US 12,274,240 B2
Laser enrichment device, system, and method for poultry
Elizabeth Ann Kraayenbrink, Ames, IA (US); Anna Butters-Johnson, Ames, IA (US); and Derek Kraayenbrink, Ames, IA (US)
Assigned to Iowa State University Research Foundation, Inc., Ames, IA (US)
Filed by Iowa State University Research Foundation, Inc., Ames, IA (US)
Filed on Aug. 17, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/451,569.
Application 18/451,569 is a continuation of application No. 18/147,541, filed on Dec. 28, 2022, granted, now 11,805,756.
Application 18/147,541 is a continuation of application No. 17/809,649, filed on Jun. 29, 2022, granted, now 11,576,353, issued on Feb. 14, 2023.
Application 17/809,649 is a continuation of application No. 16/598,896, filed on Oct. 10, 2019, granted, now 11,439,126, issued on Sep. 13, 2022.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/744,517, filed on Oct. 11, 2018.
Prior Publication US 2024/0081289 A1, Mar. 14, 2024
Int. Cl. A01K 15/02 (2006.01); A01K 39/01 (2006.01)
CPC A01K 15/027 (2013.01) [A01K 39/01 (2013.01); A01K 2227/30 (2013.01)] 21 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method of treating poultry comprising:
administering to a set of the poultry in a defined area or space environmental enrichment with visual stimulation, the visual stimulation comprising automatically controlled on/off and, while on, randomized movement of a projected light spot at and around a surface at the defined area or space of the set of the poultry for a plurality of daily predetermined, separated time periods, wherein the randomized movement is other than fully deterministic in terms of direction, speed, or movement relative to the surface, and the controlled movement emulates natural predatory behavior and/or visual-oriented behavior for poultry and the visual stimulation is therapeutically effective treatment for improved performance without affecting welfare of the set of poultry as compared to poultry without the treatment.