An aviary that includes a system and method for providing litter to birds and for circulating the litter throughout the aviary. A litter distribution chain extends through at least some of the scratching platforms. The litter distribution chain receives litter from a storage container and then transfers the litter through the aviary for use by the birds on the scratching platforms. At least a portion of the litter from one scratching platform is directed to move to a scratching platform on a lower level where the litter may be used by birds occupying this lower level. This circulation pattern repeats on the current level, with the recycled litter being deposited on at least one scratching platform near the next lower aviary tower level. Once the litter reaches the lowest aviary tower level, it remains there until it is removed from the aviary by a belt or other means.

A mobile education robot for a poultry farm having at least one laying area. The robot is configured to move the robot on the ground, prompt movement of at least two different types in order to push the birds present on the ground towards the at least one laying area, and to control the movement prompting. The robot includes mechanical elements for levelling and aerating the ground.

A mobile education robot for a poultry farm having at least one laying area. The robot is configured to move the robot on the ground, prompt movement of at least two different types in order to push the birds present on the ground towards the at least one laying area, and to control the movement prompting. The robot includes mechanical elements for levelling and aerating the ground.

A poultry management system having at least one animal holding area with a holding area floor for a poultry animal occupying the animal holding area and a conveyor comprising a conveyor belt having an upper track and a lower track disposed below the upper track. The lower track is disposed adjacent to the animal holding area and is adapted to receive one or more eggs deposited by the poultry animal occupying the animal holding area and transfer the one or more eggs for further processing.

A device for accommodating chicks in poultry rearing, having a grid floor. The grid floor has a sloping region

A drive system configured to move an elongated mobile poultry and/or swine enclosure. The drive system may comprise an axle at least 20 feet in length. The drive system may include multiple wheels coupled to the axle. The multiple wheels may have diameters between 6 and 36 inches. The drive system may include a motor coupled to the axle that causes the axle and/or the multiple wheels to rotate and move the elongated mobile poultry enclosure across a field. The elongated mobile poultry enclosure may be at least 40 feet in length and the drive system is coupled to the elongated mobile poultry enclosure.

A poultry raising system includes: an imaging unit configured to capture an image of an inside of a poultry house; and a monitoring unit configured to determine a variation in density of chickens present in a particular region in the image captured by the imaging unit, and monitor the variation determined. The particular region is at least part of the image.

In general, one aspect disclosed features an anchoring system for anchoring an at least partially floorless mobile livestock enclosure to the ground. The anchoring system comprising: a securing flange configured to mechanically couple the anchoring system to the enclosure; an anchor; and a drive configured to place the anchor into contact with the ground, and to retract the anchor from contact with the ground.

In general, one aspect disclosed features an anchoring system for anchoring an at least partially floorless mobile livestock enclosure to the ground. The anchoring system comprising: a securing flange configured to mechanically couple the anchoring system to the enclosure; an anchor; and a drive configured to place the anchor into contact with the ground, and to retract the anchor from contact with the ground.

A rearing system for keeping farm animals, in particular poultry animals. The rearing system having at least one light source for illuminating the animal bodies of the farm animals with light, wherein the at least one light source is designed as a UV-B light source which is configured to emit UV-B light onto the animal bodies.