A feeding apparatus for poultry is disclosed, and comprises a feed source, a feed line formed at the feed source, a feed valve mechanism arranged in the feed line and which in a closed valve position blocks feed from passing through the feed line and in an open valve position allows feed to pass through the feed line. The feeding apparatus has a pecking block which is moveably mounted and mechanically coupled to the feed valve mechanism in such a way that the feed valve mechanism is closed when the pecking block is in a neutral position and the feed valve mechanism is open when the pecking block is in a deflected position due to pecking at the pecking block.

A method and system utilizing one or more agricultural drones for real-time monitoring, delivery and dispensing of feed in feed bunks associated with feed lots.

A method and system utilizing one or more agricultural drones for real-time monitoring, delivery and dispensing of feed in feed bunks associated with feed lots.

A system may provide for delivering a sequence of one or more soaking sprays at a station where an animal is present. The station may include a pressurized pipe supplying a liquid for the soaking spray, a valve and nozzle coupled to the pipe, and a control circuit coupled to the valve. The control circuit may be operable to determine the sequence of the soaking spray using a signal from an animal sensor that is configured to detect the presence of the animal at the station. The system may include an environmental sensor providing at least one signal to the control circuit. The signal from the environmental sensor may be used by the control circuit to determine the sequence for the soaking spray.

A system may provide for delivering a sequence of one or more soaking sprays at a station where an animal is present. The station may include a pressurized pipe supplying a liquid for the soaking spray, a valve and nozzle coupled to the pipe, and a control circuit coupled to the valve. The control circuit may be operable to determine the sequence of the soaking spray using a signal from an animal sensor that is configured to detect the presence of the animal at the station. The system may include an environmental sensor providing at least one signal to the control circuit. The signal from the environmental sensor may be used by the control circuit to determine the sequence for the soaking spray.

A shipping container for livestock having a plurality of walls, a container roof and a container floor enclosing an interior storage space. The front wall may include a container door and one or more of the sidewalls may be mounted with one or more column support plates that support web support plates. A floating partition, end wing, loft and feed troughs may be mounted with the web support plates. Additionally, the floating partition may be tilted inward to efficiently divide space and provide access to the loft. A catwalk may also be mounted with the floating partition.

A shipping container for livestock having a plurality of walls, a container roof and a container floor enclosing an interior storage space. The front wall may include a container door and one or more of the sidewalls may be mounted with one or more column support plates that support web support plates. A floating partition, end wing, loft and feed troughs may be mounted with the web support plates. Additionally, the floating partition may be tilted inward to efficiently divide space and provide access to the loft. A catwalk may also be mounted with the floating partition.

A system for managing a group of dairy animals includes a dwelling space, such as an animal shed, in which the dairy animals can roam. A dairy animal-related device for performing a dairy animal-related operation is arranged in the dwelling space. The dairy animals in the dwelling space can walk to the dairy animal-related device through the dwelling space. A luring system includes luring devices, each of which is attached to in each case one of the dairy animals. The luring device of each dairy animal is activatable in order to give said dairy animal a luring signal so as to lure said dairy animal to the dairy animal-related device. A detection system is configured for detecting the position of each individual dairy animal in the dwelling space. The luring system is connected to the detection system for receiving the positions of the dairy animals in the dwelling space detected by the detection system. On the basis of the received detected positions of the dairy animals in the dwelling space, the number of dairy animals is determined which are situated in a predetermined area of the dwelling space adjacent to the dairy animal-related device. The luring system activates the luring device of one of the other dairy animals depending on said number of dairy animals situated in said area.

A system for managing a group of dairy animals includes a dwelling space, such as an animal shed, in which the dairy animals can roam. A dairy animal-related device for performing a dairy animal-related operation is arranged in the dwelling space. The dairy animals in the dwelling space can walk to the dairy animal-related device through the dwelling space. A luring system includes luring devices, each of which is attached to in each case one of the dairy animals. The luring device of each dairy animal is activatable in order to give said dairy animal a luring signal so as to lure said dairy animal to the dairy animal-related device. A detection system is configured for detecting the position of each individual dairy animal in the dwelling space. The luring system is connected to the detection system for receiving the positions of the dairy animals in the dwelling space detected by the detection system. On the basis of the received detected positions of the dairy animals in the dwelling space, the number of dairy animals is determined which are situated in a predetermined area of the dwelling space adjacent to the dairy animal-related device. The luring system activates the luring device of one of the other dairy animals depending on said number of dairy animals situated in said area.

There is provided an autonomous vehicle for pushing feed lying on a floor, comprising a frame; a skirt rotatably connected to the frame, wherein a bottom portion of the skirt continuously contacts the floor to push the feed. The vehicle comprises a sensor assembly for detecting a magnetic field emitted from a magnetic guiding element inserted in the floor and a control unit mounted for directing rotation of the skirt and for guiding the vehicle along a predetermined path formed by the magnetic guiding element. Also provided is an autonomous vehicle with a skirt drive mechanism mounted to the frame for driving rotation of the skirt, and an autonomous vehicle comprising a prism-shaped skirt rotatably connected to the frame. There is also provided methods for installing a magnetically guided autonomous vehicle and for pushing feed using an autonomous vehicle, as well as systems and kits comprising said vehicle.