IE903724A1 - An animal bedding support - Google Patents

Abstract

A bedding support (1) for horse bedding comprises a frame (14) of plastics material surrounding a panel (8) of grid type construction which is mounted on ground engaging support members (12) extending between opposite members (28) of the frame (14). Straw bedding (2) is placed on the panel (8) and shredded paper (26) may be placed on the floor (5) beneath the panel (8) for collecting urine. The panel (8) is formed by a plurality of longitudinal members (18) and transverse members (19) joined together to form a plurality of interstices (20) to facilitate water runoff from the bedding straw (2).

Description

The present invention relates to a bedding support for supporting bedding material for an equine animal, for example, a horse. The invention also relates to a bed for an equine animal and to a method for bedding an equine animal.

In general, floors of modern stables for horses are made of concrete, and floors of older stables are constructed of ribbed brick or tiles. Normally, a central drain of earth runs through the stable for draining off urine and other liquids. Animal bedding, which may be straw, wood shavings or the like, is laid on the concrete, brick or tile floor. The horse is then bedded down on the straw or wood shavings. It has been found that the bedding material in a relatively short period of time becomes unhygienic. This is caused by the fact that the bedding absorbs urine and faeces excreted by the horse. Accordingly, regular mucking out of a stable is required. In practice, mucking out should be carried out at least once per day. This effectively leads to the complete replacement of soiled bedding approximately twice per week. This is uneconomical. Firstly, it is relatively time consuming and substantially increases the cost of stabling horses. Secondly, the practice of mucking out a stable once per day is a relatively expensive exercise due to the relatively high cost of bedding material and labour.

There is therefore a need for a bed for an equine animal which overcomes these problems.

The present invention is directed towards providing a bedding support for supporting bedding for an equine animal. The invention is also directed towards providing a bed for an equine animal and the invention further provides a method for bedding an equine animal.

According to the invention, there is provided a 10 bedding support for supporting bedding for an equine animal, the bedding support comprising a panel defining a top surface for receiving bedding material, the panel forming a plurality of interstices, portions of the panel between the interstices having an upwardly directed top face which defines the said top surface of the panel, the top faces of the said portions of the panel being of width not exceeding 15 mm. By maintaining the width of the top faces of the said portions of the panel at or below 15 mm, it has been found that urine from the animal does not collect on the top surface of the panel, but rather passes through the interstices of the panel. Thus, there is little or no danger of urine remaining in contact with the bedding material for a sufficient time to enable the urine to be absorbed into the bedding material.

Preferably, the width of the top faces of the said portions of the panel does not exceed 7 nun. Advantageously, the width of the top faces of the said portions of the panel does not exceed 3 mm. Needless to say, the narrower the widths of the said top faces, the less danger there is of urine collecting on the top surface of the panel.

In one embodiment of the invention, the panel is of grid type construction comprising a plurality of interconnected members connected to form the interstices. It has been found that this construction of panel provides a relatively robust panel.

In one embodiment of the invention, some of the interconnected members are provided by elongated longitudinally extending parallel longitudinal members spaced apart at pitch centre distances not exceeding 100 mm. Advantageously, the longitudinal members are spaced apart at pitch centre distances not exceeding 50 mm. Advantageously, the longitudinal members are spaced apart at pitch centre distances not exceeding 40 mm. It is important that the pitch centre distances between the longitudinal members should be such as to avoid any danger of the hoof of a horse, foal or the like which is being bedded passing through the interstices or becoming caught between the longitudinal members.

Advantageously, each longitudinal member forms one of the upwardly directed top faces.

In another embodiment of the invention, some of the interconnected members are provided by elongated parallel transverse members extending transversely of the longitudinal members and being spaced apart at pitch centre distances not exceeding 100 mm.

Preferably, the transverse members are spaced apart at pitch centre distances not exceeding 50 mm.

Advantageously, the transverse members are spaced apart at pitch centre distances not exceeding 40 mm.

It is important that the transverse members should be spaced apart at pitch centre distances to avoid any danger of the hoof of a horse, foal or the like passing through the interstices or becoming caught in an interstice. It is also important that the shoe of a shod horse or foal should not pass through or become caught in an interstice, and accordingly, the longitudinal and transverse members should be spaced apart at pitch centre distances to avoid this.

Advantageously, each transverse member forms one of the upwardly directed top faces.

Preferably, each transverse member is of twisted square cross-section. The provision of such transverse members facilitates urine run-off from the panel.

In another embodiment of the invention, the transverse members are secured to the longitudinal members by welding or fusing.

In a still further embodiment of the invention, the transverse members extend at substantially 90° to the longitudinal members .

In one embodiment of the invention, the panel is of metal, and preferably, of steel and advantageously, of galvanised steel.

In a further embodiment of the invention, ground engaging support means for supporting the panel spaced apart from the ground are provided. Advantageously, the support means comprises a plurality of elongated parallel, spaced apart support members, the depth of each support member being at least 20 mm, and preferably, the depth of each support member is at least 30 mm. Advantageously, the cross section of each support member is 5Q mm depth by 35 mm width.

In one embodiment of the invention, the support members extend transversely of the longitudinal members of the panel. Advantageously, each support member is of plastics material. Alternatively, each support member may be of wood, and preferably, of tanalised wood, and advantageously, vacuum tanalised wood.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the panel is at least partly surrounded by a frame, and advantageously, at least one of the members forming the frame is a ramp member having an inclined upwardly directed surface inclining downwardly from the top surface of the panel.

Further, the invention provides a bed for an equine animal comprising the bedding support according to the invention, and a bedding material spread over at least portion of the top surface of the panel. Preferably, the bedding material is straw. Alternatively, the bedding material is wood shavings, and furthermore, the bedding material may be shredded paper or a mix of any two or more of the above.

Preferably, the bedding material is spread over the entire top surface of the panel.

Further, the invention proves a method for bedding an equine animal, the method comprising the steps of placing the bedding support according to the invention on a floor of a stable, spreading bedding material over at least portion of the top surface of the panel of the said bedding support.

In another embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises the step of supporting the panel spaced apart from the ground.

Advantageously, the method further comprises the step of placing an urine absorbing material beneath the bedding support.

In one embodiment of the invention, the urine absorbing material is shredded paper. Alternatively, the urine absorbing material is straw, and as a further alternative, the urine absorbing material may be wood shavings, or a mix of any two or more of the above.

The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of some preferred embodiments thereof, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a bedding support for bedding material for an equine animal, Fig. 2 is a plan view of the bedding support of Fig. 1» Fig. 3 is a cross sectional side elevational view of the bedding support of Fig. 1 on the lines III-III of Fig. 2, Fig. 4 is a cross sectional end elevational view 5 of the bedding support of Fig. 1 on the lines IVIV of Fig. 2, Fig. 5 is a cross sectional side elevational view of the bedding support of Fig. 1 in use, Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a detail of 10 portion of the bedding support of Fig. 1, Fig. 7 is a plan view of a detail of the bedding support of Fig. 1, Fig. 8 is a side elevational view of a detail of the bedding support of Fig. 1, Fig. 9 is an end elevational view of a detail of the bedding support of Fig. 1, Fig. 10 is a cut away perspective view of a detail of the bedding support of Fig. 1, and Fig. 11 is a cross sectional side elevational 20 view similar to that of Fig. 3 of a bedding support according to another embodiment of the invention.

Referring to the drawings, and initially to Figs. 1 to 10, there is illustrated a bedding support according to the invention indicated generally by the reference numeral 1 for supporting bedding material, in this case, bedding straw 2 to form a bed 3 for an equine animal, namely, a horse, see Fig. 5. The bedding support 1 is particularly suitable for use on the floor 5 of a stable (not shown) for horses (also not shown). The bedding support 1 comprises a panel 8 of grid type construction defining a top surface 9 for supporting the bedding straw 2, see Fig. 5. The grid panel 8 is supported off the ground on ground engaging support means comprising a plurality of spaced apart parallel support members 12 to facilitate the collection of urine beneath the panel 8 as will be described below. The support members 12 are of plastics material and are secured to the grid panel by brackets (not shown). A frame 14, also of plastics material, extends around the panel 8 as will be described below.

The panel 8 is of galvanised steel and comprises a plurality of interconnecting members, namely, a plurality of parallel longitudinal members 18 and a plurality of parallel transverse members 19, both of galvanised steel. The longitudinal members 18 are spaced apart at pitch centre distances a. The transverse members 19 are spaced apart at pitch centre distances b and extend at substantially 90° relative to the longitudinal members 18 to form with the longitudinal members 18 a plurality of interstices 20. The longitudinal members 18 each have an upwardly directed top face 22 of width c which forms portion of the top surface 9 of the panel 8. Each transverse member 19 is of twisted square section and also defines a top face 24 of average width d which likewise forms portion of the top surface 9. The longitudinal members 18 and transverse members 19 are fused together at their joints, so that the top faces 22 and 24 are substantially in the same plane to form the top surface 9. In this embodiment of the invention, the panel is of the type supplied under the Trade Mark LIONWELD by Lionweld Kennedy Limited of Great Britain and is referred to generally as open steel flooring.

It is essential that the width c of the top faces 22 of the longitudinal members 18 should be such as to avoid any danger of urine from the horse collecting on the top faces 22. Similarly, the effective width d of the top faces 24 of the transverse members 19 should be of width sufficient to prevent collection of urine. Provided the widths c and d of the top faces 22 and 24 are sufficiently narrow to avoid the collection of urine, it has been found that the urine from the animal passes relatively quickly through the straw and in turn through the interstices 20 in the panel 8 to the floor 5 beneath the support 1. In this embodiment of the invention, the width, namely, the dimension c, of the top face 22 of the longitudinal member 18 is 3 mm while the effective width d of the top face 24 of the transverse members 19 is 5 mm. In fact, the transverse members 19 prior to twisting are of 5 mm square cross section. Each longitudinal member 18 is of depth e which in this embodiment of the invention is 25 mm.

It is important that the size of the interstices 20 is such that a horse's hoof, shod or unshod, be it a fully grown horse or a foal, depending on the animal to be bedded, will not pass through an interstice 20, or become caught in an interstice 20 between the longitudinal members 18 and/or transverse members 19.

To achieve this, in this embodiment of the invention, the longitudinal members 18 are set at pitch centre distances a of 41 mm while the transverse members 19 are set at pitch centre distances b of 37.5 mm.

Each longitudinal support member 12 is of plastics material and is of cross sectional dimensions of width f of 35 mm by depth g of 50 mm. The support members are arranged transversely and extend at approximately 90° to the longitudinal members 18. In this embodiment of the invention, the support members 12 are spaced apart at pitch centre distances h of 530 mm. If desired, a urine absorbing material 26 is provided beneath the panel 8 on the floor 5 between the support members 12 for collecting urine. In this case, the urine absorbing material 26 is shredded paper. It is important that the panel 8 should be spaced apart from the floor 5 to provide adequate space between the panel 8 for the urine absorbing material 26 where such is to be provided. It has been found that support members 12 of depth g of not less than 20 mm provides sufficient space beneath the panel 8 for the collection of urine.

The frame 14 comprises four ramp members 28 of plastics material. The members 28 are joined by brackets 29 of steel having pins 30 for engaging the ramp members 28. Each ramp member 28 defines an upwardly directed surface 31 which is inclined downwardly from the top surface 9 of the panel 8. Preferably, the surface 31 inclines downwardly to the floor 5 to avoid any danger of a horse catching its hoof or tripping on entering the support member 1. In this embodiment of the invention, the depth i of each ramp member 28 on the side adjacent the panel 8 is 75 mm, namely, the sum of the depths e plus g. The width k of each ramp member 28 is 75 mm. This thus gives an incline of the surface 31 of approximately 45°. The support members 12 extend parallel between opposite ramp members 28 of the frame 14.

In use, to prepare a bed 3 for a horse, the grid panel 8 with the support members 12 attached thereto is placed on the floor 5 of the stable. The frame 14 is assembled around the panel 8. Bedding straw is spread over the panel 9, preferably, the bedding straw covers the entire top surface 9 of the panel 8. While there is no upper limit on the depth to which the bedding straw 2 may be placed on the panel 8, it is preferable that the bedding straw should be placed to a depth of at least 230 mm, and preferably 460 mm loose.

The bedding support according to the invention provides new and surprising results. It has been found that by using the bedding support of the invention, mucking out of a stable is reduced to a minimum. To muck out the stable all that is required is to remove any portions of bedding straw which are locally soiled by faeces. There is no need to replace large quantities of the bedding straw. It has been found that the use of the bedding support according to the invention yields savings in the use of bedding straw of the order of 80% and savings in labour of the order of 75%. A complete change of bedding straw 22 is only required when animals are being changed.

Why these new and surprising results are achieved is not fully understood. However, it is believed that the top faces 22 and 24 of the panel 8 being sized to prevent collection of urine thereon avoids any danger of the bedding material remaining in contact with urine for a sufficient length of time for the urine to be absorbed into the bedding material. Where bedding straw is used, a waxed surface on the straw further facilitates urine run off from the straw, and the urine thus quickly passes through the bedding and in turn through the interstices 20 of the panel 8 where the urine is then collected in the shredded paper 26. Accordingly, by using the bedding support of the invention, there is little or no danger of urine being retained in contact with any portion of the bedding material for a sufficient time to permit the urine to be absorbed by the bedding material.

Furthermore, provided the urine runs relatively quickly from the bedding straw, as it does in the case of the present invention, virtually no damage is caused to the straw by the acid effects of the urine. Thus, the bedding straw does not become soggy, as is known to happen using bedding methods for horses known heretofore. Furthermore, the bedding straw does not give off ammonia fumes, so long as the straw remains undisturbed.

Where other bedding materials such as wood shavings, shredded paper and the like are used as bedding material, substantially similar new and surprising results have been achieved. The reason for these surprising results, while not fully understood, is believed to be substantially similar to the reason the invention provides new and surprising results when the bedding material is straw. In other words, by virtue of the fact that there is no danger of urine collecting on surfaces on which the bedding material is supported, the danger of the bedding material absorbing the urine is greatly reduced. The urine runs relatively quickly through the bedding material through the interstices in the panel of the bedding support.

A further advantage of the invention is achieved by virtue of the fact that the bedding material is kept relatively dry throughout its depth. Accordingly, diseases caused by damp underfoot conditions are largely eliminated. Furthermore, all underfoot veterinary type attention required to the lower limb or in foaling can be carried out in significantly more hygienic conditions than have been possible heretofore.

It has further been found that the use of the bedding support according to the invention also considerably reduces unpleasant or heavy odours common in stables which results from ammonia vapour released from the urine.

If desired, urine absorbing material, for example, the shredded paper 26 or other suitable material, such as straw, wood shavings and the like for collecting urine may be placed on the floor of the stable beneath the grid panel 8 and between the support members 12 and also between the support members 12 and the adjacent ramp members 28 of the frame 14. It is believed that by collecting the urine in the urine absorbing material, aerobic bacteria act on the urine to prevent or substantially reduce the release of ammonia vapours from the urine, and a composting effect is achieved.

A further advantage is achieved when a urine absorbing material is placed beneath the grid panel. It has been found that where faecal matter has fallen through the grid panel and mixes with the urine absorbing material, bacterial activity takes place in the urine absorbing material which is fuelled by the urine and creates heat. The heat generated in the urine absorbing material heats the animal lying or standing on the bedding material. The bacterial activity may be stimulated by the addition of yeast to the urine absorbing material, for example, a handful of yeast dissolved in warm water.

A further significant advantage of the invention is achieved even when a urine absorbing material is not provided. By virtue of the fact that the animal is lying on a bed on the grid panel, the heat lost from the animal's body to the floor of the stable is significantly reduced over and above that which would be lost if the animal were lying directly on the floor or a bed placed directly on the floor.

While in the embodiment of the invention the widths c and d of the longitudinal members 18 and transverse members 19 respectively have been described as being 3 mm and 5 mm, respectively, it is envisaged that longitudinal and transverse members having top faces of widths other than these dimensions may be provided. However, it is believed that optimum results are achieved when the widths of the top faces of the longitudinal and transverse members do not exceed 7 mm, while adequate results are achieved provided the widths of the top faces of the longitudinal and transverse members do not exceed 15 mm.

Furthermore, the pitch centre distances a and b of the longitudinal and transverse members 18 and 19, respectively, may vary. However, it is essential that the pitch centre distances of the longitudinal and transverse members should be such, bearing in mind the width of the top faces of the longitudinal and transverse members, that there is no danger of an animal's hoof either passing through an interstice or becoming caught in an interstice. Thus, the pitch centre distances may vary depending on the type of animal being bedded. For example, interstices of a larger size which would be adequate for a horse might not be adequate for a foal. However, it is believed preferable to maintain the pitch centre distances a and b between longitudinal and transverse members not exceeding 100 mm, and preferably, the pitch centre distances a and b of the longitudinal and transverse members should not exceed 50 mm.

It is also envisaged that the depth e of the longitudinal members 18 may vary.

Further, where the panel 8 is supported on support members, it is preferable that the depth of the support members should be at least 50 mm, and preferably, the depth of the support members should be at least 20 mm.

Referring now to Fig. 11 there is illustrated a bedding support according to another embodiment of the invention indicated generally by the reference numeral 40. The bedding support 40 is substantially similar to the bedding support 1 and similar components are identified by the same reference numeral. The main difference between the bedding support 40 and the bedding support 1 is in the frame 14. In this embodiment of the invention, the frame 14 is formed by four members 42 of plastics material of rectangular cross section. The depth i of the side of the members 42 adjacent the panel 8 is 75 mm similar to the depth i of the ramp members 28, however, the width k of the frame members 42 is 50 mm. Otherwise, this bedding support 40 is similar to the bedding support 1.

It will be appreciated that while the bedding support 1 has been described as having a frame 14 extending around the periphery of the panel 8, while this is preferable, it is not essential. Further, it will be appreciated that while it is preferable that the panel 8 should be supported on ground engaging support means, this is not essential, and where ground engaging support means are provided, any other suitable ground engaging support means may be used. Indeed, in certain cases, it is envisaged that the frame may form the ground engaging support means .

While the grid panel has been described as being of the type supplied under the Trade Mark LIONWELD by Lionweld Kennedy Limited of Great Britain, it will be appreciated that other similar type panels may be used, for example, a panel of the type sold under the Trade Mark FLOW FORGE FLOORING by Redman Fisher Limited of Great Britain. Needless to say, while a grid panel of particular shape and construction has been described, grid panels of other shape and construction may be provided. For example, while the grid panel has been described as comprising a plurality of spaced apart parallel longitudinal members and a plurality of spaced apart parallel transverse members, it is not essential that the longitudinal members should be parallel to each other nor the transverse members should be parallel to each other. Furthermore, while the longitudinal and transverse members have been described as extending at 90° to each other this is not essential. The longitudinal and transverse members may be arranged at angles greater or less than 90° relative to each other. Needless to say, any other pattern of interconnected members to form the interstices may be provided. Additionally, it is envisaged that the panel may be of grid type construction and be formed by a plurality of longitudinal members joined by transverse members extending between adjacent longitudinal members. The transverse members may or may not be aligned. Furthermore, the panel may be of any other construction besides grid type construction, for example, the panel may be of perforated metal, expanded metal mesh, or any other type of material having a plurality of interstices extending therethrough.

It will of course be appreciated that the panel may be 5 of any other suitable material beside steel. For example, the panel may be of any other metal, although where provided of a metal which would be subject to corrosion as a result of contact with animal urine or faeces, it is important that the material of the panel should be coated with a suitable protective coating. Indeed, it will be appreciated that the panel may be of timber, plastics, other perforated metal or the like.

While the bedding material has been described as being straw, any other suitable bedding material may be used, for example, wood shavings, shredded paper or the like. Furthermore, other suitable urine collecting means besides shredded paper may be used, for example, straw, wood shavings and the like.

It will also be appreciated that the support members and frame may be of any other material besides plastics materials, for example, timber, steel or other metal. In particular, it is envisaged that the support members and frame may be of timber which is tanalised, and preferably, vacuum tanalised. Also, if desired, the frame and support members may be of hard wood, treated with a preservative or otherwise, or untreated.

It is also envisaged that in certain cases that the 5 panel of the bedding support may be permanently fixed in a stable by, for example, setting the bedding support in a frame of concrete cast either integrally with the floor of the stable or otherwise cast in situ in the stable. It is envisaged in certain cases that the concrete frame may be cast to a depth of 37 mm. A drainage channel would be provided through the concrete frame to facilitate washing out of the area beneath the panel of the bedding support.

It is also envisaged that the bedding support, instead of being placed on the floor of a stable, may be placed over a pit formed in the stable floor, so that the top surface of the bedding support would be substantially aligned with the surface of the stable floor. In which case, it is envisaged that the panel would be set in a concrete frame, the top surface of which would be aligned with the top surface of the panel of the bedding support and the floor of the stable.

It is also envisaged that instead of connecting the ramp members of the frame together, the ramp members may be secured to the panel of the bedding support by suitable brackets, for example, L-shaped brackets which would extend from the ramp members of the frame to engage transverse and longitudinal members of the panel extending adjacent the corresponding ramp members .

Where urine absorbing material is provided, it has been found advantageous to use short straw and straw heads, although, needless to say, as discussed above, the urine absorbing material may be any other suitable material.

It is also envisaged that the ramp members of the frame, as well as having a downwardly inclined surface, may also have a top substantially horizontal surface extending between the panel of the bedding support and the downwardly inclined surface.

It has also been found that the bacterial activity in the urine absorbing material prevents or substantially reduces ammonia smells which would otherwise be given off by animal bedding, and it has been found that the urine absorbing material only releases an ammonia smell on being disturbed.

Needless to say, the bedding material may be provided by a mixture of materials, such as straw, wood shavings, paper, shredded paper and the like, as well as other suitable bedding materials, or a mixture of some of these bedding materials. Needless to say, the urine absorbing material may also be a mixture of many materials or some materials, such as, for example, straw, wood shavings, paper, shredded paper and the like.

Claims (39)

1. A bedding support for supporting bedding for an equine animal, the bedding support comprising a panel defining a top surface for receiving bedding material, 5 the panel forming a plurality of interstices, portions of the panel between the interstices having an upwardly directed top face which defines the said top surface of the panel, the top faces of the said portions of the panel being of width not exceeding 15 10 mm.

2. A bedding support as claimed in Claim 1 in which the width of the top faces of the said portions of the panel does not exceed 7 mm.

3. A bedding support as claimed in Claim 2 in which 15 the width of the top faces of the said portions of the panel does not exceed 3 mm.

4. A bedding support as claimed in any preceding claim in which the panel is of grid type construction comprising a plurality of interconnected members 20 connected to form the interstices.

5. A bedding support as claimed in Claim 4 in which some of the interconnected members are provided by elongated longitudinally extending parallel longitudinal members spaced apart at pitch centre distances not exceeding 100 mm.

6. A bedding support as claimed in Claim 5 in which the longitudinal members are spaced apart at pitch centre distances not exceeding 50 mm. 5 7. A bedding support as claimed in Claim 6 in which the longitudinal members are spaced apart at pitch centre distances not exceeding 40 mm. 8. A bedding support as claimed in any of Claims 5 to

7. In which each longitudinal member forms one of the 10 upwardly directed top faces. 9. A bedding support as claimed in any of Claims 5 to

8. In which some of the interconnected members are provided by elongated parallel transverse members extending transversely of the longitudinal members and 15 being spaced apart at pitch centre distances not exceeding 100 mm.

9. 10. A bedding support as claimed in Claim 9 in which the transverse members are spaced apart at pitch centre distances not exceeding 50 mm. 20

10. 11. A bedding support as claimed in Claim 10 in which the transverse members are spaced apart at pitch centre distances not exceeding 40 mm.

11. 12. A bedding support as claimed in any of Claims 9 to 11 in which each transverse member forms one of the upwardly directed top faces.

12. 13. A bedding support as claimed in any of Claims 9 5 to 12 in which each transverse member is of twisted square cross-section.

13. 14. A bedding support as claimed in any of Claims 9 to 13 in which the transverse members are secured to the longitudinal members by welding or fusing. 10 15. A bedding support as claimed in any of Claims 9 to 14 in which the transverse members extend at substantially 90° to the longitudinal members. 16. A bedding support as claimed in any preceding claim in which the panel is of metal.

14. 15 17. A bedding support as claimed in any preceding claim in which the panel is of steel.

15. 18. A bedding support as claimed in Claim 17 in which the panel is of galvanised steel.

16. 19. A bedding support as claimed in any preceding 20 claim in which ground engaging support means for supporting the panel spaced apart from the ground are provided.

17. 20. A bedding support as claimed in Claim 19 in which the support means comprises a plurality of elongated parallel, spaced apart support members, the depth of 5 each support member being at least 20 mm.

18. 21. A bedding support as claimed in Claim 20 in which the depth of each support member is at least 30 mm.

19. 22. A bedding support as claimed in Claim 20 or 21 in which the cross section of each support member is 50 10 mm depth by 35 mm width.

20. 23. A bedding support as claimed in any of Claims 20 to 22 in which the support members extend transversely of the longitudinal members of the panel.

21. 24. A bedding support as claimed in any of Claims 20 15 to 23 in which each support member is of plastics material or tanalised wood, or vacuum tanalised wood.

22. 25. A bedding support as claimed in any preceding claim in which the panel is at least partly surrounded by a frame. 20

23. 26. A bedding support as claimed in Claim 25 in which at least one of the members forming the frame is a ramp member having an inclined upwardly directed surface inclining downwardly from the top surface of the panel.

24. 27. A bedding support as claimed in Claim 25 or 26 in 5 which the frame is of plastics material, or tanalised wood or vacuum tanalised wood.

25. 28. A bedding support for supporting bedding material for an equine animal, the bedding support being substantially as described herein with reference to 10 and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

26. 29. A bed for an equine animal comprising the bedding support of any preceding claim and a bedding material spread over at least portion of the top surface of the panel. 15 30. A bed as claimed in Claim material is straw. 29 in which the bedding 31. A bed as claimed in Claim material is wood shavings. 29 in which the bedding 20 32. A bed as claimed in Claim material is shredded paper. 29 in which the bedding

27. 33. A bed as claimed in any of Claims 29 to 32 in which the bedding material is spread over the entire top surface of the panel.

28. 34. A bed for an equine animal, the bed being substantially as described herein with reference to 5 and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

29. 35. A method for bedding an equine animal, the method comprising the steps of placing the bedding support of any of Claims 1 to 28 on a floor of a stable, spreading bedding material over at least portion of 10 the top surface of the panel of the said bedding support.

30. 36. A method for bedding an equine animal as claimed in Claim 35 in which the bedding material is straw.

31. 37. A method for bedding an equine animal as claimed 15 in Claim 35 in which the bedding material is wood shavings.

32. 38. A method for bedding an equine animal as claimed in Claim 35 in which the bedding material is shredded paper. 20

33. 39. A method for bedding an equine animal as claimed in any of Claims 35 to 38 in which the method further comprises the step of supporting the panel spaced apart from the ground.

34. 40. A method for bedding an equine animal as claimed in any of Claims 35 to 39 the method further comprising the step of placing an urine absorbing 5 material beneath the bedding support.

35. 41. A method for bedding an equine animal as claimed in Claim 40 in which the urine absorbing material is shredded paper.

36. 42. A method for bedding an equine animal as claimed 10 in Claim 40 in which the urine absorbing material is straw.

37. 43. A method for bedding an equine animal as claimed in Claim 40 in which the urine absorbing material is wood shavings. 15

38. 44. A method for bedding an equine animal as claimed in any of Claims 35 to 43 the method further comprising the step of placing the animal on the bedding material.

39. 45. A method for bedding an equine animal, the method 20 being substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.