Acidic Bedding Composition for Ammonia and Microbe Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing animal housing bedding treatments are expensive and do not provide a long-lasting effect in controlling pathogenic microorganisms and ammonia levels, leading to decreased feed conversion and body weight gain in poultry.
Innovation Solution
An aqueous composition comprising organic acids, organic terpenes, and optionally strong mineral acids, applied to animal bedding, which maintains an acidic pH to control ammonia and microbes, comprising citric acid, lactic acid, citrus terpenes, sulfuric acid, and additional ingredients like copper sulfate and magnesium sulfate, applied through various processes to animal housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing bedding treatments are used to control pathogenic microorganisms and ammonia levels, then microbial growth is inhibited, but the treatment is expensive and does not provide a long-lasting effect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses multiple acids (formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid) to maintain pH levels between 3.0 and 5.0, which is the critical parameter change that provides long-lasting microbial control. This pH maintenance strategy allows the treatment to remain effective throughout the entire poultry flock cycle, resolving the contradiction between effectiveness and duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines multiple organic acids (formic, acetic, propionic, butyric) into a composite acidification treatment. This composite approach provides synergistic effects where each acid contributes to sustained pH control and different mechanisms of microbial inhibition, thereby achieving both reliable pathogen control and extended duration of action.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If existing bedding treatments are applied to control ammonia levels, then ammonia emissions are reduced, but the treatment cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive organic acids (formic, acetic, propionic, butyric acid) that can be applied at reasonable costs. These acids are readily available and economical compared to conventional treatments, achieving ammonia control without significantly increasing treatment costs while maintaining effectiveness throughout the flock cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
By controlling pH levels between 3.0 and 5.0 through acid application, the treatment converts harmful ammonia (NH3) into ammonium ions (NH4+), which are less volatile and odorous. This parameter change approach effectively reduces ammonia emissions using cost-effective acid applications rather than expensive specialized treatments.
3Quantity of substance
If pathogenic microorganisms are not controlled in animal housing, then treatment costs are reduced, but feed conversion and body weight gain decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The acidification treatment is applied to bedding materials before poultry are introduced into the housing. This preliminary action establishes a protective acidic environment (pH 3.0-5.0) that prevents pathogen establishment from the outset, thereby protecting feed conversion and weight gain without requiring costly interventions during production.
Solution Approach 2:
The organic acids applied to bedding create a self-sustaining acidic environment that continuously inhibits pathogenic microorganisms throughout the flock cycle. This self-service mechanism maintains productivity by preventing pathogen buildup without requiring additional costly treatments during the production period.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The composition effectively maintains an acidic pH for extended periods, reducing pathogenic microorganisms and ammonia levels, thereby improving animal health and productivity by creating an environment that inhibits microbial growth and promotes better feed conversion and weight gain.
Implementation Method 1
said composition has a pH of from 2 to 5, or from 2.5 to 4, or from 3 to 3.5
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are compositions useful for improving conditions in animal housing. In some embodiments, the compositions may include, in combination: a) an organic acid; b) an organic terpene; and optionally, c) a strong mineral acid. In some embodiments, the composition has a pH of from 2 to 5, or from 2.5 to 4, or from 3 to 3.5. Also provided are processes for the control of ammonia and microbes in animal housing, which may include applying a composition as taught herein to at least a portion of the house, e.g., to the bedding of the house, whereby said applying steps result in the control of ammonia and/or microbes in the animal housing.