Alkyl Esters of Medium Chain Fatty Acids in Animal Feed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs) in animal feed are quickly absorbed in the proximal small intestinal tract, failing to exert microbiota modulating properties in the distal small intestine and hind gut, and their ester counterparts have corrosivity, poor flavor, and lower pathogen activity compared to their ester forms.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating alkyl esters of MCFAs with a chain length of 5-12 carbon atoms, such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, or butyl esters, at a dosage of 50 ppm or higher in animal feed to inhibit pathogens like Clostridium perfringens, with a synergistic effect when combined with organic acids, enhancing antimicrobial activity and feed efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs) are used in animal feed, then antimicrobial activity is achieved, but they are quickly absorbed in the proximal small intestinal tract and fail to exert microbiota modulating properties in the distal small intestine and hind gut
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical form of MCFAs from free fatty acids to alkyl esters (methyl, ethyl, propyl, or butyl esters). This parameter change in molecular structure reduces absorption rate in the proximal small intestine while maintaining antimicrobial activity, allowing the esters to reach the distal small intestine and hind gut where they can modulate microbiota composition.
2Duration of action of moving object
If alkyl esters of MCFAs are used to prolong activity in the gastrointestinal tract, then duration of action is improved, but corrosivity and poor flavor are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent selects specific alkyl groups (methyl, ethyl, propyl, or butyl) for the esterification of MCFAs. These particular alkyl chains provide an optimal balance: they prolong gastrointestinal tract activity while minimizing corrosivity and maintaining acceptable flavor profiles, unlike other ester forms that may be overly corrosive or have poor sensory properties.
3Reliability
If higher dosage of esters is used to enhance antimicrobial activity, then pathogen inhibition is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the dosage range of alkyl esters of MCFAs to achieve effective pathogen inhibition at economically viable concentrations. By changing from free MCFAs to alkyl esters, the dosing requirements are adjusted to levels that provide sufficient antimicrobial and microbiota-modulating effects without excessive cost, representing a cost-effective solution compared to alternative additives.
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 alkyl esters of MCFAs demonstrate stronger antimicrobial activity and prolonged activity in the gastrointestinal tract, improving feed efficiency and reducing the risk of infections by inhibiting pathogens, while maintaining a favorable microbiota balance and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
the esters possess nonspecific activity of a surface- active agent (surfactant). Studies have demonstrated that the anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral activities of the esters were due to their functions in disrupting cell membranes
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention is directed to an animal feed suitable for feeding mammals, birds and fish, comprising an alkyl ester of a fatty acid, wherein said fatty acid has a chain length of 5 - 12 carbon atoms, and wherein the dosage of said ester in said animal feed is 50 ppm by weight or higher, based on the total weight of said animal feed.