HAY-BASED MATERIAL FREE OF RESPIRABLE DUST EMISSION: PROCESS FOR ITS PREPARATION, USE AND ASSOCIATED MACHINE

Abstract

A process for preparing a hay-based material for feeding a horse is provided. The process comprises chopping/blending together hay and a binding agent or dust-trapping agent. A machine for conducting the process of the invention is also provided. The hay-based material of the invention may be used to feed horses to improve their general health, particularly horses with severe asthma.

Claims

1. A process for preparing a hay-based material, comprising chopping/blending together hay and a binding agent or dust-trapping agent.

2. A process for preparing a hay-based material, comprising chopping/blending together hay, a nutrients mix and a binding agent or dust-trapping agent.

3. A process for preparing a hay-based material, comprising, in combination: a mechanical operation involving chopping/blending of hay, and use of a binding agent or dust-trapping agent.

4. A process for preparing a hay-based material, comprising, in combination: a mechanical operation involving chopping/blending of hay and a nutrient mix, and use of a binding agent or dust-trapping agent.

5. A process for preparing a hay-based material, comprising: (a) chopping hay to obtain a chopped hay; (b) adding a binding agent or dust-trapping agent to the chopped hay to obtain a mixture; and (c) blending the mixture to obtain the hay-based material.

6. A process according to claim 5, further comprising (al) mixing hay with a nutrients mix prior to conducting step (a).

7. A process for preparing a hay-based material, comprising: (a) providing hay into a chopper/blender; (b) providing a binding agent or dust-trapping agent into a dispenser that is operatively attached to the chopper/blender; (c) operating the chopper/blender; (d) causing the dispenser to dispense the binding agent or dust-trapping agent into the chopper/blender; (e) stopping operation of the chopper/blender; and (f) retrieving the material.

8. A process according to claim 7, further comprising (al) mixing hay with a nutrients mix prior to conducting step (a).

9. A process according to claim 7, wherein step (d) proceeds automatically after a set period of time.

10. A process according to claim 7, wherein step (e) is performed after a period of time.

11. A process according to claim 7, further comprising (g) assessing the presence of any dust in the material, and optionally repeating at least one of steps (c)-(f).

12. A process according to claim 7, further comprising (h) assessing the consistency of the material, and optionally repeating at least one of steps (c)-(f).

13. A process according to claim 7, further comprising (i) storing the material for future use.

14. A process according to claim 7, wherein the binding agent or dust-trapping agent is in substantially liquid form and the dispenser is a liquid dispenser.

15. A method for treating hay, comprising, in combination, a mechanical manipulation of hay and use of a binding agent or dust-trapping agent.

16. A method according to claim 15, wherein hay comprises a nutrients mix.

17. A hay-based material obtained by the process as defined in any one of claims 1-14.

18. Hay treated by the method as defined in claim 15 or 16.

19. A machine for producing hay-based material, comprising a hay chopper/blender and a dispenser operatively attached thereto, wherein a binding agent or dust-trapping agent provided into the dispenser is dispensed into the chopper/blender during operation thereof.

20. A machine according to claim 19, wherein the hay comprises a nutrients mix.

21. A machine according to claim 19, wherein the binding agent or dust-trapping agent is in substantially liquid form and the dispenser is a liquid dispenser.

22. A process, material or machine as defined in any one of claims 1-21, wherein the hay-based material is for feeding a horse.

23. A process, method, hay-based material, treated hay or machine as defined in any one of claims 1-21, wherein the binding agent or dust-trapping agent is consumable by a horse; preferably the binding agent or dust-trapping agent is palatable to a horse.

24. A process, method, hay-based material, treated hay or machine as defined in any one of claims 1-21, wherein the binding agent or dust-trapping agent is an organic substance, chemical substance or a combination thereof; preferably the organic substance is selected from the group consisting of, 1) plant-based oils such as soybean, vegetable, corn, canola, peanut, colza, castor, linseed, olive, avocado, grape, almond, wheat germ, coconut, cottonseed, palm, rapeseed, sesame, and sunflower, 2) fatty acids and animal-based oils such as hydrogenated oils, and fish oils, 3) molasses, 4) natural gums and combinations thereof; and preferably the chemical substance is selected from the group consisting of: 1) lignin sulfonate-based substances, 2) bentonite-based substances, 3) protein and gelatin-based substances, 4) urea formaldehyde-based substances, 5) substances formed from sodium carbonate pulping liquor, 6) substances formed from water soluble forms of calcium, and combinations thereof.

25. A process, method, hay-based material, treated hay or machine as defined in any one of claims 1-21, wherein the nutrients mix comprises a component selected from the group consisting of: selenium, a product offering a grouping of essential minerals including but not limited to salt, iron sulfate, copper sulfate, zinc sulfate, magnesium oxide, mineral oil, and sodium selenite; preferably, the nutrients mix is adapted to suit the particular circumstances dictated by the health condition of a horse.

26. A process, method, hay-based material, treated hay or machine as defined in any one of claims 1-21, wherein the hay-based material or treated hay is substantially free of emission of antigens and other respirable dust particles.

27. A method of feeding a horse, comprising using the hay-based material or treated hay as defined in any one of claims 1-21.

28. A method of feeding a horse with severe asthma, comprising using the hay-based material or treated hay as defined in any one of claims 1-21.

29. A method of improving the general health, lung function and/or neutrophilic inflammation in a horse with severe asthma, comprising using the hay-based material or treated hay as defined in any one of claims 1-21.

30. A method of decreasing anti-oxidant enzymes activity in a horse with severe asthma, comprising using the hay-based material or treated hay as defined in any one of claims 1-21.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] In the appended drawings:

[0024] FIG. 1: Photograph of the machine according to the invention showing external components thereof.

[0025] FIG. 2: Machine according to the invention showing components thereof.

[0026] FIG. 3: Photograph of the machine according to the invention. A) Front view, B) Control panel.

[0027] FIG. 4: Photograph of the machine according to the invention. A) Loading door B); Access door.

[0028] FIG. 5: Photograph of the machine according to the invention. A) Interior view showing auger; B) Motor and gearbox.

[0029] FIG. 6: Photograph of the machine according to the invention showing the auger.

[0030] FIG. 7: Photograph of the machine according to the invention showing the access door.

[0031] FIG. 8: Photograph of the machine according to the invention showing various views thereof.

[0032] FIG. 9: Comparing effects of Nutri-foin hay and alfalfa pellets on severe asthmatic horseProcedure and schedule and methods.

[0033] FIG. 10: Comparing effects of Nutri-foin hay and alfalfa pellets on severe asthmatic horseHorses weight.

[0034] FIG. 11: Comparing effects of Nutri-foin hay and alfalfa pellets on severe asthmatic horseA) Resistance; B) Elastance.

[0035] FIG. 12: Comparing effects of Nutri-foin hay and alfalfa pellets on severe asthmatic horseResidual bronchoconstriction A1) and A2) Nutri-foin hay; B1) and B2) Alfalfa pellets.

[0036] FIG. 13: Comparing effects of Nutri-foin hay and alfalfa pellets on severe asthmatic horseNeutrophilia.

[0037] FIG. 14: Comparing effects of Nutri-foin hay and alfalfa pellets on severe asthmatic horseAnti-oxidant enzymes kinetics A) SOD activity; B) GPX activity.

DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0038] Before the present invention is further described, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described below, as variations of these embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the appended claims. It is also to be understood that the terminology employed is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments, and is not intended to be limiting. Instead, the scope of the present invention will be established by the appended claims.

[0039] In order to provide a clear and consistent understanding of the terms used in the present specification, a number of definitions are provided below. Moreover, unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms as used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains.

[0040] As used herein, the term binding agent refers to a substance which can be safely consumed by a horse and which acts in a manner to adhere or trap allergens and other respirable dust particles to a hay material, thus preventing their aerosolization. In the present disclosure, the term binding agent is used interchangeably with the term dust-trapping agent.

[0041] As used herein, the term nutrients mix refers to a mixture comprising elements that contribute to the general well-being of a horse.

[0042] The use of the word a or an when used in conjunction with the term comprising in the claims and/or the specification may mean one, but it is also consistent with the meaning of one or more, at least one, and one or more than one. Similarly, the word another may mean at least a second or more.

[0043] As used in this specification and claim(s), the words comprising (and any form of comprising, such as comprise and comprises), having (and any form of having, such as have and has), including (and any form of including, such as include and includes) or containing (and any form of containing, such as contain and contains), are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or process steps.

[0044] As used herein the term about is used to indicate that a value includes an inherent variation of error for the device or the method being employed to determine the value.

[0045] The inventors have designed and prepared a hay-based material that is free of emission of antigens and other respirable dust particles. The material according to the invention comprises hay and a binding agent or dust-trapping agent. The material may also comprise a nutrients mix.

[0046] The process for the preparation of the material according to the invention comprises a combination of a mechanical manipulation of hay and use of a binding agent or dust-trapping agent. The mechanical manipulation comprises chopping/blending hay.

[0047] The machine for the preparation of the material according to the invention comprises a chopper/blender and a dispenser operatively attached thereto. The machine of the invention allows for a binding agent or dust-trapping agent to be dispensed into the chopper/blender during operation thereof. In embodiments of the invention, the binding agent or dust-trapping agent may be in substantially liquid form and the dispenser may be a liquid dispenser.

[0048] The hay-based material according to the invention may be used to feed horses to improve their general health, particularly horses with severe asthma.

[0049] In particular, the invention relates to a method for neutralizing the aerosolization of organic dust particles and/or allergens normally occurring during consumption of hay by horses, thereby creating an alternative process for conducting effective management of a horse's breathing environment. The process according to the invention comprises performing a mechanical chopping/blending operation in a specifically designed machine in order to integrate a binding agent or dust-trapping agent into the hay, creating an adhesion effect on respirable allergens. The binding agent or dust-trapping agent used in the invention is further described in detail below.

[0050] The present invention is illustrated in further details by the following non-limiting examples.

Example 1the Processing Machine

[0051] FIG. 1 is a photograph of the machine according to the invention (Nutri Foin Systeme). External components of the machine are outlined including: an entry door (10), a dispenser (11), an exit door (12), a latch (13), a timer (14) a directional switch (15), a negative pressure port (16) which may or may be present or absent, a main power switch (17) with lock, an evacuation button (18) and a lever arm (19). Other components of the machine according to the invention are outlined in FIG. 2. These include: a removable lid (20), a bottle for holding a liquid (21), a flow control valve (22), a side door (23), an adjustable diffusion plate (24), a motor (25), a wheel (26), a transfer box (27), a retractable handle (28), an outlet deflector (29), a sliding door (30), a wiring protector (31), a sliding door fastener (32), a timer (33), a housing (34), a controller (35), a main power switch (17), a hay evacuation (37), a directional switch (15) and a door lock (39).

[0052] The machine according to the invention is generally composed of several steel pieces which are welded together to form a mixing tub, and consisting of two tub component pieces, a plate, an extension piece with loading door, a base, and a cover. This structure is welded to a metal frame, and provides the housing (34) into which the auger assembly (FIGS. 5A and 6) is positioned. The auger assembly is composed of several auger plates, stoppers, and blade components (FIGS. 5A and 6) which are arranged and welded in a cylindrical manner to a tube. The tube and auger assembly are mounted on a shaft component which is connected to a gear box housed beneath the base, and attached to the metal frame. The electric motor (25) is also affixed to the metal frame to drive the gear box (FIG. 5B), and is electronically controlled by the control panel (35) integrated into the extension piece of the tub. The control panel provides a breaker switch to engage operation mode, and is connected to a timer device (33) to govern the length of time of rotation of the auger. Attached to the side of the tub is the oil dispensing unit which incorporates the bottle for holding a liquid (21) and the flaw control valve (22). The oil dispensing unit functions with the force of gravity to dispense the oil into the tub during operation of the machine.

[0053] The access door of the machine is further outlined in FIG. 7, and various views of the machine are outlined in FIG. 8.

Example 2the Binding or Dust-Trapping Agent

[0054] In embodiments of the invention, a soybean-based oil is used as binding agent or dust-trapping agent. This is due to its desirable, naturally-occurring antioxidant properties, in combination with it being highly palatable to horses. Such soybean-based oil has the make-up described in Table I below.

[0055] However as will be understood by a skilled person, any suitable binding agent or dust-trapping agent may be used which is consumable by a horse; and preferably, which is palatable to the horse. Such binding agents or dust-trapping agents may be organic substances or chemical substances. Organic substances include but are not limited to: 1) plant-based oils such as soybean, vegetable, corn, canola, peanut, colza, castor, linseed, olive, avocado, grape, almond, wheat germ, coconut, cottonseed, palm, rapeseed, sesame, and sunflower, 2) fatty acids and animal-based oils such as hydrogenated oils, and fish oils, 3) molasses, and 4) natural gums. Chemical substances include but are not limited to: 1) lignin sulfonate-based substances disclosed for example in U.S. Pat. No. 4,698,225, 2) bentonite-based substances disclosed for example in U.S. Pat. No. 2,162,609, 3) protein and gelatin-based substances, 4) urea formaldehyde-based substances, 5) substances formed from sodium carbonate pulping liquor disclosed for example in U.S. Pat. No. 5,714,184, and 6) substances formed from water soluble forms of calcium disclosed for example in U.S. Pat. No. 4,988,520. Combinations of such substances may also be used.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Make-up of a soya-based oil Guarantied analysis Humidity 0.22% max. Total fatty acids 98.00% max. Insoluble substances 0.02% max. Non-saponifiable substances 0.60% max. Metabolizing energy (horse) 8980.00 Kcal/Kg Fatty acids content expressed as % of total fatty acids C14:0 Myrictic 0.07% C16:0 Palmitic 10.03% C16:1 Cis-9 Palmitoleic 0.11% C18:0 Stearic 4.00% C18:1 Cis-9 Oleic 22.50% C18:2 Cis-9,12 Linoleic 53.10% C18:3 Cis-9,12,15 Linolenic 9.10% C20:0 Arachidic 0.15% Natural antioxydant Tocopherol (vitamin E) 1566.00 ppm

Example 3Formulation of the Nutrients Mix

[0056] In embodiments of the inventions, the suggested nutrients mix primarily comprises selenium. The nutrients mix used in the invention may also comprise any commercially available product offering a grouping of essential minerals, such as salt, iron sulfate, copper sulfate, zinc sulfate, magnesium oxide, mineral oil, and sodium selenite. A nutrients mix may be adapted to suit the particular circumstances dictated by the health condition of a horse.

Example 4Capacities and Dosages

[0057] The processing machine is designed to accommodate about one 40-50 lbs bale of hay per operating cycle, which produces about 4 feedings for a single horse (or 2 days worth). For each operating cycle of the processing machine, the recommended dosage of consumable oil is about 400 mL.

Example 5Process Steps

[0058] The processing cycle for each bale of hay requires about 11-13 minutes, plus 1-2 minutes of set-up time. The timeline below describes the steps of the process underlying the invention.

Time 0 to 2 Minutes:

[0059] Pre-operation preparationempty the machine of all previous contents, and remove tie cords from hay bale to be processed. Separate the hay bale into 3 or more large sections. Poor about 400 mL of consumable oil into the oil dispenser, with the dispensing valve closed.

Time 2 to 4 Minutes:

[0060] Operating procedure beginsintroduce the sections of hay into the machine through the loading door, as well as the nutrients mix. Adjust the timer to operate the machine for 11 minutes. Start the operation of the machine, and within about 30 seconds open the dispensing valve on the oil dispenser. The oil is fully dispensed within about 2 minutes of the machine being put into operation.

Time 4 to 11-13 Minutes:

[0061] Continue to allow the machine to operate normally. Once the timer has elapsed, open the access door and inspect the hay for dust content. This can be done by taking a handful of hay in one hand, and applying a vigorous tapping action to the hay with the other hand, to determine if respirable organic dust particles are still being emitted. If it appears that respirable dust remains, re-engage the machine for an additional 2 to 3 minutes depending on the original consistency of the hay. Finer hay will require less additional processing time, while coarser hay may receive longer additional processing time.

[0062] Once the operation above has been completed, hay may be provided to horses right away, or stored for later use. Hay treated according to the process of the invention may be stored for up to about 2 weeks.

[0063] As will be understood by a skilled person, the invention provides a dry process which is mechanically assisted to eliminate the emission of organic dust particles normally occurring during consumption by horses. This is different form exposing hay to water or steam. The invention allows for management of a horse's breathing environment, eliminating the need for drug treatments.

[0064] The invention proposes a method of managing the symptoms and respiratory inflammation associated with SEA, in the absence of any drug treatments. As such, over the long-term, the invention carries lower costs and risks as compared to those associated with drug treatment regimens.

[0065] The invention incorporates a specifically designed machine to execute the process, and requires only between about 11-13 minutes to neutralize respirable organic dust from enough hay to fulfill daily requirements for 1-2 horses. This compares to 30-45 minutes for the hay steamer, and 60 minutes for hay soaking. Hay is not required to be manually broken apart, or shaken out before loading, and can be directly loaded in bail form into the machine. Once processed, hay can be extracted through a convenient access door for loading into a wheelbarrow, and subsequent feeding to horses in stalls or outdoors.

[0066] As hay subjected to the process according to the invention is not exposed to moisture, there is far lesser risk of development of harmful toxins as compared to hay which has been soaked or steamed. In addition, hay which has been processed can be stored for up to about 2 weeks and safely re-fed to horses, which compares to a shelf-life of only 12 hours for silage or soaked/steamed hay.

[0067] Conventional hay is generally known to be the best form of food to give a horse, given its roughage qualities which are important for horse digestion. As the invention does not require hay to be exposed to water or heat, it does not cause a dilutive effect on the nutritive content of the treated hay.

Example 6Effects on Severe Asthmatic Horses

[0068] Work aiming at comparing the effects in severe asthmatic horses of hay treated by the process according to the invention (Nutri-foin hay) and alfalfa pellets. In particular, the effects on lung functions, airway inflammation and blood serum oxidative stress. The procedure schedule and methods are outlined in FIG. 9. Twelve severe asthmatic horses were involved in the study six horses were fed hay treated by the process of the invention and the six others were fed alfalfa pellets. The treatment of hay according to the invention took approximately 30 minutes, and the treated hay (Nutri-foin hay) appeared palatable and smooth. In this example, soybean oil was used in the treatment. Both Nutri-foin and alfalfa regimens were well tolerated by the horses. It should be noted that one horse from the treated hay group was removed from the study due to an unrelated medical condition.

[0069] As can be seen in FIG. 10, significant weight gain was observed in both groups. Physiological respiratory responses were assessed through resistance and elastance. The results obtained are illustrated in FIGS. 11A and 11B. As can be seen a significant time effect was observed, but with no group or group X time interaction. Regarding Residual bronchoconstriction, significant diminution of the pulmonary elastance was observed in horses fed with the Nutri-foin hay. This is illustrated in FIGS. 12A1, 12A2, 12B1 and 12B2. FIG. 13 shows the results obtained for airway neutrophilia. As can be seen no significant time of group effects were observed. Kinetics of anti-oxidant enzymes were assessed, through superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activities. The results obtained are outlined in FIGS. 14A and 14B. Measurements were conducted in serum at various times. A significant time effect without group differences or time and group interaction was observed.

[0070] Accordingly, hay treated by the process of the invention is palatable and well tolerated by horses including horses with severe asthma. Use of the hay of the invention is demonstrated to improve the general health, the lung functions and/or the neutrophilic inflammation in a horse with severe asthma. Use of the hay according to the invention is demonstrated to reduce and/or eliminate symptoms associated with severe equine asthma at a similar efficacy to that demonstrated by use of alfalfa pellets. Also, use of the hay of the invention decreases anti-oxidant enzymes activity in the horse over time.

[0071] The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments set forth in the examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.

[0072] The present description refers to a number of documents, the content of which is herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

REFERENCES

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