Starch-Based Substitute Fiber Material for Digestible, Compostable Animal Feed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber sources for livestock, such as forages and non-digestible artificial forages, are limited in nutritional value, non-biodegradable, and cause pollution and disposal issues, while high-energy feed sources are needed to supplement diets, increasing costs.
Innovation Solution
A starch-based substitute fiber material (SFM) comprising starch, a cross-linker, and a plasticizer, which is digestible and biodegradable, mimicking the digestibility and biodegradability of natural fibers like alfalfa stems, and can be partially or completely digested in the rumen and small intestines, and composted post-excretion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If non-digestible artificial forages are used as fiber sources, then fiber intake is provided, but biodegradability is lost and pollution/disposal issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the fiber material from non-biodegradable synthetic polymers to starch-based biopolymers that are completely digestible and biodegradable, thereby eliminating pollution and disposal issues while maintaining fiber intake functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite fiber material combining starch, cross-linker, and plasticizer to achieve both structural integrity for fiber intake and complete biodegradability, resolving the contradiction between providing reliable fiber and eliminating harmful environmental factors
2Quantity of substance
If high-energy feed sources are used to supplement diets, then nutritional value is improved, but feed costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The starch-based fiber material serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural fiber for digestion, delivers nutritional value through starch degradation, and acts as a cost-effective alternative to both natural forages and high-energy concentrates, thereby improving nutrition without proportionally increasing costs
3Reliability
If natural fibers like alfalfa stems are used, then digestibility and biodegradability are achieved, but fiber intake is limited to 10-15% of dry matter intake
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of the fiber material including particle size distribution (20-55% passing 200 mesh, 3-10% passing 400 mesh) and cross-linking density to enhance digestibility and enable higher fiber intake levels while maintaining complete biodegradability
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 SFM provides nutritional value, enhances feed efficiency, reduces manure production, and eliminates disposal issues by being completely digestible and compostable, mimicking the ruminal degradability of natural fibers.
Implementation Method 1
The SFM comprises at least one starch, at least one cross-linker, and at least one plasticizer
Implementation Method 2
The SFM comprises at least one starch, at least one cross-linker, and at least one plasticizer
Implementation Method 3
The SFM is at least partially degraded in the rumen
Implementation Method 4
The SFM may be partially or completely digested in the digestive tract of an animal
Implementation Method 5
The SFM is at least partially degraded in each of the rumen, the abomasum, and the small intestines
Implementation Method 6
the SFM compostable
Implementation Method 7
partially or completely composted post-excretion
Data Source
AI summary
A cross-linked bioplastic animal feed product may include a cross-linked bioplastic composition formed of a starch source cross-linked with at least one cross-linker. The starch source may be present at about 2 wt. % to about 25 wt. % based on a total weight of the cross-linked bioplastic composition before being dried, the at least one cross-linker is present at about 0.2 wt. % to about 16 wt. % based on the total weight of the cross-linked bioplastic composition before being dried, and the animal feed product may include one or more natural fibers, grain, or fat within the cross-linked bioplastic. Methods involve producing the cross-linked bioplastic animal feed product.