A method and system are provided for preparing micro-ingredient feed additives for use in designated feed rations. A micro-ingredient system of the invention includes a plurality of bins that store designated micro-ingredients therein. A master controller of the delivery system provides signals to control system components based on programmed commands corresponding to micro-ingredient batches to be prepared. Slide gate mechanisms are used to prevent loss of micro-ingredients delivered to a receiving receptacle of the system. During delivery of the micro-ingredients to the receptacle and during processing, the micro-ingredients can become airborne and subsequently lost. The slide gate mechanisms also provide controlled access to the receiving receptacle to prevent system errors such as contamination of ingredients in the receptacle, or improper batching of a prescribed micro-ingredient mixture to be delivered to a designated feed ration.

A method and system are provided for preparing micro-ingredient feed additives for use in designated feed rations. A micro-ingredient system of the invention includes a plurality of bins that store designated micro-ingredients therein. A master controller of the delivery system provides signals to control system components based on programmed commands corresponding to micro-ingredient batches to be prepared. Slide gate mechanisms are used to prevent loss of micro-ingredients delivered to a receiving receptacle of the system. During delivery of the micro-ingredients to the receptacle and during processing, the micro-ingredients can become airborne and subsequently lost. The slide gate mechanisms also provide controlled access to the receiving receptacle to prevent system errors such as contamination of ingredients in the receptacle, or improper batching of a prescribed micro-ingredient mixture to be delivered to a designated feed ration.

An apparatus for steam treating plant fibres is provided, the apparatus comprising: a steam manifold that is adapted to receive steam from a steam source and to distribute steam to a plurality of lances, the lances being configured to deliver steam into the interior volume of a batch of plant fibres; a temperature sensor for sensing a temperature of the batch of plant fibres, and a controller. The controller is configured to receive a signal from the temperature sensor, and to control the supply of steam to the lances to raise the temperature of the plant fibres to a target temperature. A method of steaming plant fibres is also provided.

An apparatus for steam treating plant fibres is provided, the apparatus comprising: a steam manifold that is adapted to receive steam from a steam source and to distribute steam to a plurality of lances, the lances being configured to deliver steam into the interior volume of a batch of plant fibres; a temperature sensor for sensing a temperature of the batch of plant fibres, and a controller. The controller is configured to receive a signal from the temperature sensor, and to control the supply of steam to the lances to raise the temperature of the plant fibres to a target temperature. A method of steaming plant fibres is also provided.

In some aspects, the present disclosure relates to a method of hydrolyzing a polysaccharide to obtain the corresponding saccharides using an amino acid solution. In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method of using an amino acid salt such as hydrogen glycine in a solution to obtain a monosaccharide such as glucose, xylose, or fructose.

In some aspects, the present disclosure relates to a method of hydrolyzing a polysaccharide to obtain the corresponding saccharides using an amino acid solution. In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method of using an amino acid salt such as hydrogen glycine in a solution to obtain a monosaccharide such as glucose, xylose, or fructose.

A method and system are provided for preparing micro-ingredient feed additives for use in designated feed rations. A micro-ingredient system of the invention includes a plurality of bins that store designated micro-ingredients therein. A master controller of the delivery system provides signals to control system components based on programmed commands corresponding to micro-ingredient batches to be prepared. Slide gate mechanisms are used to prevent loss of micro-ingredients delivered to a receiving receptacle of the system. During delivery of the micro-ingredients to the receptacle and during processing, the micro-ingredients can become airborne and subsequently lost. The slide gate mechanisms also provide controlled access to the receiving receptacle to prevent system errors such as contamination of ingredients in the receptacle, or improper batching of a prescribed micro-ingredient mixture to be delivered to a designated feed ration.

The present invention relates to a multi-layer film comprising at least three layers, with two outer layers, and one core layer, wherein: the core layer comprises an ethylene copolymer comprising 1-octene and having a density between >0.910 g/cm.sup.3 and 0.925 g/cm.sup.3, wherein further the first outer layer comprises an ethylene homopolymer having a density of between >0.915 g/cm.sup.3 and 0.930 g/cm.sup.3, wherein further the second outer layer comprises and optional first ethylene copolymer and a second ethylene copolymer having a density of between 0.850 g/cm.sup.3 and <0.890 g/cm.sup.3. Such film demonstrates improved cling properties and further provides benefits in that a.o. migration of components from this film during storage and use at elevated temperatures is reduced.

The subject invention relates to new silage stabilizers comprising as active ingredients citric acid, sodium bicarbonate and catalyst cobalt (II) chloride and/or iron powder. The subject invention relates to use of the silage stabilizers mixture for preservation of the silage, namely use in ensiling plants and preserving silage in round bales and horizontal silos and functional packaging of active ingredients and method of use of the Silage stabilizers for ensiling in horizontal silos and round bale.

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.