U.S. patent application number 09/036301 was filed with the patent office on 2001-06-07 for absorbent deodorizing, hygienic animal bedding composition and method of manufacture.
Invention is credited to SANTOIEMMO, CARL V..
Application Number | 20010002996 09/036301 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 21887827 |
Filed Date | 2001-06-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010002996 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
SANTOIEMMO, CARL V. |
June 7, 2001 |
ABSORBENT DEODORIZING, HYGIENIC ANIMAL BEDDING COMPOSITION AND
METHOD OF MANUFACTURE
Abstract
An animal bedding composition and method of manufacture includes
cut or shredded pieces of multiple panel corrugated cardboard kraft
paper structures having an internal corrugated panel sandwiched
between outer panels, and an adsorptive deodorizing ion exchange
agent such as a zeolite dispersed throughout the cardboard pieces
and carried on outer and inner surfaces of the pieces of cardboard
and on outer and inner surfaces of the corrugations to provide a
comfortable, hygienic and deodorized floor covering for animal
stalls. An automated method of manufacturing the animal bedding
composition is also described. The ion exchange agent attaches to
surfaces of the corrugated cardboard which serves as a carrier to
sanitize and deodorize a stall. The open structure of the cut
corrugations provides mechanical load absorption, and a wicking
action to aerate moisture from a stall. The ion exchange agent
carried by the corrugated pieces removes ammonia odor from urine
and provides slow release potassium and, when loaded with ammonium,
slow release of nitrogen for agricultural fertilization. Carbon in
the kraft paper from which the corrugated cardboard is constructed
attracts nitrogen from urine, yielding excellent fertilizing
material with rapid biodegradation.
Inventors: |
SANTOIEMMO, CARL V.;
(WILLOUGHBY HILLS, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CALFEE HALTER & GRISWOLD, LLP
800 SUPERIOR AVENUE
SUITE 1400
CLEVELAND
OH
44114
US
|
Family ID: |
21887827 |
Appl. No.: |
09/036301 |
Filed: |
March 6, 1998 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
424/400 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C05F 3/00 20130101; A01K
1/0155 20130101; A01K 1/0152 20130101; Y02P 20/145 20151101; Y02A
40/205 20180101; C05F 3/00 20130101; C05F 11/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
424/400 |
International
Class: |
A61K 009/00 |
Claims
We claim:
1. An animal bedding composition for distribution upon an animal
stall to provide a hygienic support medium, the animal bedding
composition comprising a plurality of corrugated cardboard pieces
and at least one ion exchange agent in particulate form
interspersed with the corrugated cardboard pieces whereby the ion
exchange agent is carried by the corrugated cardboard pieces for
even distribution about a floor of an animal stall.
2. The animal bedding composition of claim 1 wherein the cardboard
pieces are comprised of corrugated cardboard having outer panels
and internal corrugations, the pieces cut so that the internal
corrugations remain intact.
3. The animal bedding composition of claim 2 wherein the ion
exchange agent is disposed on outer and inner panels of the strips
of cardboard and on outer and inner surfaces of the internal
corrugations.
4. The animal bedding composition of claim 3 wherein the cardboard
pieces have a length of approximately 1/8to 1 inch and a width of
approximately 1/4inch to 3/4inch.
5. The animal bedding composition of claim 1 wherein the internal
corrugations of the corrugated cardboard have a height dimension in
a range of approximately {fraction (1/16)}inch to about
1/2inch.
6. The animal bedding of claim 1 wherein the ion exchange agent is
a zeolite.
7. The animal bedding composition of claim 1 comprising between
about 1/2ounce to about 8 ounces of ion exchange agent and about 3
cubic feet of corrugated cardboard pieces.
8. The animal bedding composition of claim 1 wherein the ion
exchange agent is clinoptilolite.
9. The animal bedding composition of claim 1 wherein the corrugated
cardboard is constructed of kraft paper.
10. The animal bedding composition of claim 1 wherein the
corrugated cardboard and ion exchange agent are combined in an
approximate ratio of 1 to 10 ounces of ion exchange agent per 3 to
6 cubic feet of corrugated cardboard pieces.
11. The animal bedding composition of claim 1 in combination with
an animal stall wherein the composition is distributed over a floor
of the stall at an average approximate thickness in a range of 1 to
10 inches, and a portion of the ion exchange agent carried by the
corrugated cardboard pieces is placed in contact with the stall
floor.
12. The animal bedding composition of claim 1 wherein the
corrugated cardboard pieces are randomly oriented upon and above a
stall floor and operative to collapse upon compression under weight
such as applied by an animal in the stall.
13. An animal stall composition for use as a floor covering to
provide substantially dust free cushioning, moisture absorption and
adsorption and odor control, and to render a ready-to-apply
agricultural fertilizer in waste form, the animal stall composition
comprising a plurality of pieces of kraft paper in a multiple panel
structure having outer generally parallel panels and an internal
panel connected to the outer panels and providing an air gap
between the outer panels, and an ion exchange agent in a
particulate form interspersed with the pieces and substantially in
contact with all surfaces of the pieces, whereby the ion exchange
agent is carried by the pieces when distributed upon a stall floor,
and air and moisture within a stall contacts the kraft paper of the
pieces and the ion exchange particulates on the pieces providing a
moisture and odor reduction process.
14. The animal stall composition of claim 13 wherein the pieces of
kraft paper have a fluted corrugated structure.
15. The animal stall composition of claim 13 wherein the pieces of
kraft paper are cut in a configuration in which an internal
structure which separates the outer panels is preserved.
16. The animal stall composition of claim 13 wherein the ion
exchange particulates are present on internal and external surfaces
of the kraft paper pieces, and excess ion exchange particulates are
carried by the pieces for distribution upon a stall floor.
17. The animal stall composition of claim 13, in combination with
animal waste wherein the kraft paper contains nitrogen from urine
as a result of carbon content of the kraft paper, and the ion
exchange particulates contain ammonium ions and nitrogen.
18. The animal stall composition of claim 13 distributed about a
floor of a stall, with a portion of the ion exchange particulates
carried by the kraft paper pieces upon the floor and a portion of
the ion exchange particulates in contact with the kraft paper
pieces.
19. A method of making animal bedding composition for use as a
hygienic ergonomic floor cover in animal stalls, the method
comprising the steps of: providing sheets of corrugated cardboard
having outer panels and internal corrugations; cutting the sheets
of corrugated cardboard into pieces so that the internal
corrugations remain intact; removing dust particles from the
pieces; and mixing an ion exchange agent in powder form with the
pieces so that the ion exchange agent is disposed on outer and
inner panels of the pieces and on outer and inner surfaces of the
internal corrugations of the corrugated cardboard.
20. The method of claim 8 wherein the cutting step comprises the
steps of: providing a shredder having first blades and a second
blades; feeding the sheets of cardboard into the shredder so that
the internal corrugations are generally perpendicular to the first
blades; cutting the sheets of cardboard into strips with the first
blades; and cutting the strips to approximately 1 inch in length
with the second blades.
21. The method of claim 9 wherein the zeolite comprises
clinoptilolite.
22. The method of claim 10 wherein the amount of zeolite is
approximately 1 ounce to about 8 ounces per 3 cubic feet of
cardboard strips.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to animal bedding
materials and more specifically to synthetic or preprocessed
materials which provide a comfortable stall floor covering, and
controls moisture, dust and odor in animal housing environments.
The invention also relates to methods of making and packaging
animal bedding materials and compositions.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] In a typical managed care facility for large animals such as
horses, cows, etc., stalls are provided for occupancy by one or
more animals at a time. A critical element of the stall is the
flooring or bedding material, as animals spend many hours in a
stall as a place for feeding and resting. Stall floors are
typically dirt or concrete or, more recently, rubberized mats.
Traditionally, straw or hay is distributed over the flooring to
provide a softer surface and some very limited absorption of animal
waste. In fact, straw and hay are not very absorbent, do not have
adequate cushioning, and after mixing with animal waste become very
slippery. Stall floors lined with organic materials such as straw
or hay provide a breeding ground for various fungi which can cause
respiratory and hoof infections, and induce allergic reactions in
animals and humans. Furthermore, straw and hay do not perform any
deodorizing or odor reducing function. Additives such as hydrated
lime have been used with straw and hay as an ammonia/odor control
agent. Lime has the disadvantages of high toxicity and is therefore
relatively hazardous, low relative ammonia removal and high
relative pH/high alkalinity, rendering the discarded stall material
unsuitable for use as a fertilizer. Another disadvantage of straw
and hay is the large amount of dust produced when these materials
are applied to stall floors. This dust is inhaled by the animals
causing irritation to the respiratory tract, making them more
susceptible to the harmful effects of ammonia inhalation. This is
particularly harmful to young animals that spend much of their time
laying on stall floors where the dust accumulates. Dust is also
unsanitary and hazardous and to the breeding and birthing
processes.
[0003] Alternatively, a number of different materials, organic and
inorganic, have been proposed for use as animal bedding material.
Among these materials are cardboard, shredded paper such as
recycled newsprint, wood shavings and mixtures of these materials.
However, a number of disadvantages arise from use of these
alternative materials. For instance, shredded paper is quickly
saturated with animal urine and solid waste. It becomes matted and
heavy and thus difficult to remove from the stall. Bedding material
made from wood shavings, on the other hand, provides support and
comfort, but has limited absorption characteristics and can
contribute to fungal growth. Wood shavings are also slow to
biodegrade and thus are unsuitable for use as fertilizer. An
additional disadvantage of wood shavings is that the individual
pieces get tangled in the hair, mane and tail of horses and other
animals, making cleaning and grooming arduous.
[0004] An additional shortcoming of these prior art animal bedding
materials is that they do not impede ammonia production in stalls
where animals are housed. Even in small concentrations, ammonia can
pose a health problem to animals. It has been shown that
atmospheric ammonia is damaging to the respiratory tract. Even
relatively low concentrations of ammonia can diminish airway
defense mechanisms, making animals more vulnerable to pneumonia and
asthma-like symptoms, leading to a higher incidence and increased
severity of pneumonia, particularly in young animals. Lower weight
gains have been observed in animals kept in stalls with ammonia
concentrations as low as 25 ppm. Moreover, these materials offer no
odor masking or odor reduction properties. The odors also attract
flies and other insects which can carry disease and further stress
the animals.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,209,186 describes an absorbent animal
bedding material of nodules of cellulose material made from paper
pulp produced from waste paper. These nodules have a smooth, hard,
porous surface and resist breakage during use and handling.
However, this material does not support the weight of large animals
like horses and cows and creates dust when crushed. The nodules are
crushed by the weight of these large animals, substantially
reducing the amount of support and cushion provided by the bedding
material. Also, this material is not easily or economically
produced and requires numerous manufacturing steps and expensive
mixing and heating equipment. Like the materials described above,
this animal bedding material does not reduce ammonia production or
odor.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,372,314 discloses an animal bedding material
produced by mixing finely shredded cellulose material with calcium
oxide and water to form a slurry. The slurry is then neutralized by
mixing it with diatomaceous earth or a non-swelling clay and dried
to form the animal bedding material. This animal bedding material
is absorbent, but does not inhibit ammonia production and provides
no relief from the unpleasant odor produced from animal waste.
[0007] U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,195,465 and 5,352,780 each describe a
litter material made from compacted cellulose which has been formed
into pellets and flaked. Both of these patents suggest adding
fungicides, coloring agents, insecticides and herbicides to the
flaked material to extend the life of the litter and reduce
bacterial and fungal growth. However, neither patent offers a
solution to the odor and ammonia production problems associated
with other prior art animal bedding materials.
[0008] It has also been suggested in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,133,296 and
5,265,561 to combine waste cardboard and wood pallets to make
animal bedding material. However, the addition of the wood to the
cardboard substantially decreases the biodegradability of this
material making the bedding material essentially useless as
fertilizer after it has become saturated with animal waste.
Although wood chips are still used on stall floors, they must be
kept separate from straw or hay for disposal as recycling
fertilizer. Compost haulers will not accept stall waste which
includes wood chips. Stall waste disposal is a critical issue,
particularly with large animal care facilities such as zoos,
racetracks, and horse farms. A stall material which cannot be
economically disposed of cannot be used. This fact eliminates any
material which contains wood or any other slow degrading material.
Thus, a stall material is needed that performs hygienic and
ergonomic functions in the stall, and a biodegradable fertilizing
function in waste form has not been provided. Like the previously
described prior art animal bedding materials, this approach offers
no solution to the odor and ammonia production problem associated
with conventional animal bedding materials.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0009] To overcome these and other disadvantages of the prior art,
it is an object of the present invention to provide an inexpensive
and effective comfortable, absorbent and deodorizing material that
is useful as an animal bedding or stall floor lining material. It
is a further object of the invention to provide such a material
that is essentially dust free and inhibits the production of
ammonia and reduces the unpleasant odor in areas where animals are
housed. It is still a further object of the present invention to
provide an efficient method of mass producing an animal bedding
material composition having superior ammonia and odor reduction
properties. It is still a further object of the invention to
provide a stall floor covering composition which when soiled with
animal waste provides a rapidly biodegradable fertilizer with high
nitrogen content ready for immediate application by agricultural
growers.
[0010] The present invention is directed to an improved animal
bedding material having superior cushioning properties and ammonia
and odor reduction function. In the preferred embodiment of the
invention, the animal bedding material is comprised of strips or
pieces of shredded corrugated cardboard combined with an ion
exchange agent. The ion exchange agent may be an ammonia adsorbent
material in powderized form. The strips of corrugated cardboard are
formed by cutting sheets of cardboard into strips so that the
corrugations between parallel outer panels remain intact. The
strips or pieces are then mixed with the ion exchange agent so that
it is distributed on the outer and inner surfaces of the cardboard
strips and inside the corrugations of the cardboard. The corrugated
air-containing structure of the cardboard pieces provides
cushioning and shock absorption which relieves stress on animal
hooves and legs, and promotes healing of lame animals without the
need for expensive alternate stall flooring such as rubber
mats.
[0011] The animal bedding material of the present invention is
produced by feeding sheets of cardboard into a shredding or cutting
device that performs at least two different cutting operations. In
one such device, a first set of blades cuts the sheets of cardboard
into strips which are then cut with a second set of blades to a
desired length. Paper fiber dust is removed from the strips or
pieces by a vacuum system, and the pieces are combined with an ion
exchange agent in powder or particulate form. The bedding material
composition is then packaged in a sealed container or bag for
delivery to a stall and distributed directly upon a stall
floor.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0012] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of apparatus for producing an
animal bedding composition according to the method of the present
invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a sheet of corrugated
cardboard used to make the animal bedding composition of the
present invention;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of a single piece of the
animal bedding composition of the present invention, and
[0015] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a manufacturing process for
producing the animal bedding composition of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED AND ALTERNATE EMBODIMENTS
[0016] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 4, an animal bedding
composition and a method of making the animal bedding composition
of the present invention is illustrated. A sheet of corrugated
cardboard material 10 is provided. As shown in FIG. 2, the sheet of
cardboard is comprised of a first edge 12, a second edge 14, and a
plurality of corrugations 16. The corrugations 16 are generally
parallel to the first edge 12 and the second edge 14 and extend the
length of the sheet of corrugated cardboard 10. The cardboard 10
may be new or recycled stock of two panel sandwiched corrugations
ranging in total thickness from approximately {fraction (1/16)}" to
1/2". The outer panels are preferably kraft paper (a tough paper
made from sulfate wood pulp) or other fibrous cellulosic material
ranging in thickness from approximately {fraction (1/32)}" to
approximately 1/8". The internal corrugated layer, known as
fluting, is also preferably made of kraft paper or other fibrous,
cellulosic material with a flute height, as measured from one
interior side of an overlying panel to an opposing side of a
parallel overlying panel, in a range of approximately {fraction
(1/16)}" to 1/4". Preferably, the corrugated cardboard used for the
composition of the invention is a C-flute size of approximately
{fraction (3/16)}" height. Although shown with corrugations 16 in a
general sinusoidal form, other configurations of the internal layer
are possible, or any other structure which creates an air gap
between the outer panels, as further described herein.
[0017] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 4, one or more sheets of
corrugated cardboard 10 is fed into a shredder 12. One type of
shredding device which can be used in the method of this invention
is the Cross Shred manufactured by Industrial Paper Shredders, Inc.
of Salem, Ohio. However, other brands of shredders or other types
of cutting devices may be used. The Cross Shred is capable of
accepting cardboard sheets having a maximum width of about 20
inches and incorporates a two blade cutting system which first cuts
the cardboard sheet into strips with a width in an approximate
range of 1/8inch to 1 inch or greater, and then chops or cuts the
strips into particles having a length in an approximate range of
1/4inch to about 1 inch or greater. The sheets of corrugated
cardboard 10 are fed into the shredder 12 with the corrugations 16
generally perpendicular to a first set of blades in the shredder
12. Sheets of corrugated cardboard 10 may be fed individually into
the shredder, or a plurality of sheets may be stacked and fed
simultaneously into the shredder 12. Using the Cross Shred machine,
it is preferred that no more than three stacked sheets of
corrugated cardboard 10 be fed into the shredder at a time. If more
than three sheets of corrugated cardboard 10 are fed into the Cross
Shred, the corrugations may be crushed, thus diminishing the shock
absorption and wicking aeration action of the corrugated cardboard
as further described herein. However, other cutting or shredding
devices may allow more than three sheets of corrugated cardboard to
be cut simultaneously without crushing the internal corrugated
layer. The sheets of corrugated cardboard are cut into strips of
about 3/8inch in width. The 3/8inch wide strips are then cut into
pieces 18 having a length of about 1/2inch to about 1 inch.
[0018] The pieces 18 then exit the shredder 12 at the exit point 20
and are transferred to a conveyor belt 21. A vacuum system 22 is
provided at an exit point 20 from the shredder to remove and
collect any paper fiber dust particles resulting from the shredding
of the cardboard 10. The pieces 18 are then transferred by conveyor
belt 21 to mixing containers 26 and mixed with an ion-exchange
additive in powder form as may be applied from a dispensing device
24 positioned proximate to conveyor 21 whereby the additive is
disposed on the particles 10 and inside the corrugations 16. The
dispensing device 24 may be shrouded to contain the powder
particulates of the ion exchange agent as it is applied to the
pieces. In a mass production set-up, containers 26 may be supported
on a moving carousel or conveyor so that once a container is
filled, it is automatically advanced to a closing or sealing
station whereat the container or bag is sealed and removed from the
conveyance and palletized for shipment.
[0019] One particular form of an ion-exchange agent which has been
discovered to be especially well-suited for the inventive
composition is one or more forms of the natural substance zeolite.
Zeolites are naturally occurring volcanic minerals or synthesized
materials which contain hydrogen, oxygen, aluminum and silicon
arranged in a three-dimensional interconnecting lattice structure.
Zeolites have the ability to selectively adsorb specific gas
molecules and the ability to reversibly adsorb and desorb water.
One particular form of zeolite, clinoptilolite is most preferred
for use in the present invention due to its high selectivity for
ammonium ions. However, other zeolites such as synthetic zeolites F
and W may be used. Clinoptilote is non-toxic, edible and easily
digested and has been used as a food supplement for cattle and
swine to improve metabolism and lessen bloating. As such, it is
safe and does not pose the health problems associated with other
odor control additives such as lime. Ammonium ions are adsorbed by
the clinoptilolite, reducing the amount of airborne ammonia
typically found in areas where animals are housed. The reduction of
airborne ammonia reduces respiratory distress it is proven to
cause.
[0020] Zeolites, and in particular clinoptiloite, also has
excellent agricultural fertilization properties. This is critical
to the success of a stall material as it must be economically
disposed of. In other words, acceptance of used stall material by
agricultural growers is required in order for a stall material to
be used in large quantities. Clinoptilolite is high in potassium as
major exchangeable cation, providing slow release potassium, and
nitrogen when pre-loaded with ammonium.
[0021] Preferably, the containers 26 are filled with pieces 18 to
about 50% of capacity and about 50% of a predetermined amount of
ion exchange agent in powder form is added to the pieces 18. The
containers 26 are then completely filled with pieces 18 and the
remaining ion exchange agent powder is mixed in. The ion exchange
agent can alternatively be distributed on the pieces 18 using a
sifting mechanism as the pieces 18 are moved along conveyor belt
21. A preferred form of the animal bedding composition may have
from about 1/2ounces to about 8 ounces of clinoptilolite per 3
cubic feet of pieces 18, preferably from about 1 ounce to about 3
ounces of clinoptilolite per 3 cubic feet of pieces 18.
[0022] FIG. 3 shows a piece 18 of the animal bedding composition.
As used herein, the term "composition" means the combination of the
cardboard pieces and the particles 25 of the ion exchange agent. As
illustrated, a corrugated cardboard structure includes outer
generally parallel panels 31 with inner surfaces 30 and outer
surfaces 32, and an inner panel 35 having a plurality of
corrugations 34. The corrugations 34 each have a first surface 36
and a second surface 38. The height of the corrugations 34 from one
inner surface 30 to the opposing inner surface 30 of panels 31
dictates the thickness of the cardboard structure. For purposes of
practicing the invention, a corrugated cardboard structure with a
relatively greater or increased thickness is preferred. Increased
thickness provides a mechanical benefit of shock and pressure
absorption, and provides a greater amount of internal surface area
as a carrier structure for a powderized form of an ion exchange
additive represented schematically, not to scale, as particles 25.
The particles 25 are, through mechanical mixture, carried by and
attached to the corrugated cardboard pieces 18 to form the
composition.
[0023] The ion exchange agent particles 25 are disposed on the
inner and outer surfaces 30 and 32, and on the inside and outside
surfaces 36 and 38 of the corrugations 34. As explained, the
preferred ion exchange agent is zeolite, and the most preferred
zeolite is clinoptilolite. Clinoptilolite is preferred due to its
excellent ammonia adsorption capability. When the zeolite is mixed
with the corrugated pieces 18, and distributed on the inner and
outer surfaces 30 and 32, and on the inside and outside surfaces 36
and 38 of the corrugations 34, the absorption properties of the
cardboard are combined with the adsorption properties of the
zeolite. Moisture is absorbed by the cardboard and adsorbed by the
zeolite. This combined moisture absorption/adsorption is further
combined with the mechanical cushioning and shock absorption of the
corrugated structure. Further, it has been discovered that there is
sufficient mechanical bonding between the adsorbent, deodorizing
zeolite material and the external and internal surfaces of a
corrugated cardboard structure such that the cardboard acts as both
a carrier and distributor of the adsorbent, deodorizing zeolite
material throughout the area of distribution of the shredded
particles. It has also been discovered that, in the animal stall
application as described, the corrugated cardboard structure
provides a hydrodynamic wicking action to aerate and evaporate
moisture from the stall floor. As the pieces 18 become wet, the air
gaps between the outer panels 31 and the inner corrugated layer 34
allow air to pass through each piece to evaporate moisture. The
presence of the zeolite within the air gaps of the pieces 18
increases the amount of ammonium ion exchange which occurs, thus
maximizing the reduction of ammonia odor and respiratory
distress.
[0024] When the composition is distributed about a stall floor, a
substantial amount of the zeolite remains disposed on all surfaces
of each piece 18. It is desirable that a portion of the zeolite
also fall on the stall floor. Part of the animal waste is absorbed
by the shredded cardboard and part of the waste works its way
through the bedding material to the stall floor. The zeolite on the
stall floor adsorbs ammonium from the waste that has fallen to the
stall floor. The bedding material acts as a wick, slowing absorbing
waste from the stall floor. The corrugations allow for air flow and
slow drying, so that the pieces do not mat together.
[0025] The animal bedding composition can be spread upon a stall
floor in any thickness, such as approximately 2 inches or up to 10
inches or greater depending on the type of animals housed. For
example, in stalls for show or race horses, it is desirable to have
a thicker layer of bedding to provide more support and cushion. The
composition is periodically remixed or agitated in the stall to
redistribute both the cardboard pieces and the particulates of ion
exchange agent. When the composition becomes soiled with animal
waste, it is collected and used as an agricultural fertilizer in
direct soil applications. For example, when a portion of the
composition within a stall is soiled, it is removed by pitch fork
or shovel in the ordinary manner of "mucking out". The removal
composition is replaced by a fresh supply of equal quantity. The
soiled composition is ideally suited as a fertilizer for growing
vegetables and especially mushrooms. This is due to the high carbon
content of the kraft paper of which the corrugated cardboard is
constructed and the excellent fertilizing properties of zeolite as
a slow release of nitrogen and potassium. The carbon bonds to
nitrogen present in urine, thus the urine soaked bedding
composition is a nitrogen-rich fertilizer. As mentioned, critical
to the superior performance of the composition as a vegetable and
mushroom fertilizer is the absence of wood shavings which are not
as rapidly biodegradable as cardboard. Stall materials which
contain wood shavings are not acceptable to agricultural growers.
Thus, wood shavings when used in stalls must be kept segregated
from other materials.
[0026] The animal bedding composition of the invention is easier to
spread on stall floors than the prior art bedding materials. Unlike
hay and straw, the cardboard pieces do not clump together. As such,
it is not necessary to separate the pieces after the material is
poured onto the stall floor. This also makes the waste removal or
"mucking out" procedure simpler. Because the individual pieces of
the bedding material do not stick together, the animal waste
separates from the bedding material more readily. As a result,
relatively less material is needed to replenish the bedding. Also,
the resulting waste is less bulky than with other bedding materials
because a relatively large amount of the bedding material remains
on the stall floor after the animal waste is removed.
[0027] Accordingly, the preferred and alternate embodiments of the
present invention have been described. With the foregoing
description in mind, however, it is understood that this
description is made only by way of example, that the invention is
not limited to the particular embodiments described herein, and
that various rearrangements, modifications and substitutions may be
implemented without departing from the true spirit of the invention
as hereinafter claimed.
* * * * *