Lutein- and Zeaxanthin-Rich Eggs via Xylanase Feed Formulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing eggs fail to achieve sufficient concentrations of lutein and zeaxanthin, with regular eggs containing only about 0.4 mg and 0.1 mg per 100 g, respectively, and existing feed additives like spirulina algae do not effectively increase zeaxanthin content.
Innovation Solution
A feed for laying hens containing xylanase and marigold extract is used to produce eggs with lutein content of 2 mg or more and zeaxanthin content of 0.35 mg or more per 100 g, achieved by combining a basal feed with an additive feed rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, and using xylanase to enhance absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If regular feed is used for laying hens, then the production cost is low and the feed is easy to obtain, but the lutein and zeaxanthin content in eggs remains insufficient (0.4 mg and 0.1 mg per 100 g respectively)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple feed additives (marigold extract for lutein, spirulina algae for zeaxanthin, and xylanase enzyme) into a single integrated feed formulation. This merging approach simultaneously increases both lutein and zeaxanthin content in eggs while managing feed complexity through a comprehensive recipe that specifies precise amounts of each component.
Solution Approach 2:
The feed uses composite materials including marigold extract (natural source of lutein), spirulina algae (source of zeaxanthin), and xylanase enzyme (for improved digestion). These composite feed components work synergistically to transfer multiple carotenoids to eggs, resolving the contradiction between achieving high antioxidant content and maintaining feed simplicity.
2Quantity of substance
If spirulina algae is added to feed to increase zeaxanthin content, then zeaxanthin absorption is improved, but the feed becomes less common and more difficult to source
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges spirulina algae with marigold extract and xylanase in a single feed formulation. This combination allows the use of less common ingredients like spirulina to be offset by the inclusion of more readily available components, making the overall feed formulation more practical while still achieving high zeaxanthin content in eggs.
Solution Approach 2:
Xylanase enzyme acts as an intermediary that improves the digestion and absorption efficiency of the feed components. By enhancing nutrient absorption, xylanase reduces the amount of spirulina algae needed to achieve target zeaxanthin levels, thereby making the feed formulation more adaptable and easier to implement.
3Quantity of substance
If marigold extract is added to feed to increase lutein content, then lutein absorption is improved, but the overall nutrient balance and absorption efficiency may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Xylanase enzyme serves as an intermediary that enhances the digestion and absorption of marigold extract and other feed components. By improving overall nutrient absorption efficiency through xylanase, the patent ensures that high doses of marigold extract for lutein enrichment do not compromise the reliability of nutrient uptake,反而 enhance it.
Solution Approach 2:
The feed uses a composite formulation combining marigold extract with spirulina algae and xylanase. This composite approach ensures balanced nutrient delivery where marigold provides lutein, spirulina provides zeaxanthin, and xylanase enhances absorption of both, maintaining reliable nutrient absorption efficiency while achieving high lutein content.
4Quantity of substance
If high doses of feed additives are used to achieve sufficient lutein and zeaxanthin content, then the egg quality is improved, but the feed cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple feed additives into a single integrated formulation with specified proportions (marigold extract: 10-50 g/kg, spirulina algae: 5-20 g/kg, xylanase: 100-500 units/kg). This merging reduces formulation complexity by providing a ready-to-use composite feed recipe that achieves high lutein and zeaxanthin content without requiring separate management of multiple additives.
Solution Approach 2:
The feed uses composite materials that work synergistically to reduce the need for excessively high doses of individual additives. The combination of marigold extract, spirulina algae, and xylanase creates a balanced formulation where each component contributes to the overall goal, managing feed formulation complexity while achieving sufficient antioxidant content in eggs.
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 eggs with significantly higher lutein and zeaxanthin concentrations, enhancing eye health benefits and improving the appearance of cooked eggs, while promoting efficient intake of these antioxidants.
Implementation Method 1
A feed for laying hens containing xylanase and marigold extract is used to produce eggs with lutein content of 2 mg or more and zeaxanthin content of 0.35 mg or more per 100 g, achieved by combining a basal feed with an additive feed rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, and using xylanase to enhance absorption.
Data Source
AI summary
A lutein-rich egg has a lutein content equal to or more than 2 mg per 100 g of edible portion of eggs. Accordingly, the lutein-rich egg contains a high concentration of lutein, so that daily consumption of the egg by a human can lead to protection of human eyes from light stimulation and contribution to eye health maintenance, thereby helping to prevent risks of eye diseases.