Red Seaweed Feed Composition for Stable Methane Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for reducing methane emissions in ruminants face challenges with mixing, palatability, inhalation hazards, stability, and cost associated with administering seaweed material containing halogenated compounds.
Innovation Solution
A feed product comprising red seaweed material and oil, with specific concentrations and low water content, is formulated to address these challenges, including drying the seaweed to form particles and combining it with added oil to enhance stability and palatability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If red seaweed material containing halogenated compounds is administered to ruminants, then methane emissions are reduced, but mixing difficulties and palatability issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses oil as an intermediary carrier substance to facilitate the mixing and administration of red seaweed material. The oil acts as a mediator that improves the compatibility and palatability of the seaweed supplement, making it easier to incorporate into ruminant diets while maintaining the methane-reducing halogenated compounds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of the red seaweed material by controlling its moisture content (drying to 10-95% water-free basis) and particle size (0.5-2.0 mm). These parameter changes improve the material's stability, palatability, and ease of mixing while preserving the active halogenated compounds that reduce methane emissions.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If red seaweed material is used to reduce methane emissions, then environmental benefit is achieved, but inhalation hazards and stability issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent controls the moisture content parameter by drying the red seaweed to 10-95% water-free basis, which reduces inhalation hazards by minimizing dust generation while maintaining the stability of halogenated compounds. The particle size is also optimized to 0.5-2.0 mm to prevent respiratory issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The oil serves as a stabilizing intermediary that protects the halogenated compounds in the red seaweed material from degradation while maintaining their methane-reducing activity. The oil carrier system ensures compound stability during storage and administration.
3Ease of operation
If red seaweed material is processed and formulated, then palatability and stability are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies the formulation process by focusing on controlling key parameters: moisture content (drying to 10-95% water-free basis) and particle size (0.5-2.0 mm). These parameter adjustments improve palatability and stability without requiring complex multi-step processing or specialized equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes excess moisture from the red seaweed material through drying, concentrating the active compounds while reducing weight and improving stability. This extraction step simplifies the overall formulation by eliminating the need for complex preservation systems.
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 feed product effectively reduces methane emissions in ruminants while ensuring safety and ease of administration, maintaining the stability of halogenated compounds, and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
seaweed material that includes one or more halogenated compounds, such as bromoform, to ruminants reduces the methane production of the ruminants
Data Source
AI summary
According to an embodiment, a feed product may comprise from about 10 wt. % to about 95 wt. % of a red seaweed material; from about 6 wt. % to about 40 wt. % of total oil; and about 10 wt. % or less of water, based on the total weight of the feed product. Further embodiments include methods of making and methods of using the feed products disclosed herein.