Steam treating of fodder

Abstract

An apparatus for and method of steam treatment of fodder, for example animal fodder which is typically in baled form. The purpose of steam treating is to kill mesophilic and thermophilic mould spores that are either attached to the fodder or detach when disturbed and become airborne. These airborne particles are associated with respiratory problems, infections and allergies to livestock as well as humans. The apparatus for steam treating fodder comprises at least one steam distribution manifold, which has a plurality of lances adapted to penetrate a bale of fodder so that steam is supplied to the interior volume of the fodder.

1 - 14 . (canceled) 
     
     
         15 . An apparatus for steam treating fodder in baled form, comprising:
 a steam manifold, having an upper surface, one or more side surfaces, and a bottom surface;   the steam manifold having a plurality of bale penetrating lances projecting from an upper surface of the steam manifold, each bale penetrating lance being pointed on top to facilitate penetration into the fodder and having an aperture to facilitate steam flowing through the lances and into the fodder;   the steam manifold further configured to be connected to, and receive steam from, a source of steam; and   the steam manifold having a steam inlet and one or more steam passages connected to the bale penetrating lances, allowing steam to enter the steam manifold from the source of steam and flow through the steam passages, through the bale penetrating lances and into the interior volume of the fodder, wherein the steam is capable of heating the fodder to a temperature sufficient to kill microorganisms contained in the fodder.   
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein the steam manifold comprises one or more feet projecting from the bottom of the steam manifold, and wherein the feet are positioned directly opposite the bale penetrating lances. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein the bale penetrating lances are configured such that the weight of the fodder assists with the penetration of the bale penetrating lances into the bulk of the fodder. 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein the bale penetrating lances are configured in an arrangement that enhances even distribution of steam throughout the fodder. 
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein the steam manifold is formed from a synthetic plastic material or metal that is capable of withstanding temperatures in excess of 100 degrees Centigrade. 
     
     
         20 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein the source of steam comprises an immersion heater and a thermostat cut-off switch. 
     
     
         21 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein the bale penetrating lances are removable from the steam manifold. 
     
     
         22 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein the steam manifold is generally square shaped. 
     
     
         23 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein the steam is injected into a central portion of the fodder and percolates through the fodder from the center outwards. 
     
     
         24 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein the pointed end of each bale penetrating lance has a conical-shaped end. 
     
     
         25 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein the apparatus reduces nutrient leaching from the fodder relative to soaking the fodder. 
     
     
         26 . An apparatus for steam fodder in baled form, comprising:
 a generally square shaped steam manifold, having an upper surface, one or more side surfaces, and a bottom surface;   a plurality of bale penetrating lances projecting from an upper surface of the steam manifold at each corner of said steam manifold and being pointed on top with apertures, wherein the bale penetrating lances are configured to penetrate the fodder and release steam into an interior of the fodder; and   a source of steam connected to the steam manifold and configured to allow steam to flow through the bale penetrating lances through the apertures and into the fodder,   wherein the steam is capable of heating the fodder to a temperature sufficient to kill microorganisms contained in the fodder.   
     
     
         27 . The apparatus of  claim 26 , wherein the steam manifold comprises one or more feet projecting from the bottom of the steam manifold, and wherein the feet are positioned directly opposite the bale penetrating lances. 
     
     
         28 . The apparatus of  claim 26 , wherein the bale penetrating lances are configured such that the weight of the fodder assists with the penetration of the bale penetrating lances into the bulk of the fodder. 
     
     
         29 . The apparatus of  claim 26 , wherein the bale penetrating lances are configured in an arrangement that enhances even distribution of steam throughout the fodder. 
     
     
         30 . The apparatus of  claim 26 , wherein the steam manifold is formed from a synthetic plastic material or metal that is capable of withstanding temperatures in excess of 100 degrees Centigrade. 
     
     
         31 . The apparatus of  claim 26 , wherein the source of steam comprises an immersion heater and a thermostat cut-off switch. 
     
     
         32 . The apparatus of  claim 26 , wherein the bale penetrating lances are removable from the steam manifold. 
     
     
         33 . The apparatus of  claim 26 , wherein the pointed end of each bale penetrating lance has a conical-shaped end. 
     
     
         34 . The apparatus of  claim 26 , wherein the apparatus reduces nutrient leaching from the fodder relative to soaking the fodder.