IGR Feed Additive for Parasite Control in Bovines

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for controlling cattle ticks, horn flies, and Haemonchus spp. in livestock are labor-intensive, lead to economic losses, and result in chemical residue contamination, with existing products often requiring herding and handling that causes stress and weight loss in animals, and resistance to anthelmintics is a growing concern.

Innovation Solution

A veterinary composition in dust or powder form, combining insect growth regulators (IGRs) like Diflubenzuron with microminerals, which is administered as a feed additive, effectively controlling ecto- and endoparasites by interrupting chitin synthesis without leaving toxic residues, and is designed for simultaneous use against cattle ticks, horn flies, and Haemonchus spp., reducing the need for herding and handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional acaricides and anthelmintics are used to control parasites, then parasite populations are reduced, but chemical residue contamination occurs and resistance develops

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparasite control efficacyVSAvoidchemical residue contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameter of the control agent from conventional acaricides/anthelmintics to insect growth regulators (IGR), specifically diflubenzuron, which interrupts chitin synthesis in parasites. This parameter change eliminates chemical residue contamination while maintaining control efficacy, as IGRs work through a different mechanism that does not leave toxic residues in animal products.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and eliminates the harmful chemical residue component from the parasite control process by using IGRs that do not persist in the environment or animal products. The solution removes the contamination aspect while retaining the essential function of parasite population reduction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If herding and handling methods are used to administer parasite control products, then treatment coverage is improved, but animal stress and weight loss increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment coverageVSAvoidanimal weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by incorporating the IGR into feed or water sources, allowing animals to self-administer the treatment without human intervention. Animals consume the treated feed or drink the treated water voluntarily, achieving complete treatment coverage without the stress and weight loss associated with herding and manual handling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical herding and handling system with a chemical delivery system through feed or water. This substitution eliminates the physical stress of movement and handling while ensuring all animals receive treatment through their natural feeding or drinking behavior.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate treatments are applied for different parasites, then comprehensive control is achieved, but operational complexity and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparasite control spectrumVSAvoidtreatment protocol complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by using a single IGR compound (diflubenzuron) that functions against multiple types of parasites including ticks, horn flies, and gastrointestinal nematodes. This multi-functional approach consolidates multiple separate treatments into one universal solution, reducing operational complexity while maintaining comprehensive control across different parasite species.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 achieves over 99% reduction in ectoparasites and endoparasites populations, promotes weight gain in cattle, and eliminates the need for withdrawal periods due to minimal toxicity, providing a cost-effective and stress-reduced parasite control method.

Implementation Method 1

effectively controlling ecto- and endoparasites by interrupting chitin synthesis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChitin synthesis inhibition:

Data Source

PatentUS9040586B2Veterinary compositions for controlling ecto- and endoparasites in bovines, use of these compositions, use of IGR substances associated with microminerals, method for controlling ecto- and endoparasites in bovines and kit

Publication Date: 2015.05.26 CENTRAL GARDEN & PET CO

AI summary

Veterinary compositions are described for controlling ecto- and endo-parasites in animals, such as bovine. The compositions contain an IGR compound(s) or a benzoyl substituted urea(s) along with a mineral mix and at least one carrier.