An animal snare includes an elongated barrel and first and second carriages slidably supported on the barrel. The first and second carriages are interconnected by a cord. A snare extends out the first end of the barrel and has at least one end affixed to the second carriage. An elastic member is releasably connected to the first carriage and is configured to bias the first carriage toward a fired position. The elastic member is in tension when the first carriage is in a cocked position. A trigger assembly is configured to retain the first carriage in the cocked position against the tension of the elastic member. Actuation of the trigger assembly causes release of the first carriage and permits the first carriage to travel along the barrel toward the first end to the fired position as the tension in the elastic member is released to draw the snare.

A methane conversion device comprises a reaction chamber; a sensor for detecting the presence of methane; blowing means for directing external gasses Into the reaction chamber when the sensor detects the presence of methane above a predetermined threshold; conversion means that are configured to oxidise methane; and positioning means for positioning the device on an animal.

A heading and heeling roping practice sled apparatus comprising a heeling practice sled and a heading practice dummy, where the heeling sled comprises a single mainframe bar, a tow arm with an open-faced front tow hook as well as a closed or closeable ring for towing, a wheel assembly attached to the tow arm below the horns of the heading practice dummy, support legs configured to provide support for the mainframe and dummy, dummy mounting brackets attached to the support legs, securing straps and a quick release latch attached to the dummy mounting brackets, the dummy having a flanged base for securing the dummy to the sled within the dummy brackets, a roping leg apparatus attached to the rear of the mainframe, said roping leg apparatus comprising a hip assembly consisting of a coupling attached to which are non-linear axles, hinges positioned about the axles to which roping legs are mounted, the angles of the coupling, axles, and hinges having a collective configuration such that in the vertical position the legs are separated and when roped and pulled taught the legs come together and cross over by way of angular rotation and are retracted to the stationary position by a tension element or elements operating independently and along a single plane, whereby each leg may be roped and rotated without affecting the stationary position of the other leg. The coupling of the hip assembly is rotatable relative to the mainframe such that the axles—and thus the roping legs—can be positioned at a skewed angle relative to the mainframe. In another embodiment, the dummy comprises horn sockets that individually rotate in a non-coplanar manner allowing horns inserted into the sockets to overlap upon collapse, and thus be varied in length and relative orientation to one another.

It refers to the invention of a 6-strand synthetic twisted lariat rope, a product used in Team Roping competitions. It is also used in cattle handling, when it is necessary to immobilize an animal, preserving its sanity and physical integrity, avoiding injuries, friction burns due to impact and/or traction. It is a dynamic, elastic, anti-static rope where the harmful effect of the impact of a sudden stop is practically nil, which follows all the requirements of the Federal Law 10.591/02. First and foremost, the animal welfare is taken into account in Team Roping competitions. The evolution of Team Roping competitions is under constant improvement in Brazil and in the world, to which the present invention brings several benefits.

A system (30) for herding herd animals, the system comprising: a database (33) comprising executable instructions for each of a plurality of herding gestures that are executable by a drone to control movement of a herd of animals; and at least one drone (80) having a controller comprising a processor operable to execute the instructions to control the at least one drone to perform the gestures and autonomously control the herd.

A methane conversion device is provided that includes a reaction chamber comprising a converter that is configured to oxidize methane. A sensor is provided that is adapted to detect the presence of methane within gas exterior to the methane conversion device. A positioner is provided for positioning the device on an animal.

The present invention relates to a method for monitoring the feeding and water consumption of a bovine such as a cow. According to the invention, at least one sensor transported by the bovine is used to detect the presence of water and/or food in an area located in the muzzle of said animal and outside the body of said animal, in order to identify intake of food or water by said bovine.

The present invention includes a mechanical roping apparatus and method for practicing animal roping, the apparatus comprising: an animal assembly that provides an up and down motion and simulates a hopping motion by the animal; a leg assembly mounted at the rear of the frame wherein the leg members are movable with respect to the frame and simulate a running motion; an actuation assembly to move the leg members from a forward position to a rear position; and one or more indicia that indicates to the user when the leg members are in an optimal position for roping, and then they are not accessible for roping and then the legs are accessible for roping.

A system for practicing roping of a steer may include a towing apparatus configured to tow a steer roping practice apparatus across a ground surface, a central anchor device configured to define a fixed anchor point with respect to the ground surface, an elongated guide member attachable at a first end to the central anchor device and attachable at a second end to the towing apparatus to guide the towing apparatus along a circular path about the central anchor device, and a turning device configured to engage the elongated guide member between the central anchor device and the towing apparatus in a manner causing the towing apparatus to make a turn on the ground surface from the circular path. The system may also include a mechanical steer roping practice apparatus movable across the ground surface and removably hitched to the towing apparatus.

A methane conversion device comprises a reaction chamber; a sensor for detecting the presence of methane; blowing means for directing external gasses Into the reaction chamber when the sensor detects the presence of methane above a predetermined threshold; conversion means that are configured to oxidise methane; and positioning means for positioning the device on an animal.