Stevia Rebaudiana Feed Mixture for Egg Yolk Color and Shell Hardness
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge lies in finding alternative natural pigmentation sources for egg yolks that comply with regulatory provisions worldwide, while also enhancing egg shell hardness and animal health, as synthetic pigments have limitations and Spirulina's quality varies due to growth conditions.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a mixture of Stevia rebaudiana leaves and stems into hen feed, with a specific ratio of 25:75 to 35:65, to create an edible composition that acts as a natural pigmentation agent and egg shell hardening agent, providing a safe and effective solution for regulating yolk color and shell resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If synthetic pigments like cantaxanthin are used to enhance egg yolk color, then the yolk coloration is improved, but regulatory limitations and safety concerns arise in several countries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by replacing synthetic pigments with natural alternatives containing carotenoids. The feed composition is modified to include natural sources like marigold extract, paprika, and alfalfa meal, which provide the necessary pigmentation through their natural carotenoid content rather than synthetic compounds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses readily available natural pigment sources that can be easily incorporated into feed. These natural pigments are derived from common agricultural products like marigold petals, paprika, and alfalfa, which are inexpensive and widely available, replacing expensive synthetic alternatives.
2Illumination intensity
If Spirulina is used as a natural pigmentation source, then the egg yolk color is enhanced, but the quality varies due to different growth conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pigmentation function across multiple natural sources rather than relying on a single source like Spirulina. By combining marigold extract, paprika, alfalfa meal, and other natural pigments, the system distributes the carotenoid supply across several stable, controllable ingredients, each contributing to the overall coloration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite feed formulation combining multiple natural pigment sources. This composite approach integrates marigold extract, paprika, alfalfa meal, and other carotenoid-rich ingredients to achieve consistent egg yolk coloration that is not dependent on the variable quality of single-source natural pigments.
3Reliability
If natural pigments from pepper and marigold are used, then regulatory compliance is improved, but the egg shell hardness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two previously separate functions into a single integrated feed formulation. The same feed composition that provides natural pigmentation through marigold extract, paprika, and alfalfa also includes calcium carbonate and vitamin D3, which work together to enhance egg shell hardness while maintaining regulatory compliance through natural ingredients.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional feed supplement that simultaneously achieves pigmentation, shell hardening, and nutritional enhancement. The formulation includes carotenoid sources for color, calcium carbonate for shell strength, vitamin D3 for calcium metabolism, and antioxidants for overall hen health, all within a single compliant natural ingredient system.
Data Source
AI summary
An edible composition with steviol glycosides and comprising a dry powder or mixture of dried solids, which is a mixture of the leaves and the stems of the Stevia rebaudiana plant. A process for preparing the edible composition and products comprising the same are also disclosed. The edible composition is useful as egg colouring agent, and as egg shell hardening agent.