| abstract |
A feeding system is provided to permit sequential entry to animals, one at a time, into a feeding station that weighs the animal, and then provides or prevents access to feed based on body weight or other criteria. It exits each animal if no feed is to be provided, or after feeding for a specified period of time. The system accommodates animals housed in groups, and allows individual animals to be fed precisely with minimal labour input. Feed consumption by individual animals is limited by the amount of time they remain in the feeding area of the station and the amount of feed provided to them. The system provides for the ongoing collection of data about the animals growth and controls and monitors feed intake and body weight. |