Beta-Alanine Dosage Optimization for Feed Conversion and Bodyweight Gain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for reducing the feed conversion ratio in poultry, pigs, and fish without compromising bodyweight gain are inefficient, often requiring high doses of β-alanine that either fail to significantly improve feed conversion or negatively impact bodyweight gain.
Innovation Solution
Administering β-alanine compounds at specific concentrations (between 2 and 55 mmol/kg dry weight for poultry and fish, and between 2 and 25 mmol/kg dry weight for pigs) to reduce the feed conversion ratio and enhance bodyweight gain without adverse effects on bodyweight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high doses of β-alanine are administered to reduce feed conversion ratio, then feed conversion ratio is improved, but bodyweight gain is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the dosage parameter of β-alanine from high doses (21000 mg/kg feed in prior art) to optimized lower doses (2-55 mmol/kg feed), which resolves the contradiction by finding the optimal concentration that improves feed conversion ratio without negatively impacting bodyweight gain
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by using moderate doses of β-alanine rather than excessive high doses, achieving sufficient improvement in feed conversion ratio while avoiding the adverse effects on bodyweight gain that occur with excessive supplementation
2Weight of moving object
If high doses of β-alanine are administered to increase bodyweight gain, then bodyweight gain is improved, but feed consumption is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the dosage parameter to achieve the dual benefit of increased bodyweight gain and maintained feed consumption by using the specific dose range of 2-55 mmol/kg feed, rather than the high doses that cause feed consumption to decrease
3Productivity
If high doses of β-alanine are administered to reduce feed conversion ratio, then feed conversion ratio is improved, but costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the concentration parameter of β-alanine to optimized lower doses (2-55 mmol/kg feed), achieving improvement in feed conversion ratio at lower costs compared to high-dose regimens
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses lower doses of the additive which reduces the quantity of substance required, thereby reducing costs while still achieving the desired improvement in feed conversion ratio
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for the non-therapeutic treatment of animals selected from the group consisting of poultry, pigs and fish. The treatment comprises orally administering at least one ß-alanine compound to the animals in an amount of between 2 and 55 mmol/kg dry weight of said feed for the treatment of poultry and fish and between 2 and 25 mmol/kg dry weight of said feed for the treatment of pigs. These amounts of the ß-alanine compound are used for reducing the conversion ratio or for increasing the bodyweight gain of the animals. The ß-alanine compound is in particular ß-alanine. In prior art methods higher amounts were used resulting also in a reduction of the feed conversion ratio but this to the detriment of the bodyweight gain.