Provided is a system for observing and analyzing an animal behavior by utilizing a balance. The animal behavior observation system includes an animal container where an animal move around, a weight measuring apparatus that has a weight detecting unit for obtaining measurement data of the animal on the animal container, an analyzing device enabling calculation of a measurement value in accordance with the measurement data, a recording device that constantly stores the measurement value; and an output device that outputs the measurement value along a time axis.

In various embodiments, a device may test the health of race participants in order to ensure the fairness of a bet on an order of finish.

In various embodiments, a device may test the health of race participants in order to ensure the fairness of a bet on an order of finish.

Methods are provided for estimation of birthing data (such as birthing date and birthing weight) by consideration of a mother animal's weight over an expected birthing period. The method includes: measuring or providing the weight of the mother animal at intervals over an expected birthing period to provide a series of dated weight records, estimating the underlying weight of the mother animal over the expected birthing period from the series of dated weight records, and identifying a significant weight drop of the mother animal by reference to the estimated underlying weight, wherein the estimated birthing date is on or before the date of the significant weight drop. The methods are particularly useful in animals associated with production, such as cattle.

Methods are provided for estimation of birthing data (such as birthing date and birthing weight) by consideration of a mother animal's weight over an expected birthing period. The method includes: measuring or providing the weight of the mother animal at intervals over an expected birthing period to provide a series of dated weight records, estimating the underlying weight of the mother animal over the expected birthing period from the series of dated weight records, and identifying a significant weight drop of the mother animal by reference to the estimated underlying weight, wherein the estimated birthing date is on or before the date of the significant weight drop. The methods are particularly useful in animals associated with production, such as cattle.

An agricultural exchange system includes a smart chute for isolating a live animal. The live animal can be weighed, photographed, and identified while in the smart chute. A subscriber unit receives measured data and transmits the data to a centralized server. The centralized server stores measured data and identification data as part of a product data card for the live animal. The centralized server provides the data as needed to potential buyers directly or through a service provider. Potential buyers may access the data in real time to obtain detailed information on a live animal prior to purchase.

An agricultural exchange system includes a smart chute for isolating a live animal. The live animal can be weighed, photographed, and identified while in the smart chute. A subscriber unit receives measured data and transmits the data to a centralized server. The centralized server stores measured data and identification data as part of a product data card for the live animal. The centralized server provides the data as needed to potential buyers directly or through a service provider. Potential buyers may access the data in real time to obtain detailed information on a live animal prior to purchase.

There is provided an exemplary method of treating weaning piglets to induce weight gain, or to prevent a reduction in rate of weight gain, the method comprising exposing the weaning piglets to a rabbit maternal pheromone having an interomone effect. In an exemplary embodiment, the rabbit maternal pheromone is trans-2-methyl-2-butenal. The method may include the step of applying the rabbit maternal pheromone to a feeder for the weaning piglets. Moreover, the rabbit maternal pheromone may be applied to a feeder (or to the feed) for the weaning piglets at least once during a first week of weaning. Further, the method may include weighing the weaning piglets at intervals to determine a rate of weight gain, and measuring an amount of feed consumed by the weaning piglets to calculate the amount of weight gained per unit of feed consumed.

There is provided an exemplary method of treating weaning piglets to induce weight gain, or to prevent a reduction in rate of weight gain, the method comprising exposing the weaning piglets to a rabbit maternal pheromone having an interomone effect. In an exemplary embodiment, the rabbit maternal pheromone is trans-2-methyl-2-butenal. The method may include the step of applying the rabbit maternal pheromone to a feeder for the weaning piglets. Moreover, the rabbit maternal pheromone may be applied to a feeder (or to the feed) for the weaning piglets at least once during a first week of weaning. Further, the method may include weighing the weaning piglets at intervals to determine a rate of weight gain, and measuring an amount of feed consumed by the weaning piglets to calculate the amount of weight gained per unit of feed consumed.

The present invention provides a platform and/or associated structure for weighing an animal, the platform and/or associated structure being configured to conceal, or configured to facilitate concealment, from the animal of a foreign sensory stimulus of the platform and/or associated structure. The platform may be configured to retain a natural material (such as soil) or a simulated natural material on or about the platform and/or associated structure. The platform is typically incorporated into a weighing apparatus for use with larger animals such as cattle.