METHOD OF PRODUCING SHIPPING CONTAINERS FOR TRANSPORTING LIVESTOCK
A method of producing shipping containers for transporting livestock on shipping vessels over extended periods including methods of modifying shipping containers to include water distribution, feed distribution, temperature control, air movement, and waste management features.
1 . A method of modifying a shipping container to accommodate the shipment of livestock on a shipping vessel comprising the steps of:
a. acquiring a shipping container having a roof, a bottom, and at least four sides;
b. cutting at least one ventilation opening in at least one of the at least four sides;
c. reinforcing the at least one ventilation opening;
d. installing a feed partition on the interior of the shipping container;
e. installing at least one trough adjacent to the feed partition; and
f. installing at least one water bowl adjacent to the feed partition.
2 . The method of modifying a shipping container according to claim 1 further comprising the step of separating the interior of the shipping container into a
a. livestock storage area; and
b. a feed storage area having a substantially horizontal overhead space and a substantially vertical sidewall space formed in the interior storage space, wherein the substantially horizontal overhead space and the substantially vertical sidewall space form a continuous opening in the interior storage space.
3 . The method of modifying a shipping container according to claim 1 wherein the step of reinforcing the ventilation openings further comprises welding a metal frame into at least one of the ventilation openings.
4 . The method of modifying a shipping container according to claim 3 wherein the metal frame comprises a tubular metal frame or metal plates.
5 . The method of modifying a shipping container according to claim 1 wherein the step of installing a feed partition further comprises the steps of:
a. fabricating a vertical partition; and
b. securing the vertical partition into place within the shipping container.
6 . The method of modifying a shipping container according to claim 5 further comprising the step of connecting a horizontal partition to the vertical partition forming an enclosure within the shipping container.
7 . The method of modifying a shipping container according to claim 6 wherein the at least one trough and the at least one water bowl are located outside the enclosure.
8 . The method of modifying a shipping container according to claim 1 further comprising the step of configuring the shipping container to receive a supply of water.
9 . The method of modifying a shipping container according to claim 1 further comprising the step of configuring the shipping container to receive a supply of electrical power.
10 . The method of modifying a shipping container according to claim 1 further comprising the step of sealing the bottom of the shipping container to prevent leaking.
11 . The method of modifying a shipping container according to claim 1 further comprising the step of installing at least one fan in the shipping container to promote air flow.
12 . The method of modifying a shipping container according to claim 11 further comprising the step of installing at least two fans in the shipping container to promote air flow.
13 . A method of modifying a shipping container to accommodate the shipment of livestock on a shipping vessel comprising the steps of:
a. acquiring a shipping container for transport on a shipping vessel;
b. configuring the shipping container for ventilation and air flow;
c. separating the interior of the shipping container into a:
i. livestock storage area; and
ii. a feed storage area.
14 . The method of modifying a shipping container according to claim 13 wherein the step of separating the interior of the shipping container further comprises installing a feed partition on the interior of the shipping container.
15 . The method of modifying a shipping container according to claim 14 wherein the step of installing a feed partition further comprises:
a. fabricating a vertical partition;
b. fabricating a horizontal partition;
c. securing the vertical partition to the interior of the shipping container; and
d. securing the horizontal partition to the interior of the shipping container in communication with the vertical partition.
16 . The method of modifying a shipping container according to claim 14 wherein the step of configuring the shipping container for ventilation and air flow comprises the step of installing at least two ventilation fans in each shipping container.
17 . The method of modifying a shipping container according to claim 14 wherein the two fans are installed on opposing sidewalls of the shipping container.
18 . The method of modifying a shipping container according to claim 17 wherein the two opposing fans are configure in a push-pull relationship, wherein one fan pulls air into the shipping container and the other pushes air out of the shipping container.
19 . The method of modifying a shipping container according to claim 14 further comprising the steps of:
a. installing nose operated water bowls in each shipping container; and
b. providing connections for a pressurized water source.
20 . The method of modifying a shipping container according to claim 14 further comprising the steps of:
a. installing electrical fans;
b. providing electrical connections for receiving electrical power to power the electrical fans.
21 . The method of modifying a shipping container according to claim 20 further comprising the step of installing a transformer for stepping down the voltage of the electrical power for operating the fans.
22 . The method of transporting livestock comprising the steps of:
a. providing a shipping container;
b. modifying the of shipping container;
c. maintaining separation between stored feed and the livestock in each shipping container once both are loaded;
d. loading the shipping container on a shipping vessel;
e. supplying the shipping container with a source of water on the shipping vessel;
f. supplying the shipping container with a source of electrical power on the shipping vessel;
g. voyaging the shipping vessel from a departing location to an destination location;
h. circulating water from the source of water to the shipping containers throughout the voyage; and
i. periodically distributing portions of feed to the livestock in the shipping container.
23 . The method of transporting livestock according to claim 22 wherein the step of periodically distributing portions of feed further comprises periodically distributing measured portions of the stored feed.
24 . The method of transporting livestock according to claim 23 wherein the timing of the periodic feed release and the quantity of released feed is coordinated with the quantity of feed on each shipping container so that the feed lasts for at least substantially the entire voyage.
25 . The method of transporting livestock according to claim 22 wherein the step of circulating the water further comprises continuously circulating water in order to prevent freezing.