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.

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 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 livestock enclosure enabling transfer of livestock from one compartment to a second compartment for purposes of cleaning one compartment is shown and described. The livestock enclosure has a feeder adjustable to make feed accessible to livestock in each one of the compartments at any one time, and gates or other closure for enabling livestock to migrate between the two compartments. Operating personnel can allow the adjustable feeder to be exhausted of feed and to open a gate to the other enclosure to encourage livestock to change compartments. The gate may be closed after the transfer to enable the operating personnel to clean the vacated compartment. The feeder can be adjusted or repositioned to serve either compartment. Optionally, both compartments may also have a non-adjustable principal feeder. Optionally, the livestock enclosure may include a roof and full height walls and motorized control of gates and the adjustable feeder.

The present embodiments provide an aviary that includes a floor, a roof, and at least one wall having a plenum to draw air adjacent the roof down the plenum toward the floor. At least one cage tower is disposed on the floor. At least one walkway is disposed adjacent the at least one cage tower and is configured to facilitate bird access to the at least one cage tower. A fan is disposed in flow communication with the plenum to circulate air in the aviary.

The present embodiments provide an aviary that includes a floor, a roof, and at least one wall having a plenum to draw air adjacent the roof down the plenum toward the floor. At least one cage tower is disposed on the floor. At least one walkway is disposed adjacent the at least one cage tower and is configured to facilitate bird access to the at least one cage tower. A fan is disposed in flow communication with the plenum to circulate air in the aviary.

Methods and systems that provide light sources in various areas of an animal enclosure to encourage or discourage animal behaviors. Different wavelengths or intensities of light are provided in various areas of the enclosure such that the animals, for example avian, in the enclosure are encouraged to occupy or not occupy the various areas. Lighting schedules for individual areas can be off-set from one another to encourage movement of the animals to different levels and preventing grouping or piling of the animals from occurring. The lighting schedules can be such that desirable or undesirable wavelengths or intensities of light, as perceived by the animals, are provided to different areas or levels at random times and for random durations during a day. Thus, the animal movement around the enclosure during the day is encouraged, clustering of animals in a single area is discouraged, and the welfare of the animals is improved.

Methods and systems that provide light sources in various areas of an animal enclosure to encourage or discourage animal behaviors. Different wavelengths or intensities of light are provided in various areas of the enclosure such that the animals, for example avian, in the enclosure are encouraged to occupy or not occupy the various areas. Lighting schedules for individual areas can be off-set from one another to encourage movement of the animals to different levels and preventing grouping or piling of the animals from occurring. The lighting schedules can be such that desirable or undesirable wavelengths or intensities of light, as perceived by the animals, are provided to different areas or levels at random times and for random durations during a day. Thus, the animal movement around the enclosure during the day is encouraged, clustering of animals in a single area is discouraged, and the welfare of the animals is improved.

A lighting system for a poultry house is disclosed which includes a plurality of lights movable in the vertical direction, projecting light to different areas of the poultry house at prearranged times and projecting light of different intensity in the poultry house at prearranged times through the raising and lowering of the height of the lights. The lighting system provides adjustable parameters in the areas of the poultry house being lighted and the intensity of these areas across the interior of the poultry house. The system provides the poultry with migration options to areas of lower or higher light intensity, thereby improving management practices of the poultry.

A lighting system for a poultry house is disclosed which includes a plurality of lights movable in the vertical direction, projecting light to different areas of the poultry house at prearranged times and projecting light of different intensity in the poultry house at prearranged times through the raising and lowering of the height of the lights. The lighting system provides adjustable parameters in the areas of the poultry house being lighted and the intensity of these areas across the interior of the poultry house. The system provides the poultry with migration options to areas of lower or higher light intensity, thereby improving management practices of the poultry.