Solidified Fermented Feed via Calcium Lactate Crystallization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Dairy cows often experience negative energy balance, leading to sub-clinical ketosis and ketosis due to insufficient energy intake, which negatively impacts milk production, reproductive performance, and health, and existing fermented products are inconvenient to ship and store as they are in liquid form.
Innovation Solution
A method for producing a solidified form of fermented ammonium lactate that can be used as a high-energy and high-protein feed supplement, involving the crystallization of calcium lactate with specific X-ray powder diffraction patterns, achieved through heat treatment and calcium addition to the fermented liquid, resulting in a friable and easily processable product.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If fermented liquid is used as animal feed, then energy and protein supplementation is provided, but shipping and storage convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies phase transition by converting the fermented liquid from liquid state to solid state through calcium addition and heat treatment. This phase change enables the feed supplement to be stored and shipped as a solid material, solving the convenience problem while preserving the energy and protein content in the fermented product
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes physical parameters including temperature (heat treatment at elevated temperatures) and chemical composition (addition of calcium) to transform the fermented liquid into a solidified product. These parameter changes maintain the nutritional value while improving handling and storage properties
2Ease of operation
If solidification process is applied to fermented liquid, then shipping and storage convenience is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solidification process utilizes self-service principles where calcium ions naturally precipitate with lactate in the fermented liquid, and heat treatment promotes crystallization without requiring complex external equipment. The system essentially solidifies itself through controlled chemical and thermal processes
Solution Approach 2:
By leveraging the natural phase transition from liquid to solid through calcium-induced precipitation and heat-driven crystallization, the process avoids complex solidification equipment while achieving the desired solid product form
3Productivity
If rapid solidification is achieved, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The solidification process uses periodic action by first adding calcium to initiate precipitation, then applying heat treatment in stages to promote uniform crystallization. This staged, periodic approach enables rapid overall solidification while maintaining product uniformity through controlled progression of the solidification front
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 solidified product effectively supplies energy and reduces subclinical ketosis in animals, providing a convenient and effective solution for dairy cow nutrition by offering a stable energy source and protein.
Implementation Method 1
crystallization of calcium lactate with specific X-ray powder diffraction patterns, achieved through heat treatment and calcium addition to the fermented liquid
Implementation Method 2
heat treatment of the fermented liquid during addition of calcium produces a solid product that is easily friable
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides, inter alia, a method for making a solid fermented product useful for animal feed comprising the steps of adding a source of calcium to a fermented liquid comprising ammonium lactate.