Feed metering and animal identification device with load sensor and closing means

Abstract

A feed metering device for distributing feed (fodder or drink, or both) in metered portions to an animal. The device comprises a feed unit for receiving and containing said feed which includes an entrance opening that receives said feed from a feed supplying device, and which is rotatable about an axis. The amount of feed provided by the feed supplying device to the feed unit is governed by data from an animal identification device that identifies the animal that will consume the feed in the feed unit and a weighing device which determines the amount of feed remaining from the last feeding in the feeding unit and any added thereto by the magnitude of torque on a motor which rotates the closing device for the entrance opening of the feeding unit via a contacting roll. The magnitude of torque on the roll provides data to the feed supplying device as to the amount of feed remaining in the feed unit so that the amount metered to the feed unit is governed by the amount of feed remaining in the feed unit and the identity of the animal which will then consume feed from the feed unit. The torque measuring apparatus is integrated into a housing below the feed unit's entrance opening.