Nitrate Feed Supplement for Sow Vasodilation in Gestation and Lactation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for improving fertility and reducing methane production in ruminants and gestating sows do not effectively address the need for increasing vasodilation during gestation and lactation phases, which can lead to issues like stillborn births and sow fatigue.
Innovation Solution
Feeding monogastric mammals, such as sows, with a complete animal feed containing a nitric oxide-producing compound like nitrate at specific dosages during gestation and lactation phases to induce vasodilation, thereby enhancing blood flow and reducing fatigue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If calcium nitrate is fed to ruminants for hydrogen gas removal, then methane production is mitigated, but the method does not effectively increase vasodilation during gestation and lactation phases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the dosage parameter of nitrate from the conventional high levels (kg per ton of feed) to a specific low level (50-500 grams per head per day during gestation, 50-90 grams per head per day during lactation). This parameter change transforms the effect from primarily methane mitigation in ruminants to effective vasodilation in monogastric mammals, resolving the contradiction by adapting the dosage to the specific physiological needs of sows during different phases
2Reliability
If L-arginine is fed to gestating sows for improving fertility, then placentation is improved, but the method does not effectively address vasodilation during lactation phase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the nitrate supplementation method universal by applying it to both gestation and lactation phases with phase-specific dosages. During gestation (50-500g/head/day), it improves placentation and reduces stillbirths; during lactation (50-90g/head/day), it enhances vasodilation for milk production. This multi-phase application resolves the contradiction by extending the effective duration from only gestation to cover both critical periods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adjusts the nitrate dosage parameter according to the physiological phase: higher doses (50-500g/head/day) during gestation for placentation, and lower doses (50-90g/head/day) during lactation for vasodilation and milk production. This parameter adaptation allows the same substance to effectively address fertility and lactation needs across different time periods
3Productivity
If high dosage nitrate is used for methane mitigation, then hydrogen removal is effective, but it causes sow fatigue and does not improve milk production
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dramatically reduces the nitrate dosage parameter from conventional high levels (kg/ton of feed) to low levels (50-90g/head/day during lactation). This parameter change transforms the effect from hydrogen removal in ruminants to gentle vasodilation in monogastric mammals, eliminating sow fatigue while enhancing milk production through improved blood flow to mammary glands
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harmful effect of high-dose nitrate (sow fatigue) into a beneficial effect by using low-dose nitrate supplementation. The low dosage avoids the harmful side effects while still achieving the desired vasodilation effect, thereby improving milk production and reducing stillbirths without causing fatigue
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 method increases vasodilation in the placenta and mammary glands, leading to reduced stillborn births, improved milk production, and increased piglet vitality, while reducing sow fatigue and farrowing time.
Implementation Method 1
the feed comprises a nitric oxide producing compound... whereby the nitric oxide producing compound is a nitrate compound
Implementation Method 2
increasing vasodilation of the mammary glands... increasing systemic vasodilation
Data Source
AI summary
A premix is disclosed. The premix includes a nitrate compound and salts thereof in the amount of greater than about 50% by weight of the premix. The premix also includes vitamins and trace minerals. The premix is formulated for use in at least one of a gestation or lactation phase of an animal and in an amount of less than about five percent by weight (5.0 wt%) inclusion per metric ton of the premix. A supplement for an animal feed for feeding during at least one of an animal's gestation phase and/or lactation phase is also disclosed. A method for feeding an animal is also disclosed.