TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to a method of producing livestock feed and a system to implement the aforementioned method thereof, and more specifically to livestock feed production systems to provide nutritional feed for cattle. Moreover, the present disclosure relates to computer program products comprising a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable instructions stored thereon, the computer-readable instructions being executable by a computerized device comprising processing hardware to execute aforesaid methods.

BACKGROUND

Conventionally, cattle on farms are grazed on grass in an outdoor environment and are provided with food supplements on a periodic basis, for example during severe winter months when the cattle are settled indoors.

Present farming techniques for rearing cattle are not sufficiently productive to meet future demand for meat products at a cost that future population are likely to be able to afford, as energy-per-capita (e) falls drastically as a consequence of increasing World population (presently 7 billion people) and depletion of fossil fuel reserves. As a result, there arises a technical problem of how to make agriculture more efficient and productive, especially in respect of meat production, as energy-per-capita (e) falls, and also able to satisfy requirements for supply of Omega-3 oils for enhancing human health.

Livestock is typically conventionally allowed to graze in pasture and similar terrain, and fed on silage in winter, wherein the silage is generated from harvested plant material, by way of a fermentation process. The silage provides the livestock with sufficient nutrition to survive, it is not particularly exciti ng for the l ivestock to eat, that enjoy fresh plant material with exciting aroma and texture; this is important with regards to animal welfare. Although intensively farmed animals are known, for example as in poultry industry, such techniques are not suitable for other types of animals than poultry. Therefore, there arises a need to provide improved livestock feed production apparatus for supporti ng advanced highly productive forms of agricultu re . Of particular importance is to ensure that cattle receive sufficient roughage for their digestive systems to function in an efficient manner that is also conducive to good animal welfare.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure seeks to provide a method of producing livestock feed using a hydroponics apparatus. The present invention also seeks to provide a livestock feed producing system for growing livestock feed using a hydroponics apparatus. Further, the present disclosure seeks to provide a computer implementable program operable to execute aforesaid methods on the aforesaid system .

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided method of producing livestock feed using a hydroponics apparatus, characterized in that the method includes :

(i) an experimental arrangement to measure plant growth characteristics of seeds grown in the hydroponics apparatus as a function of physical parameters that influence the measured plant growth characteristics, wherein a harvesting arrangement is employed for receiving a plant growth material and processing the plant growth material to generate the corresponding livestock feed for livestock; and

(ii) generating a mathematical model based upon the measured plant growth characteristics; and (iii) applying the mathematical model in a data processing arrangement for controlling input of resources into the hydroponics apparatus when growing seeds therein,

characterized in that the mathematical model is applied in an iterative manner, whilst monitoring a state of growth of the seeds (G(t)) and a state of mould growth of the seeds (M(t)) as a real-time input to the mathematical model .

The present invention is of advantage in that the livestock feed produced from the livestock feed production apparatus is highly fibrous. Optionally, in the method, the physical parameters that influence the measured plant growth includes one or more of:

(i) a temporal function of a quantity of water supplied W(t) to the seeds in one or more trays of the hydroponics apparatus;

(ii) a temporal function of a nutrient solution N(t) supplied to the seeds in the one or more trays;

(iii) a temporal function of temperature (T) of the seeds when growing in the hydroponics apparatus;

(iv) a function of water cycle employed R(t) when supplying water to the seeds in the hydroponics apparatus;

(v) a temporal function of ozone exposure O(t) applied to the seeds when in the hydroponics apparatus;

(vi) a temporal function of lighting applied to the growing seeds (L(t)) when in the hydroponics apparatus; and

(vii) a planting density (D) employed when applying the seeds to the one or more trays.

Optionally, the method includes adjusting the mathematical model to provide the livestock feed in a manner that is suited for livestock of a variety Piedmontese. Optionally, the method includes operating a livestock feed production system to blend supplementary materials into the corresponding livestock feed. More optionally, the method includes arranging for the supplementary materials to include at least one of: hay, wild flower supplements, aromatic supplements, vitamin supplements, growth supplements, antibiotics.

More optionally, the livestock feed production arrangement is operable to blend the supplementary materials into the corresponding livestock feed in a temporally varying manner. Optionally, the method includes employing a gaseous fumigation arrangement for gaseously fumigating the seeds prior to germination to reduce an occurrence of mould growth therein during germination and growing of the seeds to form roots and shoots.

Optionally, the method includes operating the gaseous fumigation arrangement to employ ozone gas for fumigating the seeds to reduce growth of mould in the plant growth material. More optionally, the method includes providing the ozone gas for fumigation in a concentration in a range of 20 to 40 p. p.m. for a period in a range of 5 minutes to 1 hours. Optionally, the method includes providing the ozone gas for fumigation temporally periodically for fumigating the seeds in response to detection of mould formation upon the seeds, their roots and/or their shoots.

Optionally, the method includes arranging for the one or more trays of the hydroponics apparatus have a length: width ratio in a range of 3 : 1 to 10: 1. More optionally, the method includes arranging for the one or more trays of the hydroponics apparatus to be provided with an actuation arrangement for selectively flexing regions of the one or more trays of the hydroponics apparatus for sweeping ponding of nutrient solution occurring therein along a length of the one or more trays of the hydroponics apparatus.

Optionally, the method includes arranging for the one or more trays of the hydroponics apparatus to be disposed in operation on a carousel for at least one of: applying seeds to the one or more trays of the hydroponics apparatus for growing the plant growth material on the one or more trays of the hydroponics apparatus, harvesting the plant growth material from the one or more trays of the hydroponics apparatus.

Optionally, the method includes arranging for the one or more trays of the hydroponics apparatus to be disposed in one or more vertical stacks, wherein planes of the one or more trays of the hydroponics apparatus for receiving the grain are substantially mutually parallel.

Optionally, the livestock feed production apparatus includes an arrangement for receiving waste from animals, and for anaerobically digesting the waste to generate methane gas.

Optionally, an agricultural system is operable to employ off-grid with electricity supplied from at least one of: methane fuel, solar cells, wind turbines, naturally-occurring water flow.

According to another aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a system for producing livestock feed using a hydroponics apparatus, characterized in that the system is operable:

(i) using an experimental arrangement to measure plant growth characteristics of seeds grown in the hydroponics apparatus as a function of physical parameters that influence the measured plant growth characteristics, wherein a harvesting arrangement is employed for receiving a plant growth material and processing the plant growth material to generate the corresponding livestock feed for livestock; and (ii) generating a mathematical model based upon the measured plant growth characteristics; and

(iii) applying the mathematical model in a data processing arrangement for controlling input of resources into the hydroponics apparatus when growing seeds therein,

characterized in that the mathematical model is applied in an iterative manner, whilst monitoring a state of growth of the seeds (G(t)) and a state of mould growth of the seeds (M(t)) as a real-time input to the mathematical model .

Optionally, the physical parameters that influence the measured plant growth includes one or more of:

(i) a temporal function of a quantity of water supplied W(t) to the seeds in one or more trays of the hydroponics apparatus;

(ii) a temporal function of a nutrient solution N(t) supplied to the seeds in the one or more trays;

(iii) a temporal function of temperature (T) of the seeds when growing in the hydroponics apparatus;

(iv) a function of water cycle employed R(t) when supplying water to the seeds in the hydroponics apparatus;

(v) a temporal function of ozone exposure O(t) applied to the seeds when in the hydroponics apparatus;

(vi) as a temporal function of lighting applied to the growing seeds (L(t)) when in the hydroponics apparatus; and

(vii) a planting density (D) employed when applying the seeds to the one or more trays.

Optionally, the system includes adjusting the mathematical model to provide the livestock feed in a manner that is suited for livestock of a variety Piedmontese.

Optionally, the system includes operating a livestock feed production system to blend supplementary materials into the corresponding livestock feed. More optionally, the livestock feed production arrangement is operable to blend the supplementary materials into the corresponding livestock feed in a temporally varying manner.

Optionally, the system includes arranging for the supplementary materials to include at least one of: hay, wild flower supplements, aromatic supplements, vitamin supplements, growth supplements, antibiotics.

Optionally, the system includes employing a gaseous fumigation arrangement for gaseously fumigating the seeds prior to germination to reduce an occurrence of mould growth therein during germination and growing of the seeds to form roots and shoots. More optionally, the system includes operating the gaseous fumigation arrangement to employ ozone gas for fumigating the seeds to reduce growth of mould in the plant growth material. Moreover, optionally, the system includes providing the ozone gas for fumigation in a concentration in a range of 20 to 40 p. p.m. for a period in a range of 5 minutes to 1 hours.

Optionally, the system includes providing the ozone gas for fumigation temporally periodically for fumigating the seeds in response to detection of mould formation upon the seeds, their roots and/or their shoots.

Optionally, the system includes arranging for the one of more trays of the hydroponics apparatus have a length-to-width ratio in a range of 3 : 1 to 10: 1.

Optionally, the system includes arranging for the one of more trays of the hydroponics apparatus to be provided with an actuation arrangement for selectively flexing regions of the one of more trays of the hydroponics apparatus for sweeping ponding of nutrient solution occurring therein along a length of the one of more trays of the hydroponics apparatus.

Optionally, the system includes arranging for the one of more trays of the hydroponics apparatus to be disposed in operation on a carousel for at least one of: applying seeds to the one of more trays of the hydroponics apparatus for growing the plant growth material on the one of more trays of the hydroponics apparatus, harvesting the plant growth material from the one of more trays of the hydroponics apparatus.

Optionally, the system includes arranging for the one of more trays of the hydroponics apparatus to be disposed in one or more vertical stacks, wherein planes of the one of more trays of the hydroponics apparatus for receiving the seeds are substantially mutually parallel . More optionally, the livestock feed production apparatus includes an arrangement for receiving waste from animals, and for anaerobically digesting the waste to generate methane gas.

More optionally, an agricultural system is operable to employ a system of any one of claims 20 to 34 off-grid with electricity supplied from at least one of: methane fuel, solar cells, wind turbines, naturally-occurring water flow. In yet another aspect, the present disclosure provides computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable instructions stored thereon, the computer- readable instructions being executable by a computerized device comprising processing hardware to execute aforesaid methods on the aforesaid system.

It will be appreciated that features of the invention are susceptible to being combined in various combinations without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DIAGRAMS Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following diagrams wherein: FIG. 1 is a flow chart of method of producing livestock feed using a hydroponics apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a system for producing livestock feed using a hydroponics apparatus operable to employ the method of FIG.

1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

In the accompanying diagrams, an underlined number is employed to represent an item over which the underlined number is positioned or an item to which the underlined number is adjacent. A non-underlined number relates to an item identified by a line linking the non-underlined number to the item. When a number is non-underlined and accompanied by an associated arrow, the non-underlined number is used to identify a general item at which the arrow is pointing.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS In overview, embodiments of the present disclosure are concerned with highly efficient technology for producing feed for livestock in a manner that is more efficient than conventional known farming techniques, and provides highly fibrous livestock feed that is more enjoyable and nutritious for livestock to consume.

In an aspect, embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method of producing livestock feed using a hydroponics apparatus, characterized in that the method includes:

(i) using an experimental arrangement to measure plant growth characteristics of seeds grown in the hydroponics apparatus as a function of physical parameters that influence the measured plant growth characteristics, wherein a harvesting arrangement is employed for receiving a plant growth material and processing the plant growth material to generate the corresponding livestock feed for livestock; and (ii) generating a mathematical model based upon the measured plant growth characteristics; and

(iii) applying the mathematical model in a data processing arrangement for controlling input of resources into the hydroponics apparatus when growing seeds therein,

characterized in that the mathematical model is applied in an iterative manner, whilst monitoring a state of growth of the seeds (G(t)) and a state of mould growth of the seeds (M(t)) as a real-time input to the mathematical model.

In another aspect, embodiment of the present disclosure provides a system for producing livestock feed using a hydroponics apparatus, characterized in that the system is operable:

(i) using an experimental arrangement to measure plant growth characteristics of seeds grown in the hydroponics apparatus as a function of physical parameters that influence the measured plant growth characteristics, wherein a harvesting arrangement is employed for receiving a plant growth material and processing the plant growth material to generate the corresponding livestock feed for livestock; and

(ii) generating a mathematical model based upon the measured plant growth characteristics; and

(iii) applying the mathematical model in a data processing arrangement for controlling input of resources into the hydroponics apparatus when growing seeds therein,

characterized in that the mathematical model is applied in an iterative manner, whilst monitoring a state of growth of the seeds (G(t)) and a state of mould growth of the seeds (M(t)) as a real-time input to the mathematical model.

Embodiments of the present invention are advantageous in terms of measuring plant growth characteristics on real-time basis and predicting nutritional and/or environmental requirements of the seeds during growth phase. Thus, resulting to produce adequately fibrous livestock feed for livestock.

FIG. 1 is a flow chart of method 100 of producing livestock feed using a hydroponics apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. At step 102 the flow chart 100 initiates. At the step 102, an experimental arrangement is being used for measuring plant growth characteristics of seeds grown in the hydroponics apparatus as a function of physical parameters that influence the measured plant growth characteristics. Further at the step 102, a harvesting arrangement is operable for receiving a plant growth material and processing the received plant growth material for generating the livestock feed for livestock. At step 104, a mathematical model based upon the measured plant growth characteristics is generated. At step 106, the mathematical model is being applied in a data processing arrangement for controlling input of resources into the hydroponics apparatus when growing seeds therein.

The experimental arrangement of step 102 is operable for measuring plant growth characteristics of the seeds. Moreover, the plant growth characteristics may include but not limited to a temporal function of a quantity of water supplied W(t) to the seeds in one or more trays of the hydroponics apparatus, a temporal function of a nutrient solution N(t) supplied to the seeds in the one or more trays, a function of water cycle employed R(t) when supplying water to the seeds in the hydroponics apparatus, a temporal function of ozone exposure O(t) applied to the seeds when in the hydroponics apparatus, a temporal function of lighting applied to the growing seeds (L(t)) when in the hydroponics apparatus and a planting density (D) employed when applying the seeds to the one or more trays.

In an exemplary embodiment, the temporal function of the quantity of water supplied W(t) may be quantity of water required by the seeds in the hydroponics apparatus at a time for generating the plant growth material. The temporal function of the nutrient solution N(t) supplied to the seeds in the one or more trays may be quantity of nutrient solution required for growing the plant growth material by the seeds at a time. For example, the temporal function of the nutrient solution N(t) may be concentrations of individual nutrient salts present in the nutrient solution (such as nitrates, phosphates, chlorides, sulphate, Sodium, Potassium, Manganese, Magnesium, Copper, Iron, and so forth) . The temporal function of temperature (T) may be the temperature of seeds in the hydroponics apparatus for generating the plant growth material. The function of water cycle employed R(t) may be a periodically water supply to the seeds in the hydroponics apparatus (such as length of inter-watering dry period, length of watering wet period, and so forth). The temporal function of ozone exposure O(t) may be the amount of ozone supplied for a time duration for fumigating the seeds during growth in the hydroponics apparatus. The temporal function of lighting applied to the growing seeds (L(t)) may a duration of light exposure to the growing seeds in the hydroponics apparatus. For example, the duration of light exposure to the growing seeds may be the minimal exposure to the light received by the seeds in a growing cycle of 4 to 8 days. Further the planting density (D) may be an amount of seeds supplied in an area of the one or more trays of the hydroponics apparatus for generating the plant growth material.

The method 100 at step 104 is operable to generate the mathematical model based upon the measured plant growth characteristics. For example, the measured plant growth characteristics of may include temporal growth of plant material G(t) and mould M(t). In an example, the mathematical model F may be a temporal function of measureable components such as the water supplied W(t), the nutrient solution N(t), the temperature T(t) of the seeds, the water cycle employed R(t), the ozone exposure O(t), the lighting applied to the growing seeds L(t), and the planting density (D) of seeds on the one or more trays. In another example, the mathematical model F may be used to determine the growth of plant material G(t) and mould M(t) after a specific period of time. In such example, a relation may be formed between the aforementioned measureable components to determine the growth of plant material G(t) and mould M(t), such as [G{t + At), M t + At)] = F[D, W{t), N{t), T{t), R{t), 0{t), L{t), G{t), (t)]

In the aforementioned relation At may be the representation of change in time. Further, in such example, a limited set of experimental results can be extrapolated by linear or polynomial interpolation to provide intermediate states of the mathematical model. The data processing arrangement of step 106 of the method is operable for controlling input of resources into the hydroponics apparatus when growing seeds therein.

In an embodiment, the data processing arrangement of step 106 may be may be operable to control the environmental control parameters felicitating growth of the seeds within the hydroponics apparatus, such as temperature, humidity, lighting, aeration, and so forth. In present embodiment, the data processing arrangement may also be operable to control the water feed and the nutrient feed to the seeds on the trays of the hydroponics apparatus. In an embodiment, in the step 106 the mathematical model may be applied in an iterative manner while monitoring a state of mould growth of the seeds (M(t)) as a real-time input to the mathematical model. For example, the mould growth of the seeds (M(t)) may be an amount of Aspergillus growth on seeds during generation of the plant growth material in the hydroponics apparatus.

In an embodiment, the method 100 may be operable for adjusting the mathematical model to provide the livestock feed in a manner that may be suited for livestock of a variety Piedmontese. In another embodiment, the method 100 may be operable of operating a livestock feed production system to blend supplementary materials into the corresponding livestock feed for increasing the roughness of the fodder, resulting in the fibrous livestock feed. The supplementary materials may be blended in a temporally varying manner with the plant growth material received from the harvesting arrangement of the hydroponics apparatus.

In an embodiment, the supplementary materials may include one of hay, wild flower supplements, aromatic supplements, vitamin supplements, growth supplements, antibiotics, and so forth. For example, the blending maybe performed in a temporally varying manner, and the supplementary materials may include at least one of spring barley, wheat, rye, oats, barley, buckwheat, quinoa, sorghum, fonio, triticale, millet, rice, maize, and so forth. In an embodiment, the method 100 may include operating a gaseous fumigation arrangement for gaseously fumigating the prior to germination to reduce an occurrence of mould growth therein during germination and growing of the seeds to form roots and shoots. In present embodiment, the fumigation arrangement may use ozone gas for fumigating the supplied grain to reduce growth of mould in the plant growth material. The ozone gas may be used temporally periodically in combination with sulphur dioxide and/or chlorine gas for fumigating the supplied grain in response to detection of mould formation upon the supplied grain, its roots and/or shoots. In an embodiment, the method 100 is operable to reduce formation of Aspergillus on the supplied grains by fumigating the one or more trays of the hydroponics apparatus by ozone gas. For example, the one or more trays may be exposed to the ozone gas in periodic intervals. The ozone gas concentration may be in range of 20 p. p.m. to 40 p. p.m.. The ozone exposure may be implemented for a duration of 5 minutes to 60 minutes (1 hour).

In another embodiment, the method may be operable to generate the ozone from a discharge process, for example from a corona discharge process, ultraviolet light exposure processor similar. The ozone is preferably directed to roots of the germinated grain in the trays, where possible. The grain is spread evenly around the trays to avoid bunching of distribution of the grain that could cause potential occurrence of Aspergillus or similar mould growth. In another embodiment, the method 100 may be operable to reduce the formation of Aspergillus on the roots of the plant growth material by exposing to the ozone. For example, at periodic intervals the trays may be exposed to ozone gas (via gaseous fumigation). Optionally, the grains received from seeds supplying arrangement may be treated only once with ozone immediately before germination, but not later during its growing phase. Optionally, ozone treatment is applied in an event, duri ng the growing phase, that Aspergillus is detected. The ozone gas concentration is beneficially in a range of 0.1 p. p.m. to 200 p. p.m., for example in a range of 0.1 p. p.m. to 100 p. p.m., more preferably in a range of 10 p. p.m. to 40 p. p.m., sustained for a period of 30 minutes.

Optionally in an embodiment, the method 100 is operable to employ other in combination with ozone, for example Sulphur Dioxide, Nitrous Oxides, to hinder mould growth, with periodic application as aforementioned. Alternatively, the gaseous treatment for Aspergillus is supplied continuously. Alternatively, the gaseous treatment for Aspergillus may be selectively applied only when a trace of Aspergillus is first detected. The trays are beneficially treated with ozone and/or bleach to kill any residual Aspergillus or similar mould between growth cycles of the grain therein.

In an embodiment, the method 100 is operable for arranging the one or more trays of the hydroponics apparatus in a length-to-width ratio in a range of 3 : 1 to 10: 1. For example, the one or more trays may be 30 cm to 1 meter wide. More specifically, the one or more trays may be 60 cm to 80 cm wide. The trays are optionally fabricated from a plastics material. A temperature of the trays may occur in a range of 17 °C to 23 °C, more optionally in a range of 20 °C to 22 °C.

In another embodiment, the method 100 is operable to arrange the trays of the hydroponics apparatus may be provided with an actuation arrangement for selectively flexing regions of the one or more trays of the hydroponics apparatus for sweeping ponding of nutrient solution occurring therein along a length of the one or more trays of the hydroponics apparatus.

In another embodiment, the method 100 incudes arranging the trays a vertically rotating carousel and may be pivotable along one of their elongate edges to enable rapid automated emptying of the trays into a collection holder, wherein the germinated grain is pulverized as aforementioned to provide livestock feed. In present embodiment, the pulverization may only partial so as to provide the livestock with interesting texture to munch (for example, to provide for roughage for their digestive system). In another embodiment, the method 100 may include arranging the trays of the hydroponic apparatus in a vertical manner on the actuation arrangement for preventing ponding along the trays. For example, actuation arrangement may be activated in a sequence along a length of the trays to sweep any ponding along the trays. The actuators may be electromagnetic actuators that are actuated under computer control, although hydraulic actuators can alternatively be employed.

In an embodiment, the method 100 may include arranging the trays of the hydroponics apparatus in one or more vertical stacks, wherein planes of the one or more trays for receiving the seeds from the seeds supply unit are substantially mutually parallel. In an embodiment, the livestock feed production apparatus used in the method 100 may include an arrangement for receiving waste from the animals, and for anaerobically digesting the waste to generate methane gas. In another embodiment, the method 100 may be implemented in an agricultural system operating off-grid with electricity supplied from at least one of: methane fuel, solar cells, wind turbines, naturally-occurring water flow. For example, the naturally-occurring water flow may include hydroelectric (stream, river), tidal, wave, and so forth. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a system 100 for producing livestock feed 216 using a hydroponics apparatus 202 operable to employ the method 100 of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the system 200 includes the hydroponics apparatus 202, an experimental arrangement 204 for measuring plant growth characteristics of seeds and a data processing arrangement 206 for controlling input of resources into the hydroponics apparatus 202 when growing the seeds therein.

The hydroponics apparatus 202 of the system 200 is optionally a set-up having different arrangements for controlling different growth parameters. The hydroponics apparatus 202 includes one or more trays 210 for receiving the seeds and growing the seeds for producing the plant growth materials. The hydroponics apparatus 202 further includes a harvesting arrangement 212 for receiving the plant growth materials from the one or more trays 210. The experimental arrangement 204 of the system 100 is operable to measure plant growth characteristics of the seeds grown in the hydroponics apparatus 202. The experimental arrangement 204 may include an environment parameter control arrangement 214 for regulating and monitoring environment parameter of the hydroponics apparatus 202, such temperature, humidity, lighting, aeration, and so forth. The experimental arrangement 204 may also include a water feed unit 216 for maintaining the water supply to the hydroponics apparatus and a nutrient feed 218 operable to fulfil the nutritional requirements of the seeds growing in the trays 210 of the hydroponics apparatus 202. In an embodiment, nutrient feed 218 is connected to the hydroponics apparatus 202 via the water feed unit 216 resulting to form a water based nutrient feed for the seeds growing in the trays 210.

The experimental arrangement 204 of the system 200 is operable to generate a mathematical model based upon the measured plant growth characteristics of the seeds grown in the hydroponics apparatus 202. In an embodiment, the plant growth characteristics may include but not limited to a temporal function of a quantity of water supplied W(t) to the seeds in one or more trays of the hydroponics apparatus, a temporal function of a nutrient solution N(t) supplied to the seeds in the one or more trays, a function of water cycle employed R(t) when supplying water to the seeds in the hydroponics apparatus, a temporal function of ozone exposure O(t) applied to the seeds when in the hydroponics apparatus, a temporal function of lighting applied to the growing seeds (L(t)) when in the hydroponics apparatus and a planting density (D) employed when applying the seeds to the one or more trays.

The data processing arrangement 206 of the system 200 is operable to implement the mathematical model for controlling input of resources into the hydroponics apparatus 202 when growing the seeds therein. For example, the data processing arrangement 206 may be operable to control the water feed unit 216 and the nutrient feed 218.

In an embodiment, the data processing arrangement 206 may be a processing hardware, software, firmware or a combination of these, suitable for implementing the mathematical model. In an embodiment, the data processing arrangement may include general electronic components suitable for controlling input of resources into the hydroponics apparatus. The general electronic components may comprise an input means, an output means, a processer, a memory, a network adapter and so forth. For example, the memory may be operable to store the mathematical model. In such example, the processer may be operable to execute mathematical model.

The system 200 also includes a seed supply unit 208 for supplying the seeds for producing plant growth materials in the hydroponics apparatus 202. In an embodiment, the seed supply unit 208 may be operable for pre-treatment of the seeds before supplying the seeds to the hydroponics apparatus 202. For example, the pre-treatment of seeds may include but not limited to removal of loose chaff and remnants of husks and broken seeds.

In an embodiment, the seeds supplied from the seed supply unit 208 to the hydroponics apparatus 202 may be one of Spring Barley, although other types of grain such as alfalfa, maize, oats can also be used for fodder production.

In an embodiment, the system 200 also includes a fumigation arrangement 214 for fumigating the seeds received from the seed supply unit 208 in presence of Ozone gas in a closed environment. In present embodiment, the fumigation arrangement 214 is operable to reduce mould growth during germination and growing of the seeds to form roots and shoots in the trays 210 of the hydroponics apparatus.

In an exemplary embodiment, the data processing arrangement 206 may be operable to control the fumigation arrangement 214 of the system 100 for producing livestock feed. In the present embodiment, the data processing arrangement 206 may be operable to regulate the ozone concentration and the duration of exposure for removing moulds from the seeds received from the seed supply 208. In another exemplary embodiment, the data processing arrangement 206 may be operable to regulate the ozone concentration and the duration of exposure from the roots and shoots of the seeds growing in the trays 210 of hydroponics apparatus 202.

In an embodiment, the hydroponics apparatus 202 producing the livestock feed 216 may optionally connected to a fodder collection unit 226 for blending supplementary materials 228 with the plant growth material received from the harvesting arrangement 212 of the hydroponics apparatus 202 resulting to produce livestock feed 216 for the livestock.

In an embodiment, the system 100 may be connected to a feeding arrangement 218 for feeding the livestock feed 216 received from the fodder collection unit 226 to the livestock. The feeding arrangement 218 may further connect to a waste collection unit 220 for receiving waste from livestock and supplying the collected waste to an anaerobic digester 222 for producing biogas 224 by converting the collected waste via anaerobic digestion.

In an embodiment, the system 200 may be operated off-grid with electricity supplied from at least one of: methane fuel, solar cells, wind turbines, naturally-occurring water flow. For example, the naturally- occurring water flow may include hydroelectric (stream, river), tidal, wave, and so forth. In another embodiment, the system 200 may be operable to utilize renewable energy for cooling and/or of the hydroponics apparatus 202, for controlling the environment parameter control arrangement 214 and the data processing arrangement 218.

In an exemplary embodiment, the one or more trays 210 may comprise of at least one sensor to measure the environmental control parameters, such as temperature, humidity, lighting and so forth. In an example, the trays may comprise of optical sensors. In such example, the optical sensor may strobe so that the seeds receive a minimal exposure to light during their growing process, such as 4 to 8 days. In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one sensor may be operable to detect a spatial extent of the mould with great ease and accuracy. For example, the nutrient solution may be provided with a polypeptide tracer with linked fluorescence arrangement that preferentially binds with the mould, and is susceptible to fluorescing when exposed to ultraviolet interrogation and thereby enabling the one or more optical sensors to detect a spatial extent. Further, in such example, polypeptide tracer can be removed via a washing cycle when the grown seeds are harvested, to avoid the tracer being incorporated into the livestock feed. Additionally, the polypeptide tracer may be broken down harmlessly in the digestive systems of the livestock.

In an exemplary embodiment, the one or more trays 210 are provided with optically transparent windows that enable the roots of the seeds to be inspected directly for mould growth, for example Aspergillus growth. In another exemplary embodiment, the one or more trays 210 may be selectively provided with the polypeptide tracer. Additionally, the polypeptide tracer may be operable to be used as a control sensing group in contradistinction to mutually similar trays that may be grown under identical conditions but without the polypeptide tracer. The system and method of producing livestock feed using a hydroponics apparatus may be configured to (the method may include) maintaining optimum level of CO2 required for photosynthesis of germinated seeds or fodder. For example, a gas feed arrangement may include one or more sensors for measuring the levels of CO2 and/or for controlling the release of CO2, maintaining it a required level or an optimum level of CO2. The level of CO2 may be controlled by a gas feed arrangement, or by adjusting one or more parameters of the fodder growth process, for example changes in temperature of operation which would with speed or slow chemical (or bio-chemical) reactions, including the fodder growth rate. Optionally, the present disclosure provides a computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable instructions stored thereon, the computer-readable instructions being executable by a computerized device comprising processing hardware to execute the method 100 of producing livestock feed using a hydroponics apparatus 202.

Embodiments of method 100 is advantageous in terms of using highly efficient technology for producing fibrous livestock feed for livestock in a manner that is more efficient than conventional known farming techniques, and provides feed that is more enjoyable and nutritious for livestock to consume. Additionally, the method 100 is advantageous in terms that it is a better technique of farming which provides better quality and yield of the crop than traditional farming by utilizing lesser resources like water, nutrients, and so forth. In addition, the system 200 of the present disclosure is advantageous in terms of a shorter time duration of the grain germination for harvesting plant growth material to produce livestock feed 216. For example, in the system 200 described above grain germination to harvesting cycle ranges between 4 to 8 days. However, in conventional farming harvesting can be done only 2-3 times in a year.

Modifications to embodiments of the invention described in the foregoing are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the accompanying claims. Expressions such as "including", "comprising", "incorporating", "consisting of", "have", "is" used to describe and claim the present invention are intended to be construed in a nonexclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components or elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural . Numerals included within parentheses in the accompanying claims are intended to assist understanding of the claims and should not be construed in any way to limit subject matter claimed by these claims.