Pig heat-stress-resistant composite device based on environmental enrichment and preparation method of pig heat-stress-resistant composite device

Abstract

The invention discloses a pig heat stress resistant composite device based on environmental enrichment and a preparation method thereof, and belongs to the technical field of livestock breeding. The device is composed of a multifunctional base body and a built-in degradable chewing-resistant core body. The matrix contains active ingredients aiming at heat stress, and comprises organic electrolyte, sodium butyrate serving as an intestinal mucosa protective agent, theanine serving as a nerve sedative and antioxidant vitamins; and the core body is an environmental enrichment made of natural fibers. The core body induces the pigs to prolong licking and biting time, sufficient intake of active ingredients is ensured when the feed intake is reduced, meanwhile, the exploration and playing nature of the pigs is met, the carving behaviors are reduced, and dual relief of physiological and psychological stress is achieved. The preparation method comprises the steps of core body pretreatment, mixing, pre-pressing implantation, pressing and low-temperature curing. The invention solves the problem of insufficient intake of intervention components under heat stress, and has obvious anti-stress effect.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the fields of animal husbandry and animal nutrition technology, specifically to a composite interactive device for alleviating heat stress in pigs and its preparation method. Background Technology

[0002] Heat stress is a key factor restricting healthy pig farming. When the ambient temperature exceeds the pig's isothermal zone, its physiological functions become significantly disrupted, mainly manifested as decreased feed intake and increased respiratory rate. This response directly leads to problems such as negative energy balance, respiratory alkalosis, electrolyte loss, and oxidative damage. Existing mitigation technologies mainly rely on environmental control (such as evaporative cooling pad-fan systems, which are energy-intensive and inefficient under high humidity) and the addition of nutrients (such as electrolytes and vitamins) to feed or drinking water. However, when heat stress leads to a significant reduction in feed and water intake, the latter is insufficient to ensure adequate intake of effective components. In addition, some existing interactive devices for pigs have relatively simple functions, are not systematically designed to address the complex physiological mechanisms of heat stress, and generally neglect psychological stress problems such as irritability and stereotyped behaviors caused by heat stress. Therefore, there is an urgent need in this field for a technical solution that can ensure the intake of effective components and simultaneously intervene in physiological and psychological stress through environmental enrichment methods.

[0003] Currently, conventional techniques for mitigating heat stress mainly include:

[0004] 1. Environmental control: such as installing fans and wet curtains for cooling, but the investment and operating costs of the equipment are high, and the effect is limited in extreme weather.

[0005] 2. Nutritional Regulation: Electrolytes (such as potassium chloride, sodium bicarbonate), vitamins (such as VC, VE), and organic acids are added to feed or drinking water. However, under heat stress, the voluntary feed intake and water consumption of pigs decrease, making it impossible to guarantee the intake of effective components supplemented through these means, thus greatly reducing the effectiveness.

[0006] 3. Device used: The main components of the heat stress-resistant matrix for pigs currently on the market are mineral salt bricks. Their core function is to supplement macro-elements such as sodium, calcium, and phosphorus. Their function is singular and not designed for the complex pathophysiological mechanisms of heat stress. They cannot solve multi-dimensional problems such as electrolyte balance, anti-oxidation, intestinal health, and psychological distress.

[0007] In summary, the existing technologies have the following obvious shortcomings: (1) passive supplementation, with no guarantee of intake; (2) focusing on physiology and neglecting psychological stress; and (3) single methods and lack of synergistic effect. Therefore, there is an urgent need in this field for a comprehensive solution that can actively attract pigs to feed, ensure the intake of effective components, and simultaneously provide synergistic intervention from both physiological and psychological levels. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies and provide a composite device for combating heat stress in pigs based on environmental enrichment and its preparation method. The core concept of this solution is to use "environmental enrichment" as a carrier to ensure the efficient delivery of active substances. Through an innovative device design, this enrichment point in the rearing environment is used to induce prolonged licking, biting, and other interactive behaviors in pigs. During this process, a composite active ingredient targeting multiple pathways of heat stress is stably and adequately ingested, thereby achieving the dual goals of physiological regulation and psychological reassurance in combating stress.

[0009] The technical solution of the present invention is as follows:

[0010] The first aspect is a composite device for combating heat stress in pigs based on environmental enrichment. This device is not a homogeneous body, but a composite structure consisting of a multifunctional matrix and an embedded biodegradable, chew-resistant core.

[0011] 1. Multifunctional matrix: Composed of the following components by weight percentage:

[0012] * Rapid-response component (15-25%): Primarily used to address acute physiological responses triggered by heat stress. Includes organic electrolyte complexes (such as potassium citrate 10-20%, sodium malate 5-10%), which have high absorption efficiency and low metabolic heat generation; and volatile cooling agents (such as menthol 0.5-1.5%), which produce an instant cooling sensation by stimulating oral cold receptors.

[0013] * Continuous Repair Components (6-12%): Used to repair deep tissue damage caused by heat stress. Includes intestinal mucosal protectants (such as sodium butyrate 3-5%) to repair damaged intestinal walls; nerve sedatives (such as tea theanine 1-3%) to help calm and reduce anxiety; and an antioxidant matrix (such as vitamin C 1-2%, vitamin E 0.5-1%, selenium yeast 0.5-1%).

[0014] * Behavioral induction and shaping components (balance): Includes highly effective palatability enhancers (such as molasses 2-4%, fennel powder 0.5-1%), as well as necessary shaping carriers and binders (such as bentonite 20-30%, salt 10-15%, rice husk powder 10-20%).

[0015] 2. Built-in biodegradable and chewable core: This is the key innovation of this invention. The core is made of natural, non-toxic, and biodegradable fibrous materials, such as ramie rope woven into braids or pressed, sugarcane bagasse sticks, fruitwood fiber blocks, etc. Its function is not to provide nutrition, but to act as an environmental enrichment. When the device is placed in the pig's activity area, the pig will be attracted by the flavor of the matrix and lick it. As the matrix is ​​consumed, the core is gradually exposed, and the pig will instinctively gnaw and pull on the core for a long time and at a high frequency. This behavior: (a) greatly prolongs the contact time between the pig and the device, indirectly ensuring the intake of active ingredients in the matrix; (b) effectively diverts the pig's attention from the hot environment, consumes its energy, significantly reduces stereotyped behaviors such as irritability and empty chewing, and alleviates stress from a psychological perspective.

[0016] Secondly, this invention provides a method for preparing the aforementioned composite device. The key to this method lies in how to firmly and rationally integrate the core body into the composite device matrix while protecting the heat-sensitive active material. The steps are as follows:

[0017] 1. Core pretreatment: Soak the chewy core (such as ramie rope) in an aqueous solution containing palatability enhancers such as molasses and fennel powder, then remove and dry at low temperature to give it a strong palatability flavor.

[0018] 2. Mixing of matrix raw materials: According to the formula ratio, fully premix the active ingredients such as organic electrolytes, sodium butyrate, and vitamins with the carriers such as bentonite and rice husk powder. Then add the binder (such as an appropriate amount of water) and mix until it can be formed into a ball when squeezed by hand and crumbles when released.

[0019] 3. Pre-compression and implantation: Fill the mold with the mixture to about half its height, level it, and then place the pre-treated core in the center of the mold.

[0020] 4. Compression Molding: Pour the remaining mixture into the mold, cover the core, and press under a pressure of 20-30 MPa for 30-60 seconds to form the core. This pressure ensures a tight bond between the core and the matrix, preventing it from easily detaching.

[0021] 5. Low-temperature curing: Place the pressed wet blank in a drying oven at 50-60℃ and slowly dry for 24-48 hours until the moisture content drops below 10% and the hardness meets the standard. Low-temperature drying can retain the activity of heat-sensitive substances such as menthol and vitamins to the greatest extent.

[0022] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0023] 1. Key Substantive Features: This invention creatively transforms the animal welfare concept of "environmental enrichment" into a technical means to ensure the efficient delivery of stress-relieving activating components. Through induced biting behavior induced by an internal core, the intake window for effective components is forcibly extended, solving the problem of insufficient feed intake under heat stress. This cross-disciplinary combination of "environmental induction + nutritional intervention" is not readily apparent.

[0024] 2. Significant Advancement: This invention achieves a dual "physiological-psychological" intervention, resulting in a synergistic and multiplied effect. The formula is precisely designed to target multiple pathways of heat stress (electrolytes, gut, nervous system, oxidation), producing a synergistic effect of "1+1>2" when combined with environmental intervention. Compared to existing technologies, this invention's solution is more systematic and fundamental, offering a more comprehensive and lasting anti-stress effect.

[0025] 3. Practical manufacturing process: The manufacturing method is simple and easy to industrialize. The pretreatment and implantation steps of the core effectively enhance the product's appeal and functionality. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the composite device described in this invention.

[0027] In the diagram: 1. Device base; 2. Chewing core.

[0028] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of different forms of the core.

[0029] Figure 3 Schematic diagrams of different shapes of the device.

[0030] Figure 4 : Preparation process flow diagram. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the embodiments, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0032] Example 1:

[0033] Preparation of a composite device for pig heat stress resistance based on environmental enrichment.

[0034] (1) Core pretreatment: Take a ramie braided rope with a diameter of about 2cm, soak it in an aqueous solution of 10% molasses and 1% fennel powder for 30 minutes, take it out and dry it at 50℃ for later use.

[0035] (2) Matrix ingredients: Weigh the raw materials according to the following weight ratio: potassium citrate 15%, sodium malate 5%, menthol 1%, sodium butyrate 4%, tea theanine 2%, vitamin C 1.5%, vitamin E 0.5%, selenium yeast 0.5%, molasses 3%, bentonite 25%, salt 12%, rice husk powder 29.5%.

[0036] (3) Mixing: Mix all dry raw materials except menthol evenly, then dissolve menthol in a small amount of alcohol and spray it into the material, and finally add an appropriate amount of water and mix until the humidity is suitable.

[0037] (4) Press molding: First, put half of the mixture into the mold, place a pre-treated ramie rope on it, then put in the remaining material, and press for 40 seconds at 25MPa to form the product.

[0038] (5) Curing: Dry at 55℃ for 36 hours to obtain the finished device. The composite device has moderate hardness, which satisfies the pigs' natural instinct to explore and play, reduces stereotyped behavior, and shows a strong desire to gnaw on the ramie rope inside.

[0039] Example 2

[0040] (1) Core preprocessing:

[0041] Take a sugarcane bagasse pressing rod with a diameter of about 2 cm (instead of the ramie braided rope in Example 1), and make sure its length is basically the same as the overall height of the device (e.g., 200 mm). Soak it in a mixed aqueous solution containing 12% molasses and 0.8% anise powder for 30 minutes (the molasses concentration is slightly higher than in Example 1 to enhance palatability, and the anise powder ratio is slightly adjusted to balance the flavor). After soaking, remove it and dry it at 50°C for later use.

[0042] Design purpose: Sugarcane bagasse is a common low-cost biodegradable fiber material in pig farming. Its porous structure makes it easier for pigs to chew and generate frictional interest. Adjusting the ratio of molasses and spices aims to verify the attractiveness of different combinations of palatability enhancers to pig interaction behavior.

[0043] (2) Matrix ingredients:

[0044] Weigh the raw materials according to the following weight ratios (the key difference from Example 1 lies in the adjustment of the electrolyte ratio and the type of palatability enhancer):

[0045] Rapid-response components (18%): * Organic electrolyte complex (potassium citrate 12%, sodium malate 8% (Example 1: potassium citrate 15%, sodium malate 5%), with the potassium-sodium ratio fine-tuned to suit the electrolyte needs of pigs at different growth stages); menthol 1%* (same as in Example 1, providing an instant cooling sensation).

[0046] Sustained repair components (8%): ​​* Intestinal mucosal protectant (sodium butyrate 4%, consistent with Example 1); nerve sedative (tea theanine 2%, consistent with Example 1); antioxidant matrix (vitamin C 1.5%, vitamin E 0.5%, selenium yeast 0.5%*, consistent with Example 1).

[0047] Behavioral induction and shaping components (balance, approximately 74%): * Highly effective palatability enhancer (molasses 2%, anise powder 1% (Example 1: molasses 3%, anise powder 0.5%), reducing the molasses ratio and increasing the anise powder to enrich the flavor profile); and necessary shaping carriers and binders (bentonite 25%, salt 12%, rice husk powder 25%* (adjusting the rice husk powder ratio to 25%, and correspondingly reducing the bentonite to verify the effect of different carriers on matrix hardness and palatability).

[0048] (3) Mixing and molding:

[0049] Mix all dry ingredients except menthol (including adjusted molasses, anise powder, bentonite, etc.) evenly. Then, dissolve menthol in a small amount of alcohol and spray it into the mixture. Finally, add an appropriate amount of water and mix until the mixture can be formed into a ball when squeezed in the hand but crumbles when released.

[0050] Fill a custom mold with the mixture to about half its height, level it, and then place the pretreated bagasse pressing rod in the center of the mold. Add the remaining mixture to the mold to cover the core, and press it into shape under a pressure of 25 MPa for 40 seconds (the pressure is the same as in Example 1 to ensure a tight bond between the core and the matrix).

[0051] (4) Curing:

[0052] The pressed wet blanks were placed in a drying oven at 55°C and slowly dried for 24-48 hours (as in Example 1) until the moisture content dropped below 10% and the hardness met the requirements. Low-temperature drying can preserve the activity of heat-sensitive substances such as menthol and vitamins to the greatest extent.

Claims

1. A method for preparing a porcine heat stress resistance composite device based on environmental enrichment, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: (a) Provide a chewable core made of biodegradable natural fiber material; (b) Provides a mixture for forming a matrix, the mixture comprising an organic electrolyte, an intestinal mucosal protectant, a nerve sedative, an antioxidant, a palatability enhancer, and a shaping carrier; (c) Place the core body obtained in step (a) in a mold, surround it with the mixture obtained in step (b) and press it to form a blank; (d) The blank obtained in step (c) is dried and cured at low temperature to obtain the composite device.

2. The preparation method according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step (a), the chewy core is pretreated with an appealant, the pretreatment comprising immersing the core in an aqueous solution containing molasses and / or plant flavorings, and then drying it.

3. The preparation method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, In step (b), the mixture comprises, by weight percentage: 15-25% organic electrolyte complex, 3-8% intestinal mucosal protectant, 1-3% nerve sedative, 2-4% antioxidant, 2-4% appetite stimulant, and the remainder being a molding carrier.

4. A porcine heat stress-resistant composite device based on environmental enrichment, prepared by the method described in any one of claims 1-3.

5. The composite device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The device comprises a substrate (1) and at least one built-in biodegradable chewable core (2) enclosed within the substrate.

6. The composite device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The built-in biodegradable chewable core (2) is made of one or more of ramie, sugarcane bagasse, and fruitwood fiber.

7. The composite device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The matrix (1) comprises a rapid response component, a sustained repair component, and a behavior-inducing component; the rapid response component comprises an organic electrolyte and a volatile cooling agent; the sustained repair component comprises an intestinal mucosal protectant, a nerve sedative, and an antioxidant.

8. The composite device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The organic electrolyte is a compound of potassium citrate and sodium malate; the intestinal mucosal protectant is sodium butyrate; and the nerve sedative is theanine from tea leaves.

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