Patent classifications
A01K1/0209
MODULAR LIVESTOCK FEED SYSTEM FOR MEASURING ANIMAL INTAKE AND MONITORING ANIMAL HEALTH
A livestock feed system adapted to be modular and readily scalable from one bin assembly to multiple bin assemblies that can be communicatively networked together. The system includes a stainless steel feed bin with an opening on a first surface of the one or more sidewalls for receiving an animal head. The feed bin further includes an access door on a second surface of the one or more sidewalls that is pivotally, slidably, or removably coupled to adjacent portions of the one or more sidewalls to allow easy cleaning of the bin. The system includes a portable support frame supporting the feed bin, and a controller mounted on the support frame. The controller includes a self-contained computer with a processor executing code (programs or software) to provide an animal monitoring and management module that causes the controller to determine intake by an animal accessing the feed bin through the opening.
Monitoring livestock
A method of counting pigs or poultry includes mounting a camera at an alleyway through which the livestock pass with a width such that the livestock can pass at least two abreast and are free to turn to move in an opposite direction against the direction of travel before all livestock of the group complete their movement though the alleyway. An analysis of the images is carried out which takes into account errors caused by livestock which turn in the portion of the alleyway to move in the opposite direction temporarily before continuing to complete the travel through the portion of the single alleyway to the remote location and takes into account errors caused animals being side by side when passing through the portion of the single alleyway.