A feed metering device for distributing feed (fodder or drink, or both) in metered
portions to an animal. The device comprises a feed unit for receiving and containing
said feed which includes an entrance opening that receives said feed from a feed
supplying device, and which is rotatable about an axis. The amount of feed provided
by the feed supplying device to the feed unit is governed by data from an animal
identification device that identifies the animal that will consume the feed in
the feed unit and a weighing device which determines the amount of feed remaining
from the last feeding in the feeding unit and any added thereto by the magnitude
of torque on a motor which rotates the closing device for the entrance opening
of the feeding unit via a contacting roll. The magnitude of torque on the roll
provides data to the feed supplying device as to the amount of feed remaining in
the feed unit so that the amount metered to the feed unit is governed by the amount
of feed remaining in the feed unit and the identity of the animal which will then
consume feed from the feed unit. The torque measuring apparatus is integrated into
a housing below the feed unit's entrance opening.
