Fermented Agaricus Blazei Feed for Egg Shell Quality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current feed materials for laying hens do not effectively improve egg shell quality and extend the egg laying period, leading to decreased laying percentage and deteriorating shell quality over time.
Innovation Solution
A feed material comprising fermented Agaricus Blazei mushroom grown on grain, dried to a low moisture content, and milled to a specific particle size, which is rich in ergosterol, extra-cellular enzymes, and β-glucans, is administered to laying hens to enhance egg production and shell quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional feed materials are used for laying hens, then egg production is maintained initially, but egg shell quality deteriorates and laying period decreases over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transforming the physical and chemical state of the feed material through fermentation. The Agaricus blazei mushroom is fermented on grain substrate, converting it into a form with enhanced nutritional properties including increased ergosterol content (1.5-3.0% dry weight) and improved bioavailability. This fermentation process fundamentally changes the parameters of the feed material to resolve the contradiction between maintaining egg shell quality and extending laying period.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite materials by combining Agaricus blazei mushroom with grain substrate (such as wheat bran, rice bran, or corn) through fermentation. This creates a composite feed material that synergistically combines the immunomodulatory and shell-quality benefits of the mushroom with the nutritional value of the grain, effectively addressing both egg shell quality and laying period extension.
2Stability of the object's composition
If Agaricus Blazei is fermented on grain and dried to low moisture content, then feed material stability and shelf life are improved, but production complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing fermentation of Agaricus blazei on the grain substrate before the actual feed formulation stage. This pre-fermentation process prepares the mushroom material in advance, ensuring stable composition and enhanced nutritional properties before incorporation into the final feed. The fermentation step is completed beforehand, allowing for controlled drying and storage of the pre-processed material.
Solution Approach 2:
The fermentation process utilizes the natural metabolic activities of the Agaricus blazei mycelium to self-transform the grain substrate. The mushroom produces enzymes that break down complex compounds in the grain and synthesizes beneficial substances like ergosterol and beta-glucans automatically during the fermentation period (typically 7-14 days), reducing the need for additional processing steps and external interventions.
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 feed material significantly increases egg production, extends the laying period, and maintains egg shell quality, with treated hens producing more eggs and laying at higher percentages for a longer duration with reduced mortality.
Implementation Method 1
The Agaricus species is fermented on grain, the fermented grain is dried
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a process for producing feed material, comprising a) fermenting Agaricus Blazei on grain with a moisture content between 10 and 80% until 15-50% mycelium content, wherein the grain is preferably rye or oat, b) drying the fermented grain to a moisture content of between 2 and 8 wt% (with respect to the dry material) at a temperature below 100 °C, and preferably between 20 and 45 °C while applying reduced pressure, c) and milling the so obtained fermented and dried material to a particle size with a d50 between 0.01 and 10 mm.