Pet Food Composition Modulating Bacterial Populations in Companion Animals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current veterinary applications of probiotics in companion animals face challenges such as digestive discomfort, overstimulation of the immune system, and gene transfer, with limited studies on their effectiveness in modulating bacteria like Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Clostridium perfringens.
Innovation Solution
Development of a pet food composition containing protein, carbohydrates, fat, fiber, and specific metabolites that modulate the levels of Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Clostridium perfringens in companion animals, allowing for controlled increases or decreases in these bacterial populations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If probiotics are administered to modulate bacteria in companion animals, then bacterial population modulation is achieved, but digestive discomfort occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the probiotic composition by incorporating specific prebiotic compounds (inulin, fructooligosaccharides, galactooligosaccharides, lactulose) and controlling their concentrations. This parameter optimization allows effective bacterial modulation while minimizing digestive discomfort through balanced formulation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite probiotic formulation that combines multiple bacterial strains (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium animalis, Saccharomyces boulardii) with specific prebiotic compounds. This composite approach enhances overall efficacy while the synergistic interaction between components reduces adverse digestive effects
2Reliability
If probiotics are administered to modulate bacteria in companion animals, then bacterial population modulation is achieved, but immune system overstimulation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the concentration parameters of probiotic organisms and prebiotic substrates to achieve effective bacterial modulation without excessive immune activation. The controlled dosing levels of specific compounds prevent overstimulation while maintaining therapeutic benefit
3Reliability
If probiotics are administered to modulate bacteria in companion animals, then bacterial population modulation is achieved, but gene transfer occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs transient probiotic organisms that perform their modulation function and are then eliminated through natural metabolic processes. The use of food-grade, transient bacterial strains minimizes the risk of persistent gene transfer while achieving the desired temporary modulation effect
4Manufacturing precision
If specific metabolites are added to pet food composition, then targeted bacterial modulation is achieved, but formulation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent identifies prebiotic compounds that serve multiple functions: they selectively stimulate beneficial bacteria (Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium), inhibit pathogenic bacteria (Clostridium perfringens), and provide additional nutritional benefits. This multi-functionality reduces formulation complexity by using versatile ingredients rather than multiple specialized additives
Data Source
AI summary
A specific bacterium in a companion animal can be improved by adjusting the diet of the animal to increase the amount of a compound which positively or negatively modulates the specific type of bacterium or to decrease the amount of a compound which positively or negatively modulates the specific type of bacterium. The specific type of bacterium can be one or more of Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, or Clostridium perfringens.