Cattle management method and system
First Claim
1. A method for managing cattle for beef production, comprising:
- identifying at least one animal, utilizing an identifying device and at least one computer, to distinguish an identified animal from every other animal in a group, and recording the animal'"'"'s identification in the computer;
directing the identified animal to a measurement location remote from a feeding location;
directing the identified animal at the measurement location through a one-way chute;
recording at least two characteristics of the identified animal, including a measured weight, and matching in the computer the recorded characteristics with the animal'"'"'s recorded identification;
feeding the identified animal with a group of other animals;
storing in the computer for the identified animal a limit or target condition;
making a computer projection of an estimated time or date for the identified animal to achieve the projected limit or target condition based at least in part on the characteristics;
selecting the identified animal for further processing based at least in part on the estimated time or date;
directing the identified animal at the measurement location through a chute for separating one animal at a time from the group;
sorting the identified animal into a group of animals based at least in part upon the target condition;
directing the identified animal from the chute and measurement location to one or more feeding locations;
enabling a computer operator to review an up to date cattle inventory by identified individual animal by location;
collecting carcass data characteristics of the identified animal following shipment of the identified animal from a cattle feedlot to a slaughter facility;
storing in the computer data derived from a carcass of the identified animal;
storing the identified animal'"'"'s performance and costs data in the computer; and
correlating in the computer the respective performance and costs data with the carcass derived data for the identified animal.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A highly automated method and system for providing individual animal electronic identification, measurement and value based management of cattle in a large cattle feedlot. Through the use of (1) a computer system integrated with (2) automatic individual animal identification (3) multiple measurement and remeasurement systems with automatic data input and (4) a cattle handling and sorting system, animals are individually (a) identified and (b) measured by weight, external dimensions and characteristics of internal body tissue. With this information together with animal physiological characteristics and historical data, the computer system calculates the optimum (c) slaughter weight, (d) economic end point and (e) marketing date for shipment to a packing plant. After measurement, individual animals are (f) sorted by direction of the computer in response to calculations from the measurements. The computer system also calculates from individual animal data and other data (g) each animal'"'"'s pro rata share of total feed intake for the animal'"'"'s feed group. The computer system (h) stores individual animal measurement, performance and location data, which is used by management to (i) select animals for shipment from the feedlot for slaughter at the optimum time. Following an animal'"'"'s shipment to a slaughter facility, its identification in the computer system is used to (j) correlate the live animal physical characteristics and performance data to the measured and evaluated carcass characteristics data obtained during the slaughter process and (k) build a data base to more accurately identify and measure value-based characteristics in subsequent animals produced and fed for more effective value-based selection and management of those animals.
160 Citations
90 Claims
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1. A method for managing cattle for beef production, comprising:
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identifying at least one animal, utilizing an identifying device and at least one computer, to distinguish an identified animal from every other animal in a group, and recording the animal'"'"'s identification in the computer;
directing the identified animal to a measurement location remote from a feeding location;
directing the identified animal at the measurement location through a one-way chute;
recording at least two characteristics of the identified animal, including a measured weight, and matching in the computer the recorded characteristics with the animal'"'"'s recorded identification;
feeding the identified animal with a group of other animals;
storing in the computer for the identified animal a limit or target condition;
making a computer projection of an estimated time or date for the identified animal to achieve the projected limit or target condition based at least in part on the characteristics;
selecting the identified animal for further processing based at least in part on the estimated time or date;
directing the identified animal at the measurement location through a chute for separating one animal at a time from the group;
sorting the identified animal into a group of animals based at least in part upon the target condition;
directing the identified animal from the chute and measurement location to one or more feeding locations;
enabling a computer operator to review an up to date cattle inventory by identified individual animal by location;
collecting carcass data characteristics of the identified animal following shipment of the identified animal from a cattle feedlot to a slaughter facility;
storing in the computer data derived from a carcass of the identified animal;
storing the identified animal'"'"'s performance and costs data in the computer; and
correlating in the computer the respective performance and costs data with the carcass derived data for the identified animal. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38)
calculating in the computer a ratio of feed to weight gain at least in part from the feed intake determination and gain of the identified animal;
recording the ratio in the computer and matching it to the animal'"'"'s recorded identification; and
enabling the ratio to be used by the cattle producer for making a management decision.
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4. The method according to claim 2 and further comprising enabling data and characteristics for the identified animal to be used by a cattle producer for use in improving the genetics of animals for future beef production.
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5. The method according to claim 4 and further comprising enabling the data of the identified animal to be used by a cattle producer in making breeding, selection or purchase decisions.
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6. The method according to claim 2 and further comprising:
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recording sire or dam information for the identified animal as a genetic characteristic; and
matching the recorded characteristic with the animal'"'"'s recorded identification.
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7. The method according to claim 6 and further comprising making data available concerning the recorded sire or dam characteristic and performance of the identified animal to be used in making future genetic decisions.
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8. The method according to claim 2 and further comprising utilizing the recorded genetic characteristic of the identified animal at least in part for selecting the identified animal for further processing.
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9. The method according to claim 8 and further comprising:
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providing data concerning the identified animal to be used by a feedlot in making management decisions; and
allocating costs for the identified animal.
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10. The method according to claim 2 and further comprising:
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calculating in the computer the projected feed intake for the identified animal from at least its measured weight and feed energy value; and
totaling in the computer the calculated feed intake for all animals in the group, calculating a pro rated share for each animal in the group, comparing that total to the actual amount fed to those animals in the group, allocating the actual amount fed to the group based on the pro rated share to each animal in the group and storing that amount in the computer.
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11. The method according to claim 10 and further comprising calculating and recording in the computer cost of gain for the identified animal and matching it to the animal'"'"'s recorded identification.
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12. The method according to claim 10 and further comprising mixing the identified animal of one original group with a group of animals containing animals from a different original group, feeding the animals for a period of time, recording feed intake for the identified animal in the computer and matching the feed intake with the animal'"'"'s recorded identification.
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13. The method according to claim 12 and further comprising:
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determining and allocating the costs for the identified animal;
determining a disbursement of funds breakdown from slaughter of the identified animal; and
recording costs and disbursement amounts in the computer and matching them to the identified animal.
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14. The method according to claim 12 further comprising plural computers defining a computer network.
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15. The method according to claim 12 and further comprising calculating feed intake for the identified animal by calculating an energy requirement for the animal and a feed energy value.
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16. The method according to claim 12 and further comprising:
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following feeding of the identified animal with a group of other animals, directing the identified animal to the measuring location;
recording in the computer at least a second measuring weight; and
feeding the identified animal with a group of other animals following recording the second measured weight.
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17. The method according to claim 12 and further comprising:
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determining the number of animals to utilize each of multiple feed pens; and
utilizing the computer for sorting the animals to approximate the correct number of animals in each feed pen.
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18. The method according to claim 12 and further comprising utilizing an electronic identification device.
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19. The method according to claim 12 and further comprising:
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storing in the computer health and treatment data; and
utilizing such data to calculate costs for the identified animal.
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20. The method according to claim 12 and further comprising:
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storing in the computer feed requirements data and feed delivery data; and
utilizing such data to calculate costs for the identified animal.
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21. The method according to claim 12 and further comprising enabling data and characteristics for the identified animal to be used by a cattle producer for use in improving the genetics of animals for future beef production.
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22. The method according to claim 12 and further comprising:
recording sire or dam information for the identified animal as a genetic characteristic; and
matching the recorded characteristic with the animal'"'"'s recorded identification.
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23. The method according to claim 12 and further comprising:
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providing computer control for controlling gate operation for gates in a multiple of stations in a single file chute to provide for sequential movement of the identified animal from one station to another station; and
providing computer control for selectively controlling operation of sorting gates at an entrance of sort pens following exit of the identified animal from a last station in the single file chute.
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24. The method according to claim 12 and further comprising:
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storing feed additive data in the computer from a feed additive delivery system; and
utilizing such information to calculate costs for the identified animal.
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25. The method according to claim 12 and further comprising identifying two or more animals, utilizing an identifying device and at least one computer, to distinguish an identified animal from every other animal in a group, and recording the identified animals'"'"' identifications in the computer.
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26. The method according to claim 12 and further comprising identifying all animals in a group, utilizing an identifying device and at least one computer, to distinguish an identified animal from every other animal in the group, and recording the identified animals'"'"' identifications in the computer.
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27. The method according to claim 1 and further comprising:
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determining the number of animals to utilize each of multiple feed pens; and
utilizing the computer for sorting the animals to approximate the correct number of animals in each feed pen.
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28. The method according to claim 1 and further comprising utilizing an electronic identification device.
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29. The method according to claim 28 and further comprising:
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reading the electronic identification device for the identified animal at a packing plant; and
transferring the identification to match the identification for a carcass resulting from the identified animal and matching that carcass to the identified animal in the computer.
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30. The method according to claim 29 and further comprising removing the electronic identification device from the animal at the packing plant and delivering the electronic identification device for reuse on another animal.
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31. The method according to claim 1 and further comprising:
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storing in the computer health and treatment data; and
utilizing such data to calculate costs for the identified animal.
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32. The method according to claim 1 and further comprising:
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storing in the computer feed requirements data and feed delivery data; and
utilizing such data to calculate costs for the identified animal.
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33. The method according to claim 1 further comprising plural computers defining a computer network.
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34. The method according to claim 1 and further comprising:
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storing feed additive data in the computer from a feed additive delivery system; and
utilizing such information to calculate costs for the identified animal.
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35. The method according to claim 1 and further comprising:
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providing computer control for controlling gate operation for gates in a multiple of stations in a single file chute to provide for sequential movement of the identified animal from one station to another station; and
providing computer control for selectively controlling operation of sorting gates at an entrance of sort pens following exit of the identified animal from a last station in the single file chute.
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36. The method according to claim 1 and further comprising:
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following feeding of the identified animal with a group of other animals, directing the identified animal to the measuring location;
recording in the computer at least a second measuring weight; and
feeding the identified animal with a group of other animals following recording the second measured weight.
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37. The method according to claim 1 and further comprising identifying two or more animals, utilizing an identifying device and at least one computer, to distinguish an identified animal from every other animal in a group, and recording the identified animals'"'"' identifications in the computer.
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38. The method according to claim 1 and further comprising identifying all animals in a group, utilizing an identifying device and at least one computer, to distinguish an identified animal from every other animal in the group, and recording the identified animals'"'"' identifications in the computer.
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39. A method for managing cattle for beef production, comprising:
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identifying at least one animal, utilizing identifying means and at least one computer, to distinguish it from every other animal in a group, and recording the animal'"'"'s identification in the computer;
directing the identified animal to a measurement location remote from a feeding location directing the identified animal at the measurement location through a one-way chute;
recording multiple characteristics of the identified animal, including a measured weight, and matching in the computer the recorded characteristics with the animal'"'"'s recorded identification;
feeding the identified animal with a group of other animals;
determining for the identified animal a limit or target condition;
making a computer projection of an estimated time or date for the identified animal to achieve the projected limit or target condition based at least in part on the characteristics;
selecting the identified animal for further processing based at least in part on the estimated time or date;
enabling a computer operator to review from a remote location an up-to-date cattle inventory by individual animal by location;
collecting carcass data characteristics of the identified animal following shipment of the identified animal from a cattle feedlot to a slaughter facility;
storing in the computer data derived from a carcass of the identified animal;
storing the identified animal'"'"'s performance and costs in the computer;
correlating in the computer the respective performance and costs with data derived from the carcass for the identified animal; and
enabling such data to be used by a cattle producer for use in improving the genetics of animals for future beef production.
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40. An electronic cattle management system, comprising:
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an identification device for identifying an individual animal from other animals in a group of animals;
a measurement location separate from a feeding location;
at least one computer for storing identification information for the animal and for recording at least two physical characteristics, including weight, and for matching the recorded identification information with the characteristics;
a data entry device for entering into the computer animal identification information and initial characteristics prior to a feeding period and characteristics following a feeding period for the animal with the group of animals; and
a data output device in communication with the computer the computer being operable following entry of the animal'"'"'s identity for projecting for the identified animal a limit or target condition, projecting an estimated time or date for the identified animal to achieve the projected limit or target condition, and selecting the animal for further processing based at least in part on the characteristics. - View Dependent Claims (41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67)
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68. An electronic cattle management system, comprising:
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electronic identification means for identifying an individual animal from a group of animals;
a measurement location separate from a feeding location;
at least one computer for storing identification information for the animal and for recording at least two characteristics of the animal, including weight, and for matching the recorded identification information with the animal'"'"'s characteristics. a data entry device for entering into the computer an animal'"'"'s identity and characteristics; and
a data output device in communication with the computer, the computer being operable in response to entry of the animal'"'"'s identity to project for the identified animal a limit or target condition, and projecting an estimated time or date for the identified animal to achieve the projected limit or target condition based at least in part on the characteristics. - View Dependent Claims (69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89)
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90. An electronic cattle management system, comprising:
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electronic identification means for identifying an individual animal from a group of animals;
computer means for storing identification information for the animal and for recording at least two characteristics of the animal, including weight, and for matching the recorded identification information with the animal'"'"'s characteristics;
data entry means for entering into the computer an animal'"'"'s identity and characteristics; and
data output means in communication with the computer means, the computer means being operable following entry of the animal'"'"'s identity to project for the identified animal a limit or target condition, and projecting an estimated time or date for the identified animal to achieve the projected limit or target condition based at least in part on the characteristics.
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Specification