High-Fat Extruded Feed Particles With Dual-Melting Fat Coating
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing animal feed particles with high fat content suffer from issues such as crumbling, soft texture, greasy feel, decreased palatability, and reduced digestibility, leading to decreased intake and health problems in livestock.
Innovation Solution
The development of extruded livestock feed particles with a fat content of at least 45% by weight, incorporating a combination of low and high melting point fats, where the low melting point fat is inside the particles and the high melting point fat forms a coating on the exterior, maintaining palatability and digestibility while enhancing energy intake.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If high amounts of fat are incorporated into feed particles prior to extrusion, then fat content is increased, but the particles become crumbly and lose structural integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The fat incorporation process is segmented into two distinct stages: (1) pre-extrusion fat incorporation at controlled levels to maintain particle integrity during processing, and (2) post-extrusion fat application to achieve high overall fat content. This segmentation allows each stage to optimize for its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
A fat-containing liquid is applied to the granulated product before extrusion as a preliminary action. The product is then subjected to vacuum conditions and slow pressure release to facilitate fat absorption into the particle structure, ensuring proper fat distribution before the main extrusion process.
2Quantity of substance
If similar amounts of fat are applied onto the surface of the pellet or nugget, then fat content is increased, but the product becomes soft, friable and has a greasy texture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase transitions of fat as a key parameter change mechanism. A low melting point fat is applied first and allowed to permeate the particle structure, then a high melting point fat is applied to form a protective exterior coating. The differential melting points enable controlled fat distribution and texture management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent exploits the phase transition properties of fats with different melting points. The low melting point fat transitions from liquid to solid within the particle matrix, while the high melting point fat remains solid on the exterior, creating a dual-structure that prevents greasiness while maintaining high fat content.
3Use of energy by moving object
If high fat content is achieved through conventional methods, then energy content is increased, but palatability and digestibility decrease leading to decreased intake
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the feed particle are given different fat compositions: the interior contains low melting point fat for energy density, while the exterior is coated with high melting point fat for texture and palatability control. This local differentiation allows high overall fat content without compromising eating quality.
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 particles maintain palatability and digestibility, allowing increased fat intake without adverse effects, resulting in enhanced energy intake and improved health outcomes for livestock.
Implementation Method 1
placing a low melting point fat into a vacuum coater under vacuum wherein the vacuum coater contains extruded particles such that the low melting point fat permeates into the extruded particles when the vacuum is partially released
Implementation Method 2
adding a high melting point fat to the vacuum coater after the low melting point fat saturates the extruded particles and releasing the remaining vacuum to generate livestock feed particles comprising at least 45 percent fat by weight
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention includes extruded livestock feed particles comprising a high level of fat and methods of making these animal feed particles. The particles are palatable and digestible by the livestock animals and lead to an enhanced energy intake by the animals. The particles are also flowable. The method includes the use of a vacuum coater to incorporate the fat into extruded animal feed particles. The present invention also includes methods of feeding dairy cows.