Seed blends and methods of making same

Abstract

An animal feed product formed from a seed blend. The seed blend includes 6 - 7% chicory, 25 to less than 40% clover, and the remaining percentage of high sugar grass. The clover includes a hollow stem red and / or white clover. The high sugar grass includes one or more species of hollow stem high sugar grass.

Description

SEED BLENDS AND METHODS OF MAKING SAMECROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to United States Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 645,665, filed on May 10, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] Healthy cattle require approximately three pounds of crude protein per day, with adjustments made with the needs of the cattle. Rumen microorganisms synthesize an estimated 0.12 pounds of bacterial crude protein from 1 pound of total digestible nutrients. Cattle may not ingest an adequate supply of protein due to dormant forage. This may result in growth delays, reduced supply of protein production, reduced digestion, and an unrecoverable loss of nutrients to the animal. Further, there may be a severe unbalanced supply of metabolized nutrients for animal tissue, which lowers forage intake and cattle performance.

[0003] Crude proteins may come from natural proteins or non-protein nitrogen sources. It is important for cattle to able to digest a high percentage of the protein. Today, many non- digestible proteins are fed to cattle, resulting in bypass proteins that go right through the animal as waste, rather than being digested by the animal to form energy. Most beef nationalists and / or livestock producers do not consider a ruminally degradable protein when feeding cattle and evaluating cattle performance, resulting in cattle with poor rumen health, micro bacterial health, and digestion.

[0004] Thus, improved methods are needed to promote weight gain, milk production, and immune system health of cattle.SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0005] The present disclosure provides an animal feed product formed from a seed blend. In an embodiment, the seed blend may include 6 - 7% chicory, 25 to less than 40% clover, and the remainder may include high sugar grass.

[0006] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the clover may include red clover.

[0007] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the clover may include white clover.

[0008] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the clover may include a combination of red clover and white clover.

[0009] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the clover may be a hollow stem clover.

[0010] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the high sugar grass may include one or more species of hollow stem high sugar grass.

[0011] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the animal feed product may have a crude protein range from 18 - 45%.

[0012] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the animal feed product may have a relative feed value from 180 - 400.

[0013] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the animal feed product may have from 72- 80% digestibility.

[0014] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the animal feed product may be in the form of a pellet, meal, range cake, mineral blocks, or tubs.

[0015] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the animal feed product may be in the form of grass or hay.

[0016] Further, the present disclosure provides a method of preparing the animal feed product.

[0017] Even further, the present disclosure provides a method of preparing the animal feed product in the form of a pellet, meal, range cake, mineral blocks, and / or tubs.

[0018] Yet further, the present disclosure provides an animal feed product formed from a seed blend. The seed blend may include 25 to less than 40% clover and the remainder of the seed blend may include high sugar grass.

[0019] In an aspect of the present disclosure, wherein the clover may be a hollow stem clover.

[0020] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the high sugar grass may include one or more species of hollow stem high sugar grass.

[0021] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the animal feed product may have a crude protein range from 18 - 45%.

[0022] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the animal feed product may have a relative feed value from 180 - 400.

[0023] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the animal feed product may have from 72 - 80% digestibility.

[0024] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the animal feed product may be in the form of a pellet, meal, range cake, mineral blocks, or tubs.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0025] For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the disclosure, reference should be made to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

[0026] FIG. 1 displays a flowchart of an embodiment of the present disclosure using chicory.

[0027] FIG. 2 displays a flowchart of an embodiment of the present disclosure without using chicory.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0028] Although claimed subject matter will be described in terms of certain embodiments, other embodiments, including embodiments that do not provide all of the benefits and features set forth herein, are also within the scope of this disclosure. Various structural, logical, process step, and electronic changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of the disclosure is defined only by reference to the appended claims.

[0029] Ranges of values are disclosed herein. The ranges set out a lower limit value and an upper limit value. Unless otherwise stated, the ranges include all values to the magnitude of the smallest value (either lower limit value or upper limit value) and ranges between the values of the stated range.

[0030] The steps of the method described in the various embodiments and examples disclosed herein are sufficient to carry out the methods of the present invention. Thus, in an embodiment, the method consists essentially of a combination of the steps of the methods disclosed herein. In another embodiment, the method consists of such steps.

[0031] The present disclosure provides an animal feed product and a method of making the animal feed product. The animal feed product includes a combination of chicory, clover, and / or high sugar grass varieties.

[0032] Embodiments of the seed blends provide a complex full protein and mineral synthesis. The combined high-sugar grasses and the water-soluble carbohydrates allow rumen microbes to break down and utilize all the crude proteins and minerals made available by the blend. This reduces livestock bloat. Further, the blends utilize roughly an 18 - 45% crude protein value, are cold and drought resistant, are able to grow in poor soils and improve the overall quality of both poor and good soils, exhibit rapid growing, and are able to withstand multiple cuttings and extensive grazing.

[0033] Embodiments of the present disclosure may include a seed blend including the chicory, clover, and high sugar grass varieties percentages disclosed herein to produce the animal feed product. The seed blend may be grown, harvested, and digested by animals. For example, embodiments include a five-year-producing formula that can be grazed on, harvested, and / or cut three times per year. The first cut may begin around the end of May, for example, by the last week of May. The seed blend may produce an average of 6350.29 kg (7 tons) bales of animal feed product per acre (1 acre = 4046.86 m2), for example, in the form of hay. Each acre planted may produce 6350.29 kg (7 tons) of animal feed product (forage) per cutting or 19050.9 kg (21 tons) of animal feed product per year. For example, a 20-acre meadow (1 acre = 4046.86 m2) would yield 140 bales of hay per cutting and yield 420 bales per year.

[0034] Embodiments of the present disclosure may substantially improve the overall condition of the soils the seed blend is planted in. When hay plantings with embodiments of the present disclosure are rotated with grains, the grains benefit from the soil improvements and nutrients from the hay seed blends. When used as a cover crop, embodiments of the seed blends minimize erosion and fix natural nitrogen into the soil. This not only reduces the cost to the farmer for fertilizer, but also provides a natural source of nitrogen. Embodiments of the seed blend may also break up man-made compacted soils and further improve the soil’s ability to hold and maintain moisture for the grain crops.

[0035] When used for pasture and hay for buffalo, embodiments of the seed blend may offer other benefits to animals that feed on it. For example, embodiments of the seed blends disclosed herein produce hay suited for bison’s unique ability to digest forages better than cattle.This results in the bison being able to graze less and gain more weight. Embodiments of the animal feed product were tested on bison, and it was determined that embodiments of the seed blends of clover, grasses, and other legumes have documented that top gainers in the bison study gained an average of 0.91 kg (2 pounds) more per day with hay produced with embodiments of the seed blends disclosed herein, as compared to the control feed when subjected to a rotational grazing regimen. Control feeds include standard forages such as brome grass pastures with an average protein percentage of 6% and alfalfa hay with protein ranges between 13 - 23%.

[0036] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a true balanced, or in some cases when it is desired, unbalanced, nutrients to the rumen of cattle and microorganisms. This allows for desired intakes and production responses. Embodiments have more than enough nutrients available to feed both the microorganisms and the cattle itself. As such, the additional nutrients can be used to enhance muscle growth and milk production of the cattle. The relationship between protein and energy illustrates the importance of ensuring a superior nutrient supply to the rumen so that there is no limit to microbial activity, which in turn enhances cattle health.

[0037] Embodiments of the present disclosure may use a natural source of protein. This source of protein is more easily digestible to cattle than other sources of protein, such as nonprotein nitrogen sources, which bypasses through the animal as waste. The protein in embodiments of the present disclosure is highly digestible. For example, embodiments may have 72 - 80% digestibility, meaning majority of the protein is being digested and used, rather than being discarded as waste.

[0038] Embodiments of animal feed product disclosed herein also provide benefits for whitetail deer and waterfowl. For example, embodiments may allow for greater weight gains for deer and their fawns. Further, the whitetail bucks can grow 355.6 cm (140 inches) of bone per year by ingesting animal feed product, such as hay grown with embodiments of the seed blends. Utilizing embodiments of the present disclosure drastically improves the overall health of the deer herd. Further, with embodiments of the present disclosure, waterfowl may be able to graze on the greens from the blend through the fall and winter months. For waterfowl hunters, blinds could be utilized on these plots for waterfowl hunting when the geese come to feed morning and evening. The seed blends of the present disclosure may allow livestock and wildlife to both benefit from its consumption.

[0039] Embodiments of the seed blends described herein improve nitrogen fixation into the soil from 45.4 kg to 90.7 kg (100 to 200 pounds) of nitrogen per acre (1 acre = 4046.86 m2) through the root system. With nitrogen, natural soil bacteria synergizes. Embodiments disclosed herein reduce nitrogen loss, greenhouse emissions and urea, and promote dry matter yield and intake.

[0040] Embodiments of the present disclosure have a high amount of crude protein. When ingested by livestock, the milk production of the livestock increases, along with digestibility. Further, the energy value to the animal is higher, as compared to other seed blends used (made from brome grass and / or alfalfa). Further, as tested, ingesting embodiments of the present disclosure increases relative feed value (REV) and relative forage quality (RFQ) in livestock. With these increases, a feedlot ration utilizing embodiments of the present disclosure may bring a 226.8 kg (500 pound) calf up to slaughter weight of 635.03 kg (1400 pounds) in 130 days. Thus, embodiments may cut off nearly 80 days in a traditional feedlot setting without the use of implants or growth hormones.Embodiments of the present disclosure may increase milk production. Milk production is based on the nutrients level and relative feed value of the animal feed product made from the seed blend disclosed herein. A higher quality feed being digested by the dairy cattle will result in an increase in milk production. Thus, dairy cattle that are fed a high-quality feed source consistently, such as embodiments of the present disclosure, will have a higher milk production than dairy cattle that are not fed high quality feed. For example, digesting the animal feed product may increase milk production of cattle anywhere from 1600 g / kg (3200 Ib / ton) to 2142.5 g / kg (4285 Ib / ton).

[0041] Embodiments of the present disclosure may include legumes. For example, warm season legumes protect the cool season eyes as the grow. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure may include clovers. In a field, ryegrass may tower over the clover to allow clovers time to heal after heavy grazing.

[0042] Embodiments of the present disclosure may prevent health issues, such as digestion issues for livestock consuming the seed blend. For example, high amounts of legumes may cause severe health issues for animals eating the forage of the seed blend.

[0043] Embodiments of the present disclosure include an animal feed product formed by a seed blend, the seed blend including 6 - 7% chicory, under 40% clover (for example 25 to39.99%), and the remaining percentage of high sugar grass (HSGs), as shown in FIG. 1. The disclosed percentages of chicory, clover, and HSGs represent the percent of seed in the seed blend. In embodiments 6.88% of chicory may be used, such as Antler Chicory. The clover may be a red clover type or a white clover type, or a combination of both. For example, one red type clover may be used and two white type clovers may be used. Any combination that is under 40% of clover may be used. In an embodiment, 17.49% of red clover may be used (such as Dynamite Red Clover), 7.49% of one type of white clover may be used (such as Balady Berseem Clover), and 6.23% of another type of white clover may be used (such as Fixation Blasana Clover). The remaining percentage of the seed blend, 100% being the complete blend, may include one or more types of high sugar grass varieties (HSGs). One or more types of HSGs may be included in the seed blend. For example, 26.70% or a ryegrass type HSG (such as AberMagic Rye), and 26.49% of another ryegrass type HSG (such as AberGreen).

[0044] Other embodiments may have different percentages of each component. In some embodiments, the percentage of clover and / or HSGs may vary up to 10%. In other embodiments, the percentage of clover and / or HSGs may vary up to 20%. For example, the percentages of clover and / or HSGs may increase or decrease by 5%. The total percentage of components never exceeds 100%. The benefits of each of these constituent components, when blended together, are described herein.

[0045] Chicory is easily and rapidly digestible, making it suitable and important for the gut health of animals ingesting the animal feed product. The protein content in chicory is sustainable. In embodiments of the present disclosure, the seed blend may contain 6 - 7% of chicory. This range is optimal to provide protein to the animal feed product without causing acidosis in the animal. Ranges above the limit disclosed may cause acidosis and bloating of the animal ingesting the animal feed product. Further, there is a possibility that the vitamins and minerals within the chicory may be too high which may cause death of the animal. For example, higher ranges may cause a high copper, magnesium, or calcium ratio which may cause sickness or death. The chicory may be an Antler chicory or a Caliber Chicory, but other types of chicory are compatible with the present disclosure.

[0046] Embodiments of the chicory may include Caliber Chicory, which is easily and rapidly digestible. It contains a solid balance of crude protein, energy, and minerals. Calves consuming it can gain up to 0.91 kg (2 pounds) per day because of crude protein values of 14%to 26% and dry matter digestibility of 66% to 80%. It also helps reduce the possibility of bloat, is drought resistant, and is extremely rich in trace minerals. With its deep root system, it can pull subsoil nutrients into the upper soil profiles and improves the soil fertility by mobilizing phosphorus from unavailable fractions of the soil. It can help control gastrointestinal nematodes in grazing livestock. With its concentration of high crude protein and when combined with the HSGs, it increases and helps promote protein synthesis, allowing the livestock to better utilize and absorb the proteins and minerals from the overall mixture.

[0047] In embodiments of the present disclosure, under 40% of clover may be included. For example, 25 - 39.9% of clover may be included. In an embodiment, the percentage of clover may be made from red type or white type clover or combinations thereof. One or more types of red clover and / or one or more types of white clover may be used. In embodiments, a hollow stem clover may be used. For example, a red hollow stem clover and / or a white hollow stem clover may be used. Because clover is a legume product, including more than 40% of clover product in the seed blend may cause acidosis and bloat in the animals digesting the animal feed product. At least 25% of clover is required in the seed blend disclosed herein because of its high protein value and digestibility.

[0048] Embodiments of the clover(s) may include any hollow stem red or white clover. In some embodiments, the hollow stem clover may reduce bloat of animals when grown at the percentages disclosed herein.

[0049] Dynamite Red Clover, a red clover, is a 2-to-3-year versatile clover that is highly nutritious to cattle. It can add 14% to 15% crude protein to an animal’s daily diet. Dynamite Red Clover is also a source for calcium, chromium, magnesium, niacin, phosphorus, potassium, thiamine, and vitamin C. Dynamite Red Clover contains more bypass protein than alfalfa, which allows animals, such as cattle, to digest with the protein synthesis from the HSGs (such as Aber Rye). Dynamite Red Clover is suitable and well adapted to poor soils and is tolerant of low pH levels of soil. The Dynamite Red Clover is high in sugar and allows animals to convert more protein into meat and milk, meaning the combination produces a synergetic benefit to the cattle or livestock feeding on the clover when combined with high sugar grasses. As the Dynamite Red Clover forms tap roots, it is useful for remediation of compacted soils and is good for weed suppression. The Dynamite Red Clover is shade tolerant, high yielding, and has less fiber than standard grass or com. It also exhibits high digestibility and twice the protein of grass, resultingin up to a 20% higher intake. Further, it is a natural nitrogen producer, has proven to increase animal performance, and aerates soil.

[0050] Embodiments of the white clover may include Baladay Berseem Clover, a white clover type that does not cause bloat. It has a tap root of 10.16 cm to 15.24 cm (4 to 6 inches) in length and is a booster clover to high protein forage. It has a vigorous warm season growth and solid nitrogen fixation. If grown to maturity, it can fix 45.4 kg (100 pounds) of nitrogen per acre (1 acre = 4046.86 m2). When mixed with high-sugar grasses and clovers, it promotes a synergistic reaction.

[0051] Further, embodiments of the white clover may include, Domino Ladino White Clover, another white clover type that is highly digestible and contains more protein than standard grasses. Because of its high protein content, it increases the production of milk and meat. It is also frost and cold resistant. Further, it is vigorous, highly winter active, and provides rapid regrowth and strong persistence to grazing. When blended with the other clovers and with the HSGs (such as Aber Rye), it increases the protein synthesis, allowing the rumen microbes to digest faster and allows the livestock to better utilize the forage that is being provided. Domino Ladino White Clover is a heavy nitrogen fixer.

[0052] Even further, embodiments of the white clover may include Fixation Blasana Clover, another white clover type that is the most cold-tolerant clover and can withstand -25.56°C (-14°F) temperatures. It can also grow in many soil types and produces over 45.4 kg (100 pounds) per acre of fixed nitrogen (1 acre = 4046.86 m2). It yields over 2381 kg (5,250 pounds) per acre of dry matter (1 acre = 4046.86 m2). It is extremely high in crude protein, thus producing greater body mass. It works with naturally occurring bacteria in the soils to synergistically release more nitrogen. It has extremely deep tap roots that break up soil compaction. When paired with HSGs (such as aber grasses), the crude protein increases the rumen ability for protein synthesis. It reduces a huge amount of biomass which aids in weed suppression. It can kill rogue corn that did not winter kill or daikon radish. It is capable of multiple cuttings and grazing and retains actively growing leaves along its entire stem. It is also faster recovering. It constitutes 3.6 crude protein, 3.5 available protein, 277 feed value, 0.12 calcium, 0.05 phosphorus, 0.03 magnesium, 0.38 potassium, and horse DE 0.17.

[0053] The remaining percentage in embodiments of the present disclosure includesHSGs. One or more types of HSGs may be included in the seed blend. HSGs bring nitrogen tothe soil. Further, HSGs provide a form of amino acids and proteins that are easily digestible and easily readable for animals digesting the animal feed product. HSGs increase the food value of the product. For example, HSGs contain two different forms of fat that increases milk production and increases fat needed in the production of dairy. Seed blends including the HSGs disclosed herein produce grassed with high absorption rates.

[0054] The protein content and digestibility of proteins and amino acids in HSGs are high enough that animals digesting the seed blend including the HSGs do not also need to consume soy meal or dairy diets. Generally, soy meal includes key amino acids needed for animals, such as cattle. However, the percentage of HSGs in the seed blend provide the key amino acids needed.

[0055] In embodiments, the HSGs may be hollow stem HSGs, such as hollow stem abers. Hollow stem HSGs allow for better digestion in comparison to solid stem HSGs.

[0056] Embodiments of the HSGs may include an Aber Rye Grass blend. The New Zealand / United Kingdom Aber High Sugar Rye (Aber Rye) grass perennials are more digestible than the standard rye grasses available. Aber Rye contains more water-soluble carbohydrates and lower levels of fiber, thus improving digestibility. Digestibility is measured in the lab using synthetic enzymes which stimulate the digestion process of livestock, which is used to estimate the Digestible Organic Matter in the Dry matter percentage. Higher digestible viability values are beneficial as they drive higher feed energy values and higher feed intakes. Aber Rye is 5% more digestible than standard rye grasses. This means the Aber Rye increases the supply of readily available energy to assist in building more microbial protein in the rumen (increased protein synthesis), which allows more protein to be converted to milk and meat with less being excreted into the environment. This further allows the cattle to utilize 10% of crude protein available via the Aber Rye as a whole. Each one of the Aber Rye grasses produces a 10% crude protein.

[0057] Due to the improved digestibility, there is an increase on the rye grasses (protein synthesis) which, in cattle, can produce an additional 280.95 mL (9.5 fluid ounces) of milk per day and an average gain of 1.27 kg (2.8 pounds) per day. This allows more nitrogen to be utilized by cattle and less loss through urea and a resulting reduction of greenhouse emissions. The soil benefits of the Aber Rye are enhanced water infiltration, water holding capacity, and irrigation efficiency. When ryegrass is killed, it releases the stored nitrogen into the soil, whichcan be utilized for corn 6 to 8 weeks later. The Aber grass breaks up man-made or hard compacted soils creating macropore channels, which allows the com and soybean roots to easily establish and start absorption.

[0058] The Aber Rye can provide 27.2 kg to 36.3 kg (60 to 80 pounds) of nitrogen per acre by itself (1 acre = 4046.86 m2). If left in and not diced under, the Aber Rye will also make phosphorus available as P2 is transformed to Pl in the soil. Along with increasing fertility in the soil, the Aber Rye will increase biomass and / or organic soil matter after the cover crop is burned for spring with the Aber Rye ability to increase aggregate stability, organic matter, increase infdtration, pore space, and fungi. The transition from till to no-till operation would become faster, reducing the transition time by half. The Aber Ryes are drought resistant and have a vigorous seedling that competes and chokes out winter annual weeds.

[0059] The Aber Rye for soybean farmers is a massive benefit. With at least 40 days of growth in soil temperatures of 10°C, the Aber Rye helps stimulate soybean cyst nematodes causing them to hatch in the fall which results in a very low hatch in riot elimination of soybean cyst nematodes.

[0060] Embodiments of the HSGs may include AberMagic Rye, AberGreen, and / or other hollow stem abers. Other types of HSGs, such as ryegrass, may be used.

[0061] Fields of testing were done in dryland conditions in order to provide adequate information on how the seed blend disclosed herein would endure dry conditions without the aid of fertilizer applications. The results indicated that under extreme drought, the ryes in the seed blend go dormant while the clovers and the chicory thrive and continue to provide adequate forage availability.

[0062] Embodiment of the seed blend can germinate and grow under drought conditions at start root establishment. During drought, the seed blend may compete with weeds and may kill some of the warm season weeds while the blend is young.

[0063] In embodiments of the present disclosure, the animal feed product may have a crude protein range from 18 - 45%. For example, embodiments of the animal feed product may have an overall average protein percentage of 26.8%. In embodiments, the protein range may increase over time after the second and subsequent cuts of the animal feed product formed by the seed blend disclosed herein. For example, the first cut may have a protein percentage of approximately 39%, and the second cut may have a protein percentage of approximately 42%.

[0064] In embodiments, the relative feed value (RFV) may be from 180 - 400. For example, embodiments of the animal feed product may have an average RFV of 220.

[0065] In embodiments, the animal feed product may have a 72 - 80% digestibility.

[0066] When embodiments of the present disclosure are ingested by cattle, it may increase the milk production of the cattle. For example, cattle may produce from 1600 g / kg to 2142.5 g / kg (3200 milk / ton - 4285 milk / ton) when ingesting embodiments of the animal feed product. This is an increase over existing feeds.

[0067] In embodiments, the seed blend can be inner seeded with existing forage crops such as alfalfa, orchard, and timothy grass without the seed blend competing with those specific species.

[0068] Embodiments of the seed blend may be used to combat weeds or unwanted species. For example, studies have shown embodiments of the seed blend fighting brome grass hay meadows as a weed. As such, the seed blend chokes out and replaces brome in certain areas of the brome hay implantation. Thus, embodiments of the present disclosure may be used to choke out brome grass. In other examples, embodiments of the seed blend choked creeping jenny and chick weed.

[0069] The present disclosure includes the harvesting and preparing of the seed blends. In an embodiment, the resulting plants from the seed blend may be cut using a circle bar mower and rotary mower. This allowed for a clean cut and heavier restemming. In an example, when the hay of the disclosed seed blend was left spread over the field for 2 days before raked, hay acted like a boost blanket for the seed blend to start regrowth more quickly, while at the same time allowing the hay to dry down and cure more quickly compared to being swathed or raked right after cutting.

[0070] In an embodiment, the animal feed product may be cut or grazed. This may result in thicker regrowth which increases tonnage production. Further, the animal feed product may have higher feed product and may have a faster regrowth rate as compared to other types of feed such as brome savanna and orchard grass.

[0071] Embodiments of the present disclosure allow for 5-year reseeding, and three cuttings on dryland after the first cutting of the year. Embodiments of the seed blends can be cut every 30 days.

[0072] Further, embodiments of the present disclosure allow cuttings prior to planting of row crops, promoting additional income and livestock forage for both farmers and ranchers. Embodiments promote soil stabilization and infiltration.

[0073] Embodiments of the animal feed product from the seed blend may be in the form of hay, which is easily digestible. The hay produced off a fall planting first cutting may be heavy with foxtail grass intermixed. The additional of foxtail in the bales of the animal feed product brought down the overall crude protein values to 19 percent, but kept an RFV value of 280, which is beneficial.

[0074] In an embodiment, the bales may be pelleted. For example, embodiments of the seed blend may be planted and grown into grass. The grass may be ground into small pieces by a crushing machine, such as a hammer mill. The ground grass may be pressed into a pellet die under high pressure (pellet mill). Inside the pellet mill is a rotating die, which may be flat or ring shaped. The rollers compress the grass. As the ground grass is pressed through the die, it pushes into the shaped holes to form a cylindrical shape of the pellet. The pressure and friction formed during this process in the creates heat which impact moisture content of the pellets being formed. This also helps bond the grass particles together into a pellet. In embodiments, a cutter or knife can cut the cylindrically shaped material into pellets of various sizes.

[0075] Embodiments of the animal feed product may form pellets that are firm, but crumble easily which is a positive sign for livestock feeding. Pellets may be formed with a combination of embodiments of the seed blend and with foxtail.

[0076] Animal feed products in other forms are disclosed herein and may be formed via similar processes as explained above. Further, raw material, such as grass, may be mixed and poured into molds and hardened to form blocks or tubs.

[0077] In an embodiment, the seed blend disclosed herein may be planted with no till and planted 0.3175 cm to 0.635 cm (1 / 8 to 1 / 4 inch) seed depth. Broadcasting or a grass seed drill may be used for planting, such as a compact drill.

[0078] In order to adequately thrive, embodiments of the seed blend may need an average of 101 cm of moisture on dryland. For increased hay production, irrigated or sub irrigated lands may be a more viable choice in regard to enhanced production.

[0079] Cattle consuming hay from the blends have minimum weight gains per day of 0.91 kg to 1.36 kg (2 to 3 pounds). The hay also allows cows to recover faster from giving birth and provides solid milk production.

[0080] Embodiments of the animal feed product were tested on grazing calves and showed positive results during calving season. When calved on, embodiments of the present disclosure kept the cattle in preferable body condition while at the same time increasing milk production. Roughly 160 cow calf pairs stayed on the meadow for 60 days before being moved. The calves gained weight, showing positive body condition compared to cow calf pairs that were being calved out in brome grass calving lots. Further, embodiments of the seed blend allowed for harvesting after feeding. After feeding, the animal feed product was cut, which produced 3175.15 kg (3.5 tons) of hay per acre (1 acre = 4046.86 m2). Fall 6 weight heifers were put onto the animal feed product to background them in order to go into a feedlot. Within 30 days of grazing the heifers were large enough to be sent into a feedlot and start traditional feedlot rations.

[0081] Utilizing embodiments of the present disclosure results in more than 5% overall improvement of digestibility. Further, utilizing embodiments disclosed herein enhance muscle arid meat-growth-rate without implants.

[0082] Embodiments of the seed blend disclosed herein may include the following components:26.7% AberEve (HSG) 29.49% AberGreen (HSG) 8.72% AberMagic (HSG) 28.21% Frosty Clover (clover) 6.88% SixPoint Chicory (chicory)

[0083] Further, in an embodiment, the seed blend disclosed herein may include the following:25.8% AberClyde (HSG)23.4% AberGain (HSG) 21.6% Aber Thames (HSG) 17.7% Dynamite Red Clover (clover) 16.5% Frosty Clover (clover)

[0084] Embodiments may include only clover and HSGs, as shown in FIG. 2. These embodiments may be suitable in regions that consider chicory to be an invasive species. In these embodiments, the animal feed product may be formed from a seed blend that includes 25 - less than 40% clover and the remainder including high sugar grass.

[0085] The present disclosure provides for seed blends that may be manipulated with any combination and percentage of HSGs (abers), chicory, and clovers. A non-chicory variation may be used in states that regard subspecies of chicory as invasive to the area. Various combinations using species of HSGs (such as abers), chicory, and / or clovers may be used in the seed blend disclosed herein. For example, any aber perennial ryegrasses may be used as substitutes for the HSG components. Further, any non-invasive hollow stem genus of clovers may be used as substitutes for the clover components. Even further, where a chicory component is used in the blend, any non-invasive genus of chicory may be used as substitutes for the chicory components.

[0086] In an embodiment, the animal feed product may be hayed and grazed before it has the ability to seed out. For example, this may be done in embodiments including the chicory to avoid the spread of chicory.

[0087] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide seed blends, such as pellets, meal, range cakes, mineral blocks, and tubs, for wildlife, beef, horses, swine, sheep, goats, and poultry.

[0088] The following examples are presented to illustrate the present disclosure. They are not intended to be limiting in any matter.EXAMPLES

[0089] These examples provide a description of test results for seed blend products as disclosed herein.

[0090] Tables 1-23 display test results for seed blend products as disclosed herein, such as in the form of dry hay, 4 mm natural pellets, and 6 mm natural pellets.

[0091] To obtain the results as shown in Tables 1-23 a NIR spectrometer was used. During initial testing analysis, the NIR spectrometer was broken or red-lined results due to the values of protein, fats, sugars, and milk production exceeding the current NIR spectrometer limits. To overcome this, a wet chemistry forage analysis was performed to expand and broaden the NIR spectrometer curve. This allowed for the NIR spectrometer to adequately test for values without red-lining.

[0092] As shown in the tables, embodiments of the present disclosure provide various vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that are essential as animal feed products. As discussed above, embodiments of the present disclosure may be used to replace soybeans from the diet of cattle. The percentages of amino acids, lysine, methionine, isoleucine, leucine, and histidine in embodiments disclosed herein, are improvements to percentages that exist in soybeans.Table 1: Table 1 displays an embodiment of a mixed hay type animal feed product using an embodiment of the seed blend disclosed herein.Table 2: Table 2 displays an embodiment of a hay-legume type animal feed product using an embodiment of the seed blend disclosed herein.Table 3: Table 3 displays an embodiment of a hay-legume type animal feed product using an embodiment of the seed blend disclosed herein.Table 4: Table 4 displays an embodiment of a hay-grass type animal feed product using an embodiment of the seed blend disclosed herein.Table 5: Table 5 displays an embodiment of a hay - grass type animal feed product using an embodiment of the seed blend disclosed herein.Table 6: Table 6 displays an embodiment of a hay-legume type animal feed product using an embodiment of the seed blend disclosed herein.Table 7: Table 7 displays an embodiment of a mixed hay type animal feed blend an embodiment of the seed blend disclosed herein.MoistureTable 8: Table 8 displays an embodiment of a mixed hay type animal feed product using an embodiment of the seed blend disclosed herein.Table 9: Table 9 displays an embodiment of a mixed hay type animal feed product using an embodiment of the seed blend disclosed herein.Table 10: Table 10 displays an embodiment of a hay - legume type animal feed product using an embodiment of the seed blend disclosed herein.Table 11 : Table 11 displays an embodiment of a hay grass type animal feed product using an embodiment of the seed blend disclosed herein.Table 12: Table 12 displays an embodiment of a mixed hay type animal feed product using an embodiment of the seed blend disclosed herein.Table 13: Table 13 displayed an embodiment of a mixed hay type animal feed product using an embodiment of the seed blend disclosed herein.Table 14: Table 14 displays an embodiment of a mixed hay type animal feed product using an embodiment of the seed blend disclosed herein.Table 15: Table 15 displays embodiments of a hay grass type animal feed product using an embodiment of the seed blend disclosed herein.Table 16: Table 16 displays an embodiment of a hay grass type animal feed product using an embodiment of the seed blend disclosed herein.Table 17: Table 17 displays an embodiment of a mixed hay type animal feed product using an embodiment of the seed blend disclosed herein.Table 18: Table 18 displays an embodiment of a mixed hay type animal feed product using an embodiment of the seed blend disclosed herein.Table 19: Table 19 displays embodiments of a hay grass type animal feed product using an embodiment of the seed blend disclosed herein.Table 20: Table 20 displays an embodiment of a mixed hay type animal feed product using an embodiment of the seed blend disclosed herein.Table 21: Table 21 displays an embodiment of a mixed hay type animal feed product using an embodiment of the seed blend disclosed herein.Table 22: Table 22 displays an embodiment of a hay grass type animal feed product using an embodiment of the seed blend disclosed herein.Table 23: Table 23 displays an embodiment of a mixed hay type animal feed product using an embodiment of the seed blend disclosed herein.Table 24: Table 24 displays an embodiment of a hay legume type animal feed product using an embodiment of the seed blend disclosed herein.Table 25: Table 25 displays an embodiment of a mixed hay type animal feed product using an embodiment of the seed blend disclosed herein.Table 26: Table 26 displays an embodiment of a mixed hay type animal feed product using an embodiment of the seed blend disclosed herein.Table 27: Table 27 displays an embodiment of a hay - grass type animal feed product using an embodiment of the seed blend disclosed herein.Table 28: Table 28 displays an embodiment of a hay - grass type animal feed product using an embodiment of the seed blend disclosed herein.Table 29: Table 29 displays an embodiment of a hay - legume type animal feed product using an embodiment of the seed blend disclosed herein.Table 30: Table 30 displays an embodiment of a mixed hay type animal feed product using an embodiment of the seed blend disclosed herein.Table 31: Table 31 displays an embodiment of a mixed hay type animal feed product using an embodiment of the seed blend disclosed herein.Table 32: Table 33 displays an embodiment of a mixed hay type animal feed product using an embodiment of the seed blend disclosed herein.Table 33: Table 33 displays an embodiment of a hay - legume type animal feed product using an embodiment of the seed blend disclosed herein.Table 34: Table 34 displays an embodiment of a hay - grass type animal feed product using an embodiment of the seed blend disclosed herein.Table 35: Table 35 displays an embodiment of a mixed hay type animal feed product using an embodiment of the seed blend disclosed herein.Table 36: Table 36 displays an embodiment of a mixed hay type animal feed product using an embodiment of the seed blend disclosed herein.

[0093] Although the present disclosure has been described with respect to one or more particular embodiments and / or examples, it will be understood that other embodiments and / or examples of the present disclosure may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An animal feed product formed from a seed blend, wherein the seed blend comprises:6 - 7% chicory; and25 to less than 40% clover; wherein a remainder includes high sugar grass.

2. The animal feed product of claim 1, wherein the clover comprises red clover.

3. The animal feed product of claim 1, wherein the clover comprises white clover.

4. The animal feed product of claim 1, wherein the clover comprises a combination of red clover and white clover.

5. The animal feed product of claim 1, wherein the clover is a hollow stem clover.

6. The animal feed product of claim 1, wherein the high sugar grass comprises one or more species of hollow stem high sugar grass.

7. The animal feed product of claim 1, wherein the animal feed product has a crude protein range from 18 - 45%.

8. The animal feed product of claim 1, wherein the animal feed product has a relative feed value from 180 - 400.

9. The animal feed product of claim 1, wherein the animal feed product has from 72 - 80% digestibility.

10. The animal feed product of claim 1, wherein the animal feed product is in the form of a pellet, meal, range cake, mineral blocks, or tubs.

11. The animal feed product of claim 1, wherein the animal feed product is in the form of grass or hay.

12. A method of preparing the animal feed product of claim 1.

13. A method of preparing the animal feed product of claim 10.

14. An animal feed product formed from a seed blend, wherein the seed blend comprises 25 to less than 40% clover, and wherein a remainder of the seed blend includes high sugar grass.

15. The animal feed product of claim 14, wherein the clover is a hollow stem clover.

16. The animal feed product of claim 14, wherein the high sugar grass comprises one or more species of hollow stem high sugar grass.

17. The animal feed product of claim 14, wherein the animal feed product has a crude protein range from 18 - 45%.

18. The animal feed product of claim 14, wherein the animal feed product has a relative feed value from 180 - 400.

19. The animal feed product of claim 14, wherein the animal feed product has from 72 - 80% digestibility.

20. The animal feed product of claim 14, wherein the animal feed product is in the form of a pellet, meal, range cake, mineral blocks, or tubs.

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