Wildlife Supplement Sodium Content Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wildlife supplementation methods using salt primarily as an attractant lack effectiveness in controlling consumption and preventing overeating, and are limited in extending the edible period of feed supplements due to mold and bacterial growth, especially in remote and challenging climate conditions.
Innovation Solution
A wildlife supplement with a controlled sodium content, ranging from 5% to 50% by weight, is used to self-regulate consumption and inhibit mold growth, combined with other ingredients like grains, proteins, and forages, to slow down consumption and extend the edible period of feed supplements in remote areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If high salt content (over 80% to 95%) is used in mineral powders to attract wildlife, then the attractant effectiveness is improved, but the consumption cannot be controlled and overeating occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the salt concentration parameter from the conventional 80-95% range to a controlled range of 5-50%, which fundamentally alters both the attractant properties and consumption control characteristics of the supplement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the salt content in the supplement provides self-regulation to wildlife, allowing them to naturally control their own consumption levels based on their sodium needs
2Loss of time
If feed supplement is placed in remote areas for extended periods to reduce supplementation frequency, then time efficiency is improved, but mold and bacterial growth increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the typically harmful high salt content into a beneficial preservative element by controlling it at 5-50%, where it inhibits mold and bacterial growth while remaining safe for wildlife consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent prepares the supplement with optimized salt content before deployment, creating a self-preserving formulation that resists mold and bacterial growth during extended periods in remote areas
3Reliability
If low salt content is used in feed supplement, then safety is improved, but consumption is not controlled and wildlife may overeat
Solution Approach 1:
The patent identifies and implements an optimal parameter range for salt content (5-50%) that simultaneously achieves both safety for wildlife and effective consumption control through self-regulation
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 controlled sodium content in the supplement limits overeating, reduces mold growth, and extends the edible period of the feed, making it safer and more cost-effective for wildlife consumption, while ensuring a consistent and controlled delivery of therapeutic agents.
Implementation Method 1
The sodium can inhibit mold and bacterial growth in the feed supplement for a period of several weeks
Implementation Method 2
the wild animal can self-regulate consumption of the feed supplement with which the sodium is admixed due to the level of the sodium mixed with at least one other food ingredient in the feed supplement
Data Source
AI summary
A wildlife supplement and a related method of controlling supplement consumption, reducing mold in a supplement and/or administering a therapeutic agent, with a particular level of sodium, to an animal in the wild at a remote location is provided. The feed supplement can include sodium in an amount of 5% to 80% by weight, and optionally a feed ingredient, attractant, and/or a mineral supplement. The feed supplement can be applied in a remote area, optionally distal from any livestock feeding area. Consumption of the feed supplement by the animal can be self-regulated by the animal via the sodium content. Mold and/or bacterial growth can be limited via the sodium content. The sodium content can entice animals to consume a therapeutic agent in a controlled manner to orally self-vaccinate, treat and/or prevent a disease or condition.