Levulinic Acid Byproduct Preservative for Feed Mold Inhibition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mold growth in animal feeds, such as hay and grain, leads to the production of mycotoxins that can harm livestock by compromising their immune systems, and existing preservatives are not effective in inhibiting mold growth sufficiently.
Innovation Solution
The use of acidic byproducts from manufacturing processes, particularly those containing levulinic acid, hydrochloric acid, and acetic acid, as preservatives or supplements in animal feeds to inhibit mold growth and reduce mycotoxin production during storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional preservatives are used in animal feed, then mold growth is partially inhibited, but the inhibition is insufficient and mycotoxins are still produced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the preservative by using acidic byproducts containing levulinic acid (at least 1% by weight) instead of traditional preservatives. This parameter change results in superior mold growth inhibition and reduced mycotoxin production while maintaining feed quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite preservative formulation combining acidic byproducts (containing levulinic acid, hydrochloric acid, and acetic acid) with propionic acid or salts thereof (at least 60% by weight). This composite approach synergistically enhances mold inhibition effectiveness and mycotoxin reduction compared to single-component preservatives
2Reliability
If acidic byproducts containing levulinic acid are used as preservatives, then mold growth is effectively inhibited and mycotoxin formation is reduced, but the composition complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts acidic byproducts, which are waste materials from manufacturing processes, into beneficial preservatives for animal feed. This approach transforms potentially harmful waste into a valuable product that effectively inhibits mold growth and reduces mycotoxin formation, thereby maintaining feed quality during storage
Solution Approach 2:
The acidic byproduct serves multiple functions: it acts as a pH regulator, a mold growth inhibitor, and a mycotoxin reduction agent. This multi-functionality simplifies the overall preservative system by combining several protective functions into a single composite formulation
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 described compositions effectively inhibit mold growth and reduce mycotoxin formation in animal feeds, demonstrating a significant improvement over traditional preservatives in maintaining feed quality and animal health.
Implementation Method 1
The acidic byproduct can include at least about 1% by weight levulinic acid or a salt thereof... The animal feed preservative can include at least about 20% by weight of an acidic byproduct of a manufacturing process
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments herein relate to animal feed preservatives including byproducts containing levulinic acid and methods of making and using the same. In an embodiment, a method of making an animal feed preservative is included. The method can include obtaining an acidic byproduct of a manufacturing process. The acidic byproduct can include at least about 1% by weight levulinic acid or a salt thereof. The method can further include mixing the acidic byproduct with a base to form the animal feed preservative. The animal feed preservative can include at least about 5 wt. % of the acid byproduct. In various embodiments, a method of reducing the amount of mycotoxins formed in an animal feed product during storage is included. In various embodiments, an animal feed preservative or supplement is included. Other embodiments are also included herein.