Slow feeding device for feeding equine animals

Abstract

A slow feeder for feeding equine animals comprises a container (110) for containing feed. The slow feeder comprises a feeding restrictor (120) disposed on the feed in the container (110) and having an aperture through which the equine ingests feed from the container (110). The slow feeder comprises a strap (130) connecting the feeding restrictor (120) to the container (110), the strap providing tension between the feeding restrictor (120) and the container (110) and allowing the feeding restrictor (120) to translate in a vertical direction within the container (110).

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 358,392, filed on July 5, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for feeding animals. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to a slow feeder and method for slowly feeding feed to equines. To this end, the present disclosure provides a slow feeder that is modular and configurable according to a single equine animal, which can more naturally follow the movement of the equine animal when the equine animal ingests feed, and can reduce the amount of force required to ingest feed from a container while substantially extending foraging time, thereby being able to limit the amount of feed consumed daily without significantly compromising safety and health. Background Art

[0003] Typically, equines (e.g., horses) spend much of their day roaming and foraging in an external, changing environment as part of a herd. As non-ruminant herbivores, they are well suited to a high-fiber, low-starch diet (i.e., primarily feed). They rarely actively fast for more than 2 to 4 hours at a time, and instead will naturally forage for 16 to 18 hours per day. Modern horse management often places horses in small, enclosed isolation environments (e.g., stables) and / or restricts feeding times, increasing the risk of behavioral and clinical problems, for example, horses that go more than 4 to 6 hours between feed feedings are at increased risk for gastric ulcers. In stables, equines are often fed at specific feeding times adapted for humans, rather than being able to mimic natural grazing behaviors. Furthermore, because many horses (up to 60% of recreational / recreational equines) are often overweight or prone to weight gain, they cannot be provided with ad libitum feeding (where they choose when to forage or not to forage), but rather are fed restricted (i.e., less than appetitive) amounts, especially when feed is provided at set times, to reduce caloric intake. Therefore, gentle feeding strategies and approaches are needed in such restricted feeding programs to reduce the risk of possible adverse clinical and behavioral problems (e.g., gastric ulcers and behavioral stereotypies) that may occur.

[0004] A common approach to mitigate the adverse effects of such feed restriction programs is to extend the time that the equine spends foraging while limiting the amount of feed that the equine actually consumes. To this end, the related art uses a hay net (containing a certain amount of feed) that includes small holes through which the equine can ingest the feed. However, in order to sufficiently extend the ingestion time, the holes need to be quite small, and ingesting the feed may cause considerable stress on the neck and an unnatural feeding posture. Some equines may find it difficult to ingest certain feeds from the hay net and may therefore exhibit frustrated behavior.

[0005] Another related technology employs a slow feeder that is typically placed on the ground. This involves the use of a container with an open end for accessing feed, and a feeding restraint that is located on top of the feed. The feeding restraint includes a hole through which the equine can remove the feed. As the level of feed in the container decreases in accordance with consumption, the feeding restraint translates downward, but should always remain on top of the feed. The container typically uses a vertical rod or rail to retain the feeding restraint. However, in some cases, the feeding restraint may tilt within the container and get stuck in the vertical rod or rail, thereby preventing the feeding restraint from freely moving downward within the container. In addition, when the equine removes feed from the container, the feeding restraint does not translate vertically in a manner that corresponds to the equine's movements. Therefore, the slow feeder may increase the amount of force required to ingest feed through the feeding restraint, which is harmful to the equine and increases the risk of the container being lifted or tipped over by the equine.

[0006] In addition, the related art techniques and devices generally do not always limit the rate at which equines forage or the amount of feed consumed by equines. For example, the related art generally does not take into account or adapt to the size, age, medical condition, needs, etc. of equines.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for a modular and individually configurable slow feeder that can more naturally follow the equine's movements as the equine ingests feed and reduce the amount of force required to remove feed from the container while substantially extending foraging time, thereby limiting the amount of feed consumed daily without significantly compromising safety and health. Summary of the invention

[0008] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate, among other things, to a slow feeder for feeding feed to equines. According to an exemplary embodiment, a slow feeder for feeding feed to equines includes a container for containing feed; a feeding limiter disposed on the feed in the container, the feeding limiter having a hole through which the equines ingest feed from the container; and a strap connecting the feeding limiter to the container, the strap providing tension between the feeding limiter and the container and allowing the feeding limiter to translate in a vertical direction within the container.

[0009] Each embodiment disclosed herein may include one or more features described in relation to any other disclosed embodiment.

[0010] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a slow food machine according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2 is a top view of a slow food processor according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0014] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a slow feeder according to an exemplary embodiment when feeding equines.

[0015] Figure 4 is a flow chart of providing and using a slow food machine according to an exemplary embodiment. Detailed Description

[0016] Some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide a slow feeder for feeding feed to equines, comprising a container for containing feed; a feeding limiter disposed on the feed in the container, the feeding limiter having a hole through which the equines ingest feed from the container; and a strap connecting the feeding limiter to the container, the strap providing tension between the feeding limiter and the container and allowing the feeding limiter to translate in a vertical direction within the container.

[0017] By using the straps, the slow feeder dissipates the force required to ingest feed from the container through the holes of the feeding restraint. Thus, the slow feeder reduces the risk of injury or discomfort to the equine during feeding, improves feeding for the equine, reduces the risk of the container being displaced by the equine, and helps prevent the restraint from tipping and promotes a more natural movement of the equine during feeding.

[0018] In addition, the slow feeder can include modular components so that the size, properties, tension, etc. can be adjusted to accommodate equines of different sizes, equines with different physiological properties, equines with different medical conditions, etc.

[0019] In this way, some embodiments herein provide a slow feeder that is modular and configurable for equines that more naturally follows the movements of the equine as the equine ingests feed and reduces / regulates the amount of force required to remove feed from a container while substantially extending foraging time and limiting the amount of feed consumed.

[0020] Although the exemplary embodiments describe a slow feeder for feeding equines, it should be understood that the embodiments herein are applicable to other types of animals.

[0021] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a slow food machine 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 1 As shown, a slow feeder 100 for feeding feed to equines comprises: a container 110 for containing feed; a feeding limiter 120, which is arranged on the feed in the container 110 and has a hole through which the equines can take the feed from the container 110; a belt 130, which connects the feeding limiter 120 to the container 110, provides tension between the feeding limiter 120 and the container 110 in the horizontal direction, the vertical direction, or both directions, and allows the feeding limiter 120 to translate vertically in the container 110.

[0022] The container 110 can store feed for consumption by equines. The container 110 can include a bottom surface on which the feed is placed, and can include an open top surface that allows the equines to access the feed. In addition, the container can include one or more side walls extending from the bottom surface to the top surface.

[0023] The container 110 can be any suitable shape, such as rectangular, circular, square, etc. In addition, the container 110 can have any suitable size. For example, the container 110 can include a height of two feet, a width of three feet, and a depth of two and a half feet. The container 110 can be made of any suitable material, such as plastic, metal, wood, etc.

[0024] In some cases, the container 110 may include modular components that allow the dimensions of the container 110 to be adjusted to accommodate the equine's size, age, medical condition, needs, etc. For example, the container 110 may include modular slats that allow adjustment of the height, width, and / or depth of the container 110. In this way, the container 110 may be adjusted to the equine's size, age, medical condition, needs, etc., thereby increasing feeding comfort and substantially limiting feeding time and amount.

[0025] The feeding limiter 120 can restrict access to feed to reduce the amount of feed consumed (or reduce the rate at which the equine consumes feed) and increase the time spent foraging. The feeding limiter 120 can include a set of sides (eg, an outer frame) and an interior portion having an aperture.

[0026] The feeding restrictor 120 can be any suitable shape, such as rectangular, circular, oval, square, etc. In addition, the feeding restrictor 120 can have a shape corresponding to the shape of the container 110. For example, if the container 110 is rectangular, the feeding restrictor 120 is also rectangular. Alternatively, the feeding restrictor 120 can include a shape different from the shape of the container 110.

[0027] The feeding restrictor 120 may have any suitable dimensions. In addition, the feeding restrictor 120 may have dimensions that allow the feeding restrictor 120 to fit within the container 110 and to translate vertically within the container 110. For example, tolerances between the feeding restrictor 120 and the container 110 may be such that the equine cannot access feed by circumventing the feeding restrictor 120.

[0028] The sides of the feeding restrictor 120 may be constructed of any suitable material, such as plastic, metal, wood, etc. The interior of the feeding restrictor 120 may be constructed of any suitable material, such as fabric, textile, plastic, etc.

[0029] Feeding limiter 120 can comprise any number of holes.In addition, hole can have any suitable shape and size.In some cases, hole can be modular or configurable, so that the size and / or quantity of hole can be adjusted.

[0030] The interior of the feeding limiter 120 may have any suitable tension to allow feed to be ingested through the aperture while also substantially limiting the amount of feed consumed and increasing the time spent foraging.

[0031] The strap 130 may connect the feeding restrictor 120 to the container 110 , provide tension between the feeding restrictor 120 and the container 110 in the horizontal direction, the vertical direction, or both, and allow the feeding restrictor 120 to translate in the vertical direction within the container 110 .

[0032] The strap 130 can have any suitable shape and / or any suitable size. In addition, the strap 130 can have an appropriate tension. The strap 130 can be elastic or inelastic. In some cases, the strap 130 can be modular so that the strap 130 can be adjusted or replaced to accommodate the size, age, medical condition, needs, etc. of the equine.

[0033] The strap 130 can be fastened to the container 110 by any suitable mechanism. For example, the container 110 can include a through hole, and the strap 130 can be placed in the through hole. As another example, the container 110 can include a hook, a loop, etc., and the strap 130 can be placed in the hook, the loop, etc., so as to be fastened to the container 110.

[0034] The strap 130 may be secured to the feeding restrictor 120 by any suitable mechanism. For example, the strap 130 may be placed through a hole in the interior of the feeding restrictor 120. Alternatively, the strap 130 may be secured to a hook, loop, through hole, etc., on the side of the feeding restrictor 120.

[0035] The strap 130 can provide a specific tension between the container 110 and the feeding restraint 120 in the horizontal direction, the vertical direction, or both. For example, the strap 130 can provide a higher tension in the horizontal direction between the container 110 and the feeding restraint 120 so that the top surface of the feeding restraint 120 remains substantially flat while the equine is foraging. Alternatively, the strap can provide a lower tension in the horizontal direction between the container 110 and the feeding restraint 120 so that the top surface of the feeding restraint 120 can move more easily while the equine is foraging. The tension can be selected to tailor the strap 130 to the size, age, medical condition, needs, etc. of the equine.

[0036] Through the use of the strap 130, the feeding limiter 120 can more naturally follow the equine's movements as the equine consumes feed and reduce the amount of force required to remove feed from the container 110, while substantially extending foraging time and limiting the amount of feed consumed.

[0037] In a specific implementation, the container 110 is a wooden box, which includes two sides made of organic glass with a thickness of 5 mm. A feeding limiter 120 (e.g., a hay net with holes of 3.5x3.5 cm) is arranged in the container 110. The container 110 is provided with holes at each corner of the bottom of the container 110. A belt 130 (e.g., 3 cm wide, the length varies according to specific needs) enters the interior of the container 110 through the hole, passes through the feeding limiter 120, and is then fixed by a metal fastening belt 130 (e.g., 3x4 cm) to provide a suitable tension according to the volume of feed (e.g., hay) present in the container 110 or a configurable range of motion. In this way, the feeding limiter 120 will rise and fall according to the volume and kilograms of hay in the container 110. Furthermore, allowing this type of movement, the equine can play and lift the feeding restraint 120, thereby reducing the stress caused by limiting feeding consumption, but without removing the feeding restraint 120 from the container 110 due to the strap 130. Due to the metal fastening strap 130, the system has some flexibility in movement.

[0038] Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a top view of a slow food machine 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 2 As shown, the container 110 defines a rectangular opening through the open top surface of the container 110. The feeding restrictor 120 is placed within the container 110 such that the feeding restrictor 120 is allowed to translate vertically within the container 110. The strap 130 secures the feeding restrictor 120 to the container 110 while allowing the feeding restrictor 120 to translate vertically within the container 110.

[0039] Figure 3 FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a slow feeder according to an exemplary embodiment when feeding equines. Figure 3As shown, the feed rests on the bottom surface of the container 110. The feeding restrictor 120 is located on the top surface of the feed. When the equine pushes the feeding restrictor 120 downward toward the feed, the strap 130 allows the feeding restrictor 120 to move downward to a certain extent. The strap 130 provides tension between the feeding restrictor 120 and the container 110 in the horizontal direction, the vertical direction, or both directions, and allows the feeding restrictor 120 to translate vertically within the container 110. As shown, the equine ingests the feed from the container 110 through the hole of the feeding restrictor 120.

[0040] The slow feeder 110 provides the feeding limiter 120 with the use of the strap 130 so that the feeding limiter 120 can more naturally follow the movements of the equine as it ingests feed and reduce the amount of force required to remove feed from the container 110 while substantially extending the foraging time and limiting the amount of feed consumed.

[0041] Figure 4 is a flow chart of providing and using a slow food machine according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0042] like Figure 4 As shown, process 400 may include providing a slow feeder for feeding feed to equines, the slow feeder comprising: a container for containing feed; a feeding restrictor disposed on the feed in the container, the feeding restrictor having a hole through which the equines can ingest feed from the container; and a strap connecting the feeding restrictor to the container, the strap providing tension between the feeding restrictor and the container and allowing the feeding restrictor to translate in a vertical direction within the container (operation 410), and feeding the equines using the slow feeder (operation 420).

[0043] In this way, some embodiments herein provide a slow feeder that is modular and configurable for equines that more naturally follows the movements of the equine as the equine ingests feed and reduces the amount of force required to remove feed from a container while substantially extending foraging time and limiting the amount of feed consumed.

[0044] Although the principles of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to the illustrative embodiments of specific applications, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Those of ordinary skill in the art and those who can obtain the teachings provided herein will recognize that additional modifications, applications, embodiments and equivalent substitutions all fall within the scope of the embodiments described herein. Therefore, the present invention should not be considered to be limited by the foregoing description.

Claims

1. A slow feeder for feeding equine animals, the slow feeder comprising: A container for containing feed; a feeding restrictor disposed over the feed in the container and having an aperture through which the equine animal ingests the feed from the container; as well as a strap connecting the feeding restrictor to the container to provide tension between the feeding restrictor and the container and to allow the feeding restrictor to translate in a vertical direction within the container, The slow feeder is modular and can be configured for equines. wherein when the equine animal ingests feed, the slow feeder more naturally follows the movement of the equine animal, and Among other things, the slow feeder reduces the amount of force required to remove feed from the container while substantially extending the time for foraging, thereby being able to limit the amount of feed consumed daily without significantly compromising safety and health.

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