Patent ID: 6823818
Filing Date: 2004-11-30
Classification: A01K

Abstract:
A feed metering apparatus for supplying a consumable substance to a feeding trough for consumption thereof by an animal while at least one other animal is provided with voluntary access to consume a consumable substance from the same feeding trough after said first mentioned animal departs therefrom, the apparatus comprising said feeding trough, an entrance opening to said feeding trough, a closing means for closing said entrance opening, supplying means for intermittently supplying a quantity of a consumable substance to said feeding trough, detection means for detecting the amount of said consumable substance in said feeding trough, and control means for closing said entrance opening based on a combination of a lower threshold value of the amount of said consumable substance remaining in said feeding trough when the animal at said feeding trough is no longer consuming said consumable substance therefrom and an upper threshold value measured in time during which said animal at said feeding trough is no longer consuming said consumable substance from said feeding trough, whereby said entrance opening is closed by said control means based on said combination of said lower threshold value and said upper threshold value.