WO2022212952A1

WO2022212952A1 - Livestock feed management and handling system

Info

Publication number: WO2022212952A1
Application number: PCT/US2022/023334
Authority: WO
Inventors: Henry Wegehaupt
Original assignee: Provender Technologies, LLC
Priority date: 2021-04-02
Filing date: 2022-04-04
Publication date: 2022-10-06

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to feeding livestock from bulk feed bunkers. A method, system, and feed handler for managing feed, a bulk feed bunker, and feeding livestock includes one or more bulk feed storage bunkers from which feeding operations originate, are adjusted to match an as-fed feed ration with a calculated feed ration, and data from the feed handling and management operations is used to increase accuracy of the overall operations and health of the livestock.

Description

TITLE: LIVESTOCK FEED MANAGEMENT AND HANDLING SYSTEM

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to provisional application Serial No. 63/170,271 filed April 2, 2021, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to feeding livestock. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a system for managing feed, a bulk feed bunker, and feeding livestock.

BACKGROUND

In livestock feeding operations, feed that is consumed by livestock is often composed of many different feed ingredients. In some instances, separate feed ingredients are shipped to a feed operation where they are fed to livestock, typically as a mixed feed ration. In some instances, formulated feed rations are shipped in bulk to a feeding operation where the formulated feed ration is fed to livestock. Both feeding practices have deficiencies, are costly and becoming fiscally irreconcilable, and face mounting environmental impact pressures on top of an increasing number of both state and federal regulations. Technologies that 1) improve the livelihoods of rural and underserved communities and 2) are environmentally friendly by way of emitting less CO2 per unit of production can enhance the lives of rural stakeholders and allow them to be seated in for long-term sustainability.

Typically, a ration is formulated according to the livestock’s nutritional requirements and the desired performance of the livestock (weight gain, milk production, fiber production, etc.). However, it often happens that the performance of the livestock does not match what the nutritionist has formulated. Reasons for this can vary, but a common problem is that the as-fed ration of feed ingredients deviates from the formulated one. During any or all the steps involved in the feeding process the composition of the as-fed ration of feed ingredients can be drastically compromised. If the as-fed ration of feed ingredients deviates from the formulated one, the livestock may not receive the optimal nutrition that was intended for them. The resulting inconsistency in the diet is undesirable and can lead to a drop in production and lower profit for producers. These inconsistencies can also skew feed ingredient usage numbers, feed orders for feed ingredients, on-hand amounts of feed ingredients, formulation of feed rations, efficacy of feed ingredients, and since feed costs are the largest component of an operation’s expenses, the ultimate desired viability of livestock and corresponding livestock operations financial stability.

The feeding process, often by necessity, includes the delivery, receipt, and storage of one or more type of feed ingredients. Analyzing feed ingredients, loading and mixing feed ingredients for creating a feed ration, and then delivering the feed ration to the livestock is also a common practice. Much of the feeding process is performed manually, and as such, suffers from many inefficiencies and resulting costs. Minor changes and improvements to the feeding process can lead to significant gains in fuel and labor efficiency and mixer performance and reduced feed waste. Furthermore, feed rations can drastically affect feed conversion efficiency, nutrient excretion, and odors. If nutrients are fed in excess of animal requirements, they are excreted in manure. Careful monitoring and adjustments of rations is needed to prevent negative impacts to the environment. Since feed costs presently represent the single largest expense when raising livestock, such as cattle, the development of feeding systems and methods that reduce feed waste and maximize feeding efficiency will be of great benefit to the producers and corresponding industries. For example, feeding systems that can accurately and efficiently produce as-fed rations of feed ingredients that best approximate the formulated one are lacking notwithstanding the great demand.

In agricultural feeding operations, such as cattle feeding operations, feed ingredients are often handled many times over, with each successive handling resulting in operating inefficiencies and feed ingredient shrink, or feed loss. For example, it is common practice for individual feed ingredients to be stored in feed ingredient storage areas that are geographically dispersed from other feeding operations. It is also common practice for individual feed ingredients to be collected, transported, and measured into feed mixing equipment by an operator manning appropriate loading equipment such as a wheeled loader. A weighing system is often used for determining the weight of a desired quantity of feed ingredients. For example, feed mixing equipment is typically configured with an electronic weighing system, and the operator manning loading equipment uses feedback from the weighing system to measure the desired quantity of each feed ingredient unloaded into the mixing equipment. Thus, in preparing feed mixtures for a feed ration, an operator manning loading machinery must travel back and forth between the mixing equipment and feed ingredient storage areas, which are often geographically displaced throughout a feeding area. This is a very inefficient process. Moreover, and compounding the efficiency issue, the loaded ration of feed ingredients often differs from the formulated one resulting in the as-fed ration of feed ingredients differing from the targeted dietary formulation.

Feeding systems that dispense feed ingredients from feed hoppers and mix them in a desired manner to be delivered to the livestock are known. For example, an automated feeding system in which feed from commodity storage hoppers is allocated to stationary mixing equipment based on a feed recipe is a type of feeding system. The feed mixture may be transferred, via a conveyor, from the stationary mixing equipment into a feed delivery device such as a distributor truck or wagon which then transports the feed mixture to the feeding area and moves along the feeding lane distributing the feed to the livestock. Although automated feed systems are disclosed in the art, the feeding systems do not disclose a livestock feed handling system having one or more bulk feed bunkers which are sized for bulk delivery and storage of feed ingredients and from which predetermined quantities of feed ingredients can be dispensed in a precise and accurate manner and combined to form a desired feed ration to be distributed to livestock.

In another example, an automated feeding system is also known to have a feed delivery device that travels along the feed hoppers. The feed delivery device controls the filling action for feeding amounts of feed from various feed hoppers. Thus, the feed delivery device acts as both the mixing equipment and as a distributor wagon. Although other automated feed systems are disclosed in the art, these other feeding systems do not disclose a livestock feed handling system having one or more bulk feed bunkers which are sized for bulk delivery and storage of feed ingredients and from which predetermined quantities of feed ingredients can be dispensed in a precise and accurate manner and combined to form a desired feed ration to be distributed to livestock. In still another example, a livestock feed handler for agricultural feed stored in a bulk feed bunker at a livestock feeding operation is disclosed. The feed handler can include, for example, one or more bulk feed storage bunkers having a floor and walls operably configured for storing a bulk livestock feed, one or more push floor frames operably disposed and actuated within the one or more feed storage bunkers and having one or more push floor ladders actuated by one or more actuators toward and away from a discharge, and a control system operably controlling the one or more actuators based on and for dispensing a feed ration amount from the one or more bulk feed storage bunkers by controlling the one or more push floor frames and the one or more push floor ladders.

Automated feeding systems in the art use costly equipment and are not cost-effective for many feeding operations. For example, the feed bunkers associated with these systems are commonly constructed from heavy-gauge stainless steel and have many moving components introducing an unnecessary number of failure points, costly repairs, and the potential for indeterminant amounts of downtime to locate a knowledgeable repairman, acquire special order components, and restore operations. More so, the feed bunkers of these systems provide no value, additional functionality or increased accuracy to a livestock feeding operation outside of their known classical role in an automated feeding manufacturing system. The feed bunkers must be routinely filled using a tractor with a front loader or a wheeled loader, and the feed bunkers are suitable only for storing feed ingredients in small quantities to be used by the feed handling system on that day or potentially the following day. Furthermore, these feed handling systems do very little to minimize the handling of feed ingredients and improve the feeding efficiency of feeding operations. For example, during a feeding process, feed ingredients must be routinely collected from feed storage areas and transported to the automated feeding system to fill the feed bunkers. These automated feeding systems are not scalable to be a preferred feeding solution for sizeable feeding operations.

What is needed is a feed handling system of effective and simple operation having one or more feed bunkers for storing bulk quantities of feed ingredients from which predetermined quantities of ingredients of can be dispensed accurately and precisely in a controlled manner and combined to form a desired feed ration to be distributed to livestock. Wherein the one or more feed storage bunkers are functional as a means of bulk storage separate from the feed handling system so that machinery is able to travel inside the feed bunker, for example a semi-truck and live bottom trailer for delivery of a feed ingredient, or for example a wheeled loader for the conventional manual process of collecting, transporting, and combining ingredients to be fed to livestock.

SUMMARY

The object of the invention is a feed handling system and process that can be universally adapted in view of the existing location and operating conditions. The object is satisfied by the present invention described herein.

Due to the design of the feed storage site so that it can serve as a feed storage site independent of the feed handling system, the feed handling system can be introduced with minimal costs and can be designed flexibly and closely adapted to the actual needs of the livestock feeding operation. A particular advantage of the solution according to the invention is that the handling of feed ingredients for preparing feed rations is minimized.

Due to the design according to the invention, there is the option to fill a distributing device directly from feed bunkers of the feed storage site. Thus, the feed distributing device may act as the aggregation system and as the distributing device both mixing the feed and delivering it to the livestock. Alternatively, a feed distributing device can be filled by the feed transfer system or a feed mixture may be transferred from a feed mixing device of the feed aggregation system into the distributing device and thus the feed distributing device may act solely as a means for transporting feed mixtures and distributing them in predetermined amounts to the feeding area.

A roadworthy vehicle such as a feed delivery truck or a tractor pulling a feed wagon can therefore be used as the feed distributing device. A conventional feed mixer is preferably used as the mixing device as part of the aggregation system, for example, a conventional mixer with one or more vertical or horizontal augers being arranged in the mixer container.

Preferably, the bunkers of the feed storage site are designed with open fronts to receive bulk deliveries of feed ingredients and are filled by appropriate devices such as live bottom semi trailers. The bunkers are sized according to the needs of the livestock feeding operation. Each bunker of the feed storage site is provided with a discharge system having a push floor discharger for discharging feed from each bunker in a consistent and controlled manner. The push floor discharger preferably consists of a series of pusher frames or ladders which reciprocate on bearing beams on the concrete floor of the bunker. Hydraulic cylinders are fixed at either end of the bunker and drive the pusher frames forwards and backwards over the floor of the feed bunker, while the profile of the pusher frame transports the feed ingredient towards the discharge end of the bunker, where an adjustable discharge gate limits the discharge flow of an ingredient as it is dispensed from the outlet and onto the feed transfer system or directly into the mixing device of the aggregation system or directly into a distributing device. Due to the construction of the pusher framers, the feed ingredient is transported only in one direction.

The pusher frames are constructed for the optimal handling of an ingredient. For example, the pusher frame of a push floor discharger for dispensing a grain may have a different design than that of a pusher frame for dispensing hay or silage. A push floor discharger may be constructed for easy removal and install of pusher frames so that the pusher frames may be changed depending on the ingredient to be dispensed from the bunker.

The push floor discharger may be constructed to dispense an ingredient from the full area of a bunker. Alternatively, a push floor discharger may be constructed to discharge an ingredient from a portion of a bunker such as from the front half of a bunker or from one side of the bunker.

The pusher frames can be constructed in various configurations in various widths and lengths, and one or more pusher frames can be used to dispense an ingredient from a bunker.

To allow for suitable machinery such as semi-truck trailers and wheeled loaders to travel within each feed bunker, the push floor discharger is preferably designed with a low profile, so that machinery is able to drive on top of the discharger and travel is unaffected, for example, when filling a bunker with a live bottom semi-trailer or when collecting or pushing an ingredient with a wheeled loader.

The push floor discharger may be constructed to dispense an ingredient from a bunker having a sloped floor. For example, the floor of the bunker may slope downwards towards the discharge end of the bunker and away from an open end of the bunker so that gravitational force aids the push floor discharger in transporting the ingredient down the slope towards the discharge end of the bunker.

The push floor of the bunker may also be lined with a plastic liner (e.g., a poly or other suitable liner material) to reduce friction between the floor of the bunker and the feed ingredient, as well as reducing friction between the floor of the bunker and the pusher frames themselves, aiding the push floor discharger in moving a feed ingredient towards the discharge end of the bunker. A coating may also be applied to the push floor, by spraying on, rolling on, or pouring on one or more layers of friction reducing material, such as a low friction polymer or other suitable coating. A floor coating, in combination with a sloped bunker floor, can aid in moving feed along the floor of a bunker towards the discharge end of the bunker.

The push floor discharger is configured, in at least one aspect, with a series of pusher frames or ladders which reciprocate on bearing beams. The pusher frames of the push floor move directly on the bunker floor (e.g., concrete floor).

In one aspect, the ladder or pusher frames move, such as by reciprocation, move on or atop a coating, liner or layer of a friction reducing material to facilitate the absence of all of one or more of the bearing beams.

In another aspect, the bunker and bunker floor is covered with a liner, such as a plastic, poly, or other suitable liner, for reducing friction, encouraging movement of feed both downward (e.g., along the wall(s)) and toward the discharge end, and providing a barrier from the environment.

A feed transfer system receives the feed ingredient from the discharge system of the one or more feed bunkers and introduces them into a stationary mixer or into a distributing device. The height adjustment necessary for discharging ingredients from the one or more feed bunkers onto the feed transfer device can be preferably effected by positioning the feed transfer device below the height level of the bunker push floor discharge surface so that feed transfer device can be filled from above.

Alternatively, a feed distributing device may receive ingredients directly from a bunker by means of a travel lane being disposed lower than the surface from which feed ingredients are dispensed from the feed bunkers. Thus, the feed distributing device can be filled from above. Therefore, it is a primary object, feature, or advantage of the present invention to improve over the state of the art.

It is a further object, feature, or advantage of the present invention a cost-effective feed handling system and process for automating the livestock feeding process.

It is a further object, feature, or advantage of the present invention having one or more bulk storage bunkers which are functional as a means of bulk storage separate from the feed handling system so that machinery is able to travel inside the feed bunker, for example a semi-truck and live bottom trailer for delivery of a feed ingredient, or for example a wheeled loader for the conventional manual process of collecting, transporting, and combining ingredients to be fed to livestock.

It is a still further object, feature, or advantage of the present invention a solution for supplying predetermined quantities of mixed feed ingredients to many thousands of cattle by using distributor devices being directly filled by feed bunkers or a stationary mixer which is fed by feed bunkers.

It is a still further object, feature, or advantage of the present invention the reduced handling of feed ingredients by dispensing ingredients directly from a bulk feed storage site and eliminating the need to for feed bunkers unique to a feed handling system.

Another object, feature, or advantage of the invention is a system and process for automating the preparation of feed rations for livestock.

Another object, feature, or advantage of the invention is a system and process for accurately and precisely collecting feed ingredients in predetermined amounts from bunkers, silos, and other feed storage devices and preparing a feed mixture according to a recipe.

Yet another object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is a feed handling system and process that allows a livestock feeding operation to accomplish more work with less labor.

Yet another object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is a feed handling system with effective and simple operation.

Yet another object, feature, or advantage is a feed handling system requiring minimal and simple maintenance. Yet another object, feature, or advantage is a feed handling system and process that is easily scalable and a likely preferred solution for sizable livestock feeding operations.

Yet another object, feature, or advantage is a feed handling system and process that can greatly reduce overhead from the livestock feeding process.

Yet another object, feature, or advantage is a feed handling system and process that can accurately and precisely prepare large quantities of predetermined feed rations by automatically collecting from a bulk storage site different feed ingredients and combining them to form a feed recipe.

Yet another object, feature or advantage is a feed handling system and process that can be used in a concentrated animal feeding operation so that very minimal labor is required for feeding the livestock aside from filling feed bunkers with ingredients, wherein said feed bunkers are preferably sized for bulk delivery of feed ingredients by means of a live bottom semi-trailer.

Yet another object, feature or advantage is a feed handling system and process for preparing a feed ration, such as a mixed ration, and for ensuring that the feed ration or mixed ration best approximates, and by machine learning and artificial intelligence model application, is adjusted, as needed, to minimize the difference between a calculated feed ration and the as-fed feed ration.

One or more of these and/or other objects, features, or advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the specification and claims that follow. No single embodiment need provide each and every object, feature, or advantage. Different embodiments may have different objects, features, or advantages. Therefore, the present invention is not to be limited to or by an objects, features, or advantages stated herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Illustrated embodiments of the disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, which are incorporated by reference herein, and where:

FIG. 1 is a pictorial representation illustrating the framework of a livestock feed management and handling system in accordance with an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure; FIG. 2 is a pictorial representation illustrating the framework of a feed tracking node for a livestock feed management and handling system in accordance with an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a pictorial representation illustrating the framework of a communications node for a livestock feed management and handling system in accordance with an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a pictorial representation illustrating the framework of a detection node for a livestock feed management and handling system in accordance with an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a pictorial representation illustrating the framework of a calibration node for a livestock feed management and handling system in accordance with an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a pictorial representation illustrating the framework of a data tagging, logging, and storage node for a livestock feed management and handling system in accordance with an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a pictorial representation illustrating the framework of a machine learning and artificial intelligence node for a livestock feed management and handling system in accordance with an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a pictorial representation illustrating a method and process of a feed aggregation node for a livestock feed management and handling system in accordance with an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a pictorial representation illustrating a method and process of the feed transfer node for a livestock feed management and handling system in accordance with an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a pictorial representation illustrating a method and process of the feed distributing node for a livestock feed management and handling system in accordance with an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure; FIG. 11 is a pictorial representation illustrating a method and process of the bulk storage node for a livestock feed management and handling system in accordance with an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a pictorial representation illustrating the framework of a pusher floor actuator node for a livestock feed management and handling system in accordance with an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 is a pictorial representation illustrating the framework of another pusher floor actuator node for a livestock feed management and handling system in accordance with an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure; FIG. 14 is a pictorial representation illustrating a method and process of the feed tracking node for a livestock feed management and handling system in accordance with an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 15 is a pictorial representation illustrating a method and process of the pusher floor actuator node for a livestock feed management and handling system in accordance with an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 16 is a pictorial representation illustrating another method and process of the pusher floor actuator node for a livestock feed management and handling system in accordance with an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 17 is a pictorial representation illustrating a method and process of a feed aggregation node for a livestock feed management and handling system in accordance with an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 18 is a pictorial representation illustrating a method and process of a feed transfer node for a livestock feed management and handling system in accordance with an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure; FIG. 19 is a pictorial representation illustrating a method and process of a feed distributing node for a livestock feed management and handling system in accordance with an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure; FIG. 20 is a pictorial representation illustrating a method and process of a machine learning and artificial intelligence node for a livestock feed management and handling system in accordance with an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 21 is a pictorial representation illustrating a method and process of a detection node for a livestock feed management and handling system in accordance with an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 22 is a pictorial representation illustrating a method and process of a calibration node for a livestock feed management and handling system in accordance with an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 23 is a pictorial representation illustrating a method and process of a communications node for a livestock feed management and handling system in accordance with an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 24 is a pictorial representation illustrating a method and process of a data tagging, logging, and storage node for a livestock feed management and handling system in accordance with an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 25 is a pictorial representation illustrating a method and process of a bulk storage node for a livestock feed management and handling system in accordance with an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 26 is a pictorial representation illustrating an exemplary configuration of a livestock feed management and handling system in accordance with an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 27 is a pictorial representation further illustrating the exemplary configuration of a livestock feed management and handling system shown in FIG. 26 in accordance with an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 28 is a pictorial representation illustrating another exemplary configuration of a livestock feed management and handling system in accordance with an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure; FIG. 29 is a pictorial representation further illustrating the exemplary configuration of a livestock feed management and handling system shown in FIG. 28 in accordance with an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 30 is a pictorial representation illustrating another exemplary configuration of a livestock feed management and handling system in accordance with an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 31 is a pictorial representation further illustrating the exemplary configuration of a livestock feed management and handling system shown in FIG. 30 in accordance with an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure; FIG. 32 is a pictorial representation illustrating another exemplary configuration of a livestock feed management and handling system in accordance with an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 33 is a pictorial representation further illustrating the exemplary configuration of a livestock feed management and handling system shown in FIG. 32 in accordance with an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 34 is a pictorial representation illustrating an exemplary configuration of a push floor actuator node and bunker discharge gate node in accordance with an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 35 is a pictorial representation further illustrating an exemplary configuration of a push floor actuator node and bunker discharge gate node in accordance with an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 36 is a pictorial representation illustrating an exemplary configuration of a bulk storage node in accordance with an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 37 is a pictorial representation further illustrating an exemplary configuration of a bulk storage node in accordance with an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 38 is a pictorial representation also further illustrating an exemplary configuration of a bulk storage node in accordance with an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure; FIG. 39 is a pictorial representation illustrating an exemplary configuration of a feed transfer node in accordance with an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 40 is a pictorial representation illustrating an exemplary configuration of a push floor actuator node in accordance with an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure; FIG. 41 is a pictorial representation illustrating another exemplary configuration of a push floor actuator node in accordance with an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 42 is a pictorial representation illustrating another exemplary configuration of a livestock feed management and handling system in accordance with an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure; FIG. 43 is a pictorial representation further illustrating the exemplary configuration of a livestock feed management and handling system shown in FIG. 42 in accordance with an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 44-50 are pictorial representations illustrating exemplary configurations of the framework of another pusher floor actuator node for a livestock feed management and handling system in accordance with an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 51-60 are pictorial representations illustrating exemplary configurations of the framework of another pusher floor actuator node for a livestock feed management and handling system in accordance with an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 61-62 are pictorial representations illustrating an exemplary configuration of a push floor actuator node and bunker discharge gate node in accordance with an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 63-72 are pictorial representations illustrating exemplary configurations of the framework of another pusher floor actuator node for a livestock feed management and handling system in accordance with an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure; and FIG. 73-74 are pictorial representations illustrating an exemplary configuration of a push floor actuator node and bunker discharge gate node in accordance with an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1-74 provide various pictorial illustrations for exemplary aspects of a feed management and handling system 10 in accordance with the objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure.

The present disclosure contemplates many different methods, processes, and systems for a feed management and handling system 10. Representative applications of methods and systems are described in this section. These examples are being provided solely to add context and aid in the understanding of the described aspects of the disclosure. It will thus be apparent to one skilled in the art that the described aspects of the disclosure may be practiced without some and/or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known process steps have not been described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the described embodiments. Other applications are possible, such that the following examples should not be taken as limiting.

In the following detailed description, references are made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the description and show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in accordance with the methods and systems of the present disclosure. Although aspects of the disclosure are described in sufficient detail to enable one skilled in the art to practice the described embodiments, it is understood that these examples are not limiting; other aspects may be used, and changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the described aspects of the disclosure.

It will also be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by such terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first step could be termed a second step, and, similarly, a second step could be termed a first step, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects of the disclosure only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. As used in the description of the invention and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. By way of example only, while the singular form of numerous components and steps are described in various aspects of the disclosure herein, it will be apparent that more than one of such components and/or steps can be used to accomplish the same. It will also be understood that the term "and/or" as used herein refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, functions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence and/or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. It will be similarly understood that the terms "including," "include," "includes", "such as" and the like, when used in this specification, are intended to be exemplary and should be construed as including, but not be limited to, all items recited thereafter. As used herein, the term "if’ may be construed to mean "when" or "upon" or "in response to determining" or "in response to detecting," depending on the context.

The present disclosure provides a feed management and handling system 10 for feeding livestock and managing livestock feeding operations. FIG. 1 provides an exemplary overview and framework for a feed management and handling system 10. The feed management and handling system 10 may also include one or more applications for enabling and working with such a framework and workflow 10, and for follow-on use of data generated and processed within the framework and workflow 10, for example for machine-to-machine integration of a supply chain for livestock feeding operations. The feed management and handling system 10 enables improved accuracy in feed ration preparation by providing an as-fed livestock ration that best approximates the formulated feed ration to ensure the health, viability, growth, and production of livestock. It is to be noted that the one or more applications, mobile or otherwise, for enabling and working with the feed management and handling system 10 may be accessed using a computer-based platform, such as for example on a desktop, laptop, or tablet computing device, or a mobile device. The feed management and handling system 10 provides for, amongst other things, the asynchronous monitoring, receiving, storing, tracking, ordering, discharging, measuring, aggregating, and feeding a livestock ration to livestock. The feed management and handling system 10 is optimally configured using, in at least one configuration, a feed tracking node 20, bunker discharge gate node 50, push floor actuator node 60, bulk storage node 80, communications node 90, detection node 120, feed aggregation node 140, machine learning & artificial intelligence node 160, calibration node 180, data tagging, logging, and storage node 280, feed transfer node 310, and feed distributing node 330.

FIGS. 1-74 provide a feed management and handling system 10 in accordance with the one or more objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure. The feed management and handling system 10 is operably configured with one or more of the nodes 20, 50, 60, 80, 90, 120, 140, 160, 180, 280, 310, 330, 360 to accomplish the objects, features, and advantages by asynchronous machine-to-machine communications, logging such communications, and iterating accuracy of the processes through machine learning and artificial intelligence.

A feed tracking node 20 is operably configured to track all information relating to livestock feeds. The feed tracking node 20 can, in at least one aspect, be configured with any number of computer-controlled and/or programmer-controlled feed modules, such as modules 21-44. The feed tracking module 20 is configured to manage information relating to feed and manage the handling of feed, which includes, for example, asynchronous monitoring, receiving, storing, tracking, ordering, discharging, measuring, aggregating, and feeding a livestock ration to livestock. One of the feed tracking modules of the feed tracking node 20 can be a feed order module 21. The feed order module 21 is operably configured to place a feed order with a feed supplier 22. The feed order module 21, on one aspect, prepares a feed order 21 and communicates the feed order 21 for approval, such as to a farmer, rancher, or lot manager, for sending to the feed supplier 22 using, for example, the communications node 90. The feed tracking node 20 can include a list of feed suppliers 22 for acquiring feed and be configured to communicate with various communications portals of a feed supplier using the communications node 90. The communications node 90 may include, for example, but is not limited to, network enabled devices 91, cellular enabled devices 92, Wi-Fi enable devices 93, Bluetooth enabled devices 94 and/or NFMI/NFC enabled devices 95. These devices and systems can include, but are not limited to, earth-orbiting satellites 96, vehicle displays and controls 97, wearables 98, video/image capture 99, web apps 100, RFID systems 101, cloud systems 102, scale/load cell devices 103, computer systems 105, laptop devices 106, web server systems 107, and ground-based satellite 108, and other suitable communication devices, systems, and platforms.

Feed cost 43 and feed availabilities 26 for both bulk feed and premixed feed change from time to time. The feed tracking node 20 can include a feed available module 26 for tracking the availability of feed from the various feed suppliers in the feed supplier module 22. A feed cost module 43 is configured to monitor costs of feed from the various feed suppliers in the feed supplier module 22. A feed available module 26 is configured to monitor the availability of feed and feed type, such as by supplier from the feed supplier module 22. The machine learning & artificial intelligence node 160 collects, monitors, processes, and predicts data associated both feed available 26 and feed cost 43 to control the feed order 21 operation, based on, for example, current and historical prices of feed and availability of the feed for a specific geographical region and/or feed type. In combination with these and other functionalities, the feed tracking node 20 may be configured with a feed carrier module 23 having a list of feed carriers for tracking and logging data associated with each feed carrier, such as delivery cost, carrier location, timeliness, availability, capacity, etc. Data and activities associated with the feed order module 21, feed supplier module 22, feed carrier module 23, feed available module 26, and feed cost module 43 can be recorded by creating feed order, supplier, carrier logs, including tagging, logging, and storing data, using, for example, data tagging, logging, and storage node 280. The data and activities from these logs can be used asynchronously or otherwise for iterating accuracy of the feed management and handling system 10 processes through the machine learning and artificial intelligence node 160.

A primary object, feature, or advantage of the present disclosure is to provide a feed management and handling system 10 with one or more bulk storage units, such as bulk storage node 80, for storing bulk quantities of feed at the location of livestock. Other feed storage units, such as, for micro ingredients, additives, supplements, non-bulk feed ration components can be stored in other suitable storage containers. The feed tracking node 20 may be configured with a feed on hand module 24 for tracking and logging amounts of feed types on-hand by creating on- hand feed logs, including tagging, logging, and storing data, using, for example, data tagging, logging, and storage node 280. For example, a bulk feed bunker may receive, store, and discharge hay in bulk and the feed on hand module 24 tracks the receipt, storage, and depletion of stored amounts of the hay. The feed tracking node 20 may also be configured with a feed aging module 27 to assess and track feed, such as, upon receipt and throughout the stored time for the feed. In at least one aspect, feed sampling and detection for the feed aging module 27 can be provided, at least in part, by one or more devices of the detection node 120. Detectors, such as for detecting weight 121, volume 122, weather 123, location via GPS/RFID 124, and sensors 125 may be configured provide sensed or detected data to the feed aging module 27. In at least one configuration, the detection node 120 can include detectors or sensors for detecting and/or sensing pH, moisture, humidity 126, performance 127, barometric 128, electronic 129, flow 130, image 131, scale/load cell 132, processor 133, temperature 134, HVAC 135, weight 121, volume 122, weather 123, location via GPS/RFID 124, and other environmental condition sensors 125 for detecting, tracking, and logging data relating to the feed and feed aging by creating detection logs, including tagging, logging, and storing data, using, for example, data tagging, logging, and storage node 280. The feed aging module 27 can be configured to assess factors relating to each feed component upon delivery receipt, storage, and discharge. The feed tracking node 20 may also be configured to create feed logs, include tagging, logging, and storing data, using, for example, data tagging, logging, and storage node 280, associated with or relating to feed, feed storage, feed analysis, feed shrinkage, feed discharge, feed movement, feed preparation, feeding events/operations, and any other parameters, measurements and/or activities pertaining to the feed management and handling system 10.

The feed tracking node 20 may also be configured with a feed type module 29 for monitoring and tracking feed type received, stored, tracked, ordered, discharged, measured, aggregated, and fed in a livestock ration to livestock by tracking and logging feed type by creating feed type logs, including tagging, logging, and storing data, using, for example, data tagging, logging, and storage node 280. The data and activities from the feed type module 29 logs can be used asynchronously or otherwise for iterating accuracy of the feed management and handling system 10 processes through the machine learning and artificial intelligence node 160. For example, different feed types have different handling properties and characteristics. Some feed types are highly flowable whereas other feed types are less flowable. Some feed types experience shrinkage and others experience little or no shrinkage. Some feed types store well, meaning properties and characteristics of the feed experience little change during storage. Other feeds do not store as well, meaning that properties and characteristics of the feed experience some, more or exponential changes during storage. These factors are based on the type of feed and impact operation of the feed management and handling system 10. The asynchronous machine learning and artificial intelligence node 160 uses the known and measured data for any given feed type to iterate accuracy of operations of the feed management and handling system 10. One example of this, includes in at least one aspect of the disclosure, adjusting operations of the push floor actuator node 60 based on both known and detected changes of feed received, stored, tracked, ordered, discharged, measured, aggregated, and fed in a livestock ration.

The feed tracking node 20 may also be configured with a feed ration module 30 for entering a specific feed ration, processing feed rations, monitoring and tracking feed ration received, stored, tracked, ordered, discharged, measured, aggregated, and fed in a livestock ration to livestock by tracking and logging feed type by creating feed type logs, including tagging, logging, and storing data, using, for example, data tagging, logging, and storage node 280. The data and activities from the feed type module 29 logs can be used asynchronously or otherwise for iterating accuracy of the feed management and handling system 10 processes through the machine learning and artificial intelligence node 160.

The feed tracking node 20 may also be configured with a feed dispensed module 31 for monitoring and tracking feed type and/or ration dispensed by the feed management and handling system 10 during any feed operations, such as by operation of one or more of the bulk storage node 80, push floor actuator node 60, bunker discharge node 50, feed aggregation node 140, feed transfer node 310, feed distributing node 330. The feed dispensed module 31 may be configured for tracking and logging feed dispensed by creating feed dispensed logs, including tagging, logging, and storing data, using, for example, data tagging, logging, and storage node 280. The data and activities from the feed dispensed module 31 logs can be used asynchronously or otherwise for iterating accuracy of the feed management and handling system 10 processes through the machine learning and artificial intelligence node 160. For example, different feed types and combination of feed have different handling properties and characteristics. Some feed types and combinations of feed are highly flowable whereas other feed types are less flowable. Some feed types and combination of feed experience shrinkage and others experience little or no shrinkage. Some feed types and combination of feed store well, meaning properties and characteristics of the feed experience little change during storage. Other feeds and combination of feed do not store as well, meaning that properties and characteristics of the feed and combination of feed experience some, more or exponential changes during storage, movement, mixing or other types of handling and non-handling operations. These factors are based on the type and combination of feed and impact operation of the feed management and handling system 10. The asynchronous machine learning and artificial intelligence node 160 uses the known and measured data for any given feed type and combination of feed to iterate accuracy of operations of the feed management and handling system 10, and specifically regarding the dispensing of feed. One example of this, includes in at least one aspect of the disclosure, measuring an amount of feed and/or combination of feed dispensed for adjusting operations of the push floor actuator node 60, bunker discharge node 50, bulk storage node, and other nodes based on dispensing settings, measured dispensed amounts, machine adjustments made to any one dispensing setting, and learned dispensing properties for any one feed and combination of feed. The data and activities from the feed dispensed module 31 logs can be used asynchronously or otherwise for iterating accuracy of the feed management and handling system 10 processes through the machine learning and artificial intelligence node 160. In at least one aspect, accuracy for the feed dispensed module 31 can be provided, at least in part, by one or more devices of the detection node 120. Detectors, such as for detecting weight 121, volume 122, weather 123, location via GPS/RFID 124, and sensors 125 may be configured to provide sensed, measured, or detected data to the feed aging module 27. In at least one configuration, the detection node 120 can include detectors or sensors for detecting and/or sensing pH, moisture, humidity 126, performance 127, barometric 128, electronic 129, flow 130, image 131, scale/load cell 132, processor 133, temperature 134, HVAC 135, weight 121, volume 122, weather 123, location via GPS/RFID 124, and other environmental condition sensors 125 for detecting, tracking, and logging data relating to the feed dispensed by creating detection logs, including tagging, logging, and storing data, using, for example, data tagging, logging, and storage node 280 in combination with machine learning and artificial intelligence node 160.

The feed tracking node 20 may also be configured with a feed contents module 32 for monitoring and tracking feed contents of any one feed batch request processed and/or dispensed by the feed management and handling system 10 during any pre-feeding, feeding or post-feeding operations, such as by operation of one or more of the nodes 20, 50, 60, 80, 90, 120, 140, 160, 180, 280, 310, 330, 360. The feed contents module is configured to store, process, and track a specific feed ration and the one or more type of feed ingredients for a feed ration and as-fed ration. A feed ration may be entered, updated, downloaded, adjusted, viewed, printed, cast, or visualized using the communications node 90. The communications node 90 may include, for example, but is not limited to, network enabled devices 91, cellular enabled devices 92, Wi-Fi enabled devices 93, Bluetooth enabled devices 94 and/or NFMI/NFC enabled devices 95. These devices and systems can include, but are not limited to, earth-orbiting satellites 96, vehicle displays and controls 97, wearables 98, video/image capture 99, web apps 100, RFID systems 101, cloud systems 102, scale/load cell devices 103, computer systems 105, laptop devices 106, web server systems 107, and ground-based satellite 108, and other suitable communication devices, systems, and platforms. Manual or automated updates and changes to feed contents module 32 may occur as a result of feed data manually entered, feed data retrieved from one or more feed databases, feed data configured, reconfigured, reapportioned, or any substitutions made as a result of one or more known or measured properties of available and/or unavailable feed for one or more feed batch requests, and further based on measured, learned or artificially derived feed ingredient and/or batch information, using one or more of the nodes 20, 50, 60, 80, 90, 120, 140, 160, 180, 280, 310, 330, 360. The feed contents for a specific feed ration can be received, stored, tracked, ordered, discharged, measured, aggregated, and used to prepare a livestock ration for livestock by tracking and logging feed content(s) by creating feed content(s) logs, including tagging, logging, and storing data, using, for example, data tagging, logging, and storage node 280. The data and activities from the feed contents 32 logs can be used asynchronously or otherwise for iterating accuracy of the feed management and handling system 10 processes through the machine learning and artificial intelligence node 160. For example, a feed ration may call for a specific feed ingredient that is scarce, unavailable, susceptible to large price fluctuations, can be replaced using one or more other feed ingredients to provide the same nutrient profile, and has marginal impact on livestock health, growth, and overall viability. In this instance, the feed management and handling system may, for example, using machine learning and/or artificial intelligence, provide to a user/operator an updated or adjusted feed ration based on one or more knowingly available ingredients, taking into consideration one or more factors and data from operation of the one or more nodes 20, 50, 60, 80, 90, 120, 140, 160, 180, 280, 310, 330, 360.

The feed tracking node 20 may also be configured with a feed audit module 33 for verifying the accuracy of any one feed batch request. Each feed request entails and considers factors associated with stored feed and the handling of stored feed for preparing a feed ration by operation of one or more of the nodes 20, 50, 60, 80, 90, 120, 140, 160, 180, 280, 310, 330, 360. The feed audit module 33 may be configured to audit the accuracy of the feed ration when compared to the as-fed ration. Many factors can affect differences arising between a feed ration and as-fed ration, which have been enumerated herein. The data and activities from the feed audit module 33 logs can be used asynchronously or otherwise for iterating accuracy of the feed management and handling system 10 processes through the machine learning and artificial intelligence node 160. In at least one aspect, accuracy for the feed audit module 33 can be provided, at least in part, by one or more devices of the detection node 120. Detectors, such as for detecting weight 121, volume 122, weather 123, location via GPS/RFID 124, and sensors 125 may be configured to provide sensed, measured, or detected data to the feed audit module 33. In at least one configuration, the detection node 120 can include detectors or sensors for detecting and/or sensing pH, moisture, humidity 126, performance 127, barometric 128, electronic 129, flow 130, image 131, scale/load cell 132, processor 133, temperature 134, HVAC 135, weight 121, volume 122, weather 123, location via GPS/RFID 124, and other environmental condition sensors 125 for detecting, tracking, and logging data relating to the difference between one or more feed rations and their corresponding as-fed rations by creating detection logs, including tagging, logging, and storing data, using, for example, data tagging, logging, and storage node 280 in combination with machine learning and artificial intelligence node 160.

The feed tracking node 20 may also be configured with a feed results module 34 for monitoring the visualized and/or measured outcomes affecting livestock health based on one or more measured conditions relating to the fed and/or as-fed ration in combination with one or more other factors, such as, environmental conditions, genetics, herd conditions, feeding times, and feeding regularity. The data and activities from the feeding results module 34 logs can be used asynchronously or otherwise for iterating accuracy of the feed management and handling system 10 processes through the machine learning and artificial intelligence node 160. In at least one aspect, data for the feeding results module 34 can be provided, at least in part, by one or more devices of the detection node 120. Detectors, such as for detecting weight 121, volume 122, weather 123, location via GPS/RFID 124, and sensors 125 may be configured to provide sensed, measured, or detected data to the feeding results module 34. In at least one configuration, the detection node 120 can include detectors or sensors for detecting and/or sensing pH, moisture, humidity 126, performance 127, barometric 128, electronic 129, flow 130, image 131, scale/load cell 132, processor 133, temperature 134, HVAC 135, weight 121, volume 122, weather 123, location via GPS/RFID 124, and other environmental condition sensors 125 for detecting, tracking, and logging data relating to monitoring the visualized and/or measured outcomes for the feed results by creating detection logs, including tagging, logging, and storing data, using, for example, data tagging, logging, and storage node 280 in combination with machine learning and artificial intelligence node 160.

The feed tracking node 20 may also be configured with a feed batch module 35 for handling one or more feed batches processed by the feed management and handling system 10. Feed batch parameters can be entered into the feed batch module 35 by an operator or other. Batch parameters can be entered, updated, downloaded, adjusted, viewed, printed, cast, or visualized using the communications node 90. The communications node 90 may include, for example, but is not limited to, network enabled devices 91, cellular enabled devices 92, Wi-Fi enable devices 93, Bluetooth enabled devices 94 and/or NFMI/NFC enabled devices 95. These devices and systems can include, but are not limited to, earth-orbiting satellites 96, vehicle displays and controls 97, wearables 98, video/image capture 99, web apps 100, RFID systems 101, cloud systems 102, scale/load cell devices 103, computer systems 105, laptop devices 106, web server systems 107, and ground-based satellite 108, and other suitable communication devices, systems, and platforms. Manual or automated updates and changes to feed batch module 35 may occur as a result of feed batch data manually entered, feed batch data retrieved from one or more feed databases, feed batch data configured, reconfigured, reapportioned, or any substitutions made as a result of one or more known or measured properties of available and/or unavailable feed for one or more feed batch requests, and further based on measured, learned or artificially derived feed ingredient and/or feed batch information, using one or more of the nodes 20, 50, 60, 80, 90, 120, 140, 160, 180, 280, 310, 330, 360. Feed batches can be received, stored, tracked, ordered, discharged, measured, aggregated, and used to prepare a livestock ration to feed to livestock by tracking and logging feed batches by creating feed batch logs, including tagging, logging, and storing data, using, for example, data tagging, logging, and storage node 280. The data and activities from the feed batch 35 logs can be used asynchronously or otherwise for iterating accuracy of the feed management and handling system 10 processes through the machine learning and artificial intelligence node 160.

The feed tracking node 20 may also be configured with a feed recovery module 36 for monitoring and tracking recovered feed from any one feed batch request processed and/or dispensed by the feed management and handling system 10, such as by operation of one or more of the nodes 20, 50, 60, 80, 90, 120, 140, 160, 180, 280, 310, 330, 360. In some instances, feed may be dispensed/retrieved from the bulk storage node(s) and a portion returned as part of at least one feeding operation. Feed recovery data can be received, stored, tracked, measured, aggregated, processed, and used by the feed recovery module 36 by tracking and logging reed recovered, for example, by creating feed recovery logs, including tagging, logging, and storing data, using, for example, data tagging, logging, and storage node 280. The data and activities from the feed recovery 36 logs can be used asynchronously or otherwise for iterating accuracy and improving efficiency of the feed management and handling system 10 processes through the use of machine learning and artificial intelligence node 160.

The feed tracking node 20 may also be configured with a feed validation module 37 for validating the effectiveness of any one feed batch request. Each feed request entails and considers factors associated with stored feed and the handling of stored feed for preparing a feed ration by operation of one or more of the nodes 20, 50, 60, 80, 90, 120, 140, 160, 180, 280, 310, 330, 360. The feed validation module 37 may be configured to validate the effectiveness of the feed ration when compared to the as-fed ration. Many factors can affect differences arising between a feed ration and as-fed ration, which have been enumerated herein. The data and activities from the feed validation module 37 logs can be used asynchronously or otherwise for iterating accuracy and effectiveness of the feed management and handling system 10 processes through the machine learning and artificial intelligence node 160. In at least one aspect, effectiveness of the feed validation module 37 can be provided, at least in part, by one or more devices of the detection node 120. Detectors, such as for detecting weight 121, volume 122, weather 123, location via GPS/RFID 124, and sensors 125 may be configured to provide sensed, measured, or detected data to the feed validation module 37. In at least one configuration, the detection node 120 can include detectors or sensors for detecting and/or sensing pH, moisture, humidity 126, performance 127, barometric 128, electronic 129, flow 130, image 131, scale/load cell 132, processor 133, temperature 134, HVAC 135, weight 121, volume 122, weather 123, location via GPS/RFID 124, and other environmental condition sensors 125 for detecting, tracking, and logging data relating to the effectiveness of one or more feed rations and their corresponding as-fed rations by creating detection logs, including tagging, logging, and storing data, using, for example, data tagging, logging, and storage node 280 in combination with machine learning and artificial intelligence node 160. The feed tracking node 20 may also be configured with a feed sampling module 38 for verifying the accuracy of any one processed feed batch request delivered to livestock as an as-fed feed ration. Each feed request entails and considers factors associated with stored feed and the handling of stored feed for preparing a feed ration by operation of one or more of the nodes 20, 50, 60, 80, 90, 120, 140, 160, 180, 280, 310, 330, 360. The feed sampling module 38 may be configured to sample an as-fed ration, collect data from the sampling for comparing with the known properties and outcomes for any one calculated or specified feed batch. Many factors can affect differences arising between a calculated feed ration and as-fed ration, which have been enumerated herein. The data and activities from the feed sampling module 38 logs can be used asynchronously or otherwise for iterating accuracy of the feed management and handling system 10 processes through the machine learning and artificial intelligence node 160. In at least one aspect, measurements for the feed sampling module 38 can be provided, at least in part, by one or more devices of the detection node 120. Detectors, such as for detecting weight 121, volume 122, weather 123, location via GPS/RFTD 124, and sensors 125 may be configured to provide sensed, measured, or detected data to the feed audit module 33. In at least one configuration, the detection node 120 can include detectors or sensors for detecting and/or sensing pH, moisture, humidity 126, performance 127, barometric 128, electronic 129, flow 130, image 131, scale/load cell 132, processor 133, temperature 134, HVAC 135, weight 121, volume 122, weather 123, location via GPS/RFTD 124, and other environmental condition sensors 125 for detecting, tracking, and logging sampling data relating by creating detection logs, including tagging, logging, and storing data, using, for example, data tagging, logging, and storage node 280 in combination with machine learning and artificial intelligence node 160. For example, a calculated feed ration may have different outcomes based on several factors, such as environmental conditions, housing conditions, genetics, herd conditions, feeding times, and feeding regularity. Other factors may cause a difference/change to occur in the as-fed ration from the calculated feed ration. The feed sampling module 38 tracks data associated with differences measured when compared to the calculated feed outcomes based on a type of feed ration. Applying machine learning and artificial intelligence models to the data can adjust feed rations for varying circumstances and conditions to increase the accuracy of consistently achieving the desired feed outcomes for a calculated feed ration.

The feed tracking node 20 may also be configured with a feed analyzer module 39 for verifying the effectiveness, nutritional value, storage life, viability, and calculated outcomes for delivered feed from a feed provider. All feed is not the same. The same type of feed from different suppliers can vary in effectiveness, nutritional value, storage life, viability, and calculated outcomes. Each feed request entails and considers factors derived from analysis of a feed for preparing a feed ration by operation of one or more of the nodes 20, 50, 60, 80, 90, 120, 140, 160, 180, 280, 310, 330, 360. The feed analyzer module 39 may be configured to sample a feed ingredient to provide baseline data for comparing with the known properties and outcomes for any one feed and as a result, adjust ingredients for a feed batch request. The data and activities from the feed analyzer module 39 logs can be used asynchronously or otherwise for iterating accuracy of the feed management and handling system 10 processes through the machine learning and artificial intelligence node 160. In at least one aspect, analysis performed by the feed analyzer module 39 can be provided, at least in part, by one or more devices of the detection node 120. Detectors, such as for detecting weight 121, volume 122, weather 123, location via GPS/RFTD 124, and sensors 125 may be configured to provide sensed, measured, or detected data to the feed audit module 33. In at least one configuration, the detection node 120 can include detectors or sensors for detecting and/or sensing pH, moisture, humidity 126, performance 127, barometric 128, electronic 129, flow 130, image 131, scale/load cell 132, processor 133, temperature 134, HVAC 135, weight 121, volume 122, weather 123, location via GPS/RFTD 124, and other environmental condition sensors 125 for detecting, tracking, and logging feed analysis data by creating detection logs, including tagging, logging, and storing data, using, for example, data tagging, logging, and storage node 280 in combination with machine learning and artificial intelligence node 160. For example, a specific feed may be known to have a specific set of outcomes based on its use in a feed ration. Known variations in a feed, such as from a specific provider or from a specific geographical region, can be used to increase the accuracy of obtaining a set of desired feed outcomes for livestock. The feed analyzer module 39 tracks data associated with differences measured when compared to the calculated feed outcomes based on a type of feed ration. Applying machine learning and artificial intelligence models to the data can adjust feed rations for varying circumstances and conditions based on a feed type to increase the accuracy of consistently achieving the desired feed outcomes for a calculated feed ration.

The feed tracking node 20 may also be configured with a feed usage module 40 and feed cycling module 41 for monitoring and tracking feed usage and cycling from any one feed batch request processed and/or dispensed by the feed management and handling system 10, such as by operation of one or more of the nodes 20, 50, 60, 80, 90, 120, 140, 160, 180, 280, 310, 330, 360. Feed usage data and feed cycling data can be received, stored, tracked, measured, aggregated, processed, and used by the feed usage module 36 and feed cycling module 41 by tracking and logging feed usage and cycling, for example, by creating feed usage and cycling logs, including tagging, logging, and storing data, using, for example, data tagging, logging, and storage node 280. The data and activities from the feed usage 40 and cycling 41 logs can be used asynchronously or otherwise for iterating accuracy and improving efficiency of the feed management and handling system 10 processes through the use of machine learning and artificial intelligence node 160. For example, the feed management and handling system 10 may optimize feed storage parameters and factors for a specific type of feed based on feed usage module 40 and feed cycling module 41.

The feed tracking node 20 may also be configured with a feed controls module 42 for adjusting operations for nodes 20, 50, 60, 80, 90, 120, 140, 160, 180, 280, 310, 330, 360 based on, for example, the type of feed. Storge, handling, and processing steps of feed can vary based on feed type. Feed control module 42 provides adjustments and controls processing to one or more of the modules 21-44 based on feed type. For example, some feed types suffer from increasing shrinkage with increased handing. Some feed types do not mix well. Some feed types are not actuatable into accurate flowable disbursements. Knowing these and other factors, making calculations and adjustments based on one or more of such factors can increase accuracy of an as- fed ration. These factors can be input and/or learned. Feed control data can be received, stored, tracked, measured, aggregated, processed, and used by the feed controls module 42 by tracking and logging feed controls, for example, by creating feed control logs, including tagging, logging, and storing data, using, for example, data tagging, logging, and storage node 280. The data and activities from the feed control 42 logs can be used asynchronously or otherwise for iterating accuracy and improving efficiency of the feed management and handling system 10 processes through the use of machine learning and artificial intelligence node 160. For example, the feed management and handling system 10 may optimize as-fed performance for a specific type of feed based on feed control module 42.

The feed tracking node 20 may also be configured with an additional feed module 44 for preparing a feed ration by operation of one or more of the nodes 20, 50, 60, 80, 90, 120, 140, 160, 180, 280, 310, 330, 360. The feed management and handling system 10 can be configured to include one or more calibration nodes 180 for ensuring the accuracy of the systems configured to store, handle, move, process, mix, or otherwise provide an as-fed ration to livestock. The calibration node 180 is configured to compare the calculated feed ration with the as-fed ration. For example, in at least one aspect, a push floor calibration module 181 compares the calculated feed disbursement with the actual feed disbursement from the pusher floor actuator node 60, such as, for example, provided by the flowchart in FIG. 15. In another aspect, a feed tracking calibration module 182 compares the calculated feed disbursement with the actual feed disbursement based on operations of the feed tracking node 20. In still another aspect, a feed transfer calibration module 183 compares the calculated feed disbursement with the actual feed disbursement from the feed transfer node 310, such as, for example, provided by the flowchart in FIG. 18. In yet another aspect, a bunker discharge gate calibration module 184 compares the calculated feed disbursement with the actual feed disbursement from the bunker discharge gate actuator node 150, such as, for example, provided by the flowchart in FIG. 16. In still another aspect, a feed aggregation calibration module 185 compares the calculated feed disbursement with the actual feed disbursement from the feed aggregation node 140, such as, for example, provided by the flowchart in FIG. 17. In still other aspects, a feed distributing module 186 compares the calculated feed disbursement with the actual feed disbursement from the feed distributing node 330, such as, for example, provided by the flowchart in FIG. 19. Actual feed disbursement measurements can be, in at least one aspect, performed and provided, at least in part, by one or more devices of the detection node 120, such as, for example, provided by the flowchart in FIG. 21. Detectors, such as for detecting weight 121, volume 122, weather 123, location via GPS/RFID 124, and sensors 125 may be configured to provide sensed, measured, or detected data to modules 181-186. In at least one configuration, the detection node 120 can include detectors or sensors for detecting and/or sensing pH, moisture, humidity 126, performance 127, barometric 128, electronic 129, flow 130, image 131, scale/load cell 132, processor 133, temperature 134, HVAC 135, weight 121, volume 122, weather 123, location via GPS/RFID 124, and other environmental condition sensors 125 for detecting, tracking, and logging measured feed disbursement data by creating disbursement logs, including tagging, logging, and storing data, using, for example, data tagging, logging, and storage node 280 in combination with machine learning and artificial intelligence node 160. The calibration node 180 can calibrate operations of the nodes and/or modules by making operational adjustments to minimize any differences between the calculated feed data and the measured feed data (i.e., data acquired from one or more operations of one or more nodes/modules for providing and from measuring an as-fed feed ration).

The feed management and handling system 10 can be configured to include one or more data tagging, logging, and storage nodes 280 and machine learning and artificial intelligence node 160 for ensuring, while improving, the accuracy of the each of the nodes and modules configured to store, handle, move, process, mix, or otherwise provide an as-fed ration to livestock, such as, for example, provided in FIGS. 6-7. The data tagging, logging, and storage node 280 is configured to tag, log, and store data from each of the nodes 20, 50, 60, 80, 90, 120, 140, 160, 180, 280, 310, 330, 360. The machine learning and artificial intelligence node 160 is configured to apply one or more machine learning and artificial intelligence models to the data. For example, in at least one aspect, a machine learning and artificial intelligence node 160 monitors data, such as operation data, for each node to, for example, monitor the health, operational accuracy, and to adjust, report problems, and fine tune operations of each node, such as, for example, provided in FIGS. 20 and 24. In one aspect, the machine learning and artificial intelligence node 160 monitors operations of the feed distributing node 330 and, using present, historical, and predictive data tagged, logged, and stored at node 280, monitors the health, operational accuracy, and adjusts operations, reports problems, and fine tunes feed batch processing and accuracy, such as, for example, provided by the flowchart in FIG. 19. In another aspect, the machine learning and artificial intelligence node 160 monitors operations of the bulk storage node 80 and, using present, historical, and predictive data tagged, logged, and stored at node 280, monitors the health, operational accuracy, and adjusts operations, reports problems, and fine tunes feed batch processing and accuracy, such as, for example, provided by the flowchart in FIG. 14. In still another aspect, the machine learning and artificial intelligence node 160 monitors operations of the push floor actuator node 60 and, using present, historical, and predictive data tagged, logged, and stored at node 280, monitors the health, operational accuracy, and adjusts operations, reports problems, and fine tunes feed batch processing and accuracy, such as, for example, provided by the flowchart in FIG. 15. In yet another example, the machine learning and artificial intelligence node 160 monitors operations of the bunker discharge gate node 50 and, using present, historical, and predictive data tagged, logged, and stored at node 280, monitors the health, operational accuracy, and adjusts operations, reports problems, and fine tunes feed batch processing and accuracy, such as, for example, provided by the flowchart in FIG. 16. In still other aspects, the machine learning and artificial intelligence node 160 monitors operations of the feed aggregation node 140 and, using present, historical, and predictive data tagged, logged, and stored at node 280, monitors the health, operational accuracy, and adjusts operations, reports problems, and fine tunes feed batch processing and accuracy, such as, for example, provided by the flowchart in FIG. 17. In another aspect, the machine learning and artificial intelligence node 160 monitors operations of the feed transfer node 310 and, using present, historical, and predictive data tagged, logged, and stored at node 280, monitors the health, operational accuracy, and adjusts operations, reports problems, and fine tunes feed batch processing and accuracy, such as, for example, provided by the flowchart in FIG. 18. In yet another aspect, the machine learning and artificial intelligence node 160 monitors operations of the detection node 120 and, using present, historical, and predictive data tagged, logged, and stored at node 280, monitors the health, operational accuracy, and adjusts operations, report problems, and fine tunes feed batch processing and accuracy, such as, for example, provided by the flowchart in FIG. 21. Measurements taken for identifying, tagging, logging, and storing data based on operation of the nodes and modules can be, in at least one aspect, performed and provided, at least in part, by one or more devices of the detection node 120, such as, for example, provided by the flowchart in FIG. 21. Detectors, such as for detecting weight 121, volume 122, weather 123, location via GPS/RFID 124, and sensors 125 may be configured to provide sensed, measured, or detected data to modules 181-186. In at least one configuration, the detection node 120 can include detectors or sensors for detecting and/or sensing pH, moisture, humidity 126, performance 127, barometric 128, electronic 129, flow 130, image 131, scale/load cell 132, processor 133, temperature 134, HVAC 135, weight 121, volume 122, weather 123, location via GPS/RFID 124, and other environmental condition sensors 125 for detecting, tracking, and logging measured feed disbursement data by creating disbursement logs, including tagging, logging, and storing data, using, for example, data tagging, logging, and storage node 280 in combination with machine learning and artificial intelligence node 160. The machine learning and artificial intelligence node 80 can calibrate operations of the nodes and/or modules using data from the nodes and modules by making, for example, operational adjustments to minimize any differences between the calculated feed data and the measured feed data (i.e., data acquired from one or more operations of one or more nodes/modules for providing and from measuring an as-fed feed ration). The feed management and handling system 10 can be configured to include one or more feed aggregation nodes 140. Each feed aggregation node 140 is configured to receive one or more types of feed for creating one or more feed rations, such as by creating a mixture of one or more feed components. A feed aggregation node 140 can include, for example, a conventional feed mixer with a mixing device, such as, for example, a conventional mixer with one or more vertical or horizontal augers being arranged in a mixer container. The mixer can be stationary or portable, such as being mounted to an agricultural implement. The mixer can receive feed ingredients and operational instructions from one or more of the nodes and modules for preparing a mixed feed ration using the feed aggregation node 140, such as, for example, provided by the pictorial representation shown in FIG. 8. In at least one aspect, the bulk storage node 80 receives data from one or more of the nodes 20, 50, 60, 80, 90, 120, 140, 160, 180, 280, 310, 330, 360 and modules of the feed tracking node 20 for operating one or more feed aggregation nodes 140 for preparing a mixed feed ration, and for ensuring that the mixed feed ration best approximates, and by machine learning and artificial intelligence model application, is adjusted, as needed, to minimize the differences between a calculated feed ration and the as-fed feed ration.

The feed management and handling system 10 can be configured to include one or more feed transfer nodes 310. Each feed transfer node 310 is configured to transfer one or more types of feed for creating one or more feed rations, such as by transferring one or more feed components, or a mixture of one or more feed components. A feed transfer node 310 can include, for example, but is not limited to, one or more conveyors such as belt conveyors, slat/apron conveyors, bucket conveyors, drag, chain, or tow conveyors, screws or augers, and other suitable transfer devices. The feed transfer node 310 can also include, but is not limited to, for example, one or more elongated carriers having an open top to receive feed components, or the like. One or more elongated earners having an open top to receive feed components are the optimal feed transfer device(s) to receive feed ingredient components. The feed transfer node 310 can also include, for example, one or more agricultural implements, such as a loader or semi-trailer or wagon. The elongated carrier can be stationary or portable, such as being mounted to an agricultural implement. The elongated carrier can receive feed ingredients and operational instructions from one or more of the nodes and modules for preparing a mixed feed ration using the feed transfer node 310, such as, for example, provided by the pictorial representation shown in FIG. 9. In at least one aspect, the bulk storage node 80 receives data from one or more of the nodes 20, 50, 60, 80, 90, 120, 140, 160, 180, 280, 310, 330, 360 and modules of the feed tracking node 20 for operating one or more feed transfer nodes 310 for preparing a feed ration, and for ensuring that the feed ration best approximates, and by machine learning and artificial intelligence model application, is adjusted, as needed, to minimize the differences between a calculated feed ration and the as-fed feed ration.

The feed management and handling system 10 can be configured to include one or more feed distributing nodes 330. Each feed distributing node 330 is configured to distribute one or more types of feed for distributing one or more feed rations, such as by distributing one or more feed components, or a mixture of one or more feed components. A feed distributing node 330 can include, for example, but is not limited to, one or more distributors such as belt conveyors, slat/apron conveyors, bucket conveyors, drag, chain, or tow conveyors, screws or augers, and other suitable transfer devices. The feed distributing node 330 can also include, but is not limited to, for example, one or more elongated carriers having an open top to receive feed components, or the like. One or more belt conveyors are the optimal feed distributing device(s) to receive feed ingredient components. The distributor can be stationary or portable, such as being mounted to an agricultural implement. The distributor can be a feed wagon or other agricultural feed implement. The distributor can receive feed ingredients and operational instructions from one or more of the nodes and modules for preparing a mixed feed ration using the feed distributing node 330, such as, for example, provided by the pictorial representation shown in FIG. 10. In at least one aspect, the bulk storage node 80 receives data from one or more of the nodes 20, 50, 60, 80, 90, 120, 140, 160, 180, 280, 310, 330, 360 and modules of the feed tracking node 20 for operating one or more feed distributing nodes 330 for preparing a feed ration, and for ensuring that the feed ration best approximates, and by machine learning and artificial intelligence model application, is adjusted, as needed, to minimize the differences between a calculated feed ration and the as-fed feed ration.

The feed management and handling system 10 can be configured to include one or more bulk storage nodes 80. Each bulk storage node 80 is configured to store one or more types of feed for creating one or more feed rations, such as by storing one or more feed components, or a mixture of one or more feed components. A bulk storage node 80 can include, for example, a feed bunker optimally configured for storing agricultural feed ingredients. In one aspect, the bulk storage node 80 can include a structure for housing a bulk quantity of feed. In another aspect, the bulk storage node 80 is configured and sized for bulk delivery of feed, such as by backing or pulling into, driving through, or otherwise conveniently dumping bulk feed directly into the node. The bulk storage node 80 is preferably configured with a push floor actuator node 60 and/or bunker discharge gate node 50 for disbursing feed in quantity and with precision. The bulk storage node 80 can also include, but is not limited to, for example, one or more raised walls and/or lowered elevation bottoms configured to receive feed components, or the like. The bulk storage nodes 80 can receive feed ingredients and operational instructions from processors and/or programmable logic controllers 360, one or more of the nodes, and modules for preparing a mixed feed ration using the bulk storage nodes 80, such as, for example, provided by the pictorial representation shown in FIG. 11. In at least one aspect, the bulk storage node 80 receives data from one or more of the nodes 20, 50, 60, 80, 90, 120, 140, 160, 180, 280, 310, 330, 360 and modules of the feed tracking node 20 for operating one or more bulk storage nodes 80 for preparing a mixed feed ration, and for ensuring that the mixed feed ration best approximates, and by machine learning and artificial intelligence model application, is adjusted, as needed, to minimize the differences between a calculated feed ration and the as-fed feed ration.

The feed management and handling system 10 can be configured to include one or more push floor actuator nodes 60. An exemplary push floor actuate node 60 is shown in FIG. 12. The push floor actuator node 60 can be configured with one or more actuators A- A - A-F 61-66 for actuating one or more push ladders of similar or varying length and/or width spacing between ladders L-Al - L-A7, L-Bl - L-B6, L-Cl - L-C7, L-Dl - L-D10, L-El - L-E14, and L-Fl - L- F7 for disbursing feed from the push floor actuator nodes 60 through one or more bunker discharges D-A - D-F 67-72. In at least one aspect, the push floor actuator nodes 60 receives data from one or more of the nodes 20, 50, 60, 80, 90, 120, 140, 160, 180, 280, 310, 330, 360 and modules of the feed tracking node 20 for operating one or more push floor actuator nodes 60 for preparing a mixed feed ration, and for ensuring that the mixed feed ration best approximates, and by machine learning and artificial intelligence model application, is adjusted, as needed, to minimize the differences between a calculated feed ration and the as-fed feed ration.

The feed management and handling system 10 can be configured to include one or more bunker discharge gate nodes 50. An exemplary bunker discharge gate node 50 is shown in FIG. 13. The bunker discharge gate node 50 can be configured with one or more actuators A- A - A-F 61-66 for actuating one or more push ladders of similar or varying length and/or width spacing between ladders L-Al - L-A7, L-Bl - L-B6, L-Cl - L-C7, L-Dl - L-D10, L-El - L-E14, and L- F1 - L-F7 for disbursing feed from the push floor actuator nodes 60 through one or more actuated bunker discharge gates G-A - G-F 51-56 operably configured to further control the actuated disbursements from the push ladders. In at least one aspect, the push floor actuator nodes 60 and/or bunker discharge gate nodes 50 receive data from one or more of the nodes 20, 50, 60, 80, 90, 120, 140, 160, 180, 280, 310, 330, 360 and modules of the feed tracking node 20 for operating one or more push floor actuator nodes 60 and/or bunker discharge gate nodes 50 for preparing a mixed feed ration, and for ensuring that the mixed feed ration best approximates, and by machine learning and artificial intelligence model application, is adjusted, as needed, to minimize the differences between a calculated feed ration and the as-fed feed ration.

FIGS. 1-74 provide pictorial representations for various illustrative aspects of a feed management and handling system 10. The feed management and handling system 10, includes for example, one or more systems, operational steps, and devices. Two or more systems of the present disclosure may be operatively configured to provide a system, subsystem, process, or collective integrated steps achieving the one or more objects, features, or advantages of the present disclosure. All systems, subsystems, and processes of the disclosure are not required together to achieve any one of or all the objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure. In accordance with at least one aspect of the disclosure, the feed management and handling system 10 can include one or more of the following systems, subsystems, or processes.

Exemplary embodiments of a feed management and handling system 10 according to the aspects and objects of the present disclosure are shown in the figures, which include, but are not limited to, a feed storage site 12 having one or more bulk storage nodes 80, such as a feed ingredient bunker, for short-term, immediate-term, or long-term storage of feed ingredients, one or more push floor actuator nodes 60 and/or bunker discharge nodes 50, such as a feed discharge systems for dispensing feed ingredients from the one or more bulk storage nodes 80 of the feed storage site 12, one or more feed aggregation nodes 140, such as feed aggregation systems for mixing feed ingredients, one or more feed distributing nodes 330, such as feed distributing devices for transporting and distributing feed, feed ingredients, and feed rations to a feeding area, and one or more feed transfer nodes 310, such as feed transfer systems for transferring feed ingredients from the one or more bulk storage nodes 80 of the feed storage site 12 to, for example, one or more feed mixers of the one or more feed aggregation nodes 140, to, for example, one or more feed distributing nodes 330, to a feeding area, as contemplated and set forth by way of combination and operation with any one or more of the nodes 20, 50, 60, 80, 90, 120, 140, 160, 180, 280, 310, 330, 360 and modules of the feed tracking node 20 for preparing a feed ration, such as a mixed ration, and for ensuring that the feed ration or mixed ration best approximates, and by machine learning and artificial intelligence model application, is adjusted, as needed, to minimize the differences between a calculated feed ration and the as-fed feed ration.

The feed storage site 12 functions as a system for bulk receiving, bulk staging/storing, transferring, disbursing, mixing, and deriving a feed ration from a calculated feed ration, and disbursing feed ingredients as an as-fed feed ration for livestock. In at least one aspect, feed ingredients are received in bulk quantities, staged, stored, and/or stockpiled to be used in the formulation of feed rations and for feed. The feed storage site 12 may include, but is not limited to, one or more bulk storage nodes 80, such as feed bunkers, preferably constructed of poured or precast concrete walls and floor, or other suitable foundational components, such as preassembled or modulated components, such as modulated floor and wall components that are assembled at a feed storage site 12. Other types and configurations of bulk storage devices may be used for the one or more bulk storage nodes 80 to store and dispense feed ingredients and additives which are not capable or it is not ideal within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure for being fed from one or more bulk storage nodes 80, such as one or more feed ingredient bunkers, or which are used in quantities, other than bulk, and too small to be practically stored in bulk, such as in a bulk storage node 80 comprising a feed ingredient bunker. For example, solid, particulate, non-liquid, minerals, vitamins, and other suitable feed supplements may be dispensed from one or more bulk storage nodes 80, such as a bulk bin, and liquid supplements may be dispensed from one or more storage nodes 80, such as a liquid holding tank or liquid reservoir. In at least one aspect of the present disclosure, a single feed ingredient is preferably stored in a single bulk storage node 80, such as a single feed ingredient bunker. However, multiple feed ingredients may be stored and delineated within a single bulk storage node 80, such as a single feed ingredient bunker. The one or more bulk storage nodes 80, such as feed ingredient bunkers, may be enclosed within a building or are enclosed by a roof, sidewalls, and door opening, or semi-enclosed with at least one or more exterior walls and a floor, that is flush with, above, or sunken relative to the surrounding elevation of the feed storage site 12. Each bulk storage node 80, having one or more feed ingredient bunkers, may be located at grade level, such as by having an ingress and egress point at the level of the surrounding earth or constructed portions of the feed storage site 12, with an open front for receiving bulk deliveries of a feed ingredient via bulk transport and delivery equipment such as by way of one or more feed transfer nodes 310, which, for example, can include, but is not limited to, a semi-truck, semi-trailer, live bottom trailer, agricultural implements, loaders, and other haulers of solid, particulate, granulated, and generally flowable materials. In at least one example, the operation of filling a bulk storage node 80, can include, but is not limited to a truck backing a feed hauling trailer or hauler truck backing into a bulk storage node 80, such as a feed ingredient bunker, for unloading feed from the trailer, by, for example, forcing or moving with the live floor the feed ingredient into a tall pile confined within the surrounding and/or adjoining walls of the bulk storage node 80. In at least one other aspect, a bulk storage node 80, including for example, one or more feed ingredient bunkers, may be enclosed on all sides, without a grade level ingress/egress point relative to the feed storage site 12, and filled from above by one or more feed transfer nodes 310, such as conveyors, a drive-over dump bridge, or other suitable unloading structure and systems.

Each bulk storage node 80 of the feed storage site 12 may be equipped with a discharge system including, for example, but not limited to, one or more push floor actuator nodes 60 and/or bunker discharge gate nodes 50 for accurately and efficiently dispensing a bulk stored feed ingredient from one or more bulk storage nodes 80 in a controlled manner, such as a semi- autonomous operation, fully autonomous operation, or manual operation, using, for example, by way of combination and operation with any one or more of the nodes 20, 50, 60, 80, 90, 120, 140, 160, 180, 280, 310, 330, 360 and modules of the feed tracking node 20 for preparing a feed ration, such as a mixed ration, and for ensuring that the feed ration or mixed ration best approximates, and by machine learning and artificial intelligence 160 model application, is adjusted, as needed, to minimize the differences between a calculated feed ration and the as-fed feed ration.

In at least one aspect, the push floor actuator node 60 includes one or more individual ladders and/or pusher frames L-Al - L-A7, L-Bl - L-B6, L-Cl - L-C7, L-Dl - L-D10, L-El - L-E14, and L-Fl - L-F7, such as frame(s) 74 (e.g., 74A, 74B), ladder guide(s) 77 (77A, 77B), and ladder(s) 75 (e.g., 75A, 75B, 75C, 75D, 75E, 75F, 75G, 75H), which may be driven by one or more actuators A-A - A-F 61-66, such as hydraulic cylinder(s) 73 (e.g., 73 A, 7B) mounted at one end to a structure, such as the bulk storage node 80 (e.g., FIGS. 61, 62, 73, 74), and at another end to the ladders or pusher frames L-Al - L-A7, L-Bl - L-B6, L-Cl - L-C7, L-Dl - L-D10, L-El - L-E14, and L-Fl - L-F7 using, for example, gang plate(s) 76 (e.g., 76A, 76B, 76C), bar or other force transfer mechanism. In one aspect, an orientation of ladder(s) 75 (e.g., 75A, 75B, 75C, 75D, 75E, 75F, 75G, 75H) are changed relative to the direction of travel of at least one of frames 74 (e.g., 74A, 74B) such as, for example, by moving, urging, rotating, and/or biasing a greater surface area of each ladder toward the bunker discharge gate 50 using at least one of frames 74 (e.g., 74A, 74B) connected to at least one of the ladder(s) 75 (e.g., 75A, 75B, 75C, 75D, 75E, 75F, 75G, 75H) via one or more ladder guides 77 (e.g., 77A, 77B). Also in one aspect, an orientation of ladder(s) 75 (e.g., 75A, 75B, 75C, 75D, 75E, 75F, 75G, 75H) are changed relative to the direction of travel of at least one of frames 74 (e.g., 74 A, 74B) such as, for example, by moving, urging, rotating, and/or biasing a greater surface area of each ladder away from the bunker discharge gate 50 using at least one of frames 74 (e.g., 74A, 74B) connected to at least one of the ladder(s) 75 (e.g., 75A, 75B, 75C, 75D, 75E, 75F, 75G, 75H) via one or more ladder guides 77 (e.g., 77A, 77B). A frame 74A may be actuated with one or more actuators, such as a hydraulic cylinder 73 A, for moving one or more ladders 75 (e.g., 75A, 75B, 75C, 75D, 75E, 75F, 75G, 75H), together, in groups, and or separately, toward, and/or away from the bunker discharge gate 50. A frame 74B may be actuated with one or more actuators, such as a hydraulic cylinder 73B, for moving one or more ladders 75 (e.g., 75A, 75B, 75C, 75D, 75E, 75F, 75G, 75H), together, in groups, and or separately, toward, and/or away from the bunker discharge gate 50. Movement of frame 74B may be dependent or independent of movement of frame 74A. In one aspect, for example, frame 74A may be actuated toward and away from the bunker discharge gate using actuators (e.g., hydraulic cylinders 73A) and frame 74B may be actuated to move ladders 75 (e.g., 75A, 75B, 75C, 75D, 75E, 75F, 75G, 75H) toward or away from the bunker discharge gate 50. Ladder 75 movement toward and away from the bunker discharge gate 50 can be in the form of translational and/or rotational movement along an x-axis, y-axis, and/or z-axis of a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system. Frame 74 movement toward and away from the bunker discharge gate 50 can be in the form of translational and/or rotational movement along an x-axis, y-axis, and/or z-axis of a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system. Ladder guide 77 movement toward and away from the bunker discharge gate 50 can be in the form of translational and/or rotational movement along an x-axis, y-axis, and/or z-axis of a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system. Frame(s) 74 (e.g., 74A) may be mechanically driven to increase or decrease the pushing surface area of ladder(s) 75 (e.g., 75 A, 75B, 75C, 75D, 75E, 75F, 75G, 75H) while the frame(s) 74 (e.g., 74B) is in motion or at rest. Similarly, frame(s) 74 (e.g., 74B) may be mechanically driven to move the pushing surface area of ladder(s) 75 (e.g., 75A, 75B, 75C, 75D, 75E, 75F, 75G, 75H) toward and away from the bunker discharge gate 50 while the frame(s) 74 (e.g., 74A) is in motion or at rest. Movement of frame(s) (e.g., 74A, 74B) and ladder(s) 75 (e.g., 75A, 75B, 75C, 75D, 75E, 75F, 75G, 75H) can be by one or more actuators 73 (e.g., 73 A, 73B). In accordance with at least one exemplary aspect, such as provided in FIGS. 51-62, ladder(s) 75 (e.g., 75A, 75B, 75C, 75D, 75E, 75F, 75G, 75H) may be mechanically driven by frame(s) 74A to be rotated parallel to a reciprocating motion of the frame(s) 74B. Also, for example, by rotating the ladder(s) 75 (e.g., 75A, 75B, 75C, 75D, 75E, 75F, 75G, 75H) parallel, moving frame (s) 74B, and then rotating the ladder(s) 75 (e.g., 75A, 75B, 75C, 75D, 75E, 75F, 75G, 75H) back perpendicular, a continuous forward flow of material toward the bunker discharge gate 50 may be achieved. In accordance with at least one other exemplary aspect, such as provided pictorially in FIGS. 63-74, one or both sides of the ladder(s) 75 (e.g., 75A, 75B, 75C, 75D, 75E, 75F, 75G, 75H) may be mechanically driven to change the profile or the position of the ladder(s) 75 (e.g., 75A, 75B, 75C, 75D, 75E, 75F, 75G, 75H). For example, by fixing one edge of ladder(s) 75 (e.g., 75A, 75B, 75C, 75D, 75E, 75F, 75G, 75H) using ladder guide(s) 77 (e.g., 77A. 77B) and mechanically driving a pushing or pulling action via frame(s) 74 (e.g., 74 A) a greater flow of material may be achieved in one direction (e.g., toward the bunker discharge gate 50) than the other. Ladder(s) 75 (e.g., 75A, 75B, 75C, 75D, 75E, 75F, 75G, 75H) may be metal, rubber, another suitable material, or a combination of metal, rubber, and other suitable materials, such as are preferred movement across the bunker floor and best for urging material movement. Ladder(s) 75 (e.g., 75A, 75B, 75C, 75D, 75E, 75F, 75G, 75H) may be connected to form a push floor discharger wherein the ladder(s) 75 (e.g., 75A, 75B, 75C, 75D, 75E, 75F, 75G, 75H) are held in position with one or more frame(s) 74 (e.g., 74A, 74B) or other like solid steel bars, chains, cables, or another suitable material, or combination of steel bars, chains, cables, or other suitable materials. Ladder(s) 75 (e.g., 75A, 75B, 75C, 75D, 75E, 75F, 75G, 75H) may be pinned, rigidly fixed, or may be loosely held to frame(s) 74 (e.g., 74A, 74B) or other like solid steel bars, chains, cables, or other suitable material.

In another aspect, mounting(s), such as, one or more frame guides 78, ladder guide(s) 77 (77A, 77B) and retention members 79 may be provided at one or both ends of the ladders or pusher frames L-Al - L-A7, L-Bl - L-B6, L-Cl - L-C7, L-Dl - L-D10, L-El - L-E14, and L-Fl - L- F7. In at least one configuration, the ladders or pusher frames L-Al - L-A7, L-Bl - L-B6, L-Cl - L-C7, L-Dl - L-D10, L-El - L-E14, and L-Fl - L-F7 of each push floor actuator node 60 are designed with a low profile so that machinery, trucks, and other moving equipment with wheels and/or tracks can drive on top of the one or more ladders or pusher frames of each push actuator node 60 whereby travel is unaffected and the ladders and pusher frames remain intact and undamaged. For example, when filling a bunker using a device of the feed transfer node 310, such as a live bottom semi-trailer or when collecting or pushing an ingredient with another device of the feed transfer node 310, such as a wheeled loader, travel of both or other wheeled implements unto and out of the one or more bulk storage nodes 80 is not prohibited by the one or more configurations of the profile of the bunker and the ladders or pusher frames L-Al - L-A7, L-Bl - L-B6, L-Cl -L-C7, L-Dl -L-D10, L-El -L-E14, and L-Fl -L-F7. In at least one configuration, the one or more ladders or pusher frames L-Al - L-A7, L-Bl - L-B6, L-Cl - L-C7, L-Dl - L- D10, L-El - L-E14, and L-Fl - L-F7 may be fastened to the floor of the one or more bulk storage nodes, such as to the floor of a feed ingredient bunker, using, for example, one or more ladder guides and retention members 79 or other suitable securement features which do not extend over the top edge of the ladder or pusher frames to provide a continuous, non-impeding upper surface presented to travel within the one or more bulk storage nodes 80. The continuous, non-impeding upper surface of the ladders or pusher frames L-Al - L-A7, L-Bl - L-B6, L-Cl - L-C7, L-Dl - L-D10, L-El - L-E14, and L-Fl - L-F7 allows feed ingredients to be collected from a bulk storage node 80 with one or more devices of a feed transfer node 310, such as, for example, a wheeled or tracked implement, including but not limited to, a front end loader, skid steer, or other wheeled or tracked loader by allowing a loader bucket to slide on top of the ladder or pusher frames along the length of the bulk storage node 80 without catching, snagging or damaging the push floor actuator node 60. The one or more ladders or pusher frames L-Al - L-A7, L-Bl - L-B6, L-Cl - L-C7, L- D1 - L-D10, L-El - L-E14, and L-Fl - L-F7 of a bulk storage node 80, such as a bulk storage feed bunker, may operate in a reciprocal motion one at a time, or two or more ladders or pusher frames L-Al - L-A7, L-Bl - L-B6, L-Cl - L-C7, L-Dl - L-D10, L-El - L-E14, and L-Fl - L- F7 may operate at one time in a coordinated motion for transporting the feed ingredient towards the bunker discharges D-A - D-F 67-72 of the bulk storage node 50. At the discharges D-A - D- F 67-72 of each bunker, a bunker discharge gate node 50, such as, for example, an adjustable and actuated (e.g., operably controlled using one or more hydraulic cylinders) discharge gate, may be operably positioned underneath which a feed ingredient is pushed or pulled by the one or more ladders or pusher frames. Contents of the bulk storage node 80, such as a feed ingredient, dispenses through the discharges beneath the adjustable and actuated bunker discharge gates G-A - G-F 51- 56 of the one or more bunker discharge gate nodes 50 to a feed transfer node 310, or directly into a mixing device, or a mixing device of the feed aggregation node 140, or into a device of the feed distributing node 330, or into another storage area of the bulk storage node 80 with a discharge in communication and combination with any one or more of the aforementioned or other nodes and modules of the feed management and handling system 10.

The feed transfer node 310 receives the feed ingredients from the one or more bulk feed storage nodes 80 and introduces the feed ingredients with a transfer device of the feed transfer node 310 into a mixing device, or a mixing device of the feed aggregation node 140, or into a distributing device of the feed distributing node 330, or into another storage area of the bulk storage node 80 with a discharge in communication with any one or more of the aforementioned or other nodes or modules of the feed management and handling system 10. In at least one aspect, the feed transfer node 310 receives the feed ingredients from the one or more feed bunkers of the bulk storage node 80 and introduces the feed ingredients with a transfer device of the feed transfer node 310 into a feed aggregation system of the feed aggregation node 140 or into a feed distributing device of the feed distributing node 330. The term transfer device and feed transfer node 310 is used throughout and is not intended to be limiting. The term “transfer device” and “feed transfer node” can include, but is not limited to, a single-element or multiple-element devices that are suitable for receiving feed ingredients from the push floor actuator node 60 and/or bunker discharge gate node 50 and transferring feed ingredients using a device of the feed transfer node 310 to a device or system of the feed aggregation node 140 or a device or system of the feed distributing node 330. A transfer device of the feed transfer node 310 can include, but is not limited to, one or more conveyors, such as belt conveyors, slat/apron conveyors, bucket conveyors, drag, chain, or tow conveyors, screws or augers, and other suitable transfer devices. The transfer device of the feed transfer node 310 can also include, but is not limited to, for example, one or more elongated carriers having an open top to receive feed components, or the like. A feed transfer device of the feed transfer node 310 can be any of the feed transfer devices set forth herein. One or more elongated carriers having an open top to receive feed components are the optimal feed transfer device(s) to receive feed ingredient components from the push floor actuator node 60 and/or bunker discharge gate node 50 of the one or more feed ingredient bunkers of the bulk storage nodes 80 and introduce the feed ingredients into the feed aggregation node, or a feed distributing node, or another system or implement of the feed handling and management system 10. The feed transfer device of the feed transfer node 310 may be equipped one or more devices and/or systems of the detection node 120, such as, for example, load sensors and position sensors in operable communication with and under control of one or more processors and/or programmable logic controllers 360. The one or more processors and programmable logic controllers 360 can be operated, controlled, programmed, trouble-shot, accessed, using one or more devices and/or systems of the communications node 90. For example, in at least one aspect, the weight and position of each feed ingredient component relative to any one of the nodes and/or modules of the feed handling and managements system 10, such as before, during and after being dispensed or distributed onto the elongated carrier is known contemporaneously and recorded for processing. Processing of contemporaneously or historic data using one or more of the nodes and modules of the feed handling and management system 10 can be performed to track feeding operations, detect deviations in the as-fed feed ingredients and as-fed feed ration(s) differing from the formulated one or formulations, track shrinkage in one or more feed ingredients, track feed in one or more bulk storage nodes 80, such as feed usage rates and feed storage levels, corroborate livestock health indicators with as-fed feed ingredients and rations to make adjustments and refinements, using, for example, machine learning and artificial intelligence node 160, by applying one or more artificial intelligence models to tagged, logged, and stored data 280, to the formulated feed ration or formulations based on a specific livestock or desired outcome. The feed transfer node 310 can also be configured with one or more weigh hoppers in operable communication for receiving feed ingredients from the one or more bulk storage nodes 80 so that quantities of one or more ingredients dispensed from the feed bunker associated with each node can be weighed or otherwise determined before being introduced into the feed aggregation node 140, or a feed distributing node 330, or another system or implement of the feed handling and management system 10.

The feed transfer node 310 introduces feed ingredients into a feed aggregation node 140, or a feed distributing node 330, or another system, implement, node, or module of the feed handling and management system 10 in a continuous, semi-continuous, intermittent flow as the ingredient is received from the push floor actuator node 60 and/or bunker discharge gate node 50. Alternatively, the feed transfer node 310 may collect predetermined amounts of one or more ingredients from the one or more feed bunkers of the one or more bulk storage nodes 80, containing the ingredients on the feed transfer node before transferring the ingredient to the feed aggregation node 140, or the feed distributing node 330, or another system, implement, node, or module of the feed handling and management system 10.

A feed aggregation node 140 mixes one or more feed ingredients. In at least one aspect, one or more devices and/or systems of the feed aggregation node are configured with a container having a fill opening for receiving feed ingredients from the feed transfer node 310 and is further configured with one or more mixing members and an opening from which mixed feed(s) can be dispensed. The feed aggregation node 140 may be configured with one or more sensors of the detection node 120, such as, for example, an electronic weighing system, from which feedback to the processors and/or programmable logic controllers 360, or one or more nodes or modules of the feed management and control system 10 are used to control and optimize operation of the feed handling system 10, as set forth and described herein. In at least one aspect, the feed aggregation node 140 receives feed ingredients from a device and/or system of the feed transfer node 310, or directly/indirectly receives feed ingredients from the push floor actuator node 60 and/or bunker discharge gate node 50, or receives feed ingredients from another source, such as, for example, one or more devices of the feed transfer node 310, including, but not limited to, a live bottom semi trailer, a wheeled loader, a feed wagon, conventional feed delivery truck, or other ingredient component source.

A feed distributing node 330 such as a conventional feed delivery truck or a tractor pulling a feed delivery wagon may receive feed ingredients from a device and/or system of the feed aggregation node 140 and deliver the feed mixture to the feeding area. Alternatively, the feed distributing node 330 may be configured to receive feed components directly from the one or more feed ingredient bunkers of the bulk storage nodes by traveling on another feed distributing node 330, such as, for example, a feed handling lane, located below the one or more feed ingredient bunkers of the bulk storage node 80.

In operation of the feed handling and management system 10, specified quantities of feed ingredients are collected from one or more feed bunkers of the bulk storage node(s) 80 and combined to form a feed recipe/ration that tracks with the formulated feed recipe/ration. In a preferred aspect, hydraulic push floor dischargers are uses in the discharging of bulk feed components. The present disclosure provides applications and implementations for push floor ladders and dischargers being used in a batching application wherein precise and accurate quantities of feed ingredients are fed from the push floor actuator node 60 and/or bunker discharge gate node 50 of individual bunker of each bulk storage node 80 and are combined to form a feed recipe/ration that best tracks with the formulated feed recipe/ration. A system or process is needed to extract a desired quantity accurately and reliably from each bunker of each bulk storage node 80 using a push floor. The nodes and modules of the feed handling and management system 10 optimize control, the collection, storage, and use of data for systems and feeding operations optimization by learning from each storage, dispensing, handling, mixing, transfer, distribution operation, using, for example, machine learning and artificial intelligence node 160. For example, in at least one configuration, feedback loops between one or more nodes provide for optimization of the as-fed feed ration whereby it best approximates the calculated feed ration while taking into consideration, measuring, processing, and providing predictive operations of the one or more nodes and modules for all the different factors that exist at a feed storage site 12 and for each feed type and each feeding operation.

In at least one aspect, the bulk storage node(s) 80, having as the discharge device one or more the push floor actuator node(s) 60 and/or bunker discharge gate node(s) 50 can be constructed and controlled with the one or more nodes and modules of the feed handling and management system 10 to dispense predetermined quantities of feed ingredients or just-in-time determined quantities feed ingredients due to changing inputs and factors affecting a feed ration or for addressing changing needs of livestock based on, for example, changing environmental, herd, health conditions. One or more the push floor actuator node(s) 60 and/or bunker discharge gate node(s) 50 may operate at the same time to precisely control the flow of feed. In one aspect, one or more the push floor actuator node(s) 60 and/or bunker discharge gate node(s) 50 may be configured to operate concurrently and/or successively. In another aspect, one or more one or more the push floor actuator node(s) 60 and/or bunker discharge gate node(s) 50 may be configured to operate in parallel or in series, such as, in series, for example, by daisy-chaining one or more one or more the push floor actuator node(s) 60 and/or bunker discharge gate node(s) 50 together to accurately distribute, aggregate/reaggregate, and redistribute one or more feed ingredients using one or more the push floor actuator node(s) 60 and/or bunker discharge gate node(s) 50. One or more discharges of the bulk storage nodes 80 may be configured with one or more bunker discharge gate node(s) 50, such as, for example, one or more actuatable and adjustable opening discharge gates G-A - G-F 51-56. One or more controllers may be configured for operating an adjustable opening discharge gates G-A - G-F 51-56. One or more nodes, modules, processors, programmable logic controllers 360 may be configured to control the one or more controllers operating discharge gates G-A - G-F 51-56. In at least one aspect, alone or in combination with the other aspects of the disclosure, discharge gate controllers are made operable, at least in part, by detection node 120, such as by operation of one or more sensors or detectors, including, but not limited to, detecting weight 121, volume 122, weather 123, location via GPS/RFID 124, and sensors 125 configured to provide sensed, measured, or detected data to the nodes and modules. In at least one configuration, the detection node 120 can include detectors or sensors for detecting and/or sensing pH, moisture, humidity 126, performance 127, barometric 128, electronic 129, flow 130, image 131, scale/load cell 132, processor 133, temperature 134, HVAC 135, weight 121, volume 122, weather 123, location via GPS/RFID 124, and other environmental condition sensors 125 for detecting, tracking, and logging measured feed disbursement data by creating disbursement logs, including tagging, logging, and storing data, using, for example, data tagging, logging, and storage node 280 in combination with machine learning and artificial intelligence node 160 for accurate discharge of feed from one or more the push floor actuator node(s) 60 and/or bunker discharge gate node(s) 50.

In another aspect, alone or in combination with other aspects of the disclosure, throughput or control of feed ingredient amounts dispensed can be controlled by monitoring and adjusting the speed at which the ladders or pusher frames reciprocate back and forth. One or more nodes and/or modules, including processors and programmable logic controllers 360, may be configured for operating the one or more the push floor actuator node(s) 60 and/or bunker discharge gate node(s) 50. The systems of the feed handling and management system 10 are configured to control the one or more push floor actuator node(s) 60 and/or bunker discharge gate node(s) 50 and thereby operate the one or more ladders and pusher frames L-Al - L-A7, L-Bl - L-B6, L-Cl - L-C7, L- D1 - L-D10, L-El - L-E14, and L-Fl - L-F7. In at least one configuration pusher frame controls are made operable, at least in part, by detection node 120, such as by operation of one or more sensors or detectors, including, but not limited to, detecting weight 121, volume 122, weather 123, location via GPS/RFID 124, and sensors 125 configured to provide sensed, measured, or detected data to the nodes and modules. In at least one configuration, the detection node 120 can include detectors or sensors for detecting and/or sensing pH, moisture, humidity 126, performance 127, barometric 128, electronic 129, flow 130, image 131, scale/load cell 132, processor 133, temperature 134, HVAC 135, weight 121, volume 122, weather 123, location via GPS/RFID 124, and other environmental condition sensors 125 for detecting, tracking, and logging measured feed disbursement data by creating disbursement logs, including tagging, logging, and storing data, using, for example, data tagging, logging, and storage node 280 in combination with machine learning and artificial intelligence node 160 for accurate discharge of feed from operation of the one or more ladders and pusher frames of the one or more the push floor actuator node(s) 60.

In yet another aspect, alone or in combination with the other aspects of the disclosure, the ladders or pusher frames L-Al -L-A7, L-Bl -L-B6, L-Cl -L-C7, L-Dl -L-D10, L-El -L-E14, and L-Fl - L-F7 of the one or more the push floor actuator node(s) 60 may vary in width and/or size, such as, for example, using a combination of wide and narrow push floor dischargers, to control and achieve a desired throughput of feed ingredients dispensed from the one or more bulk storage nodes 80. One or more nodes, modules, processors and programmable logic controllers 360 of the feed handling and management system 10 may be configured for operating, concurrently and/or consecutively, the at least one of the wider and/or at least one of the narrower ladders or pusher frames L-Al -L-A7, L-Bl - L-B6, L-Cl -L-C7, L-Dl - L-D10, L-El -L-E14, and L-Fl - L-F7. The one or more nodes, modules, processors and programmable logic controllers 360 of the feed handling and management system 10 may be configured to control the one or more ladders or pusher frames and thereby operate the at least one of the wider and/or at least one of the narrower ladder or pusher frames L-Al - L-A7, L-Bl - L-B6, L-Cl - L-C7, L-Dl - L-D10, L-El - L-E14, and L-Fl - L-F7. In at least one configuration, the one or more nodes, modules, processors and programmable logic controllers 360 of the feed handling and management system 10 are operably configured for monitoring throughput of each the at least one of the wider and/or at least one of the narrower ladders or pusher frames L-Al - L-A7, L-Bl - L-B6, L-Cl - L-C7, L-Dl - L-D10, L-El - L-E14, and L-Fl - L-F7 and making in-situ operational adjustments for matching amounts of a feed ingredient dispensed with the formulated amounts. For example, if a heavy throughput of a dispensed feed ingredient is desired, all ladders or pusher frames L-Al - L-A7, L-Bl - L-B6, L-Cl -L-C7, L-Dl -L-D10, L-El -L-E14, and L-Fl -L-F7 may be operated together to increase the amounts of feed ingredients discharged from the one or more bulk storage nodes 80. Similarly, if a lesser throughput of a dispensed feed ingredient is desired, a single ladder or pusher frame or a desired number of ladders or pusher frames L-Al - L-A7, L-Bl - L-B6, L-Cl - L-C7, L-Dl - L-D10, L-El - L-E14, and L-Fl - L-F7 may operate solely, or the speed of operation (i.e., reciprocation) of the pusher frames may be adjusted (e.g., faster, or slower) for matching amounts of a feed ingredient dispensed with the formulated amounts.

The one or more bulk storage nodes 80 are configured to operate in cooperation with one or more of the one or more nodes, modules, processors and programmable logic controllers 360 of the feed handling and management system 10 so that feed ingredients are dispensed in the desired quantities, at the desired rates, and at the desired times. If a feed distributing node 330 receives feed ingredients directly from one or more feed bunkers of the one or more bulk storage nodes 80, data and controls feedback from one or more detectors or sensors of the detection node 120 on the feed distributing node 330 is provided to the one or more nodes, modules, processors and programmable logic controllers 360 of the feed handling and management system 10 and, in at least one aspect, may be used to control and iterate accuracy of the operation of the feed distributing node 330. As each feed ingredient is dispensed, the flow or throughput of the feed ingredient may be adjusted so that a rate of flow or throughput of the one or more the push floor actuator node(s) 60 and/or bunker discharge gate node(s) 50 is increased, in at least one aspect, so the target weight is more quickly obtained and in the same or another aspect, is decreased as the target weight for the feed ingredient is approached. Similarly, as each feed ingredient is dispensed, the flow or transfer rate of the feed ingredient may be adjusted so that a rate of flow or transfer of the feed distributing node 330 is decreased, in at least one aspect, so the target weight is more quickly obtained for a given area of the feed distributing node 330 and in the same or another aspect, is increased as the target weight for the feed ingredient is approached. In at least one configuration, feed distributing node 330 controls are made operable, at least in part, by detection node 120, such as by operation of one or more sensors or detectors, including, but not limited to, detecting weight 121, volume 122, weather 123, location via GPS/RFID 124, and sensors 125 configured to provide sensed, measured, or detected data to the nodes and modules. In at least one configuration, the detection node 120 can include detectors or sensors for detecting and/or sensing pH, moisture, humidity 126, performance 127, barometric 128, electronic 129, flow 130, image 131, scale/load cell 132, processor 133, temperature 134, HVAC 135, weight 121, volume 122, weather 123, location via GPS/RFID 124, and other environmental condition sensors 125 for detecting, tracking, and logging measured feed transferred data by creating transfer logs, including tagging, logging, and storing data, using, for example, data tagging, logging, and storage node 280 in combination with machine learning and artificial intelligence node 160 for accurate transfer of feed from operation of the one or more ladders and pusher frames of the one or more the push floor actuator node(s) 60 in combination with operation of the one or more devices and/or system of the feed distributing node 330.

In one example, the one or more sensors and detectors of the detection node 120 may be configured to make in-situ weight measurements to monitor and provide control operations as the target weight of a feed ingredient, such as for when a specific fed ration or recipe approaches the formulated weight. The one or more nodes, modules, processors and programmable logic controllers 360 of the feed handling and management system 10 may be configured to monitor and track progress of the rate of flow or throughput, along with total amounts dispensed, to provide accurate operation of the feed handling nodes, such as by avoiding unnecessary feed throughput and/or feed spillage. For example, after the target weight reaches the formulated weight for any one feed ingredient, and in order to prevent spillover or unnecessary feed throughput from the discharges D-A - D-F 67-72 or actuated bunker discharge gates G-A - G-F 51-56, the one or more ladders or pusher frames L-Al -L-A7, L-Bl -L-B6, L-Cl -L-C7, L-Dl -L-D10, L-El -L-E14, and L-F 1 - L-F7 of the one or more the push floor actuator node(s) 60 may be controlled to produce travel in an opposite direction from the dispensing direction. Construction of the one or more ladders or pusher frames L-Al -L-A7, L-Bl -L-B6, L-Cl -L-C7, L-Dl -L-D10, L-El -L-E14, and L-Fl - L-F7 may include one or more gates, such as actuated bunker discharge gates G-A - G-F 51-56 of the one or more bunker discharge gate node(s) 50 that are biased, for example, by gravity, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, or other suitable stored energy device(s)/system(s), towards a closure position, to prevent undesired flow and/or spillage of an ingredient from the one or more bulk storage nodes 80. In at least one aspect, alone or in combination with other aspects of the disclosure, the discharges D-A - D-F 67-72 of the one or more ladder or pusher frames L- A1 - L-A7, L-Bl - L-B6, L-Cl - L-C7, L-Dl - L-D10, L-El - L-E14, and L-Fl - L-F7 may be configured to include a hinged gate for the bunker discharge gates G-A - G-F 51-56, that is biased toward the discharge opening, so that when the one or more pusher ladders or frames L-Al - L- A7, L-Bl - L-B6, L-Cl - L-C7, L-Dl - L-D10, L-El - L-E14, and L-Fl - L-F7 are operated, the gate acts as a backstop preventing an undesired flow or throughput of a feed ingredient. In the case that the one or more the push floor actuator node(s) 60 and/or bunker discharge gate node(s) 50 of the one or more bulk storage nodes 80 dispenses into a feed transfer device or system of the feed transfer node 310 which transports a feed ingredient to a feed aggregation node 140 or a device or system of the feed distributing node 330, a further configuration of the present disclosure is provided to accurately dispense (i.e., measure), transfer, and aggregate each of the ingredients for creating a feed ration or recipe that is the same as the formulated one. The feed handling and management system 10 may be configured to provide a feed transfer operation for transferring feed ingredients in a very short duration of time, to limit the “freefall weight” or the weight of an ingredient that is being carried by the feed transfer device of the feed transfer node 320 but has yet to be weighed, accounted for, or considered in the feed distributing node 330 or the feed aggregation node 140. Some configure push floor dischargers to discharge directly into drag conveyors, augers, or screws. Discharging directly into these types of systems will render inoperable the batching operation of the present disclosure. For example, either the feed transfer node 310 can be configured to travel quickly as to limit the freefall weight of any one feed ingredient, or the feed transfer node can be equipped with one or more sensors in operable communication with and being controlled by the one or more nodes, modules, processors and programmable logic controllers 360 of the feed handling and management system 10. In at least one aspect, in alone or in combination with other aspects the present disclosure, the feed transfer node may be made operable, at least in part, by the detection node 120, by being configured with one or more sensors (e.g., optical (i.e., video analysis, image analysis, etc.), light (i.e., reflection/ab sorption of laser and other spectrums), mass, volume, density measurements (i.e., weight) for quickly and accurately monitoring amounts of feed ingredients in transport.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A livestock feed handling and management system, comprising: a plurality of livestock feed handling and management nodes, wherein at least one node comprises a bulk feed storage and handling system for making a feed disbursement with one or more push ladders for preparing an as-fed feed ration for livestock based on a calculated feed ration; at least one of the plurality of livestock feed handling and management nodes comprises a feed tracking node for tracking the receipt, storage, and disbursement of feed from the bulk feed storage and handling system; at least one of the plurality of livestock feed handling and management nodes comprises a data store for storing input and operational data for the bulk feed storage and handling system; and at least one of the plurality of livestock feed handling and management nodes comprises a machine learning or artificial intelligence system for analyzing the input and operational data and providing control parameters for the bulk feed storage and handling system whereby the feed disbursement for the as-fed feed ration reapproximates the calculated feed ration with each feeding operation.

2. The livestock feed handling and management system of claim 1, wherein the bulk feed storage and handling system comprises a plurality of bulk feed bunkers having the one or more push ladders.

3. The livestock feed handling and management system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of livestock feed handling and management nodes comprises a feed aggregation node for receiving one or more disbursements of feed from the feed storage and handling system by operation of the one or more push ladders.

4. The livestock feed handling and management system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of livestock feed handling and management nodes comprises a feed transfer node for receiving one or more disbursements of feed from the feed storage and handling system by operation of the one or more push ladders.

5. The livestock feed handling and management system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of livestock feed handling and management nodes comprises a feed distributing node for distributing one or more disbursements of feed from the feed storage and handling system by operation of the one or more push ladders.

6. The livestock feed handling and management system of claim 1, wherein the bulk feed storage and handling system comprises an actuated bunker discharge gate for making the feed disbursement with the one or more push ladders.

7. The livestock feed handling and management system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of livestock feed handling and management nodes comprises a detection node for tracking and measuring operations, outputs, and inputs into the plurality of livestock feed handling and management nodes.

8. A method for feeding livestock from bulk storage bunkers, comprising: providing one or more bulk feed storage bunkers configured for storing an agricultural feed component in bulk at a livestock feed lot; tracking data for receipt, storage, and disbursement of feed from the one or more bulk feed storage bunkers; operating one or more push ladders for disbursing feed from the one or more bulk feed storage bunkers for preparing an as-fed feed ration from a calculated feed ration; monitoring one or more sensors to control a rate of operation for the one or more push ladders, wherein the rate of operation is based on the convergence of the as-fed feed ration measurements with the calculated feed ration.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising: analyzing input and operational data with a machine learning or artificial intelligence system for providing control parameters for the bulk feed storage bunkers for the convergence of the as-fed feed ration measurements with the calculated feed.

10. The method of claim 8, further comprising: receiving one or more disbursements of feed from the bulk feed storage bunkers at a feed aggregator for preparing the as-fed feed ration.

11. The method of claim 8, further comprising: receiving one or more disbursements of feed from the bulk feed storage bunkers at a feed transfer device for preparing the as-fed feed ration.

12. The method of claim 8, further comprising: actuating one or more bunker discharge gates for disbursing feed with the one or more push ladders.

13. The method of claim 8, further comprising: tracking and measuring operations, outputs, and inputs into the one or more bulk feed storage bunkers with one or more sensors operably disposed at the location of the agricultural feed component.

14. A livestock feed handler for agricultural feed stored in a bulk feed bunker at a livestock feeding operation, comprising: one or more bulk feed storage bunkers having a floor and walls operably configured for storing a bulk livestock feed; one or more push floor frames operably disposed and actuated within the one or more feed storage bunkers and having one or more push floor ladders actuated by one or more actuators toward and away from a discharge; a control system operably controlling the one or more actuators based on and for dispensing a feed ration amount from the one or more bulk feed storage bunkers by controlling the one or more push floor frames and the one or more push floor ladders.

15. The livestock feed handler of claim 14, further comprising: an actuated bunker discharge gate disposed at the discharge of the one or more bulk feed storage bunkers.

16. The livestock feed handler of claim 14, further comprising: at least one sensor operably disposed at the one or more bulk feed storage bunkers for measuring the feed ration amount.

17. The livestock feed handler of claim 14, wherein the one or more bulk feed storage bunkers include an entrance and exit for driving a feed hauler or loader atop the one or more push floor ladders.

18. The livestock feed handling and management system of claim 14, wherein the frequency of the control system is controlled to control a rate of oscillation of the one or more push floor frames.

19. The livestock feed handling and management system of claim 16, wherein a bulk feed order is placed with a bulk feed supplier based on a reading from the at least one sensor.

20. The livestock feed handling and management system of claim 14, further comprising one or more conveyors operably disposed at one or more discharges of the bulk feed storage bunkers, wherein the rate of operation of the one or more conveyors is based on the rate of operation of the one or more push floor frames and orientation of the one or more push floor ladders.