Patent ID: 8261694

Claim:
A system for managing animals, comprising: electronic identification means for identifying an individual animal from other animals in a group of animals; a measurement location remote from a feed pen, the measurement location including a chute having at least one measuring substation separated by a gate, with a downstream end of the chute communicating with at least one sorting pen; a computer system at the measurement location, the computer system comprising one or more various computers, the computer system including software operable for storing identification information for an individual animal, storing characteristics concerning the individual animal, including at least weight, and utilizing the characteristics to project for the individual animal a limit or condition and an estimated time or date for the individual animal to achieve the projected limit or condition; a computerized animal drug inventory control, health history and drug treatment system, a computerized feed additive delivery system operable for delivering feed additives into animal feed rations on a customized basis, a computerized bunk reader system, or each and every combination thereof; a feedlot business system (FBS) computer operable for accessing and/or storing a database, performing feedlot accounting functions, and receiving and storing data from the computerized animal drug inventory control, health history and drug treatment system, the computerized feed additive delivery system, the computerized bunk reader system, or each and every combination thereof; a data entry device for entering into the computer system initial characteristics prior to a feeding period and subsequent characteristics following the feeding period during which the individual animal is fed with a feed group of animals; and a data output device in communication with the computer system.