Semimoist Animal Feed Preservation via Thermal and Pressure Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semimoist animal feeds have limited shelf life and storage stability due to their moisture content, often requiring high amounts of preservatives to extend shelf life, which are undesirable, especially for carnivorous animals like cats and dogs.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the production of semimoist animal feed with a moisture content between 15% and 50% by weight, packaged in a gas-tight unit, followed by thermal treatment and optional pressure treatment to achieve a nonperishable product with extended shelf life without the need for preservatives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If semimoist animal feed is produced with moisture content between 15-50% by weight, then the product maintains desired taste, structure and sliceability, but the shelf life and storage stability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by conducting thermal treatment and pressure treatment during the production process before packaging. This pre-treatment sterilizes the semimoist animal feed and eliminates pathogens, allowing the product to maintain its moisture content (15-50% by weight) without requiring subsequent refrigeration or additional preservatives, thereby extending shelf life while preserving storage stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by subjecting the semimoist animal feed to controlled thermal treatment (temperature and pressure parameters) during production. This treatment alters the physical and chemical properties of the feed, creating a sterilized state that prevents microbial growth and extends shelf life while maintaining the moisture content range necessary for desired sensory properties
2Duration of action of moving object
If preservatives are added to extend shelf life of semimoist animal feed, then storage stability is improved, but the product becomes less suitable for carnivorous animals like cats and dogs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the taking out principle by removing preservatives from the product formulation entirely. Instead of adding chemical preservatives to extend shelf life, the invention uses thermal treatment and pressure treatment during production to sterilize the feed, achieving preservation without harmful additives that would be unsuitable for carnivorous animals
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of moisture-induced spoilage into a benefit by using thermal treatment and pressure treatment to eliminate microorganisms. The moisture content (15-50% by weight) that would normally promote microbial growth is transformed into an acceptable parameter because the sterilization process prevents spoilage, extending shelf life without requiring preservatives
3Duration of action of moving object
If wet feed is sterilized in autoclave at 125-130°C, then pathogens are killed and shelf life is extended, but the packaging must be hermetically sealed and the process is complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using thermal treatment and pressure treatment that achieves sufficient sterilization for semimoist animal feed without requiring the extreme conditions (125-130°C) needed for wet feed. This partial treatment is adequate because the lower moisture content (15-50% vs. 50%+) and specific product characteristics allow for less intensive processing, simplifying packaging requirements and reducing process complexity
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 results in a semimoist animal feed with a shelf life of at least 18 months, maintaining desired properties like taste, structure, and sliceability, while reducing preservative content, thus addressing the limitations of existing products.
Implementation Method 1
preservation by thermal treatment and pressure treatment of the nonperishable semimoist animal feed
Implementation Method 2
preservation by thermal treatment and pressure treatment of the nonperishable semimoist animal feed
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for producing and preserving a semimoist animal feed, it being distinguished by the fact that it comprises the steps of drying and preservation by thermal treatment and pressure treatment of the nonperishable semimoist animal feed packaged in a packaging unit. In a further aspect, the present invention is directed to a thus obtainable semimoist animal feed packaged in a substantially gas-tight packaging unit having improved storage properties, especially storage stability. Lastly, sales units comprising multiple packaging units, optionally detachable from one another, containing the semimoist animal feed are provided.