PALM-BASED ANIMAL FEED

Abstract

Animal feed formed with a base of palm fronds and combined with palm fruit, such as dates, is a sustainable and affordable feed product that can be developed in hot climates. Palm fronds with a desired moisture content are shredded, chopped, and/or ground, and mixed with palm fruit. Additives such as urea can increase the nutritional content. Feeds with palm fronds, palm fruit, and/or additives can serve as a base feed for other components. Palm fronds can also serve as a base feed for other components. Animal feeds with a variety of bases can have palm fruit added. Animal feeds with a variety of bases, including palm fronds, can include a variety of other components added.

Claims

1. (canceled)

2. A method of processing palm feed, the method comprising; collecting palm fronds; drying the palm fronds to a moisture content of less than 15%; shredding, chopping, or grinding the dried palm fronds; combining a date palm fruit component to the shredded, chopped or ground palm fronds; grinding the combination of the date palm fruit component together with the previously shredded, chopped or ground palm fronds to form a mixture of ground dates and ground palm fronds; mixing the ground palm fronds, the ground dates, and at least one nutritional additive component to form a feed mixture; compressing the feed mixture to form compressed feed, wherein the compressed feed comprises between about 40% and about 60% ground palm frond by weight of the compressed feed, wherein the compressed feed comprises between about 10% and about 45% dates by weight of the compressed feed, wherein the compressed feed comprises at least about 5% nutritional additive by weight of the compressed feed, wherein the compressed feed has a nutritional content of between about 5% and about 30% crude protein, between about 2% and about 8% crude fat, and between about 15% and about 45% crude fiber.

3. The method of claim 2, comprising combining the at least one nutritional additive with the mixture of the ground dates and ground palm fronds and grinding the combination.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein the nutritional additive component is a grain.

5. The method of claim 2, wherein the nutritional additive is wheat.

6. The method of claim 2, wherein the compressed feed comprises at least about 20% nutritional additive by weight of the compressed feed.

7. The method of claim 2, wherein the compressed feed comprises between about 5% and about 40% nutritional additive by weight of the compressed feed.

8. A method of making feed, the method comprising: processing dried palm fronds having a low moisture content by shredding, chopping, or grinding the dried palm fronds; adding palm dates to the processed dried palm fronds; grinding the palm dates and the processed dried palm fronds together in a grinder to form a mixture of ground palm fronds and ground palm dates; and adding at least one nutritional additive to the mixture of the ground palm fronds and the ground palm dates to form a feed mixture; wherein the feed mixture comprises between about 40% and about 60% ground palm frond by weight of the feed mixture, wherein the feed mixture comprises between about 10% and about 45% dates by weight of the feed mixture, wherein the feed mixture comprises between about 20% and about 40% nutritional additive by weight of the feed mixture, and wherein the feed mixture has a nutritional content of between about 5% and about 30% crude protein, between about 2% and about 8% crude fat, between about 15% and about 45% crude fiber.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the ground palm frond and the ground palm date are from at least one palm selected from the group consisting of Washingtonia robusta, Washingtonia filifera, Phoenix dactylifera, and Phoenix canariensis.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein the feed mixture has a total digestible nutrient (TDN) content of between about 45% and about 65%.

11. The method of claim 8, wherein the moisture content is between 10% and 14%.

12. The method of claim 8, comprising compressing the feed mixture to form pellets comprising the ground palm fronds, the ground palm dates, and the at least one nutritional additive.

13. The method of claim 8, wherein the dates are selected from Deglet Noor palms.

14. A processed palm feed, comprising: a mixture of ground palm fronds, ground palm dates, and at least one nutritional additive forming a feed mixture; wherein the feed mixture comprises greater than or equal to 40% ground palm frond by weight of the feed mixture, wherein the feed mixture comprises between about 10% and about 45% dates by weight of the feed mixture, wherein the feed mixture comprises at least about 5% nutritional additive by weight of the feed mixture, and wherein the feed mixture has a nutritional content of between about 10% and about 20% crude protein, between about 2% and about 5% crude fat, between about 20% and about 30% crude fiber.

15. The feed of claim 14, wherein the ground palm frond and the ground palm date have a ratio by weight of 5:1 to 1:1.

16. The feed of claim 14, wherein the moisture content is between 10% and 14%.

17. The feed of claim 14, wherein the feed mixture is compressed in the form of pellets comprising the ground palm fronds, the ground palm dates, and the at least one nutritional additive.

18. The feed of claim 14, wherein the feed mixture comprises at least about 20% nutritional additive by weight of the feed mixture.

19. The feed of claim 14, wherein the feed mixture comprises between about 20% and about 40% nutritional additive by weight of the feed mixture.

20. The feed of claim 14, wherein the combination of ground palm fronds and ground dates comprises up to about 70% by weight of the feed mixture.

21. The feed of claim 14, wherein the dates are selected from Canary palms.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a method of preparing an animal feed.

[0023] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a method of processing a palm component.

[0024] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a method of preparing an animal feed.

[0025] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a method of processing a palm component.

[0026] FIG. 5A is a block diagram of one embodiment of a method of cleaning a mill.

[0027] FIG. 5B is a block diagram of one embodiment of a method of preparing a compressed feed mixture such as a cubed and/or pelletized animal feed mixture.

[0028] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a method of preparing an animal feed.

[0029] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a method of preparing an animal feed.

[0030] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a method of preparing an animal feed.

[0031] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a method of preparing an animal feed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0032] Animal feed formed with a base of palm fronds and combined with palm fruit, such as dates, is a sustainable and affordable feed product that can be developed in hot climates. Palm fronds with a desired moisture content are shredded, chopped and/or ground, and mixed with palm fruit. Additives such as urea can increase the nutritional content. Feeds with palm fronds, palm fruit, and/or additives can serve as a base feed for other components. Palm fronds can also serve as a base feed for other components. Animal feeds with a variety of bases can have palm fruit added. Animal feeds with a variety of bases, including palm fronds, can include a variety of other components added.

[0033] Processed palm fronds and palm fruit, such as dates, can be combined according to a variety of different ratios. For example, in some embodiments palm fronds and palm fruit can be combined according to a ratio by weight of approximately 80 pounds of processed palm fronds for each pound of palm fruit. In some embodiments, the ratio by weight of processed palm fronds to palm fruit can be greater than or equal to approximately 70 and/or less than or equal to approximately 90. In some embodiments, smaller ratios may be desired. For example, in some embodiments palm fronds and palm fruit can be combined according to a ratio by weight of approximately 8 pounds of processed palms fronds for each pound of palm fruit. In some embodiments, the ratio can be approximately 5 to 1, or even lower, such as approximately 2.5 to 1, 1 to 1, or less than 1 to 1. In some embodiments, palm fronds and palm fruit can be combined according to a ratio by weight of approximately 8 pounds of processed palm fronds for each 10 pounds of palm fruit. In some embodiments, this ratio can be approximately 5 pounds of processed palm fronds for each 10 pounds of palm fruit. In some embodiments, the ratio can be approximately 1 pound of processed palm fronds for each 10 pounds of palm fruit.

[0034] In some embodiments, larger ratios may be desired. For example, in some embodiments palm fronds and palm fruit can be combined according to a ratio by weight of approximately 10 pounds of processed palms fronds for each pound of palm fruit. In some embodiments, the ratio can be approximately 12 to 1. In some embodiments, the ratio can be approximately 15 to 1, 20 to 1, or even larger, such as approximately 25 to 1 or greater in some embodiments.

[0035] In some embodiments, these ratios can be by volume instead of by weight. For example, a ratio by volume of 8 to 1 would indicate that a mixture of processed palm fronds and palm fruit was formed by mixing 8 scoops of processed palm fronds with 1 scoop of palm fruit. Preferably, in embodiments where processing machines are used, such as described further below, the ratio is such that the mixture is not too sticky to gum up or block the processing machine. In other embodiments, stickiness of the mixture is desirable and advantageous to produce a desired feed consistency and composition.

[0036] In some embodiments, nutritional additives can be added to the mixture to modify the desired nutritional content. For example, in some embodiments, urea can be combined with palm fronds and dates. This can increase the available protein content. Finding the correct mixture can help maximize the protein content. If too much urea is added, it may actually diminish the total protein content of the mixture. In some embodiments, a preferred ratio by weight of dates to urea within a palm frond base can be 6:1. In some embodiments the ratio by weight of dates to urea within a palm frond base can be greater than or equal to approximately 5:1 and/or less than or equal to approximately 7:1. In some embodiments, the ratio by weight of dates to urea within a palm frond base can be greater than or equal to approximately 11:2 and/or less than or equal to approximately 13:2. In some embodiments, the identified ratios of dates to urea can be by volume instead of weight.

[0037] In some embodiments, an animal feed can include approximately 98.6% palm frond by weight, approximately 1.2% date by weight, and approximately 0.2% urea by weight. In some embodiments, an animal feed can include weight-based ratios of palm frond to date to urea of 2000 to 25 to 4. The ratios of different components can vary according to different embodiments. In some embodiments, an animal feed can include weight-based ratios of palm frond to date to urea of 2000 to 24 to 4. In some embodiments, the weight-based ratio of palm frond to the combined weight of dates and urea can be between 65:1 and 75:1.

[0038] In some embodiments, other additives can be added to a mixture of palm fronds and palm fruit or to a mixture of palm fronds, palm fruit, and urea in order to modify the desired nutritional content. These additives can include, but are not limited to, almond shells, walnut husks, peanut shells, pits, and/or other rough, edible products; cotton seed, corn, wheat, brewer's grain, distiller's grain, potato, lettuce, tomato, peaches, apples, strawberries, soy, turnips, and/or fruit rind or peel, etc.; and/or beet pulp, sugar beets, sugar cane, citrus fruits, oranges, grapefruit, lemons, grapes, and/or raisins, etc.

[0039] For example, in some embodiments, wheat can be combined with palm fronds and dates or other fruit or sugar components. This can increase the protein content. Wheat can be in the form of mill run in some embodiments. In some embodiments, a preferred ratio by weight of wheat to dates within a palm frond base can be 3:1. In some embodiments the ratio by weight of wheat to dates within a palm frond base can be greater than or equal to approximately 1:1 and/or less than or equal to approximately 5:1. In some embodiments the ratio by weight of wheat to dates within a palm frond base can be greater than or equal to approximately 2:1 and/or less than or equal to approximately 4:1. In some embodiments the ratio by weight of wheat to dates within a palm frond base can be greater than or equal to approximately 5:1 or less than or equal to approximately 1:1. In some embodiments the ratio by weight of wheat to dates within a palm frond base can be greater than or equal to approximately 10:1. In some embodiments the ratio by weight of wheat to dates within a palm frond base can be greater than or equal to approximately 15:1. In some embodiments, the identified ratios of wheat to dates can be by volume instead of weight. In other embodiments, suitable mixtures can be achieved using another fruit and/or vegetable component and/or another protein component.

[0040] In some embodiments, an animal feed can include approximately 60% palm frond by weight, approximately 10% date or other fruit or sugar component by weight, and approximately 30% wheat or other grain component by weight. In some embodiments, an animal feed can include weight-based ratios of palm frond to date to wheat of 6 to 1 to 3. The ratios of different components can vary according to different embodiments. In some embodiments, an animal feed can include weight-based ratios of palm frond to date to wheat of 5 to 1 to 4. In some embodiments, an animal feed can include weight-based ratios of palm frond to date to wheat of 7 to 1 to 2. In some embodiments, an animal feed can include weight-based ratios of palm frond to date to wheat of 8 to 1 to 4. In some embodiments, an animal feed can include weight-based ratios of palm frond to date to wheat of 8 to 1 to 5. In some embodiments, an animal feed can include weight-based ratios of palm frond to date to wheat of 8 to 1 to 3. In some embodiments, an animal feed can include weight-based ratios of palm frond to date to wheat of 20 to 1 to 9. In some embodiments, the proportion of date can be greater, and an animal feed can include weight-based ratios of palm frond to date to wheat such as 0.75 to 1 to 0.75.

[0041] In some embodiments, the weight-based ratio of palm frond to the combined weight of dates and wheat can be between 1:1 and 2:1. In some embodiments, the weight-based ratio of palm frond to the combined weight of dates and wheat can be greater than 2:1. In some embodiments, the weight-based ratio of palm frond to the combined weight of dates and wheat can be less than 1:1. In other embodiments, suitable mixtures can be achieved using other fruit and/or vegetable components and/or other protein components.

[0042] In some embodiments, an animal feed can include lower proportions of a palm frond component. For example, in some embodiments an animal feed can include approximately 33% palm frond by weight, approximately 33% date or other fruit or sugar component by weight, and approximately 33% wheat or other grain component by weight. Thus, in some embodiments an animal feed can include weight-based ratios of palm frond to date to wheat of 1 to 1 to 1. In some embodiments, an animal feed can include weight-based ratios of palm frond to date to wheat of 0.8 to 1 to 0.8. In some embodiments, an animal feed can include weight-based ratios of palm frond to date to wheat of 0.1 to 1 to 0.5. In some embodiments, an animal feed can include weight-based ratios of palm frond to date to wheat of 2.5 to 1 to 1.

[0043] In some embodiments, the weight-based ratio of the combined weight of dates and wheat to the weight of palm frond can be between approximately 1:1 and approximately 15:1. In some embodiments, the weight-based ratio of the combined weight of dates and wheat to palm frond can be between approximately 1:1 and approximately 10:1. In some embodiments, the weight-based ratio of the combined weight of dates and wheat to palm frond can be between approximately 1:1 and approximately 5:1. In some embodiments, the weight-based ratio of the combined weight of dates and wheat to palm frond can be between approximately 1:1 and approximately 3:1.

[0044] Dates and/or other palm fruit can be added to the palm fronds according to a variety of methods. In some embodiments, the dates can be diced, chopped, or crumbled and mixed in as such. In some embodiments the dates can be chopped into fine crystals, having a consistency roughly equivalent to sugar. In some embodiments, the dates can be liquefied and poured or sprayed onto the palm fronds. In some embodiments, a liquid, such as water, can be added to the dates to make them easier to pour, spray, and/or mix with the palm fronds. In some embodiments additional additives, such as the urea and/or wheat, can be mixed with the dates before being mixed with the palm fronds. In some embodiments, additional additives can be added to the palm fronds before or after the dates. In some embodiments, date (or other additive) and palm frond can be chopped and/or ground after the dates (or other additive) and palm fronds have been mixed together.

[0045] The mixtures described herein can produce a product that rivals or surpasses the nutritional content of current feeds. For example, in some embodiments a mixture can have a TDN content of approximately 55%. It can have an a crude protein content of approximately 15%, a crude fat content of approximately 2.7%, a crude fiber content of approximately 25%, and an ash content of approximately 12%. In some embodiments, additional minerals can be included, either through the urea or other additive, and the final result can have approximately 0.5% of minerals.

[0046] In some embodiments a mixture can have varying levels of a crude protein content. For example, in some embodiments a mixture can have a crude protein content that is greater than or equal to approximately 5% and/or less than or equal to approximately 30%. In some embodiments, a mixture can have a crude protein content that is greater than or equal to approximately 8% and/or less than or equal to approximately 15%. In some embodiments, a mixture can have a crude protein content that is greater than or equal to approximately 12% and/or less than or equal to approximately 15%. In some embodiments, a desired protein content can depend on the type of animal expected to eat the feed. For example, in some embodiments feed prepared for dairy cattle can have a crude protein content that is greater than or equal to approximately 10% and/or less than or equal to approximately 20%. In some embodiments, feed prepared for beef cattle can have a crude protein content that is greater than or equal to approximately 20% and/or less than or equal to approximately 30%.

[0047] Other nutritional content of mixtures described herein can similarly vary. For example, in some embodiments a mixture can have a TDN that is greater than or equal to approximately 45% and/or less than or equal to approximately 65%. In some embodiments a mixture can have a TDN that is greater than or equal to approximately 50% and/or less than or equal to approximately 60%.

[0048] In some embodiments a mixture can have a crude fat content that can be greater than or equal to approximately 2% and/or less than or equal to approximately 8%. In some embodiments a mixture can have a crude fat content that can be greater than or equal to approximately 2% and/or less than or equal to approximately 5%.

[0049] Similarly, in some embodiments a mixture can have a fiber content that can be greater than or equal to approximately 15% and/or less than or equal to approximately 45%. In some embodiments, a mixture can have a fiber content that can be greater than or equal to approximately 20% and/or less than or equal to approximately 30%.

[0050] The ash content in some embodiments can be greater than or equal to 4% and/or less than or equal to 17%. In some embodiments, the ash content can be greater than or equal to approximately 8% and/or less than or equal to approximately 12%. In some embodiments laws may limit the ash content that can be in the feed, and the ash content can be capped at a legal limit, for example at 12%. The amount of minerals and/or additives can in some embodiments be greater than or equal to approximately 0.2% and/or less than or equal to approximately 1%.

[0051] The use of any type of palm frond is contemplated. For example, Washington Robustas (Mexican Fan Palms), Washingtonia filiferas (California Fan Palms), Phoenix canariensis (Canary Island Date Palms), Phoenix dactylifera (Date Palms), or any other date or oil palm can be used. Similarly, any type of date can be used. In some embodiments, other fruits or materials besides dates can be used. For example, palm seeds or other types of palm fruit, such as oil palm berries, can be used instead of or in addition to dates. These alternative fruit or fruit mixtures can be combined with palm fronds and/or other additives such as urea and/or wheat according to the various ratios described herein.

[0052] Palm fronds can be tough, and general processing used for other types of feed bases, such as alfalfa, to prepare for use in feeds may be insufficient or too expensive for palm fronds. For example, placing raw palm fronds into a tub grinder may not produce palm fronds that are sufficiently chopped to be used in feeds. Additionally, raw palm fronds are generally too wet to be thrown directly into a tub grinder or other grinding or chopping machine. A variety of processes can be used to put the palm fronds into a form suitable for feed before combining them with dates or other products. FIG. 1 illustrates one method that can be used to process the palm fronds and combine them with palm fruit and/or other additives. Other methods can be used and variations of the described method can be used as well. In some embodiments, once palm fronds have been collected, they can be laid out in wind rows. This can allow the wind and/or ambient air to dry the palm fronds. Steps can be taken to ensure growth of mold within the palm fronds is prevented or limited. For example, the wind rows can be sized such that the palm fronds are not packed too tightly or thickly, allowing fronds in the middle to dry. Additionally or alternatively, the fronds can be periodically turned over or mixed to prevent the growth of mold and to make sure that the fronds dry evenly. Preferably the palm fronds are arranged for drying in a manner that limits the amount of heat generated by the stacked palm fronds during the drying process.

[0053] Preferably, the fronds are allowed to dry until they have a moisture content greater than or equal to approximately 10% and/or less than or equal to approximately 14% In some embodiments, a moisture content greater than or equal to approximately 10% and/or less than or equal to approximately 20% can be used. In some embodiments, a moisture content greater than or equal to approximately 5% and/or less than or equal to approximately 15% can be used. In some embodiments, a moisture content greater than or equal to approximately 10% and/or less than or equal to approximately 25% can be used. In some embodiments the moisture content can exceed 25%.

[0054] Once the palm fronds have reached a desired moisture content they can be processed according to a variety of methods. In some embodiments, a shredder can be pulled over the rows to shred the palm fronds. Additionally or alternatively, the palm fronds can be fed through a shredder. As an example, a shredder sold under the brand name Balzer can be used to shred the palm fronds. Once the palm fronds have been shredded, a chopper can be used to chop the palm fronds into finer pieces. As an example, a chopper sold under the brand name Forest Harvester can be used. The chopper can also be used to harvest the dried palm fronds from the ground, passing them into a container as they are chopped. One embodiment of this method of processing palm fronds is illustrated in FIG. 2. In some embodiments, just a shredder or just a chopper can be used. In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the palm fronds can be ground, such as by passing through a tub grinder after being shredded and/or chopped. As an example, a tub grinder sold under the brand name Roto Grind can be used. In some embodiments, palm fronds can pass through a grinder multiple times or through multiple grinders. In some embodiments, a cone grinder can be used instead of or in addition to a tub grinder. One embodiment of a method of processing palm fronds with a grinder is illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0055] The processed palm fronds can form a base product that can be combined according to the various mixtures described above, forming an animal feed. In some embodiments, various mixtures, such as mixtures described herein, can be formed within a grinder. Thus, for example, in some embodiments palm fruit and/or other additives can be added with the palm fronds into the grinder.

[0056] Once a desired formulation has been achieved, the products can be prepared for use according to a variety of manners. In some embodiments, the feed can be left loose as initially mixed. In some embodiments, the feed can be baled or formed into cubes or other shapes. In some embodiments, baling or forming feed into cubes or other shapes can be done after feed has been chopped, shredded, and/or ground. One advantage of mixing dates into the palm fronds is that the dates can help provide a binding function, making it easier to form the feed into cubes or any desired shape. It is understood that “cube” is a broad term and is used in its ordinary sense in this application, including, for example, to refer broadly to a compressed feed mixture. References to a cubed shape can refer to a generally square or rectangular shape or to having a generally square or rectangular shaped cross section, but other shapes and cross sections are possible and contemplated, such as, for example, pellets and/or generally cylindrical shapes and/or shapes with a circular or rounded cross section. Cubed feed may have one or more sides or dimensions that are longer than one or more of the other sides or dimensions. In some embodiments, different cubes within a batch of cubed feed may have different dimensions from other cubes within the batch. Additionally, the cubes do not necessarily have defined shapes, sides, edges or corners.

[0057] In some embodiments cubes or other forms of compressed feed can be formed with a feed compressing machine, such as a cubing machine or a pelletizer. In some embodiments, the machine can include a grinder that can mix and/or grind the components. In such embodiments, the grinder of the feed compressing machine can be used in addition to or instead of a grinder during the process described with respect to FIG. 2. In some embodiments, the palm fronds added to the feed compressing machine can have been ground into a powder. The machine can convey the resulting feed toward an area that can heat and compress the feed through a die or dies that shapes the feed into a cubed shape. In some embodiments a liquid, such as water, can be added to the mixture as it is compressed through a die. Different dies can produce compressed feed of different sizes and/or shapes. After the feed passes through the die or dies the feed can be conveyed to an area for packaging and/or shipping. In some embodiments, the palm component can be processed into a powder that can be combined with the palm fruit component and one or more nutritional additives and then compressed or formed into cubes and/or other shapes. In some embodiments a powdered palm component can be collected and stored for use as a base or component for other feed mixtures. In some embodiments a palm component in a shredded, chopped, or ground form can be collected and stored for use as a base or component for other feed mixtures.

[0058] In some embodiments, a mixture can be passed through a filter, such as a screen or strainer, after it goes through a grinder, whether a first grinder and/or a grinder associated with a feed compressing machine. This can help remove large pieces and hard pieces that might not grind up, such as pits of dates. In some embodiments, a mixture can pass through multiple filters. For example, a grinder may include a filter, and it may be desirable to pass the ground material through a second filter before it goes into the grinder or after it comes out of the grinder.

[0059] Cubing the feed can present a variety of advantages. For example, cubed feed can be generally easier and more efficient to ship and/or store. As a further example, because cubes can be compressed when formed, they can have a greater density than loose feed allowing for more feed by mass to fit within the same volume. In some embodiments, cubes can be shipped and/or stored in large containers, such as sacks, boxes, or other containers. In some embodiments, containers can be sized to hold 1000 lbs of cubed feed. In some embodiments they can hold more or less. In some embodiments, cubes can be stored and/or shipped loosely.

[0060] Cubing the feed can also extend the shelf life of the feed. For example, in some embodiments loose feed might be good for about a year. Cubed feed can be good for significantly longer. In some embodiments, packaging loose feed or cubed feed can also extend the shelf life of the feed.

[0061] In some embodiments, a base feed can be passed through a mill to collect scrap material left in the mill that can be added to the feed. For example, in some embodiments a base feed including a mixture of palm fronds and palm fruit, such as dates, can be fed through a mill that had previously been used to process or transport a first, different feed product. The scraps of the first feed product that remain within the mill (referred to as the “mill run”) can be picked up by the base feed and mixed in with it as an additive. For example, a palm frond and palm fruit mixture can be passed through a mill that had previously had wheat or other grains pass through, such as sorghum, milo, corn, etc. The mill run can act as an additive to the palm frond and palm fruit mixture and can add a protein component to the mixture. In some embodiments, this can provide a desired nutritional content for the resulting feed and can also serve to clean the mill run from the various components of the mill, such as tanks, flues, and/or chutes. This can help minimize and/or eliminate cleaning costs that would otherwise be incurred. In some embodiments, the addition of a palm fruit to a base feed passed through the mill can help collect mill run by helping the base feed to adhere to the mill run. Additionally, as the base feed passes through the mill, the mill can help adequately mix the mill run with the base feed.

[0062] FIG. 5A illustrates one embodiment of this method. A base feed can be provided and then passed through a mill. Preferably, the mill had previously been used for a different mixture or material, such as wheat or other grain or additive. In some embodiments, the base feed can include a palm frond component and a fruit component. The fruit component can include palm fruit and/or other component that helps the base feed adhere to the mill run. Thus, for example, in some embodiments the fruit component can include peaches, apples, strawberries, turnips, fruit rind or peel, beet pulp, sugar beets, sugar cane, citrus fruits, oranges, grapefruit, lemons, grapes, and/or raisins, etc. The mixture, which can contain a combination of the base feed and the mill run from the different mixture or material, can then be collected.

[0063] In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 5B, the mixture of the base feed and mill run can be passed through a feed compressing machine, such as a cubing machine or a pelletizer. In some embodiments, the mill can be connected to the feed compressing machine such that the mixture of the base feed and mill run can pass directly into the feed compressing machine from the mill. In such embodiments, the mill can also help provide a desired rate of mixed feed into the feed compressing machine. In some embodiments, the mixture of the base feed and mill run can be collected first from the mill and then inserted into a feed compressing machine.

[0064] In some embodiments, a base feed can include any of the feeds described herein, such as various mixtures of processed palm fronds and palm fruit. In some embodiments, a base feed passed through a mill to collect mill run can have at least 5 percent or about 5 percent mill run by weight. In some embodiments, a base feed passed through a mill to collect mill run can have at least 10 percent or about 10 percent mill run by weight. In some embodiments, a base feed passed through a mill to collect mill run can have at least 20 percent or about 20 percent mill run by weight.

[0065] In some embodiments, a base feed passed through a mill to collect mill run can have between about 20 and about 40 percent mill run by weight. In some embodiments, a base feed passed through a mill to collect mill run can have between about 10 and about 30 percent mill run by weight. In some embodiments, a base feed passed through a mill to collect mill run can have between about 25 and about 35 percent mill run by weight. In some embodiments, a base feed passed through a mill to collect mill run can have between about 5 and about 20 percent mill run by weight. In some embodiments, a base feed passed through a mill to collect mill run can have greater than 40 percent mill run by weight, such as between approximately 40 percent and approximately 50 percent mill run by weight.

Palm Frond Base Feeds

[0066] In some embodiments various components or mixtures of components described herein can be combined with other types of feed sources to adjust desired nutritional contents of the feeds. For example, the processed palm fronds can be used as a base to which a variety of additives can be added for use in animal feed. These additives suitable for use in animal feed can include, for example, dog food, chicken livers, or other sources of protein or other nutrients. Additives can also include plant based products such as citrus products, sugar beet pulp, wheat, brewer's grain, almond husks, peanut shells, grass clipping, fruit rinds and peels, potatoes, or general vegetable scraps. Additives can also include molasses, tortilla scraps, dough and bread products, or any other processed product with nutritional value. These additives can be added to a palm frond base in any desired combination or quantity.

[0067] As illustrated in FIG. 6, in some embodiments, a palm frond base can be combined with different proportions of a roughening component, a vegetable and/or fruit component, and/or a sugar component. A roughening component can include, for example, almond shells, walnut husks, peanut shells, pits, or other rough, edible products. A vegetable and/or fruit component can include, for example, cotton seed, corn, wheat, brewer's grain, distiller's grain, potato, lettuce, tomato, peaches, apples, strawberries, soy, turnips, fruit rind or peel, etc. A sugar component can include, for example, beet pulp, sugar beets, sugar cane, citrus fruits, oranges, grapefruit, lemons, grapes, raisins, etc. In some embodiments, particular additives, such as dates, have a high nutritional content and a high sugar content and can be added as a vegetable/fruit component and/or a sugar component. In some embodiments, other vitamins and minerals can also be added.

[0068] In some embodiments, the proportions used for an animal feed can depend on the type of animal that is expected to eat it. Although various embodiments described below provide examples specific to dairy and beef cows, it is understood that the various ratios described can be used in feed for a variety of animals, including horses or ruminants such as cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, or camels. Additionally, the various ratios described are understood to in some embodiments describe ratios of pre-mixed volumes and in other embodiments describe ratios by weight. In some embodiments, an animal feed for a dairy cow can have a palm frond component that is greater than or equal to approximately 50% and/or less than or equal to approximately 90%. The feed can have a roughening component that is greater than or equal to approximately 2% and/or less than or equal to approximately 10%. The feed can have a vegetable/fruit component that is greater than or equal to approximately 10% and/or less than or equal to approximately 20%. The feed can have a sugar component that is greater than or equal to approximately 5% and/or less than or equal to approximately 15%.

[0069] In some embodiments, an animal feed for a dairy cow can have a palm frond component that is greater than or equal to approximately 60% and/or less than or equal to approximately 80%. The feed can have a roughening component that is greater than or equal to approximately 3% and/or less than or equal to approximately 7%. The feed can have a vegetable/fruit component that is greater than or equal to approximately 13% and/or less than or equal to approximately 17%. The feed can have a sugar component that is greater than or equal to approximately 8% and/or less than or equal to approximately 12%.

[0070] In some embodiments, an animal feed for a dairy cow can have a palm frond component that is approximately 70%. The feed can have a roughening component that is 5%. The feed can have a vegetable/fruit component that is approximately 15%. The feed can have a sugar component that is approximately 10%.

[0071] In some embodiments, an animal feed for a beef cow can have a palm frond component that is greater than or equal to approximately 40% and/or less than or equal to approximately 60%. The feed can have a vegetable/fruit component that is greater than or equal to approximately 15% and/or less than or equal to approximately 35%. The feed can have a sugar component that is greater than or equal to approximately 15% and/or less than or equal to approximately 35%. In some embodiments, the feed can also have varying amounts of a roughening component.

[0072] In some embodiments, an animal feed for a beef cow can have a palm frond component that is greater than or equal to approximately 45% and/or less than or equal to approximately 55%. The feed can have a vegetable/fruit component that is greater than or equal to approximately 20% and/or less than or equal to approximately 30%. The feed can have a sugar component that is greater than or equal to approximately 20% and/or less than or equal to approximately 30%. In some embodiments, the feed can also have varying amounts of a roughening component.

[0073] In some embodiments, an animal feed for a beef cow can have a palm frond component that is approximately 50%. The feed can have a vegetable/fruit component that is approximately 25%. The feed can have a sugar component that is approximately 25%. In some embodiments, the feed can also have varying amounts of a roughening component.

Palm Frond and Palm Fruit Base Feeds

[0074] As illustrated in FIG. 7, in some embodiments, animal feeds described herein that include a combination of a palm frond component and a palm fruit component (including embodiments with nutritional additives, such as, for example, urea) can form a base for animal feed that can replace other bases, such as alfalfa. The combined palm frond/fruit base can be in any form described above, including as loose feed, feed prepared into cubes, feed prepared into other shapes, etc. As above, the particular ratios can vary depending on the type of animal, though the various ratios described can be used for a variety of different animals. Also, as above, the various ratios described below are understood to in some embodiments describe ratios of pre-mixed volumes and in other embodiments describe ratios by weight.

[0075] In some embodiments, an animal feed for a dairy cow can have a palm frond/fruit base that is greater than or equal to approximately 70% and/or less than or equal to approximately 90%. The feed can have a vegetable/fruit component that is greater than or equal to approximately 5% and/or less than or equal to approximately 15%. The feed can have a sugar component that is greater than or equal to approximately 5% and/or less than or equal to approximately 15%. In some embodiments, the feed can also have varying amounts of a roughening component.

[0076] In some embodiments, an animal feed for a dairy cow can have a palm frond/fruit base that is greater than or equal to approximately 75% and/or less than or equal to approximately 85%. The feed can have a vegetable/fruit component that is greater than or equal to approximately 7% and/or less than or equal to approximately 13%. The feed can have a sugar component that is greater than or equal to approximately 7% and/or less than or equal to approximately 13%. In some embodiments, the feed can also have varying amounts of a roughening component.

[0077] In some embodiments, an animal feed for a dairy cow can have a palm frond/fruit base that approximately 80%. The feed can have a vegetable/fruit component that is approximately 10%. The feed can have a sugar component that is approximately 10%. In some embodiments, the feed can also have varying amounts of a roughening component.

[0078] In some embodiments, an animal feed for a beef cow can have a palm frond/fruit base that is greater than or equal to approximately 40% and/or less than or equal to approximately 70%. The feed can have a vegetable/fruit component that is greater than or equal to approximately 20% and/or less than or equal to approximately 40%. The feed can have a sugar component that is greater than or equal to approximately 5% and/or less than or equal to approximately 15%. In some embodiments, the feed can also have varying amounts of a roughening component.

[0079] In some embodiments, an animal feed for a beef cow can have a palm frond/fruit base that is greater than or equal to approximately 45% and/or less than or equal to approximately 60%. The feed can have a vegetable/fruit component that is greater than or equal to approximately 25% and/or less than or equal to approximately 35%. The feed can have a sugar component that is greater than or equal to approximately 7% and/or less than or equal to approximately 13%. In some embodiments, the feed can also have varying amounts of a roughening component.

[0080] In some embodiments, an animal feed for a beef cow can have a palm frond/fruit base that approximately 50%. The feed can have a vegetable/fruit component that is approximately 30%. The feed can have a sugar component that is approximately 10%. In some embodiments, the feed can also have varying amounts of a roughening component.

General Base Feeds

[0081] In some embodiments, palm fruit and/or seeds can be added to different types of feed or feed bases, including, for example, alfalfa, soy, corn, wheat, hay, grass, and other silage. Palm fruit combined according to any of the ratios described herein, or in other suitable ratios, with a nutritional additive, such as urea and/or wheat, can also be added to other types of feeds or components of feeds, such as, for example, alfalfa, soy, corn, hay, grass, and other silage. Because of the particular nutritional qualities of palm fruit, in some embodiments palm fruit can serve as both a vegetable/fruit component and a sugar component as part of the various ratios discussed above. For example, a palm fruit contains a high energy content and can be substituted for corn, for example, in some feed applications. Additionally, some palm fruits, such as dates, include pits, which can provide a roughening component in some embodiments. FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a feed with a palm fruit component that serves as both a vegetable/fruit component and a sugar component.

[0082] In some embodiments, an animal feed can have a base feed component including one or more types of base feeds, such as palm frond, alfalfa, soy, corn, wheat, hay, grass, and/or other silage components, forming the base feed component. FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a base feed component mixed with a vegetable/fruit component, a sugar component, and a roughening component. In some embodiments, an animal feed can have a base feed component that is greater than or equal to approximately 50% and/or less than or equal to approximately 90%. The feed can have a roughening component that is greater than or equal to approximately 2% and/or less than or equal to approximately 10%. The feed can have a vegetable/fruit component that is greater than or equal to approximately 10% and/or less than or equal to approximately 20%. The feed can have a sugar component that is greater than or equal to approximately 5% and/or less than or equal to approximately 15%. These ratios, the various ratios described below, are understood to in some embodiments describe ratios of pre-mixed volumes and in other embodiments describe ratios by weight.

[0083] In some embodiments, an animal feed can have a base feed component that is greater than or equal to approximately 60% and/or less than or equal to approximately 80%. The feed can have a roughening component that is greater than or equal to approximately 3% and/or less than or equal to approximately 7%. The feed can have a vegetable/fruit component that is greater than or equal to approximately 13% and/or less than or equal to approximately 17%. The feed can have a sugar component that is greater than or equal to approximately 8% and/or less than or equal to approximately 12%.

[0084] In some embodiments, an animal feed can have a base feed component that is approximately 70%. The feed can have a roughening component that is 5%. The feed can have a vegetable/fruit component that is approximately 15%. The feed can have a sugar component that is approximately 10%.

[0085] In some embodiments, an animal feed can have a base feed component that is greater than or equal to approximately 40% and/or less than or equal to approximately 60%. The feed can have a vegetable/fruit component that is greater than or equal to approximately 15% and/or less than or equal to approximately 35%. The feed can have a sugar component that is greater than or equal to approximately 15% and/or less than or equal to approximately 35%. In some embodiments, the feed can also have varying amounts of a roughening component.

[0086] In some embodiments, an animal feed can have a base feed component that is greater than or equal to approximately 45% and/or less than or equal to approximately 55%. The feed can have a vegetable/fruit component that is greater than or equal to approximately 20% and/or less than or equal to approximately 30%. The feed can have a sugar component that is greater than or equal to approximately 20% and/or less than or equal to approximately 30%. In some embodiments, the feed can also have varying amounts of a roughening component.

[0087] In some embodiments, an animal feed can have a base feed component that is approximately 50%. The feed can have a vegetable/fruit component that is approximately 25%. The feed can have a sugar component that is approximately 25%. In some embodiments, the feed can also have varying amounts of a roughening component.

[0088] In some embodiments, an animal feed can have a base feed component that is greater than or equal to approximately 50% and/or less than or equal to approximately 90%. The feed can have a roughening component that is greater than or equal to approximately 2% and/or less than or equal to approximately 10%. The feed can have a palm fruit component, such as dates, that is greater than or equal to approximately 2% and/or less than or equal to approximately 50%.

[0089] In some embodiments, an animal feed can have a base feed component that is greater than or equal to approximately 60% and/or less than or equal to approximately 80%. The feed can have a roughening component that is greater than or equal to approximately 3% and/or less than or equal to approximately 7%. The feed can have a palm fruit component, such as dates, that is greater than or equal to approximately 5% and/or less than or equal to approximately 40%.

[0090] In some embodiments, an animal feed can have a base feed component that is approximately 70%. The feed can have a roughening component that is 5%. The feed can have a palm fruit component, such as dates, that is 25%.

[0091] In some embodiments, an animal feed can have a base feed component that is greater than or equal to approximately 40% and/or less than or equal to approximately 60%. The feed can have a palm fruit component, such as dates, that is greater than or equal to approximately 10% and/or less than or equal to approximately 45%. In some embodiments, the feed can also have varying amounts of a roughening component.

[0092] In some embodiments, an animal feed can have a base feed component that is greater than or equal to approximately 45% and/or less than or equal to approximately 55%. The feed can have a palm fruit component, such as dates, that is greater than or equal to approximately 15% and/or less than or equal to approximately 35%. In some embodiments, the feed can also have varying amounts of a roughening component.

[0093] In some embodiments, an animal feed can have a base feed component that is approximately 50%. The feed can have a palm fruit component, such as dates, that is approximately 30%. In some embodiments, the feed can also have varying amounts of a roughening component.

[0094] The terms “approximately”, “about”, and “substantially” as used herein represent an amount close to the stated amount that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, the terms “approximately”, “about”, and “substantially” may refer to an amount that is within less than 10% of, within less than 5% of, within less than 1% of, within less than 0.1% of, and within less than 0.01% of the stated amount.

[0095] Although this invention has been disclosed in the context of certain preferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the invention and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. In addition, while a number of variations of the invention have been shown and described in detail, other modifications, which are within the scope of this invention, will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art based upon this disclosure. It is also contemplated that various combinations or sub-combinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, it should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the disclosed invention. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present invention herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims that follow.

[0096] Similarly, this method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that any claim require more features than are expressly recited in that claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in a combination of fewer than all features of any single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment.