A barrier comprises at least one grating comprising a plurality of elongated openings; a winch positioned above the at least the one grating and rotatable between first and second positions; and at least one cable connected at a first end to the winch and at a second end to the at least one grating, the at least one cable holding the at least one grating in an upright position on a support surface when the winch is in the first position and lifting the at least one grating from the support surface towards the winch during rotation of the winch from the first position to the second position.

A barrier comprises at least one grating comprising a plurality of elongated openings; a winch positioned above the at least the one grating and rotatable between first and second positions; and at least one cable connected at a first end to the winch and at a second end to the at least one grating, the at least one cable holding the at least one grating in an upright position on a support surface when the winch is in the first position and lifting the at least one grating from the support surface towards the winch during rotation of the winch from the first position to the second position.

Methods and systems of promoting fertilization of eggs of an avian. While inseminating a plurality of avian eggs a spectrum substantially concentrated within a narrow range of wavelength irradiates the plurality of inseminated avian eggs to increase the motility of the sperm to increase the probability of conception of avian from the inseminated eggs.

Methods and systems of promoting fertilization of eggs of an avian. While inseminating a plurality of avian eggs a spectrum substantially concentrated within a narrow range of wavelength irradiates the plurality of inseminated avian eggs to increase the motility of the sperm to increase the probability of conception of avian from the inseminated eggs.

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.

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 shade apparatus for use in broiler poultry houses can include a plurality of contoured vanes positioned in vertical alignment. Each vane can have first and second opposed lateral sides and is contoured upwardly such that the first lateral side resides below the second lateral side. The vanes are connected by a first plurality of spacers attached to the vanes proximate the first lateral side of the vanes, and a second plurality of spacers attached to the vanes proximate the second lateral side of the vanes. A portion of each vane extends over a horizontal axis defined by the first lateral side of a vane positioned immediately above. The apparatus can include brackets that facilitate mounting of the apparatus over a fan vent of a broiler poultry house and maintain the vanes a predetermined optimal distance from the fan vent.

A shade apparatus for use in broiler poultry houses can include a plurality of contoured vanes positioned in vertical alignment. Each vane can have first and second opposed lateral sides and is contoured upwardly such that the first lateral side resides below the second lateral side. The vanes are connected by a first plurality of spacers attached to the vanes proximate the first lateral side of the vanes, and a second plurality of spacers attached to the vanes proximate the second lateral side of the vanes. A portion of each vane extends over a horizontal axis defined by the first lateral side of a vane positioned immediately above. The apparatus can include brackets that facilitate mounting of the apparatus over a fan vent of a broiler poultry house and maintain the vanes a predetermined optimal distance from the fan vent.

The poultry migration fence system includes at least one fence panel attached to at least one side of a U-shaped open archway. At least one selectively pivotal support rail is mounted to the bottom of the fence panel. The archway allows the fence system to be easily installed by sliding the open end of the archway over a suspended feed/water pipe. The pivotal support rail can be pivoted to a support position where the support rail extends orthogonal to the fence panel in order to provide a stable base for maintaining the upright position of the fence panel and pivoted to a storage position parallel to the extension of the fence panel. A swiveling gate is pivotally attached to one of the legs of the archway so that the gap at the open end can be selectively closed, thereby preventing poultry from crossing towards the other side of the fence panel. Both solid and wire fence panels are provided.

The poultry migration fence system includes at least one fence panel attached to at least one side of a U-shaped open archway. At least one selectively pivotal support rail is mounted to the bottom of the fence panel. The archway allows the fence system to be easily installed by sliding the open end of the archway over a suspended feed/water pipe. The pivotal support rail can be pivoted to a support position where the support rail extends orthogonal to the fence panel in order to provide a stable base for maintaining the upright position of the fence panel and pivoted to a storage position parallel to the extension of the fence panel. A swiveling gate is pivotally attached to one of the legs of the archway so that the gap at the open end can be selectively closed, thereby preventing poultry from crossing towards the other side of the fence panel. Both solid and wire fence panels are provided.