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.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus for steam treating fodder, comprising:
 a steam manifold adapted to receive steam from a source of steam,   said steam manifold defining passages for distributing steam to a plurality of lances,   wherein said lances are adapted so that, in use, they penetrate a bale or receptacle of fodder,   whereby steam is supplied to an interior volume of said bale or receptacle of fodder.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein:
 said steam manifold, in use, has a foot or feet adapted to rest on a surface so that said steam manifold is arranged to impale said bale of fodder, by placing said bale thereon, so that a weight of said bale assists penetration of said lances into a bulk of said bale or receptacle of fodder.   
     
     
         3 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein:
 said steam manifold is formed from a synthetic plastics material or metal which is able to withstand temperatures in excess of 100 degrees Centigrade.   
     
     
         4 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein said lances comprise:
 two, three, four or five lances arranged in a form that enhances even distribution of steam throughout said bale or receptacle of fodder.   
     
     
         5 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein said source of steam comprises:
 an immersion heater, and   a thermostat cut-off switch.   
     
     
         6 . The apparatus according to  claim 5 , wherein said source of steam comprises:
 a residual current detector (RCD) for isolating an electricity supply in the event of a fault.   
     
     
         7 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein:
 different length lances are provided for use with different sized bales.   
     
     
         8 . The apparatus according to  claim 7 , wherein:
 said lances are removable.   
     
     
         9 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein:
 said apparatus is in a designated closed container.   
     
     
         10 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein:
 said apparatus is in a moulded preform.   
     
     
         11 . A method for steam treating a bale or receptacle of fodder, comprising:
 receiving steam at a manifold from a source of steam, the manifold defining passages for distributing steam to a plurality of lances,   wherein said lances are adapted so that, in use, they penetrate a bale or receptacle of fodder,   whereby steam is supplied to an interior volume of said bale or receptacle of fodder.   
     
     
         12 . The method according to  claim 11 , wherein:
 a temperature of steam heats said fodder to between 70 and 110 degrees Centigrade.   
     
     
         13 . The method according to  claim 11 , further comprising:
 exposing fodder to continuous steam from said apparatus for a period of in excess of 30 minutes.   
     
     
         14 . The method according to  claim 11 , further comprising:
 dampening dust spores thus restricting their ability to become airborne.