IES930112A2 - The Ross all purpose (bale & crop) feeder - Google Patents

Abstract

A multi-functional assembly (1) for farm animals can be used as a feeding unit and an adoption unit. The multi-functional assembly (1) 5 comprises a framework (2, 3, 4, 8) defining an enclosure unit (5) for the receipt of an animal feedstuff. The framework (2,3,4,8) has a plurality of spaced-apart vertically disposed bars (6, 7) through which an animal can access the feedstuff. At least one of the bars (7) is movable relative to the framework (2, 3, 4, 8) to limit access to the 10 enclosure (5) on the basis of animal size or to trap a lactating animal for suckling by young.

Description

A multi-functional assembly for farm animals' The present invention relates to a multi-functional assembly for farm animals, in particular, an assembly for use as a feeding unit, creep unit and an adoption unit for farm animals.

Over the years farmers have employed many different devices, some makeshift, some purpose-built, for use as feeding units or adoption pens, by the animals kept on a farm. Generally each of these devices is only suitable for one type of animal and for one purpose. For example, if a device is suitable for feeding cattle it is not suitable for feeding sheep or pigs because of the difference in size of the animals. Each device has to be tailored to meet the needs of the particular animals which are to use the device and the use to which the device is to be put.

The known devices do not provide for the addition of extra components thereto, so that the devices can be used for a number of different purposes.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a multifunctional assembly as a single unit for use by different types of farm animals.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a multifunctional assembly which can be used for a number of different functions providing maximum durability, accessibility, flexibility, economy and efficiency.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a multi-functional assembly for farm animals suitable for use as a feeding unit and an adoption unit, comprising a framework defining an enclosure unit for the receipt of an animal feedstuff, said framework having a plurality of spaced-apart vertically disposed bars through which an animal can access said feedstuff and at least one of said bars being movable relative to the framework to limit access to the enclosure on the basis of animal size or to trap a lactating animal for suckling by young.

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IE 930112 Preferably, the framework comprises a first and a second frame, the first frame being of smaller dimension and vertically spaced-apart from the second frame, the frames being joined by posts so as to form an enclosure unit having side faces, each of which, is subdivided by a vertically oriented fixed bar and further subdivided by two adjustable bars positioned one on each side of the fixed bar.

The assembly can also incorporate a controlled feeding device, so as to form a creep unit, from which feed such as pellets or meal can be dispensed in a controlled manner. When used as a creep unit the assembly is arranged so that the first frame is positioned uppermost and the controlled feeding unit can sit into the assembly.

Preferably the first and second frames are each hexagonal in shape.

The hexagonal frames are preferably constructed of six sections 15 of equal length, each section of the first frame being between 60-90 cm in length and each section of the second frame being between 65-100 cm in length so that the assembly can accommodate varying amounts of feed when used as a feeding unit and/or animals when used as an adoption unit or creep unit.

Preferably each section of the first frame is 75 cm in length and each section of the second frame 82.5 cm in length when used for sheep.

The assembly can vary in height between 85-140 cm, but is preferably 90 cm in height when used for sheep.

The present invention will be further illustrated by the following description of an embodiment thereof given by way of example only with reference to accompanying drawings in which; Fig. 1, is a schematic front elevation of a multi-functional assembly according to the invention; IE 930112 Fig. 2, is a schematic plan view of the assembly of Fig. 1 incorporating a controlled feeding device; and Fig. 3, is a schematic front elevation of Fig. 2.

Referring to Fig. 1 of the drawings there is shown a multi5 functional assembly, indicated generally at 1, suitable for use as a feeding unit and an adoption unit for sheep.

The assembly 1 comprises first and second hexagonal frames 2, 3 which are vertically spaced-apart and joined by six upright posts 4, one at each comer of the respective frames 2, 3, so as to form an enclosure unit 5. Unit 5 has side faces, each of which is subdivided by a vertically oriented fixed bar 6 and further subdivided by two adjustable bars 7 (indicated by broken lines), positioned one on each side of the fixed bar 6.

Each of the hexagonal frames 2, 3 is made of six sections 8, each of equal length, which are welded together, end to end, to form the hexagonal frames 2, 3. Each of the sections 8 is suitably made of 5 mm x 2.5 cm angle iron which provides sufficient strength to the frames 2, 3. The sections 8 used in the second frame 3 are approximately 82.5 cm in length, while those used in the first frame 2 are approximately 75 cm in length. An assembly of this size is suitable for use with round bales of silage or hay.

The assembly 1 can be arranged so that the first frame 2 is uppermost and is of smaller dimension than the second frame 3, with the result that the posts 4 slope inwardly, at an angle, from frame 3 to frame 2 (Fig. 3). In such an arrangement a controlled feeding device such as a container 12 can be incorporated therein.

Alternatively as shown in Fig. 1 the second frame 3 can be positioned uppermost. In such an arrangement the assembly 1 is suitable for use as a feeding and/or adoption unit. Each of posts 4 is welded, at each end, to a comer of the first frame 2 and the second IE 930112 frame 3, respectively. Each of the posts 4 is approximately 90 cm in length and is made of angle iron.

Tlie side faces of the assembly 1 are defined by the respective sections 8 of the first and second frames 2, 3 and the posts 4 disposed at each comer of the frames 2, 3.

Each side face is subdivided into two equal halves by a fixed bar 6 and each subdivision is further subdivided into 2 equal halves by one of the two adjustable bars 7. Each fixed bar 6 is welded, at one end, to one of the sections 8 of the first frame 2 and at the other end to the second frame 3. The fixed bars 6 are made of flat iron suitably of dimensions 5 mm x 2.5 cm.

Each adjustable bar 7 is anchored at one end 9 to one of the sections 8 of the first frame 2 by means of a self-locking 1.25 mm bolt and nut and is adjustable at the other end, which is free, to a number of different settings.

Each adjustable bar 7 can be secured in position at each setting by means of a R-clip (not shown) on a lug (not shown) welded to the free end of the adjustable bar 7 which lug sits into one of holes 10 in each section 8.

By R-clip is meant an R-shaped protrusion which is welded to the lug and acts against removal of the lug from the hole 10.

The holes 10 are drilled in each section 8 of the second frame 3 at 5 cm spacings on either side of the fixed bars 6.

An extra hole 11 is drilled at a distance of 5 cm from the fixed 25 bar 6 in each section 8 of the first frame 2. This extra hole is required for the creation of twelve adoption units in the assembly 1, wherein an adjustable bar 7 is brought close to a fixed bar 6 at both ends to trap a lactating ewe's head between the bars. In practice, however, due to the size of the animals only six units are used.

IE 930112 When used as an adoption unit, i.e. for ewes and lambs, the head of the ewe is placed facing towards the enclosure, between one of the fixed bars 6 and one of the adjustable bars 7 and the adjustable bar 7 is placed in the extra hole 11 to prevent the ewe from moving. The ewe can feed from silage placed in the assembly but cannot run away when the adoptive lambs come to suckle.

When used as a feeding unit, the assembly 1 is suitably sized so that animals feeding have enough access to the enclosure unit 5 to eat all the feed without leaving a central pile which they can not reach.

This is particularly useful when the feed is silage as it starts to rot once disturbed. If the animals could not reach all of the feed the farmer would have to redistribute the feed, thereby, starting the rotting process.

Figs. 2 and 3, show the assembly 1 as described with reference to Fig. 1, incorporating a detachable controlled feeding device such as a container 12, so as to form a creep unit. The container 12 holds foodstuffs, such as meal, and has a capacity of the order of 140 litres.

In this arrangement the second frame 3 rests on the ground in use. Thus, larger animals are prevented from reaching the feed in the controlled feeding device.

A centre-piece support 14 is formed by three staffs 15, made of 5 mm angle iron, which are each welded, at one end, to a centre ring 16 and at the other end are connected to section 8 of the first frame 2, so as to form an inverted tripod. The centre ring 16 is suitably 22.5 cm in diameter, 1.5 cm in width and 5 cm in depth.

A bracket 17 is connected to every second post 4, adjacent the first frame 2 and each of the staffs 15 is connected to the bracket 17 by means of a 1.25 mm self-locking bolt.

A further light stabilising ring (not shown) is connected by ring supports 18 to first frame 2 thus supporting the upper end of container 12.

IE 930112 The container 12 is cylindrical in shape, open at one end with a lip 12a around the rim and shaped in a truncated conical form at the other end. A lid (not shown) can be placed over the open end of the container 12 with the lip 12a so as to protect the feedstuff (not shown).

The truncated conical form end of the container 12 sits on the centrepiece support 14.

The container 12 is barrel-shaped, and is adapted to receive a 12.5 cm feed pipe 19. The pipe 19 leads down through the centre ring 16 to a tray shown generally at 20 at or close to ground level.

The tray 20 is adjustable in height, by means of an open ring 23 associated with a bolt and nut arrangement, in order to control overflow from the container 12. The tray 20 suitably consists of a disc 21 of 37.5 cm in diameter having upright edges 22 of 12.5 cm in height. The open ring 23 is mounted on the pipe 19 and is adjustable thereon. Extensions 24, welded to the ring 23 at one end and the disc 21 of the tray 20 at the other end, link the ring 23 to the tray 20. Adjustment, up or down, of the ring 23 adjusts the height of the tray 20, and hense the rate of delivery of the feed into the tray 20.

Claims (5)

CLAIMS:

1. A multi-functional assembly for farm animals suitable for use as a feeding unit and an adoption unit, comprising a framework defining an enclosure unit for the receipt of an animal feedstuff, said 5 framework having a plurality of spaced-apart vertically disposed bars through which an animal can access said feedstuff and at least one of said bars being movable relative to the framework to limit access to the enclosure on the basis of animal size or to trap a lactating animal for suckling by young. 10

2. A multi-functional assembly for farm animals as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the framework comprises a first and a second frame, the first frame being of smaller dimension and vertically spaced-apart from the second frame, the frames being joined by posts so as to form an enclosure unit having side faces, each of which, is 15 subdivided by a vertically oriented fixed bar and further subdivided by two adjustable bars positioned one on each side of the fixed bar.

3. A multi-functional assembly as claimed in Claim 2, wherein the assembly is arranged so that the first frame is uppermost and further incorporating a controlled feeding device so as to form a 20 creep unit.

4. A multi-functional assembly as claimed in Claim 2 or 3, wherein the first and second frames are each hexagonal in shape.

5. A multi-functional assembly as claimed in Claim 1, substantially as hereinbefore described with particular reference to and 25 as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.