Animal husbandry – Feeding device – Timer-controlled
Reexamination Certificate
1998-12-29
2001-02-06
Poon, Peter M. (Department: 3644)
Animal husbandry
Feeding device
Timer-controlled
Reexamination Certificate
active
06182606
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an automated livestock feeding system and method of operation. The system is particularly useful in weaning piglets, however, the invention is not limited to use in weaning livestock but can also be used for regular livestock feeding.
In weaning piglets, farmers often manually distribute a small amount of feed onto the sleeping board in the pens. Labor constraints generally limit the feed distribution to not more than twice per day. The feed is often not measured accurately, resulting in under feeding and less than optimal gains or over feeding with feed becoming soiled and ultimately wasted. The feed fed at this growth stage is expensive, so freshness and controlling waste are critical management requirements. Furthermore, one or two relatively large feedings per day can result in competition with pen mates for the feed, digestive problems resulting from large meals from a new feed source, i.e. dry food as opposed to milk, and depletion of nutrients in the gastro-intestinal track of the animal by long periods without feed.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an automated feeding system that overcomes the above disadvantages of manual feeding.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a feeding system that overcomes the above disadvantages in a cost effective manner.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a feeding system that encourages rapid learning of feeding behavior after weaning pigs at early ages.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a feeding system that stimulates consumption of dry food as soon as possible after weaning and stimulates increasing rate of consumption each day.
It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a feeding system with easy access to the feed by early weaned pigs without waste or spoilage.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a feeding system that delivers frequent, fresh and small meals at planned intervals in an automated manner to stimulate pre-weaning nursing behaviors.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a feeding system that minimizes labor requirements, management errors and other limitations to provide optimum feeding management of early weaned pigs.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a feeding system that promotes early, rapid and high rates of feed consumption and weight gain with efficient feed utilization.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The automated feeding system of the present invention consists of a plurality of feeders, with each feeder in a pen. Each feeder includes a hopper for storing a quantity of feed, a dispenser for dispensing a predetermined quantity of feed from the hopper and an actuator coupled to the dispenser for operating the dispenser to dispense feed. A single programmable controller is provided for controlling the operation of each of the actuators. A communication means is provided for communicating from the controller to each of the actuators to operate the dispensers. The communication means is operable to communicate with the actuators when the feeders are disposed within a first group or subset of pens of a larger plurality of pens. The communication means is also operable to communicate with the feeders when they are moved to a second subset of the plurality of pens. As a result, the feeders can be used within the first subset of pens during a short period of time in which the piglets therein are weaned. After the piglets have been successfully trained to feed from a self-feeder, the feeders of the present invention are moved to a second subset of pens for use in weaning other piglets. The single controller is used for operating the feeders regardless of which pens the feeders are in.
The feeders help the livestock make the transition form nursing to use of a self feeder within the pen. The feeders can also be used with poultry where the poults first feed by scratching the ground or floor. The feed is dropped onto the ground where it will be discovered by the scratching poults. Once the poults have become accustomed to the feed and discover the self feeders in the pens, the feeders of the present invention can be removed.
In a preferred embodiment, the communication means includes a pneumatic system operated by the controller. A pneumatic conduit leads to each pen. A releasable coupling attaches the actuators to the pneumatic conduit to provide the communication from the controller to the actuators. The releasable couplings enable the feeders to be readily moved from one pen to another. Other communication means can be used including a hydraulic system, electrical system with wires or a remote system using ultrasonic or electromagnetic signaling.
Further objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from a consideration of the following description and the appended claims when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.
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Cera Kevin
Wells John A.
Harness & Dickey & Pierce P.L.C.
Nelson Judith A.
Poon Peter M.
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