Acidic Bedding Composition for Ammonia and Microbial Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing animal housing solutions, such as poultry houses, face challenges in maintaining optimal conditions due to the buildup of pathogenic microorganisms, which negatively impact animal health and productivity, and current bedding treatments are expensive and provide short-lasting effects.
Innovation Solution
An aqueous composition comprising organic acids, organic terpenes, and optionally strong mineral acids, applied to animal bedding, maintains an acidic pH to control ammonia and microbes, comprising citric acid, lactic acid, citrus terpenes, and sulfuric acid, with optional additives like copper sulfate and boric acid, applied through a process involving floor conditioning, washdown, and bedding treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional bedding treatments are used to control ammonia and microbes, then microbial growth and ammonia levels are reduced, but the treatment effect is short-lasting and costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the pH of bedding material to a specific acidic range (pH 2.0-4.0) using mineral acids. This pH parameter modification creates an environment that is hostile to pathogenic microorganisms and reduces ammonia formation, providing long-lasting control throughout the production cycle without requiring frequent reapplication
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining mineral acids (such as sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, or hydrochloric acid) with bedding materials like pine shavings, straw, or sand. This composite approach creates a treated bedding system that maintains acidic pH levels over time, providing sustained microbial control and ammonia reduction throughout the animal production cycle
2Reliability
If acidification treatment is applied to bedding to control pathogens, then microbial growth is reduced, but treatment costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical parameter of bedding pH to an acidic range (pH 2.0-4.0) using mineral acids, which provides effective pathogen control. This parameter change approach is cost-effective because it uses readily available industrial acids and maintains protective levels throughout the entire production cycle, eliminating the need for expensive proprietary treatments or frequent reapplication
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive mineral acids (sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, or hydrochloric acid) that can be easily applied to bedding materials. These acids provide long-lasting pathogen control at low cost, replacing expensive commercial products while maintaining effective protection against pathogens like E. coli and Salmonella throughout the production cycle
3Productivity
If multiple flock cycles are operated in poultry houses, then productivity increases, but pathogenic microorganisms accumulate and worsen animal health
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by acidifying the bedding material before animals are introduced to the facility. This pre-treatment establishes a protective acidic environment (pH 2.0-4.0) that prevents pathogen establishment from the outset, allowing multiple flock cycles to operate without progressive pathogen accumulation. The acidic bedding acts as a barrier that breaks down organic matter and inhibits microbial growth before contamination can occur
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by maintaining acidic pH levels in bedding throughout the entire production cycle and across multiple flock cycles. The mineral acid treatment provides sustained pathogen control that persists through animal occupation, allowing the facility to continuously operate multiple flocks without pathogen buildup, thereby maintaining productivity while protecting animal health
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 microbial growth and ammonia levels, thereby improving animal health and productivity while being cost-effective and long-lasting.
Implementation Method 1
an aqueous composition comprising, in combination: a) an organic acid (e.g., citric acid, lactic acid, or a combination thereof); b) an organic terpene... wherein said composition has a pH of from 2 to 5
Implementation Method 2
Research has demonstrated the damaging effects of pathogenic microorganisms on poultry feed conversion and growth... The composition effectively maintains an acidic pH for extended periods, reducing microbial growth
Implementation Method 3
U.S. Pat. No. 8,075,876 describes addition of a partially hydrated ferric sulfate composition to poultry litter to reduce ammonia emissions... The composition effectively maintains an acidic pH for extended periods, reducing microbial growth and ammonia levels
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.