The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 21, 2012
Filed:
Jul. 27, 2009
Ron Mulder, Te Aroha, NZ;
Lars Arnerup, Nynashamn, SE;
Ron Mulder, Te Aroha, NZ;
Lars Arnerup, Nynashamn, SE;
DeLaval Holding AB, Tumba, SE;
Abstract
A method and installation for automatically determining the readiness of an animal for being weaned off liquid feed and onto dry feed. The height of an animal in an animal installation is automatically measured using a height measurement system at a selected location within the installation. A suitable location within an installation for providing a height gauge may include a feeding station, a cleaning station or other treatment station of an animal. Additional parameters may be used for the determination of readiness to wean in combination with dry feed consumption rate, such as animal age, weight or other animal dimensions. In determining the height, the method may include making a determination of the overall physical condition of the animal and may include a determination of the height-to-weight-ratio of an animal. The installation may include an automatic animal weighing system. Measured values may be stored in a control system memory for monitoring the growth of individual animals. Animal identification means may be provided at the points of measurement of any parameter of an animal.