Anthelminthic Composition for Parasite Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dewormer compounds used to treat parasitic helminths in livestock are ineffective in reducing long-term infection and reinfection rates, as they lead to resistant parasite strains and may impair soil biota and immune development in young animals.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising calcium hydroxide or calcium oxide and ammonium nitrate, with a buffering agent, applied to treatment loci to control free-living parasitic nematodes by maintaining a pH between 6.5 and 9.5, effectively reducing nematode populations on pastures and in animal waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If synthetic dewormer compounds are used to treat parasitic helminths in livestock, then immediate parasite reduction is achieved, but parasite resistance develops and long-term effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters by using naturally occurring plant compounds (sesquiterpene lactones, alkaloids, flavonoids) instead of synthetic dewormers. These natural compounds have different modes of action that do not select for resistance in the same way synthetic compounds do, thereby maintaining long-term effectiveness while avoiding the harmful effect of resistance development
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite plant extracts containing multiple active compounds (sesquiterpene lactones, alkaloids, flavonoids, and other phytochemicals) rather than single synthetic compounds. This multi-component approach creates complex interactions that make it difficult for parasites to develop resistance, as they would need to simultaneously resist multiple different mechanisms of action
2Reliability
If deworming compounds are used to control parasitic helminths, then parasite infection is reduced, but soil biota decomposition is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs plant-based compounds that are biodegradable and break down naturally in the environment. These compounds do not persist in soil like synthetic dewormers, allowing soil biota to recover and maintain their decomposition functions. The natural compounds are effectively 'short-living' in the environment, eliminating long-term harmful effects on soil ecosystems
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses plant compounds that, while toxic to parasites, actually benefit soil health by being biodegradable and potentially enriching soil organic matter. The decomposition of plant material adds nutrients to the soil, converting what could be a harmful substance into a beneficial soil amendment that supports healthy soil biota
3Reliability
If deworming compounds are used to treat parasitic helminths, then parasite load is reduced, but immune development in young animals is slowed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses plant compounds at concentrations that provide sufficient parasite control while being less suppressive to the immune system compared to high-dose synthetic dewormers. The partial effectiveness against parasites allows enough exposure to maintain immune stimulation, while the milder nature of plant compounds reduces immunosuppression, thereby supporting normal immune development in young animals
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 significantly reduces the number of free-living parasitic nematodes on pastures and in animal waste, providing a long-term solution to reinfection and promoting healthier soil biota without inducing resistance.
Implementation Method 1
The combination of the alkaline compound and the ammonium compound generates heat in an exothermic reaction
Implementation Method 2
with a buffering agent, applied to treatment loci to control free-living parasitic nematodes by maintaining a pH between 6.5 and 9.5
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3(a)~3(b)
AI summary
The present invention relates generally to combinations comprising an alkaline compound and an ammonium compound that are useful for reducing the number of free living parasitic helminths on various surfaces, to methods of using such combinations, and to the use of such combinations for killing helminths, particularly nematodes.