Patent ID: 7730851
Filing Date: 2010-06-08
Classification: A01K

Abstract:
1. A feeder device for feeding particulate feed to animals, the device comprising: a trough having a base and laterally opposed side edges spaced upwardly from the base and extending in a longitudinal direction between opposing ends; a feed shelf having side edges and being positioned to extend in the longitudinal direction spaced above the base of the trough; the side edges of the trough being positioned laterally outwardly in relation to the side edges of the shelf so as to be arranged to capture feed falling from the feed shelf; a space between the side edges of the trough and the side edges of the feed shelf being arranged for accommodating access to a head of one of the animals; a feed hopper above the feed shelf and arranged for containing the particulate feed; at least one discharge chute extending downward from the hopper to a lower edge of the discharge chute and arranged for communicating the particulate feed therethrough to the feed shelf; said at least one discharge chute being arranged to be supported in proximity to the feed shelf such that an angle of repose of the particulate feed from the lower edge of discharge chute to the feed shelf prevents the particulate feed from falling from the feed shelf; a water supply arranged for supplying water to the trough; a level control arranged to control the water supply to maintain water level in relation to the trough at a set point level.