Method and System for Administering Micro-Ingredient Feed Additives to Animal Feed Rations

A method of measuring micro-ingredients delivered to a feed ration, said method comprising the steps of:

• determining a bulk density for at least one micro-ingredient;
• assigning a base value to the bulk density;
• dispensing the micro-ingredient from a dispensing device;
• recording dispensing of the micro-ingredient, said recording being a count of units;
• and
• calculating an amount of the micro-ingredient delivered taking into account the bulk density value and the recorded units.

A system for measuring and dispensing micro-ingredients to a feed ration comprising:

• means for storing a quantity of at least one micro-ingredient;
• means for dispensing an amount of the micro-ingredient from the means for storing, said measured amount of the micro-ingredient being calculated by a bulk density value of the micro-ingredient and at least one of (i) a time the means for delivering operates to convey the micro-ingredient from the means for storing and (ii) a recorded electronic signal comprising at least one of an analog signal and a pulse count generated in response to the operation of the means for dispensing;
• means for receiving the micro-ingredient dispensed from the means for storing;
• and
• means for delivering the micro-ingredient from the means for receiving to the feed ration.

A method of measuring micro-ingredients delivered to a feed ration, said method comprising the steps of:

• determining a bulk density for at least one micro-ingredient;
• assigning a base value to the bulk density;
• dispensing the micro-ingredient from a dispensing device;
• sensing the micro-ingredient as it is dispensed;
• and
• calculating an amount of the micro-ingredient delivered taking into account the bulk density value and a signal generated in response to the sensing step.