted body condition score.

Abstract: An animal feeder support device for maintaining a feed container on a substantially vertically extending support member a distance above the ground. The animal feeder support device comprises a stabilizing member, a container support frame, an arm, a first cable, a second cable, and an adjustable strap assembly. The stabilizing member is disposable in a substantially vertical position on the substantially vertically extending support member. The container support frame has an opening sized to receive a feed dispenser of the feed container when the feed container is positioned on the container support frame. The arm has a medial portion connected to the stabilizing member. The first and second cables are adjustably connected to the container support frame. The adjustable strap assembly is connectable to the arm near the medial portion of the arm so that the strap assembly is extendable about the vertically extending support member.

Abstract: A feeder for a cage, designed to reduce the scattering of food and to provide a cleaner and healthier caged environment, wherein the cage has a wall and an interior space for housing an animal such as a bird, including a cage door. The feeder comprises a feeder mechanism which includes a feeder receptacle attached to an extension structure, wherein the extension structure extends between the receptacle and the wall of said cage. The extension structure is manually engageable and adjustable for positioning the feeder receptacle at a selected location in the interior space of the cage and at a selected location at a cage door for access to the feeder receptacle.

Abstract: A pet dish for holding pet food or water includes a dish portion having a top wall and a peripheral side wall that is attached to a peripheral edge of the top wall and extends downward therefrom. The top wall has at least one depression therein and defines a food receptacle. The at least one depression is centrally disposed in the top wall such that a margin of the top wall is formed extending around the depression. A handle is attached to the margin and extends upwardly therefrom.

Abstract: A bird feeding accessory comprising a collet, having a collar with a threaded cap, the collar housing a resilient sleeve; wherein the threaded cap may be tightened around a variety of resilient sleeves, each sleeve being adapted to grip a rod of varying size by use of a slit in the sleeve and co-operating tapered sections in the collar and sleeve.

Abstract: The first skirt portion has an outward extension in the form of a substantially smooth upper circumferential edge, wherein the upper edge itself has an extension in the form of a second skirt portion extending downwardly and outwardly to a lower circumferential edge. The bottom portion has on its lower face an adhesive member such as a two-sided adhesive. The ratio of the average inner diameter of the first skirt portion to the inner height of the bowl is at least about 3, and advantageously ranges from about 3.5 to 7.5, and preferably, from 4 to 6.

Abstract: A system for and method of determining a formulation for an animal feed having a customized nucleic acid material content. 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 nucleic acid material content. The optimized nucleic acid material content can be used to maximize satisfaction of an evaluation criteria.

Abstract: A system for and method of determining a formulation for an animal feed having a customized nucleic acid material content. 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 nucleic acid material content. The optimized nucleic acid material content can be used to maximize satisfaction of an evaluation criteria.

Abstract: A pet dish apparatus includes a dish-shaped base unit which has a first dish lock portion in the form of an annular groove on an inside surface of the dish-shaped base unit and includes a dish member received in the dish-shaped base unit. The dish member includes a second dish lock portion in the form of an annular tongue on the outside surface of the dish member which is engageable with the first dish lock portion annular groove. The dish member is received in the dish-shaped base unit in a nesting manner. An annular peripheral top ring extends outward from a dish wall of the dish member. Two dish-shaped base units can be connected together with an annular peripheral top ring in a form of a figure-eight.

Abstract: An automatic food dispenser for animals, fish or the like, comprising a housing, controls, and with a hopper within, for containing food, the base of the hopper having an opening for the food to exit, and the opening is in close proximity to a dispensing mechanism. The mechanism has a surface, thus creating a sufficient seal to prevent the undesired escape of food from the hopper and has an aperture on its surface, whereupon, with the rotation of the dispensing mechanism about its axis, and the subsequent alignment of the aperture with opening at the base of the hopper, feed may escape from the hopper through the aperture, and hence directly through the open base of the dispensing mechanism, the volume of feed dispensed being a function of the variable speed of rotation, and the number of “to and fro” motions of the dispensing mechanism past the feed exit.

Abstract: An animal feed support stand includes a plurality of elongated support legs. A protective housing is mounted on the legs, and defines an open bottom adapted for receiving an above-ground feed container for storing and dispensing animal feed. A carriage carries the feed container. A hoist cable moves the carriage vertically between a lowered fill position, whereby the feed container is located beneath the protective housing for filling, and a raised feed-dispensing position, whereby the feed container is located within the protective housing for dispensing feed to a ground surface below.

Abstract: An animal treat dispensing and training device formed of a resilient material and defining a closed end and an elliptically shaped, slightly convex, dispensing end having an arcuate slot extending about the lower periphery thereof such that upon squeezing the dispenser adjacent its dispensing end, the slot is caused to open allowing one or more treats to be readily dispensed therefrom. Upon releasing the pressure on the dispenser, it returns to its prior disposition, closing and sealing the slot to again secure the remaining treats within the dispenser. A bell is attached to the device for attracting the attention of the animal to be trained whereby the user can shake the dispenser to alert the animal to a command and dispense the treat with the simple squeezing motion of the same hand to effect patterned response learning.

Abstract: A bird feeder construction (10) wherein, a conventional transparent beverage receptacle (100) forms the seed dispensing unit (12) which is captively engaged in a framework member (40) attached to a base member (20) wherein, the framework member (40) includes a front wall (45) and a rear wall (41) that engage the front and rear of the neck portion (101) of the beverage receptacle (100) which is penetratingly engaged by a rod member (50) that extends through the front (45) and rear (41) walls and a pair of cross-arm elements (47) (47) which are disposed on top of the front (45) and rear (41) walls to provide lateral support to the beverage receptacle (100) in its vertically upright position.

Abstract: This invention is a small animal feeder that physically restricts access to food by medium to large size animals. It is comprised of a 12 inch cube of cardboard with an extra elongated front forming a vertical 3½ inch silt. A plastic feeder tray filled with food is inserted inside. It is the size and shape of the front opening that functions as both the barrier to medium to large size animals while allowing unlimited access to small animals. Currently used or patented pet feeders do not discriminate between medium to large size animals and smaller animals where access to dispensed food is concerned.

Abstract: A bird feeder that uses the standard size half-gallon rectangular milk type containers commonly used for liquids. The bird feeder includes a base having a front and back. A back support is attached near the back of the base. Two side supports are attached to the base and the back support. A front support is attached between the two side supports. A feed lip is attached to the base near the front of the base. A container area is formed by the front, back, and side supports and is sized just enough to receive and fit the milk type container. A container lip support mounted in the container area between the side supports and near the base to aid in retaining a lip of the milk type container in position.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for placing in a stall to dispense fodder to animals in the stall in controlled manner, which apparatus includes a foot and a superstructure on the foot, which foot has a broad base on the side directed toward a floor of the stall for stability during use, and is formed from elements which can be assembled in situ in the stall.

Abstract: A wild game feeder which channels feed to feed ports through channels in an insert. The game feeder has a feed chamber with a flared base, preferably conical. An insert fits reversibly into the flared base. When feed is added to the feed chamber the insert distributes the feed evenly in the flared base and directs the feed uniformly through channels by gravity to the feed ports in the base. As the feed spills from the feed ports to the ground, the feed accumulates at the feed ports so as to prevent further spillage until an animal consumes the feed. The flared contour of the base prevents deer from injuring their growing antlers on the feed chamber as they feed.

Abstract: Improved extrusion-processed daily ration animal feeds are provided which include minor amounts of actives to ensure that an animal consuming the feed receives quantities of the actives sufficient to establish and maintain substantially constant concentrations of the actives in the animal's bloodstream. The feeds may be produced by extrusion with addition of minor quantities of one or more actives so as to uniformly distribute the actives throughout the extruded product.

Abstract: Bait for attracting crustaceans and non-crustaceans which are caught in trap fishery. The bait includes a pelletized carrier composed of ingredients intended for long life in sea water. The pelletized carrier is mixed with specific attractants depending on the desired catch and a fish oil is added to coat the pellets and attractant and to allow for the timed release of the attractant. In experiments to date, it has been found that the use of the pelletized carrier and attractant together with the fish oil coating has been effective as a bait in attracting catch and has an extended life within the traps.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that prevents a pet from tipping over a food dish. The dish is placed in an open framework having a lid that covers only a portion of the dish, allowing a pet to access the dish for feeding. The apparatus includes spikes to anchor the framework into the ground. Additionally, the apparatus includes extensions, to adjust the height of the dish above the ground.

Abstract: A data logging device for logging data associated with feed ingredients added to and feed ration removed from a feed delivery vehicle having a feed container and an electronic weigh scale for generating a signal representative of the weight of feed in the container, comprising: a display and user input device; means responsive to an increase in the signal for displaying the weight of material added to the container and responsive to input of an ingredient identification code for storing the the identification code and the weight of a feed ingredient added to the container; means responsive to a decrease in the signal for displaying the weight of feed ration discharged from the container and responsive to an input animal pen identification code for storing the pen identification code and the weight of material discharged at the animal pen; means for calculating the weight of each ingredient previously loaded into the container contained in the ration discharged at the pen; and means for storing the weight of e

Abstract: The invention provides a feeding enclosure system, and a method of providing selective animal access to food. The feeding enclosure system includes an enclosure having an orifice that is sized to selectively allow one animal to pass through while preventing a second animal from passing through, and a base configured for coupling to the enclosure. The method selects an orifice size of an enclosure configured to accommodate animal feeding, and removes material from an enclosure to create the orifice so that an animal may pass through the orifice while a second animal is prohibited from passing through the orifice.

Abstract: An arrangement for feeding of animals, in particular pigs and sows, kept in a free-range herd, comprises a carrousel divided into a number of feeding enclosures so that a large number of animals may be automatically and individually fed. A common inlet with a registration system leads to the feeding enclosures of the carrousel. The animals are identified, weighed and may optionally have the temperature, the thickness of the fat layer and an image recorded. All data are stored in a computer system controlling the operation of the arrangement, including separation of animals from the herd. The computer system optionally being connected to a remote, central computer for surveillance of its operation and of the individual animal.

Abstract: A dispenser for use by an animal includes a base portion and an upper portion defined by at least one wall enclosing a container cavity, the at least one wall including at least one opening providing access to the container cavity. The at least one opening is disposed in the upper portion of the at least one wall. and is constructed and arranged for placement in and removal from the container cavity of units to be obtained by the animal. The dispenser further includes a weighted body fixed to the at least one wall of the dispenser in the base portion, the weighted body providing means for return of the dispenser after movement to a position defined as an upright position with the upper portion above the base portion. The dispenser can be moved on a surface in an oscillating and/or sliding motion by the animal for dispensing a unit from the at least one opening.

Abstract: A feed dish assembly for use in combination with a cage having a cage side formed as a lattice of horizontal and vertical members. The feed dish assembly includes a dispenser and mounting structure wherein the mounting structure includes a pair of elongated leg members having enlarged end portions. The mounting structure further includes a slide member having a pair of slots for engaging over the leg members wherein the slide member is retained on the leg members between the dispenser and the enlarged portions to retain the dispenser in engagement with the side of a cage with the leg members extending through the lattice structure.

Abstract: A pet feeding system having a support structure for supporting a feeding vessel in an elevated position. The feeding vessel is detachable from the support structure for convenient filling with foodstuff, or for use separate from the support structure. The feeding system provides a comfortable feeding position for a dog, or other such pet. Moreover, the feeding system provides a convenient internal storage compartment for storing foodstuff prior to dispensing in the feeding vessel.

Abstract: A bird feeder includes a vessel for holding seeds. A removable access tunnel external to the vessel is coupled thereto at a seed opening in the vessel. The access tunnel, as well as a bar across a bottom portion of the access tunnel opening restricts access to seeds by other than birds. A removable seed cover for the opening held on by the access tunnel is made of a flexible material and includes a seed opening sized and shaped to restrict a number of seeds extractable on a given attempt.

Abstract: A method is provided for improving the flavor, tenderness and/or consumer acceptability of the meat of domestic fowl. The method includes feeding low levels of long chain omega-3 and/or omega-6 HUFAs to the fowl, preferably during the later stages of the production cycle. The method can also result in improved nutrition value in the meat of the fowl.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that prevents of pet from tipping over a food dish. The dish is placed in an open framework having a lid that covers only of portion of the dish, allowing a pet to access the dish for feeding. The apparatus includes spikes to anchor the framework into the ground. Additionally, the apparatus includes extensions, to adjust the height of the dish above the ground.

Abstract: The livestock feeder encompasses a round bale of hay horizontally. Exposing only the flat ends to feeding livestock. The feeder shelters hay while it remains accessible to all sizes of livestock. In the preferred embodiment the invention is a molded unitary plastic shell. Being circular in shape having symmetrically open ends acting as a rigid sleeve to receive the roll of forage until entirely consumed.