A feed control system, a feeding system and a method for feeding animals comprises an autonomous feed displacer which displaces animal feed and subsequently measures the height of the displaced animal feed using a feed level meter. Since the displaced, pushed back animal feed results in heaps of surprisingly constant shape, it is possible to obtain a reliable indication of the quantity using only the feed level.

A gravity operated animal feeder, including, a reservoir area defined by at least two vertically sloped upper sides projecting upward and away from each other at distal ends. And, a dispensing area located under and: (i) in feeding communication with the reservoir area, and (ii) including at least two vertically sloped lower sides projecting downward and toward each other at proximal ends. And also, a vertical frame spaced from at least one of the at least two vertically sloped lower sides and defining an animal feeding region located adjacent to the dispensing area between the vertical frame and the vertically sloped lower sides. The feeder further includes a feeding trough area located under and: (i) in feeding communication with the dispensing area, and (ii) including a bottom located directly under and spaced from the proximal ends of the vertically sloped lower sides.

A pet waste station with pet training features is disclosed. The waste station may include a turf surface and a urine collection funnel for channeling urine into disposable absorbing pads. The pads may be placed in a drawer beneath the funnel, allowing easy removal and replacement of the drawer. Odor control may include a compartment for deodorizers or other air fresheners. A sensor may be provided to activate one or more positive reinforcement rewards when the pet successfully urinates in the waste station, including dispensing of an edible treat and/or playing of an audio snippet, such as an owner's voice praising the pet.

An animal farm system includes a barn, animal related structures within the barn, such as a feeding alley and/or a milking system, and an autonomous vehicle arranged to perform an animal related action and move about in the barn. The vehicle includes a control unit to move the vehicle about, a position determining system for determining a position of the vehicle in the barn, a sensor system to determine a value of a parameter related to a position of the vehicle with respect to the barn or an object therein, such as the at least one structure therein, and a vehicle communication device. The control unit further is arranged to contain barn map information, and receive motion control and navigation information via the vehicle communication device.

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.

A circular grazing system for poultry and/or livestock. The circular grazing system including a center pivot structure installed at a field. The center pivot structure may have a center pivot axis. The field may be a poultry and/or livestock grazing field. The circular grazing system for poultry and/or livestock may include an enclosure for containing poultry and/or livestock. The enclosure may extend generally radially from the center pivot structure to a circumference of the field. The enclosure may be rotably coupled to the center pivot structure such that the enclosure rotates around the center pivot axis.

A bale feeder assembly includes a base comprising a horizontally orientated tire having a top wall, a bottom wall, and a perimeter wall extending between and being attached to the top and bottom walls. The top and bottom walls each have a centrally positioned opening extending therethrough. The perimeter wall has a height that is greater than 9.0 inches and the base is comprised of an elastomeric material. A feed container is positioned on and extends upwardly from the base. A hay bale is positioned in the feed container to provide feed to livestock.

A bale feeder assembly includes a base comprising a horizontally orientated tire having a top wall, a bottom wall, and a perimeter wall extending between and being attached to the top and bottom walls. The top and bottom walls each have a centrally positioned opening extending therethrough. The perimeter wall has a height that is greater than 9.0 inches and the base is comprised of an elastomeric material. A feed container is positioned on and extends upwardly from the base. A hay bale is positioned in the feed container to provide feed to livestock.

An autonomous and self-propelled vehicle for laterally displacing feed, having a frame and a housing, the housing including a rotatable feed-displacement device, at least a bottom section of the feed-displacement device being rotationally symmetrical about a cylinder axis, the cylinder axis being at an angle to the vertical direction in such a manner that a part of the feed-displacement device which, viewed in the direction of travel, is situated at the front is arranged closer to the ground than a part of the feed-displacement device which, viewed in the direction of travel, is situated at the rear.