Grape Extract Supplementation for Omega-3 Enriched Eggs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for modulating the lipid profile of eggs to increase polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are hindered by the susceptibility of these fatty acids to oxidation, requiring additional antioxidants and a significant portion of the feed ration, which complicates feed formulation and stability.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a grape extract rich in polyphenols, specifically with 50-95% total polyphenols, 30-90% proanthocyanidins, and 0.5-10% anthocyanins, into the feed of egg-producing animals to enhance the omega-3 fatty acid content in eggs without oxidizing and reducing the need for additional antioxidants.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If raw materials rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are used to modulate the lipid profile of eggs, then the proportion of PUFAs in eggs increases, but the feed becomes more susceptible to oxidation and requires additional antioxidants

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproportion of PUFAs in eggsVSAvoidoxidation susceptibility of feed
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses grape seed proanthocyanidin extract as an intermediary substance that mediates between the goal of increasing PUFA content in eggs and the problem of oxidation susceptibility. The extract contains polyphenols that act as antioxidants, protecting the feed from oxidation while allowing the inclusion of PUFA-rich materials. This intermediary approach enables the simultaneous achievement of both improving features without the need for additional antioxidant additives.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a composite feed formulation combining grape seed proanthocyanidin extract with PUFA-rich raw materials. This composite approach creates a synergistic effect where the grape extract's antioxidant properties complement the PUFA content, providing both oxidation protection and the desired lipid profile modification. The composite material approach allows the feed to maintain stability while achieving the nutritional goal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Quantity of substance

If raw materials rich in PUFAs are added to the feed ration, then the lipid profile of eggs is modified, but the feed formulation becomes more complex and stability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproportion of PUFAs in eggsVSAvoidfeed formulation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter of PUFA delivery by using grape seed proanthocyanidin extract as a concentrated source. Instead of adding large quantities of PUFA-rich raw materials that would complicate the formulation, the extract provides a concentrated form of beneficial compounds that can be incorporated at lower doses. This parameter change simplifies the feed formulation while maintaining the desired nutritional effect.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If technological antioxidants are added to guarantee feed integrity, then oxidation susceptibility is reduced, but production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefeed oxidation resistanceVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the self-service principle by using grape seed proanthocyanidin extract that contains its own antioxidant properties. The extract serves dual purposes: it provides the desired PUFA content modification and simultaneously protects the feed from oxidation through its polyphenol content. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate antioxidant additives, thereby reducing production costs while maintaining feed integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 grape extract increases the omega-3 fatty acid content in eggs by 10-20% without oxidizing, optimizing feed formulation, reducing production costs, and minimizing environmental impact, while maintaining feed stability without the need for additional antioxidants.

Implementation Method 1

Polyphenols are among the substances that have very little susceptibility to oxidation and are known for their antioxidant properties (Williamson & Manach, 2005). Plant extracts rich in polyphenols are used in animal feed to improve the antioxidant status of farm animals.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPolyphenol antioxidant activity:

Implementation Method 2

The use of a feed composition comprising at least one plant extract for the purpose of modifying the lipid profile of eggs, fertilized or not, particularly increasing their proportion of at least one polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), particularly from the family of so-called 'omega-3' PUFAs.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFlavonoid-rich extract supplementation:

Data Source

PatentUS11400129B2Increase in the content of essential fatty acids in eggs via nutritional supplementation of animals using a very low dose of a flavonoid-rich grape extract
Publication Date: 2022.08.02 NOR FEED

AI summary

Method for modifying the essential fatty acid profile of eggs through low-dose nutritional supplementation based on plant extract rich in flavonoids in the plant extract.The present invention relates to a method for supplementing animals that produce eggs that are intended for consumption and/or reproduction using a very low dose of plant extract so as to naturally modulate the profile of essential fatty acid in the eggs produced.Said method consists of a step of supplementing the complete feed and/or the drinking water of the animals using a very low dose of the plant extract and makes it possible to significantly increase the proportion of at least one polyunsaturated fatty acid of the omega-3 family, particularly alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and/or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), in the eggs produced by these animals.The present invention is particularly intended for the agro-feed industry, including the animal nutrition industry, in order to obtain eggs for consumption that are enriched with polyunsaturated fatty acids and/or to improve the quality of eggs intended for reproduction of the species, whether terrestrial and/or aquatic.