A colony basket and method of using the same for handling poultry from DOC through the growing process and on to a production facility comprising a harvesting system, a loading system, a transport system, an unloading and storing system, hanging system and cleaning system. The system and method performs the steps of harvesting and colonizing live poultry into a singly stackable and transportable colony basket, stacking and loading the trays on a transport, unloading and temporarily storing the poultry for subsequent processing.

A colony basket and method of using the same for handling poultry from DOC through the growing process and on to a production facility comprising a harvesting system, a loading system, a transport system, an unloading and storing system, hanging system and cleaning system. The system and method performs the steps of harvesting and colonizing live poultry into a singly stackable and transportable colony basket, stacking and loading the trays on a transport, unloading and temporarily storing the poultry for subsequent processing. The system and method further includes the use of a modular colony basket for interchangeable use with the described system.

A reduced-weight poultry cage is used in conjunction with a reduced-weight trailer to transport live poultry for maximizing the poundage of poultry being transported while reducing the number of trips and fuel expenses. The poultry cage includes a combination of aluminum and plastic elements that reduce cage weight, provide for nesting of cages in stacks as well as easy replacement of failed parts. Furthermore, a drop-deck aluminum trailer with a reduced floor and guide rail alignment stops allows for a durable yet lightweight trailer that can haul a plurality of stacks of these poultry cages, thereby maximizing cubic feet availability while being compliant with various road and bridge laws.

A reduced-weight poultry cage is used in conjunction with a reduced-weight trailer to transport live poultry for maximizing the poundage of poultry being transported while reducing the number of trips and fuel expenses. The poultry cage includes a combination of aluminum and plastic elements that reduce cage weight, provide for nesting of cages in stacks as well as easy replacement of failed parts. Furthermore, a drop-deck aluminum trailer with a reduced floor and guide rail alignment stops allows for a durable yet lightweight trailer that can haul a plurality of stacks of these poultry cages, thereby maximizing cubic feet availability while being compliant with various road and bridge laws.

A method of tending to livestock within a livestock confinement facility includes a vehicle having a support frame, a drive unit, and an elevated platform. The support frame extends vertically upward from a base and has a lower portion and an upper portion with the drive unit being operatively attached to the base. The elevated platform is affixed to the upper portion of the support frame and configured to support an operator thereon while moving along the livestock confinement facility. The method includes supporting the operator on the elevated platform within the livestock confinement facility. The method further includes moving the vehicle along a floor of the livestock confinement facility in order to move the operator along the livestock confinement facility from atop the elevated platform such that the operator tends to livestock from atop the elevated platform.

A system and method for the monitoring of ammonia in a fluid. The ammonia monitoring system includes an ammonia sensor that is configured to detect trace amounts of ammonia (NH.sub.3) in a fluid (i.e., gas or liquid) that is pumped through it in real time. The real time ammonia sensor includes an interferometer configured to track the amount of ammonia that is pumped into the real time ammonia sensor. The ammonia monitoring system, via the real time ammonia sensor, is further configured to detect ammonia levels in industrial poultry houses and provide electronic feedback to the building's ventilation control system.

A system and method for the monitoring of ammonia in a fluid. The ammonia monitoring system includes an ammonia sensor that is configured to detect trace amounts of ammonia (NH.sub.3) in a fluid (i.e., gas or liquid) that is pumped through it in real time. The real time ammonia sensor includes an interferometer configured to track the amount of ammonia that is pumped into the real time ammonia sensor. The ammonia monitoring system, via the real time ammonia sensor, is further configured to detect ammonia levels in industrial poultry houses and provide electronic feedback to the building's ventilation control system.

The disclosure relates to a spray applicator system for accurately and precisely dosing liquid formulations, including vaccines and probiotic formulations, to caged avian animals. In particular, the disclosure relates to spray applicators, having improved acceptance by the avian animals, relative to more disruptive prior spray applicators. The disclosed automated caged spray applicator system is designed to attach to and function with automated poultry feeding systems, routinely used in poultry house settings.

A device for facilitating the placing of poultry animals supplied on at least one poultry conveyor into containers is provided with a frame, a number of first platforms mounted on the frame and extending horizontally at a first level for the purpose of carrying a container for each of the poultry conveyors. Each first platform is located at the end of a poultry conveyor. At least a first discharge transport element is mounted on the frame at the first level and extending transversely of the poultry conveyors and situated on the side of the platforms facing away from the poultry conveyor for the purpose of carrying away containers filled with poultry. A first connecting element extends between the first discharge transport element and each of the first platforms and mounted on the frame for the purpose of transporting containers filled with poultry between the relevant platform and the discharge transport element. The invention also relates to a method.

Various apparatus and associated methods involve a light source that provides light at wavelengths that substantially correlate to local maxima in the spectral sensitivity of a diurnal avian. In an illustrative example, the light source may output light primarily in wavelength bands that are not substantially absorbed by colored oil droplets and/or visual pigment in at least one type of cone in the eye of a diurnal avian. In some embodiments, the light source may include a light-emitting diode (LED) light source. Exemplary light sources may output spectral components to illuminate diurnal avians with local maxima of intensity at wavelengths that substantially correspond to local maxima in a spectral sensitivity visual response characteristic of the diurnal avians.