AU2009222636B2 - Method and apparatus for the production of fodder - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract A method and apparatus for producing fodder from grain seeds using an elongated enclosed container (10) having least one pair of spaced tracks or rails members (14,15) extending longitudinally of the container (10) and a plurality of trays (28) supported on the tracks or rail members (14,15) for movement therealong. Seeds are deposited into the trays (28) at one end of the container (11) and water and nutrients applied to the seed during their movement in the trays (28) along the tracks or rail members (14,15) and the environment in the container (10) is controlled such that sprouted seed can be removed from the trays (28) at the other end of the container (10) and used for fodder. li' .i.l. 16 FIG. 1 \i7

Description

P/00/0 11 Regulation 3.2 AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT ORIGINAL TO BE COMPLETED BY APPLICANT Names of Applicant : ALMIGHTY FODDER LIMITED ACN 128567813 Actual Inventor Address for Service JOHN R.G. GARDNER Suite 398 15 Albert AVENUE BROADBEACH QLD 4218 Invention title METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF FODDER Details of Associated Provisional Application No: 2008905242 filed 9 OCTOBER 2008 The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me:- 1 METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF FODDER Technical Field 5 This invention relates to method and apparatus for the production of fodder and in a particular aspect to a method and apparatus for the production of a high quality fodder germinated from a grain seed for use as a feeding supplement for cattle, chickens, grazing animals and all other herbivorous animals or birds 10 Background Art One of the major problems for primary producers is the lack of high protein feed for livestock on a farm or property in times of drought. Whilst it is known to use cereal grains, such as barley, as a dry feed, a limited amount of protein and nutrition is available 15 to animals using this form of feed. Barley grass (Hordeum vulgare) is one of the green grasses vegetation that can supply sole nutritional support from birth to old age both in humans and animals. Barley has served as a food staple in most cultures with the use of barley for food and medicinal 20 purposes back to as early as 7000 BC. Large amounts of vitamins and minerals are found in green barley leaves primarily because the leaves have an ability to absorb nutrients from the soil. When barley leaves are 4-6 inches high, they contain many vitamins, minerals, and proteins necessary for the human diet, plus chlorophyll. These are easily assimilated throughout the digestive tract, giving a person's body instant access to vital 25 nutrients. Barley grass is high in potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, phosphorus, manganese, zinc, beta carotene, vitamins B 1, B2, B6, B12, vitamin C, folic acid, and pantothenic acid. It also contains all the essential amino acids, chlorophyll, favonoids, and other minerals, plus enzymes. Indeed, green barley juice contains 11 times the calcium in cow's milk, nearly 5 times the iron in spinach, 7 times the vitamin C 30 in oranges, and 80 mg of vitamin B 12 per hundred grams. This food heals stomach, duodenal, and colon disorders as well as pancreatitis, and is an effective anti inflammatory.

2 Grain, left when barley hull is removed, is partly used but has common use where cultivated and used as a food and in the brewing process. It is an additive for human and animal cereal foods. It also makes a flavorful flour for use in baking breads and muffins. Barley is a very hardy plant and can be grown under a greater variety of climatic 5 conditions than any other grain, and a polar variety is grown within the Arctic Circle in Europe. The process of germinating grain for fodder production has potential to drought proof a fanning operation and produce a continuous fodder supply any season of the year. 10 It has been known to grow barley seed into sprouts in external locations such as in shade-cloth covered trays. Growing in this environment exposes the sprouted seed to dust and mould. Some moulds can be toxic to cattle and therefore growing of seed in this type of environment is not desirable. Seed can also be sprouted in hydroponic 15 installations however often seed in these installations is also subject to bacteriological growth such as mould. Further there is relatively low germination of seeds in these growing situations. Summary of the Invention 20 The present invention aims to provide an improved method and apparatus for producing fodder in particular fodder grown from a seed grain such as barley which overcomes or alleviates one or more of the above disadvantages or which at least provides an effective alternative to the prior art. The method and apparatus of the 25 invention whilst particularly suitably for growing fodder from barley however may be applied for the growing of fodder from any other suitable type of seed such as wheat or any cereal grain. Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description. 30 The present invention thus provides in one preferred aspect, a method for producing fodder from seeds, said method including the steps of: providing an elongated container; providing a plurality of trays adapted to contain said seed; supporting said trays within said container on tracks or rails members extending longitudinally of said 3 container; depositing seeds into said trays; watering seed within said trays using a plurality of misting or spray nozzles connected directly or indirectly to a water or liquid supply duct extending longitudinally of the container, said supply duct has inlets at opposite ends for connection to a supply of water and water containing nutrients 5 respectively, said misting or spray nozzles are positioned to spray water or water and/or nutrients over the trays; and controlling the environment in said container and moving said trays longitudinally of said container from one end thereof at which trays are loaded with seed to the other end thereof at which sprouted seed can be removed from the tray and used for fodder. 10 The present invention provides in another preferred aspect, apparatus for producing fodder from seeds, said apparatus comprising: an elongated container; at least one pair of spaced tracks or rails members extending longitudinally of said container; a plurality of trays adapted to be supported on said tracks or rail members for movement 15 therealong; means for watering seed deposited into said trays using a plurality of misting or spray nozzles connected directly or indirectly to a water or liquid supply duct extending longitudinally of the container, said supply duct has inlets at opposite ends for connection to a supply of water and water containing nutrients respectively, said misting or spray nozzles are positioned to spray water or water and/or nutrients over the trays; 20 and means for controlling the environment in said container. The reference to the application of water to the seeds herein includes where the context allows the application of water with or without nutrients. The seeds used in the method and apparatus of the invention may comprise any grain seed such as barley seed. 25 Preferably the container is insulated such as by having the internal walls lined with an insulating material such as insulating panels of foam plastics or the like. Typically the container comprises or is in the form of an insulated shipping container such as a 12 meter shipping container which may be easily transported to any desired 30 location. The container is suitably closeable at each end to enable the establishment of the required environment within the container. The at least one pair of spaced tracks or rail members comprises a first track or 4 rail member and a second track or rail member. Suitably the first track or rail member is positioned lower than the second track or rail members to create a slight inclination or fall in a tray supported on the tracks or rail members. The inclination or fall may be from one end to the other end of the tray. Suitably one of the tracks or rail members is attached to 5 or supported adjacent to at least one side wall of the container and the other track or rail member is supported centrally of the container The one track or rail member may comprise the first track or rail member and the other track or rail member may comprise the second track or rail member supported centrally of the container. Preferably the tracks or rail members are supported on posts arranged in the container in an upright 10 attitude. Suitably the fall or inclination in the trays due to the one track or rail member being positioned lower than the other track or rail member is a fall or inclination in a tray supported on the tracks or rail members towards the side wall of the container however the fall or inclination may be reversed and be towards the centre of the container. Typically the one track or rail member is 20 - 40mm lower than the other track or rail member. Suitably 15 a or each track or rail member defines a drainage gutter for the drainage of excessive water and/or nutrients applied to the trays. Preferably the tracks or rail member have opposite side flanges and may be of a U- or V- shaped cross section. The flanges positioned inwardly towards the trays may be of less height than the opposite flanges. 20 In one embodiment, each track or rail member supports a plurality of rollers on which the respective trays are supported for smooth movement longitudinally of the container along the track or rail members from one end of the container to the other. Preferably where the tracks or rails members have side flanges, the rollers are supported for rotation between respective side flanges of the track or rail members. Suitably the rollers 25 have central axles which project to opposite ends for support on the respective flanges. The flanges suitably have slots to receive the ends of the axles. The slots may include part circular lower portions upon which the projection ends of the axles which suitably are of circular form in cross section are supported. Preferably the rollers comprise a plurality of axially spaced apart circular or disc-like members suitably of substantially the same 30 diameter arranged coaxially relative to the axles for a purpose which will become apparent below. Preferably the circular or disc-like members and axles are formed integrally typically of a plastics material. Typically the plastics material comprises polycarbonate.

5 Preferably the track or rail members are positioned to allow excess water collecting therein to drain to one or both ends of the container and thus may be inclined towards one or both ends of the container. The drained water may pass out through a pipe/s connected to the tracks or rail members to the outside of the container where it may be collected for 5 further use. Suitably the trays are moulded of plastics or glass reinforced plastics and are of a dimension of 1.200m long and 0.300m wide to be of a rectangular configuration with a base and side walls at the periphery of the base however the trays may be of many different sizes. 10 Preferably the bases of the trays (which are preferably substantially planar) are adapted to seat on the rollers provided on the opposite track or rail members. Suitably the rollers are spaced along the track or rail members such that a tray is supported by at least two spaced rollers at opposite ends. 15 In another embodiment, the trays may be provided with sets of wheels or rollers on their underside for engagement with the track or rail members for supporting the trays for movement along the track or rail members. Preferably the track or rails members have at least one flange which defines a track or rail for engagement by the wheels or rollers of the trays. In this application, the tracks or rail members need not be of a U- or V shaped cross 20 section provided that they define a track or rail along which a wheel or roller may roll. The wheels or rollers suitably have concave cross-sectional profile for example of an inverted V-shaped cross section to locate on the tracks or rails aforementioned. As the wheels or rollers of the trays are supported on tracks or rails, there is a reduction in friction as the trays are slid along the track or rail members progressively from one end of the container to the 25 other. Preferably in this embodiment, each tray is provided with four rollers or wheels arranged adjacent the corners of the tray. Preferably channel-shaped members are attached to or provided on the underside of and at each end of the tray to extend substantially parallel 30 to the ends of the tray and the respective wheels or rollers are supported within the channels of the channel- shaped members with axles for the wheels or rollers extending between the flanges of the channel-shaped members. Alternatively the channel-shaped members may be provided at the longer sides of the tray.

6 The trays suitably have a drainage hole or holes at one or both ends or sides to allow for any excess water and/or nutrients to drain from the tray into the channels of the track or rail members. The drainage hole or holes may be provided in a wall or base of a tray. Where the rollers are mounted at spaced position to the track or rails members, by having 5 the rollers formed of a plurality of spaced apart circular or disc-like members, water and/or nutrients are not blocked from passing out of the trays. Preferably a plurality of sets of track or rail members are provided one above the other preferably on both sides of the container. 10 Preferably to regulate the climate within the container an air conditioner or conditioners is/are mounted to one end of the container to control the temperature of air within the container. Typically the internal air in the container is maintained at 18 degrees centigrade to 22 degrees centigrade. Preferably the air conditioner/s control/s the 15 humidity within the container. Typically the air within the container is maintained at 68 percent to 78 percent relative humidity. If desired, the air inside the container may be circulated by one or more circulating means such as fans to create a breeze or air flow over the sprouted seeds. An exhaust fan 20 may be fitted to the container at the same or opposite end to the air conditioner/s to assist in laminar flow across the seed trays and assist in controlling the humidity. Means may be provided to circulate carbon dioxide in the container from one end of the container where carbon dioxide may be more readily generated by growing sprouts, 25 typically during initial sprouting of seeds, to the opposite end of the container where carbon dioxide may be desirable to assist in growing of sprouts, typically towards the exit end of the containers. Such means may comprise one or more ducts extending longitudinally of the container. A fan or fans or air pump/s may be associated with the one or more ducts. 30 Suitably seeds are watered by water applied through misting or spray nozzles positioned to spray water or water and nutrients over the trays. The water or water and nutrients may be applied in such a quantity to wet the seed without runoff. The misting or 7 spray nozzles suitably provide water droplets of 40 micron particle size. Preferably water is applied to trays as a mist or spray during initial sprouting of the seeds typically up to half way along the container and as a flood of water during subsequent growth of the sprouts typically from approximately half-way along the container to the exit end of the container. 5 Preferably water is supplied to all trays whilst water and water containing nutrient is applied only to trays subsequent to initial sprouting. Preferably water containing nutrient is applied to trays from approximately half-way along the container to the exit end of the container. 10 Preferably water and water containing nutrient is applied to a water supply duct extending longitudinally of the container and associated with each level of trays. Preferably misting or spray nozzles are connected directly or indirectly to the supply duct. Preferably the duct has inlets at opposite ends for connection to a supply of water and water with 15 nutrients respectively. Preferably a one -way valve is provided along a duct, the one-way valve permitting flow of water in a first direction along the duct for applying water to all trays but permitting flow of nutrient and water in a second direction but only part-way along the duct for supplying water with nutrient only to some of the trays. 20 Preferably the water applied to the seeds through the misting or spray nozzles is filtered externally of the container by suitable filtering means. The water may be initially filtered through a sediment filter such as a 5 micron sediment filter to remove any suspended particulate matter. The water thus filtered may be passed through an activated carbon bed which contains an impregnation of silver. The activated carbon is to remove any 25 volatile organic compounds that may be present in the water and the silver impregnation is to prevent any biological contamination of the activated carbon within the filter. The water may be further or alternatively filtered in a sand or other particulate filter and subject to treatment with ultraviolet irradiation to destroy any pathogenic bacteria 30 which may be present in the water. The ultraviolet irradiation may be provided by a UV lamp located within an elongated housing through which the water passes. The nutrient may be selectively added to the water to provide Nitrogen and/or trace 8 elements for accelerated growth of the sprouts, along with the addition of Hydrogen peroxide to further assist in the prevention of mould forming on the sprouting seeds. Suitably a storage tank is provided to hold the filtered water and allow addition of nutrients suitably by means of a dosing pump. 5 The seed is watered at regular intervals through the misting or spray nozzles or other outlets with the required amount of water and/or water with nutrient to promote vigorous growth. 10 The water supply to the container is suitably augmented by the collection of the condensation from the air conditioning system. Suitably a main water tank is provided for holding water for filtering supply to the storage tank. The condensation may be piped to the main water tank for holding and filtering. The main water tank may also collect run off rain water from the roof of the container. 15 Preferably means are provided to expose growing sprouts in the trays to natural light as they approach the exit or other end of the container. Such means may comprise one or more transparent panels provided in the container at or adjacent the exit end of the container. Exposure of the growing sprouts to natural light optimizes growth. 20 Preferably the one or more transparent panels comprise panels in one or both side walls of the container which allow for entry of natural light but which reduce heat entry. Preferably the panels comprise windows in one or both side walls of the container. Preferably the windows comprise double glazed windows with a thermal coating. Alternatively or additionally the panel/s or window/s may be provided in the roof of the 25 container. Preferably the floor of the container is ribbed to enable water to be collected therebetween and drained. The floor for this purpose may be formed of a plurality of I shaped members. 30 In use, trays are placed onto the tracks or rail members starting at one end of the container and each day respective trays carrying further seed are added to the track or rail members over a 10 day period with the previous tray or trays being moved on the rollers 9 along the track or rail members being displaced by the added tray. Thus trays are effectively indexed through the container being moved in a step-wise manner through the container. Zeolite may be added with the seeds to become bound into the roots of the growing seed and form part of the fodder. After the ninth or tenth day is reached the 5 container is at maximum capacity with trays and the first seeded trays are ready for harvesting from the other or exit end of the container. To facilitate the placement of the trays one or more doors is provided at the one or entry end of the container to allow entry or personnel into the container for placement of the 10 trays. The existing two front doors of the shipping container are provided at the exit end of the container. Alternatively, other forms of doors may be provided for closing the entry and exit ends of the container. The apparatus may operate in an external environment of between minus 60 15 degrees Celsius and up to 55 degrees Celsius and therefore is suitable for all climates and all countries. Preferably the fodder is sprouted from barley seed which takes only 10 days from seed to lush green fodder. The barley seed multiplies 8 to 10 times the original weight and 20 thus 1 kilogram of barley becomes 8 to 10 kilograms of fodder with double the protein content. The fibre content and nutrient value of the fodder is thus expanded substantially to produce all the nutrient and feed value cattle will need per day. The normal quantity for 450 kg cattle would require 8 kilograms per day of fodder only 4 days per week to give a weight gain of 1.1 kilograms per day. As an alternative to barley seed, any suitable type of seed such 25 as wheat, corn, sorgum, sunflower, beans may be used to produce fodder or any form of food supplement. Brief Description of the Drawings 30 In order that the invention may be more readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and wherein Fig. 1 illustrates the inside of a fodder production container according to an 10 embodiment of the invention from the entrance end and showing a plurality of trays supported on tracks or rails within the container; Fig. 2 illustrates in enlarged view details of the tracks and support rollers for the seed trays; 5 Fig. 2A is a cross sectional view showing a support roller and a seed tray supported at one end on the support roller; Fig. 3 illustrates the inside of the fodder production container from the exit end thereof; Figs. 4 and 5 are views from the inside of the container and opposite sides thereof 10 looking towards the exit end of the container; Fig. 6 illustrates a further view of the exit end of the container; Fig. 7 illustrates part of the carbon dioxide redirecting duct in the container; Fig. 8 illustrates growth of the seeds in seed trays in their movement along the track or rail members towards the exit end of the container; 15 Fig. 9 and 10 are side views of the container with the water and nutrient supply; Fig. 11 illustrates the inside of a fodder production container according to another embodiment of the invention; Fig. 12 illustrates the inside of the container of Fig 11 looking towards the entrance end thereof; and 20 Fig. 13 illustrates a plurality of trays supported on tracks or rails within the container at the entrance end of the container. Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment 2 5 Referring to the drawings and firstly to Fig. 1, there is illustrated the interior of an elongated fodder production container 10 in which fodder is produced in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the container 10 typically comprising a generally rectangular transportable shipping container (illustrated also in Figs. 9 and 10) and having its top and opposite side walls (and front and back walls where possible) insulated 30 such as by foam plastics insulation. The container 10 additionally has an entrance end 11 and an exit end 12 which are closable by access doors 13 and 13' at opposite ends (see Figs. 6 and 9), the entrance doors 13 enabling seed trays for producing fodder to be placed into one end of the container 10 and allow access for workers or the like and the 11 exit doors 13' allowing for removal of the produced fodder from the opposite end of the container 10. When the doors 13 and 13' are closed, the container 10 is substantially air tight so that the micro-climate within the container 10 can be effectively controlled. Seals such as rubber seals are associated with the doors 13 and 13' to seal the container 5 10 when closed to make the container 10 substantially airtight. The container 10 as shown in Fig. 1 includes sets of spaced apart generally horizontal elongated rail or track members 14 and 15 arranged within the container 10 one above the other and supported on upright posts 16 and 17 arranged centrally of the 10 container and adjacent one side wall 18 of the container 10 respectively, the posts 16 and 17 extending between the top wall and floor of the container 10. The respective outer rail or track members 15 are slightly lower than the corresponding central rail or track members 14. Typically the rail or track members 15 are 20 - 40 mm below the corresponding rail or track members 14. In the embodiment illustrated, the container 10 15 is provided with eight levels of rail or track members however this can be varied as desired. The spacing between the rail or track members can also be varied. The tracks or rail members 14 and 15 are of a U- or channel shaped cross section and as shown in Fig. 2 and 2A with reference to the track or rail member 14, one of the 20 flanges 19 is of increased height relative to the opposite flange 20 and is secured to the upright frame member 16 for example by rivets leaving the other flange 20 free. The opposite rail member 15 is of the same configuration having an outer flange 21 secured to the post 17 and the inner flange 22 free. The channel shaped members 14 and 15 also serve as drainage gutters as referred to further below. 25 The rails or track members 14 and 15 are arranged substantially horizontally and a plurality of rollers 23 are arranged at spaced positions along the rail or track members 14 and 15. Each roller 23 as also shown in Fig. 2A includes an axle 24 which carries spaced apart similar discs-shaped members 25 arranged coaxially on the axle 24. The axle 24 30 and members 25 are preferably formed integrally of plastics such as polycarbonate. Opposite projecting ends of the axle 24 extend into slots 26 and 27 in the respective flanges 19 and 20, the slots 26 and 27 having a part circular lower edge such that the rollers 23 are capable of free rotation about a substantially horizontal axis extending 12 transversely of the rail or track members 14 and 15. The upper ends of the slots 27 are open such that one projecting end of an axles 24 can be inserted therein from the upper side whilst the opposite slots 26 are elongated in the vertical direction to facilitate positioning of the opposite projecting end of the an axle 24 to be received therein. 5 Adapted to be supported on the rollers 23 in the opposite pairs of rail or track members 14 and 15 are a plurality of seed trays 28. Each seed tray 28 comprises a shallow rectangular tray having a substantially planar base and upstanding side and end walls. Each tray 28 extends between and spans the respective rail or track members 14 10 and 15 such that the base of the tray is supported at opposite ends on a plurality of rollers 23 carried by the respective rail or track members 14 and 15. The rollers 23 are spaced apart along the rail or track members such that at opposite ends the trays 28 are preferably always supported on at least two rollers 23 at each end. This arrangement permits respective trays 28 to be supported on the rail or track members 14 and 15 and moved 15 longitudinally of the container 10 on the rollers 23. The trays 28 are additionally provided in its base at each end with drain openings 29 (shown in dotted outline in Fig. 1) which allow excess water in the trays 28 to be directed into the channels of the rail or track members 14 or 15. The track or rail members 14 and 15 are suitably constructed of a metal such as aluminium or stainless steel and may be formed as extrusions. Drainage 20 of excess water from the trays 28 is also facilitated by the inclination of the trays 28 as is apparent in Figs. 1 to 4 due to the different levels of the side and central tracks or rail members 15 and 14. It will be further apparent that whilst trays 28 are shown as provided on one side only of the container 10, rows of trays 28 can be provided on opposite sides of the central upright members 16 as indicated by the track or rail members 14 secured on 25 the opposite side of the member 16, the trays 28 on opposite sides being inclined downwardly and outwardly towards the opposite side wall of the container 10. The central upright support members 16 additionally carry adjacent to each track member 14 respective pipes 30 extending generally parallel to the tracks or rail members 30 14. The pipes 30 are connected to upright supply pipes 31 via respective valves or stop cocks 32. A similar arrangement is provided adjacent the side wall 18 of the container 10 with further pipes 33 extending generally parallel to the tracks or rail members 15 and connected to upright pipes 34 via respective valves or stop cocks 35. The pipes 30 carry 13 a plurality of spaced apart misting or spray heads 36 for supplying water to the trays 28. The pipes 30 and 35 extend the full length of the container 10 and are connected at the opposite or exit end of the container 10 to further upright supply pipes 37 and 38 5 (see Fig. 3). Provided in the pipes 30 and 35 intermediate their opposite ends are one way valves 39 (see Fig. 2) which allow liquid flow in the direction indicated by the arrow but not in the opposite direction. Typically the valves 39 (and corresponding valves in the pipes 35) are provided centrally in the pies 30 and 35 relative to opposite ends of the container 10. The supply pipes 31 and 35 are connectable to a source of water only 10 whilst the supply pipes 37 and 38 are connectable to a source of nutrient dosed water. The spray heads 36 may be arranged upright as shown in Fig. 2 for spraying water over the trays 28 or laid over as shown in Fig. 8 (which is towards the exit end 12 of the container 10) for flooding the containers 28. In this latter orientation, the spray heads 36 may not include spray nozzles. 15 For distributing carbon dioxide generated by seeds growing towards the entrance end 11 of the container 10 to the exit end of the container 10 to assist in growing of sprouts at that end, elongated ducts 40 (see Figs. 4 and 7) extend substantially horizontally of the container 10 adjacent the top wall thereof, the ducts 40 opening at the 20 entrance end 11 (not shown) and exit end 12 as at 41 and each duct 40 carrying an air pump 42 which when operated draws in air including carbon dioxide at the entrance end 11 of the container 10 and pumps it out of the end 41 towards the exit end 12. Further at the exit end 12 of the container 10 air-conditioning units 43 and 44 25 having external compressors are provided for controlling the environment (temperature and humidity) within the container 10 (see Figs. 5 and 6). Transparent panels 45 are provided on opposite sides of the container 10 adjacent the exit end 12 of the container 10, the panels 43 preferably being in the form of a pair of 30 fixed windows on each side of the container 10, the windows being double glazed and thermally coated such that sunlight or external light can enter the container 10 however heat entry is substantially prevented. The natural light assists in the growing of sprouts in the trays 28 towards the exit end 12 of the container 10 whilst the seeds in the trays 28 14 at the opposite or entrance end 11 of the container are exposed too little light. The floor of the container 10 is ribbed as illustrated in Fig. 3 by being formed of spaced I-beams 46 extending longitudinally of the container 10 to form drains 5 therebetween in the container floor. Water for supply through the misting heads 36 via the pipes 30 and supply pipes 31 and 34 is provided from a water supply tank 47 shown in Fig. 9. The water supply tank 47 is connected to a pump contained in housing 48 controlled by a pressure 10 regulator, the outlet of the pump being connected to a sediment filter and an activated carbon filter arranged in series with the outlet of the filter being connected to a sand filter. The activated carbon filter may be impregnated with silver. The outlet of the sand filter is connected to a UV sterilization unit in which water flowing through the unit is exposed to ultraviolet light from a UV lamp contained within unit. 15 A further tank 49 is connected to a further pump and filter unit contained within the housing 50, the pump being connected to the supply pipes 37 and 38. A dosing pump typically a peristaltic pump is provided for dosing nutrients such as Nitrogen or trace elements into the water supply lines to the supply pipes 37 and 38. The tanks 47 and 49 20 may be of any volume. Operation of the pumps is controlled by a timer such that typically the pumps are operated for a short period of time at set intervals for supply of water to the misting or spray heads 36. Typically the pumps are operated 18 seconds for every hour. 25 In use, an operator adds barley seed, typically 1.5 kilograms of seed, to a set of empty trays 28 which are supported on the rollers 23 on the side and central tracks or rail members 15 and 14 inside the container 10 adjacent to the entrance end 11. The doors 13 and 13' are closed and the air-conditioning units 42 and 43 are operated to establish the required environment within the container 10. Typically the temperature within the 30 container is maintained at 18 to 22 degrees centigrade and at a relative humidity of 68 to 78 percent. This prevents the formation of mould species such as Aspergilles.sp which is detrimental to the sprouting seeds.

15 Seeds at the entrance end 11 of the container 10 are exposed to relatively dark environment as they are remote from the light source provided by the windows 43. The day after the loading of the first set of trays 28, the operator adds further seed 5 to a second set of trays 28 which are positioned on the rollers 23 of the tracks or rail members 14 and 15 adjacent to the first set of trays 28. This procedure is repeated each day with the already seed loaded trays 28 being slid longitudinally along the tracks or rails 14 and 15 on the rollers 28 being displaced by the added set of trays 28. This procedure is repeated each day until the required number of trays 28 are loaded with seed. 10 Water is supplied to the supply pipes 31 and 34 and thus to the pipes 30 and 33 such that water is sprayed from the misting or spray heads 36 over the trays 28. The one way valve 39 permits water to be supplied to the trays 38 for the full length of the container 10. Excess water is drained through the drain holes 29 into the tracks 15 and 15 14 to be directed towards the exit end of the container 10 where it simply drops to the floor of the container 10. This water may be collected in a gutter or the like and collected for further use for example by adding it to the water in one of the holding tanks. The configuration of the rollers 23 with the spaced disc-like members ensures that water is not blocked from draining through the holes 29. 20 Water with dosed nutrients is supplied at regular intervals to the supply pipes 37 and 38 at the exit end 12 of the container 10 and this flows along the pipes 30 and 33 up to the one-way valves 39 where it is prevented from flowing further along the pipes 30 and 33. Thus nutrients are only supplied to trays 28 from the one-way valves 39 to the 25 exit end 12. As the seed is moved on the trays 28 through the container 10 they initially germinate and then grow. On the ninth or tenth day the first 1.5 kilograms of barley seed has germinated and grown approximately 9 inches (200mm) high and increased up to 12 30 kilograms in weight. The fodder is then removed from or with the trays 28 at the exit end of the container 10 through the exit doors and may for example by being slid onto the back of a 16 vehicle such as a utility ready to supply to the farm animals. The empty trays 28 are washed, returned to the entrance of the container 10 and loaded with seed and the rotation continues. Each day after the ninth or tenth day, the operator can remove the grown spouts which can produce 800 kilograms of high protein feed for animals. This is 5 sufficient to feed approximately 110 head of cattle with all the nutrition they require. The animals can now graze over poor quality pasture, and forage on straw or dry grass as a bulk feeding supply, but receive all the nutrition they require. Referring now to Figs. 11 to 14, there is illustrated a further embodiment of the 10 invention which is similar to the embodiment of Figs. 1 to 10 and in which like components have been given like numerals with the container 10 typically comprises an insulated rectangular transportable shipping container as above. The container 10 in this embodiment and as shown in Fig. 11 includes a series of generally horizontal elongated side rail or track members 51 arranged within the container 10 one above the other and 15 fixed to the opposite side walls 52 of the container 10. Further sets of generally horizontal central rail or track members 53 corresponding in number to the rails or track members 51 on the side walls 52 are fixed to opposite sides of upright support members 54 which extend between the top wall 55 and floor of the container 10. The respective central rail or track members 53 however are slightly lower than the side rail or track 20 members 51. Typically the rail or track members 53 are 40 mm below the corresponding rail or track members 51 on the side walls 52. In the embodiment illustrated, the container 10 is provided with eight levels of rail or track members however this can be varied as desired. The spacing between the rail or track members can also be varied. 25 The tracks or rail members 51 and 53 are of a U- or channel shaped cross section and one of the flange 56 of each side track or rail member 53 is secured to upright frame members 55 of the side wall 18 and one of the flanges 58 of each central track or rail member 53 is secured to the upright members 54 within the container 10 leaving the other flanges 59 and 60 of the respective track or rail members 51 and 53 free and 30 defining tracks or rails extending longitudinally of the container 10. The inner channel shaped members 53 also serve as drainage gutters as referred to further below. The rails or track members 51 and 53 are arranged substantially horizontally but 17 have slight incline downwardly from the entrance door end of the container 10 towards the exit end of the container 10. Adapted to be supported on, to span opposite pairs of rail or track members 51 5 and 53 are a plurality of seed trays 28 of similar form to that described above. Each seed tray 28 in this case however is provided at each end with inverted channel member 61 which supports freely rotatable rollers 62 at each end, the rollers 61 being located between the opposite flanges of the channel members 61 and being secured in position by bolts or pins which define the axes of rotation of the rollers 61. The rollers 61 are 10 concavely grooved rollers so that they may seat at opposite ends of the tray 28 on the respective rails or tracks 59 and 60. This arrangement permits respective trays 28 to be supported on the rails or tracks 59 and 60 of the spaced rail or track members 51 and 53 and moved longitudinally of the container 10 by the rollers 61 running along the tracks 59 and 60. In this case the drain openings 29 in the trays 28 (shown in dotted outline in Fig. 15 14) allow excess water in the trays 28 to be directed into the channels of the track members 53 towards which the trays 28 are inclined. It will be apparent that rows of trays 28 can be provided on opposite sides of the central upright members 54, the trays 28 on opposite sides being inclined downwardly 20 and inwardly towards the central upright members 54. The central upright support members 54 additionally carry beneath and adjacent to each track member 53 respective water/liquid supply pipes 63 equivalent to the pipes 33 with in this case water/liquid distribution pipes 64 extending from the water pipes 63 25 towards a side wall 57 of the container 10, the pipes 64 terminating in misting or spray heads 65 arranged generally intermediate between the central track members 53 and side track members 51 and being located in use at different levels between respective trays 28 supported on the track members 53 and 51. The pipes 63 are connected to a common manifold via respective manually operated valves, the manifold being connected 30 externally for connection to a source of water/liquid as referred to further above. A similar arrangement is provided on the opposite side of the container 10. The process of sprouting seeds and growing sprouts is as described above in relation to the embodiment of Figs. 1 to 9 with seeds being loaded into the trays 28 and being progressively moved 18 through the container 10 from one end to the other. This process of germinating grain for fodder production as described above has the potential to drought proof a farming operation or provided a continuous supply of 5 fodder for any season of the year. It is simple to operate and the system can pay for itself in a very short period of time. The added value to the condition of cattle and sheep for the market, more than compensates for the operational costs and assures the fanner that he can produce high quality livestock for the market even in extreme conditions. The system can operate in arid regions where growing of pasture is almost impossible or sub 10 zero snow covered landscapes, as in North America and Europe. The internal environment carefully controls, temperature, humidity, light, air and water purity to produce a consistent quality irrespective of region or location. Whilst the fodder is typically produced from barley, it may be grown from other 15 seed such as wheat or most cereal grains. Where positioned in remote locations, the container 10 may be provided externally with solar cells for supplying power or charging batteries for operation of the pumps and other electrical components of the apparatus and the water supply assembly including the 20 air-conditioning unit 36. This enables the apparatus to be used in remote locations where a power supply is not readily available. Zeolite may be added to the trays 28 with the seed when initially deposited into the trays 28. Initially the zeolite may be treated with Hydrogen peroxide or chlorine to destroy 25 mould typically for a period of two hours and then spread onto the tray. Typically each tray carries 120 grams of 70 micron particle size zeolite. When the seed in the trays 28 germinates and grows, zeolite is bound into the roots of the sprouts and becomes part of the fodder to be eaten by livestock. When eater by cattle, the zeolite acts as a PH buffer, prevents scouring in animals and therefore reduces odours emitted by animals and when 30 excreted by cattle, becomes a slow release fertilizer. The track or rail members 14 and 15 are suitably channel shaped members but may be members of other cross-sectional form. Further additional sources of light may be 19 provided in the container 10 to assist in growth of sprouts. The terms "comprising" or "comprises" as used throughout the specification and claims are taken to specify the presence of the stated features, integers and components 5 referred to but not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other feature/s, integer/s, component/s or group thereof. Whilst the above has been given by way of illustrative embodiment of the invention, all such variations and modifications thereto as would be apparent to persons 10 skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of the invention as herein defined in the appended claims. 15

Claims (24)

1. A method for producing fodder from seeds, said method including the steps of: providing an elongated container; 5 providing a plurality of trays adapted to contain said seed; supporting said trays within said container on tracks or rails members extending longitudinally of said container; depositing seeds into said trays; watering seed within said trays using a plurality of misting or spray nozzles 10 connected directly or indirectly to a water or liquid supply duct extending longitudinally of the container, said supply duct has inlets at opposite ends for connection to a supply of water and water containing nutrients respectively, said misting or spray nozzles are positioned to spray water or water and/or nutrients over the trays; and controlling the environment in said container and moving said trays 15 longitudinally of said container from one end thereof at which trays are loaded with seed to the other end thereof at which sprouted seed can be removed from the tray and used for fodder.

2. Apparatus for producing fodder from seeds, said apparatus comprising: 20 an elongated container; at least one pair of spaced tracks or rails members extending longitudinally of said container; a plurality of trays adapted to be supported on said tracks or rail members for movement therealong; 25 means for watering seed deposited into said trays using a plurality of misting or spray nozzles connected directly or indirectly to a water or liquid supply duct extending longitudinally of the container, said supply duct has inlets at opposite ends for connection to a supply of water and water containing nutrients respectively, said misting or spray nozzles are positioned to spray water or water and/or nutrients over the trays; 30 and means for controlling the environment in said container.

3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein said at least one pair of spaced tracks or 21 rail members comprises a first track or rail member and a second track or rail member and wherein the first track or rail member is positioned lower than the second track or rail member to create a fall or inclination in a tray supported on the tracks or rail members. 5

4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3 wherein said one of said tracks or rail members is attached to or supported adjacent to at least one side wall of the container and the other track or rail member is supported centrally of the container.

5. Apparatus as claimed in claim 4 wherein said tracks or rail members are 10 supported on posts arranged in the container in an upright attitude.

6. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 5 wherein a or each track or rail member defines a drainage gutter. 15

7. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 6 wherein said tracks or rail member are of a U- or V-shaped cross section and have opposite side flanges.

8. Apparatus as claimed in claim 7 wherein each track or rail member supports a plurality of rollers on which the respective trays are supported for movement 20 longitudinally of the container.

9. Apparatus as claimed in claim 8 wherein said rollers are supported for rotation between respective side flanges of the track or rail members. 25

10. Apparatus as claimed in claim 9 wherein each said roller has a central axle and a plurality of axially spaced apart circular or disc-like members arranged coaxially relative to the axle.

11. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 7 wherein said trays are provided 30 with sets of wheels or rollers on the underside thereof for engagement with the track or rail members for supporting the trays for movement along the track or rail members.

12. Apparatus as claimed in claim 11 wherein each track or rail member defines a track 22 or rail for engagement by the wheels or rollers of the trays and wherein said wheels or rollers have concave cross- sectional profile to locate on the tracks or rails.

13. Apparatus as claimed in claim 12 wherein each tray is provided with four rollers or 5 wheels arranged adjacent the corners of the tray.

14. Apparatus as claimed in claim 13 wherein channel shaped members are attached to or provided along each end of the tray and the respective wheels or rollers are supported within the channels of the channel- shaped members. 10

15. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 7 wherein said trays have a drainage hole or holes at one or both ends to allow for water and/or nutrients to drain from a tray into the channels of the track or rail members. 15

16. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 15 wherein a plurality of sets of track or rail members are provided one above the other.

17. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the claims 2 to 16 and including an air conditioner or conditioners mounted to one end of the container to control the 20 temperature of air within the container.

18. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 16 and including means for circulating air inside the container 25

19. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 18 and including means for circulating carbon dioxide in the container from one end of the container to the other end of the container.

20. Apparatus as claimed in claim 2 and including a one -way valve provided along 30 the duct, said one-way valve permitting flow of water in a first direction along the duct for applying water to all trays but permitting flow of nutrient and water in a second direction only part-way along the duct. 23

21. Apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 20 wherein at least one transparent panel is provided in the container at or adjacent the exit end of the container such that growing sprouts in the trays are exposed to natural light as they approach the exit end of the container. 5

22 Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 21 wherein said container comprises an insulated shipping container.

23. A method for producing fodder substantially as hereinbefore described with 10 reference to the accompanying drawings.

24. Apparatus for producing fodder substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.