AU2013221924A1

AU2013221924A1 - Fodder Production Method and Apparatus

Info

Publication number: AU2013221924A1
Application number: AU2013221924A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Russell Charles Manfield
Original assignee: DYNAMIC AGRI TECH Ltd
Current assignee: DYNAMIC AGRI TECH Ltd
Priority date: 2012-06-26
Filing date: 2013-08-27
Publication date: 2014-01-16

Abstract

Fodder Production Method and Apparatus 5 This invention relates to apparatus for the production of fodder from seeds. The 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 railmembers for movement therealong, and a separate means for watering seed deposited into said trays and for watering sprouts sprouting from said 10 seed, and means for controlling the environment in said container. Figure 1 to accompany the Abstract. *q~. -I ii. z LU a ~~1, -a z I,' ':7; -n

Description

1 FODDER PRODUCTION METHOD AND APPARATUS Technical Field 5 This invention relates to 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 15 available 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 20 medicinal 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 2 5 instant access to vital 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 30 the vitamin C in oranges, and 80 mg of vitamin B12 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 5 climatic 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 farming operation and produces a continuous fodder supply any season of the 10 year. 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 15 this type of environment is not desirable. Seed can also be sprouted in hydroponic 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. 20 The present invention addresses one or more of the above disadvantages or at least provides an alternative to know production methods and apparatuses. Summary of the Invention 25 The present invention provides in one 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 railmembers for movement therealong, and separate means for watering seed deposited into said trays and for 30 watering sprouts sprouting from said seed, 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 3 method and apparatus of the invention may comprise any grain seed such as barley seed. Preferably the container is insulated such as by having the internal walls lined 5 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 location. The container is suitably closeable at each end to enable the establishment of the required environment within the container. 10 The at least one pair of spaced tracks or rail members comprises a first track or 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 15 one end to the other end of the tray. Suitably one of the 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 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. 20 Preferably the tracks or rail members are supported on posts arranged in the container in an upright 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 25 container. Typically the one track or rail member is 20 - 40mm lower than the other track or rail member. Suitably 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 30 flanges. Preferably, 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 4 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 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 5 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 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 10 plastics material. Typically the plastics material comprises polycarbonate. 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 15 pipe/s connected to the tracks or rail members to the outside of the container where it may be collected for further use. Suitably the trays are moulded of plastics or glass reinforced plastics and are of a rectangular configuration with a base and side walls at the periphery of the base. 20 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. 25 The bases of the each tray suitably is provided with a plurality of ribs extending longitudinally therealong for assisting flow of water from one end to the other end of the tray. Suitably the ribs terminate short of opposite ends of the trays to define rib free areas at the opposite ends of the tray which define drainage areas. Preferably also opposite longitudinally extending inner corners of each tray are provided with ribs which extend 30 above the drainage ribs. Suitable the corner ribs define the level of seeds deposited into the tray. Preferably a screening member is provided to span the corner ribs to enable leveling or screeding of seeds in the tray. Preferably seeds are only deposited in the base of the tray where the drainage ribs are located.

5 The trays suitably have a drainage slot or slots at one or both ends or sides to allow for any excess water and/or nutrients to drain from the drainage areas of the tray into the channels of the track or rail members. The drainage slots may be provided in a wall or base of a tray. Where the rollers are mounted at spaced position to the track or 5 rails members, by having 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. 15 Preferably the container longitudinally is divided into two sections with the first section being the "seed" end of the container where seeds are initially sprouted and moved along the container and a second section being the "fodder" end of the container where sprouted seeds continue to grow. 20 Suitably seeds at the "seed" end of the container are watered by spray or misting nozzles suitably supported on risers to spray water over the full areas of the trays. Preferably at the "fodder" end of the container, water is deposited or sprayed into the drainage area of the trays for flow downwardly at the opposite end of the trays towards the drainage slots. The water or water and nutrients may be applied in such a quantity to 2 5 wet the seed without runoff. 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. 30 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.

6 Water for supply the trays suitably is sourced from a storage tank or reservoir. Suitably the water in the tank or reservoir is filtered through a pump/filter system. The water in the tank may also be subject to ozone. 5 Preferably water is pumped from the tank or reservoir via a further pump which supplies pump to two water supply circuits for supplying water to the "seed' and "fodder" ends of the apparatus. Nutrient may be selectively added to the water to provide Nitrogen and/or trace 10 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. Preferably the floor of the container is substantially flat to enable water to be collected thereon. 15 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 along the track or rail members being displaced by the added tray. Thus trays are 20 effectively indexed through the container being moved in a step-wise manner through the container. After the ninth or tenth day is reached the 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. 2 5 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 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. 30 The apparatus may operate in an external environment of between minus 60 degrees Celsius and up to 55 degrees Celsius and therefore is suitable for all climates and all countries.

7 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 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 5 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 as wheat, corn, sorgum, sunflower, beans may be used to produce fodder or any form of food supplement. 10 Brief Description of the Drawings 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 15 preferred embodiments of the invention and wherein Fig. 1 illustrates schematically a fodder production container according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 is a view of the inside of the container of the "seed" end of the container; Fig. 3 is a view of the inside of the container of the "fodder" or discharge end of 20 the container; Figs. 4 and 5 illustrate in opposite isometric view, the seed growing trays used in the container; Fig. 6 is a plan view of a seed tray; Fig. 7 is a sectional view along line A-A of the seed tray of Fig. 6; 25 Fig. 8 is a detail of the region B of Fig. 7; Fig. 9 illustrates the manner in which seed is loaded into the tray; Fig. 10 illustrates in enlarged view details of the tracks and support rollers for the seed trays; Fig. 11 is a cross sectional view showing a support roller and a seed tray supported 30 at one end on the support roller; and Figs. 12 and 13 illustrate the manner in which the trays are watered at the feed and end and seed ends of the container.

8 Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment Referring to the drawings and firstly to Fig. 1, there is illustrated schematically an elongated fodder production container 10 in which fodder is produced in accordance 5 with an embodiment of the present invention, the container 10 typically comprising a generally rectangular transportable shipping container and having its top and opposite side walls insulated such as by foam plastics insulation. The container 10 has an entrance or "seed" end 11 and an exit or "fodder" end 12 which are closable by access doors. In use seed trays for producing fodder area placed into the end 11 of the 10 container 10 and remove from the opposite end 12 of the container 10. When the doors are closed, the container 10 is substantially air tight so that the micro-climate within the container 10 can be effectively controlled. The container 10 as shown in Figs. 2 and 3 includes sets of spaced apart 15 generally horizontal elongated rail or track members 13 and 14 arranged within the container 10 one above the other and supported on upright posts 15 arranged centrally of the container and adjacent one side wall 16 of the container 10 respectively, the posts 15 extending between the top wall and floor of the container 10. The respective outer rail or track members 14 are slightly lower than the corresponding central rail or track 20 members 13. The tracks or rail members 13 and 14 are of a U- or channel shaped cross section and as shown in Fig. 10 and 12 and with reference to the track or rail member 13, one of the flanges 16 is of increased height relative to the opposite flange 17 and is 25 secured to the upright frame member 15 leaving the other flange 17 free. The opposite rail member 14. The channel shaped members 13 and 14 also serve as drainage gutters as referred to further below. The rails or track members 13 and 14 are arranged substantially horizontally and 30 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. 11 includes an axle 24 which carries spaced apart similar discs-shaped members 25 arranged coaxially on the axle 24. The axle 24 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 9 the respective flanges 16 and 17, 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 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 5 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. Adapted to be supported on the rollers 23 in the opposite pairs of rail or track 10 members 13 and 14 are a plurality of seed trays 28. Each seed tray 28 as shown in Figs. 4 to 8 comprises a shallow rectangular tray having a substantially planar base 29 and upstanding side 30 and end walls 31. Each tray 28 extends between and spans the respective rail or track members 13 and 14 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 15 13 and 14. 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 13 and 14 and moved longitudinally of the container 10 on the rollers 23. 20 A plurality of spaced apart upstanding ribs 32 are provided on the base of the tray 28 and extend longitudinally thereof. The ribs 32 terminate short of each end of the tray 28 and define opposite end drainage areas 33 which are free of the ribs 32. Further screening or leveling ribs 34 are provided in opposite longitudinal corners of 25 the trays 28 and extend longitudinally thereof between opposite end walls 31. The leveling ribs 34 extend above the ribs 32 relative to the base 29. The tray 28 is additionally provided in its base at each end with drain slots 35 which allow excess water in the trays 28 to be directed into the channels of the rail or track members 13 or 14. The track or rail members 13 and 14 are suitably constructed of a metal such as 30 aluminium or stainless steel and may be formed as extrusions. Drainage of excess water from the trays 28 is also facilitated by the inclination of the trays 28 as is apparent in Figs. 12 and 13 due to the different levels of the side and central tracks or rail members 13 and 14.

10 The central upright support members 16 additionally carry adjacent to each track member 13 respective pipes 36 extending generally parallel to the tracks or rail members 13 (see also Fig. 1). The pipes 36 are connected at one end to upright inlet manifolds or pipes 37 via respective valves or stop cocks 38 and at their opposed end to 5 upright outlet manifolds or pipes 39. The pipes 36 and manifolds 37 and 39 are provided at the "seed" end 11 of the container 10 as shown in Fig. 2. The pipes 36 carry a series of spaced risers 40 terminating in spray nozzles 41 (see also Fig. 13). A further set of pipes or manifolds 42, 43 and 44 corresponding to the pipes and 10 manifolds 36 37 and 39 are provided at the "fodder" end 12 of the container 10. The undersides of the pipes 42 are provided with a plurality of spaced outlet apertures 45 for outlet of water from the pipe 42 for flooding the containers 28. . Thus a first water and nutrient supply network 46 comprising pipes or manifolds 15 36, 37 and 39 is provided for the seed end 11 of the container 10 and a second water and nutrient supply network 47 comprising pipes or manifolds 42, 43 and 44 is provided for the fodder end 12 of the container 10. As shown in Fig. 1, the respective networks 46 and 47 are connected through 20 supply pipes 48 and 49 and view carbon filters 50 and solenoid valves 51 to a common pump outlet line 52 connected to a pump 53. A nutrient inlet 54 is provided in the line 52 for supply of nutrient to both circuits 46 and 47. A second nutrient inlet 55 is connected in the line 49 between the valve 51 and filter 50. The pump 53 is connected to a water supply tank 56. Water in the tank 56 is filtered in a circulating pump/filter 25 system 57. Water in the system 57 can also be exposed to ultraviolet light form an ultraviolet unit 58. Water in the tank 56 is also exposed to ozone from an ozone source 58. Operation of the pump 53 is controlled by a timer such that typically the pump 30 53 are operated for a set intervals for supply of water to the networks 46 and 47. The interior of the container 10 is air conditioned by an air conditioning unit or units for controlling the environment (temperature and humidity) within the container 10 whilst at the fodder end 12 of the container 10, transparent windows or panels are 11 provided so that the growing fodder is exposed to natural light. 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 5 rail members 13 and 14 inside the container 10 at the start of the "seed" end of the container 10. For loading the trays 28, seed 60 is deposited into a trays 28 and a screeding or levelling device 61 (also shown in dotted outline in Fig. 6) of a width slightly less than 10 the width of the tray 28 is positioned in the tray 28 to span the ribs 34. The device 61 is then moved along the tray as indicated by the arrow in Fig. 9 to level the seeds 60. Seeds 60 are only placed in the regions of the tray 28 where the ribs 32 are provided so that the opposite draining areas 33 are free of seeds as shown in Fig. 9. 15 Further trays 28 are loaded with seeds and placed into the seed end of the container 10 each day with the already seed loaded trays 28 being slid longitudinally along the tracks or rails 13 and 14 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. 20 Water is supplied to the one or both networks 46 and 47 under the control of the solenoid valves 51 so that water is sprayed over the trays 28 through the spray nozzles 41 as in Fig. 13 or deposited or flooded into the areas 33 through the outlets 45 as shown in Fig. 12 in the fodder growing end 12 of the container 10. Excess water is 25 drained through the drain slots 35 into the tracks 13 and 14 to be directed towards the exit end of the container 10 where it simply drops to the floor of the container 10. Water with dosed nutrients is supplied at regular intervals to the networks 46 and 47 and as the seed is moved on the trays 28 through the container 10 they initially 30 germinate and then grow. 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 vehicle such as a utility ready to supply to the farm animals.

12 The networks 46 and 47 are connectable to a common drain pipe 62 through suitable valves for draining and cleaning. Whilst the fodder is typically produced from barley, it may be grown from 5 other seed such as wheat or most cereal grains. 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 provided in the container 10 to assist in growth of sprouts. 10 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 referred to but not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other feature/s, integer/s, component/s or group thereof. 15 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 skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of the invention as herein defined. 20 * *

Claims

1. Apparatus for producing fodder from seeds, said apparatus comprising: an elongated container; 5 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 railmembers for movement therealong, and a separate means for watering seed deposited into said trays and for watering 10 sprouts sprouting from said seed, and means for controlling the environment in said container.

2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the seeds comprise any grain seed such as barley seed. 15

3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the container is insulated such as by having internal walls lined with an insulating material such as insulating panels of foam plastics or the like. 20

4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the container comprises or is in the form of an insulated shipping container such as a 12 meter shipping container which is easily transported to any desired location, wherein the container is suitably closeable at each end to enable the establishment of the required environment within the container. 25

5. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one pair of spaced tracks or rail members comprises a first track or rail member and a second track or rail member.

6. An apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein the first track or rail member is 30 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.

7. An apparatus as claimed in claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the inclination or fall is from one end to the other end of the tray. 14

8. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein one of the 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

9. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the one track or rail member comprises the first track or rail member and the other track or rail member comprises the second track or rail member supported centrally of the container.

10. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the tracks or rail 10 members are supported on posts arranged in the container in an upright attitude.

11. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 10, wherein 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 15 rail members towards the side wall of the container, or the fall or inclination may be reversed and be towards the centre of the container.

12. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 11, wherein the track or each track or rail member defines a drainage gutter for the drainage of excessive water and/or 20 nutrients applied to the trays.

13. An apparatus as claimed in and one of claims 5 to 12, wherein the tracks or rail member have opposite side flanges and are of a U- or V- shaped cross section, the flanges are positioned inwardly towards the trays and are of a less height than the opposite 25 flanges.

14. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 13, wherein 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 30 one end of the container to the other.

15. An apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein when the tracks or rails members have side flanges, the rollers are supported for rotation between respective side flanges of the track or rail members. 15

16. An apparatus as claimed in claim 15, wherein the rollers 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. 5

17. An apparatus as claimed in claim 16, wherein the slots include part circular lower portions upon which the projection ends of the axles which suitably are of circular form in cross section are supported.

18. An apparatus as claimed in claim 17, wherein the rollers comprise a plurality of 10 axially spaced apart circular or disc-like members suitably of substantially the same diameter arranged coaxially relative to the axles, the circular or disc-like members and axles are formed integrally of a plastics material.

19. An apparatus as claimed in claim 18, wherein the plastics material comprises 15 polycarbonate.

20. An apparatus as claimed in claim 19, wherein 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 20 water passing out through a pipe/s connected to the tracks or rail members to the outside of the container where it may be collected for further use.

21. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the trays are moulded of plastics or glass reinforced plastics and are of a rectangular configuration 25 with a base and side walls at the periphery of the base, the bases of the trays are adapted to seat on the rollers provided on the opposite track or rail members, 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. 30

22. An apparatus as claimed in claim 21, wherein the bases of the each tray are provided with a plurality of ribs extending longitudinally therealong for assisting flow of water from one end to the other end of the tray, the ribs terminate short of opposite ends of the trays to define rib free areas at the opposite ends of the tray which define drainage areas. 16

23. An apparatus as claimed in claim 21 or claim 22, wherein opposite longitudinally extending inner corners of each tray are provided with ribs which extend above the drainage ribs, the corner ribs define the level of seeds deposited into the tray. 5

24. An apparatus as claimed in claim 23, wherein a screening member is provided to span the corner ribs to enable leveling or screeding of seeds in the tray.

25. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 24, wherein seeds are only deposited in the base of the tray where the drainage ribs are located. 10

26. An apparatus as claimed in claim 25, wherein the trays suitably have a drainage slot or slots at one or both ends or sides to allow for any excess water and/or nutrients to drain from the drainage areas of the tray into the channels of the track or rail members. 15

27. An apparatus as claimed in claim 26, wherein the drainage slots are provided in a wall or base of a tray.

28. An apparatus as claimed in claim 27, where the rollers are mounted at spaced position to the track or rails members, by having the rollers formed of a plurality of 20 spaced apart circular or disc-like members, water and/or nutrients are not blocked from passing out of the trays.

29. An apparatus as claimed in claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a plurality of sets of track or rail members are provided one above the other and preferably 25 on both sides of the container.

30. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein 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. 30

31. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container longitudinally is divided into two sections with the first section being the "seed" end of the container where seeds are initially sprouted and moved along the container and a second section being the "fodder" end of the container where sprouted seeds continue to 17 grow.

32. An apparatus as claimed in claim 31, wherein seeds at the "seed" end of the container are watered by spray or misting nozzles suitably supported on risers to spray 5 water over the full areas of the trays, and at the "fodder" end of the container, water is deposited or sprayed into the drainage area of the trays for flow downwardly at the opposite end of the trays towards the drainage slots.

33. An apparatus as claimed in claim 32, wherein the water or water and nutrients are 10 applied in such a quantity to wet the seed without runoff.

34. An apparatus as claimed in claim 31 or claim 32, wherein 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 15 approximately half-way along the container to the exit end of the container.

35. An apparatus as claimed in claim 34, wherein water is supplied to all trays whilst water and water containing nutrient is applied only to trays subsequent to initial sprouting, wherein water containing nutrient is applied to trays from approximately half 20 way along the container to the exit end of the container.

36. An apparatus as claimed in claim 35, wherein water for supply to the trays is sourced from a storage tank or reservoir, the water in the tank or reservoir is filtered through a pump/filter system and/or the water in the tank is subject to ozone. 25

37. An apparatus as claimed in claim 36, wherein water is pumped from the tank or reservoir via a further pump which supplies water to two water supply circuits for supplying water to the "seed' and "fodder" ends of the apparatus. 30

38. An apparatus as claimed in claim 37, wherein nutrient are selectively added to the water to provide nitrogen and/or trace 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. 18

39. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the floor of the container is substantially flat to enable water to be collected thereon.

40. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein trays are 5 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 along the track or rail members being displaced by the added tray. 10

41. An apparatus as claimed in claim 40, wherein trays are effectively indexed through the container being moved in a step-wise manner through the container, after the ninth or tenth day is reached the 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. 15

42. An apparatus as claimed in claim 40 or claim 41, wherein 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 trays, the existing two front doors of the shipping container are provided at the exit end of the container. 20

43. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus operates in an external environment of between minus 60 degrees Celsius and up to 55 degrees Celsius and therefore is suitable for all climates and all countries. 25

44. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein any suitable type of seed such as wheat, corn, sorgum, sunflower, or beans is used to produce fodder or any form of food supplement.