System, method and apparatus for providing feed toxin information and recommendations
A method for providing toxin information and recommendations includes receiving toxin content data for at least one ingredient. The toxin content data may include the type and amount for toxins found in the ingredient. The ingredient is classified based on the toxin content data and a predetermined allowable toxin amount for the ingredient. Based on the classification of the ingredient, ingredient storage information is displayed. In addition, ingredient use information may be displayed based on the toxin content data.
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This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/170,241, filed on Jun. 11, 2002, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates to systems, methods and apparatus for providing information and recommendations regarding feed production, in particular, regarding toxins present in feed and feed ingredients.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONA major problem faced in feed production is the presence of substances in the feed ingredients and feed that affect the safety and performance (e.g., nutrient performance) of the feed. In particular, molds and other toxins have caused serious problems in feed ingredients and ultimately the feed mixture. Under certain conditions during both growth and storage, molds will grow in feed ingredients and feed mixtures. In addition, certain types of mold produce chemical compounds known as mycotoxins that may be toxic to both animals and humans. Examples of molds known to produce mycotoxins are penicillin, aspergillus and fusarium. Some of the most common mycotoxins are aflatoxin, deoxynivalenol (DON), zearalenone (ZEN), fumonisin, ochratoxin (OA) and the T-2 toxin). Diseases in human beings and animals resulting from the consumption of mycotoxins are known as mycotoxicoses. Molds and mycotoxins may also result in decreased nutrient performance in feed and decreased animal performance.
Prior attempts have been made in the feed industry to control and prevent mold growth and mycotoxin production in feed ingredients and feed mixtures. For example, mold inhibitors may be added to the feed ingredients or the feed mixture to control mold growth and prevent the production of mycotoxins. However, current toxin management practices have significant drawbacks, for example, current practices are often inefficient, difficult to use and/or do not address potential toxin problems at each stage of the feed production process. In addition, management of the toxin risks for feed ingredients and the manufacture of feed requires knowledge of a number of different areas. The knowledge required can make the process complicated and decisions regarding the appropriate steps to manage the toxin risk difficult. An improved system which overcomes one or more of these problems is needed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIn accordance with one aspect of the invention, a method for providing toxin information regarding ingredients used in feed to a user includes receiving toxin content data for at least one ingredient. The toxin content data includes a type and an amount for toxins in the at least one ingredient. The method further includes classifying the at least one ingredient based on the toxin content data and a predetermined allowable toxin amount and displaying ingredient storage information regarding the at least one ingredient. In another embodiment, the method includes providing ingredient use information regarding the at least one ingredient.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a method of providing recommendations regarding ingredients used in feed to a user includes displaying steps of a decision process to the user, receiving operator inputs including those pertaining to toxin content of the set of ingredients in response to questions asked in the steps of the decision process, processing the operator inputs in accordance with stored decision logic, and providing the recommendations to the user based on the receiving and processing steps.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a computer user interface that provides access to a toxin management system for providing toxin information regarding ingredients used in feed to a user includes a purchasing interface including a display region that displays a predetermined allowable toxin amount for at least one ingredient; a testing interface, coupled to the purchasing interface, including a display region that displays a set of toxins to test for in the at least one ingredient, a display region that notifies the user of a test type associated with the set of toxins, and a display region that displays a set of toxin content data for the at least one ingredient; and a classification interface, coupled to the purchasing and testing interface, including a display region that displays a classification for the at least one ingredient. The computer user interface may further include a storage interface, coupled to the classification interface, including a display region that displays ingredient storage information for the at least one ingredient or a formulation interface, coupled to the classification interface, including a display region that displays ingredient use information for the at least one ingredient, or a combination of these.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, a computer program product for providing toxin information regarding ingredients used in feed to a user includes computer readable program code for receiving toxin content data for at least one ingredient. The toxin content data includes a type and an amount of toxins in the at least one ingredient. The computer program product also includes program code for classifying the at least one ingredient based on the toxin content data and a predetermined allowable toxin amount; program code for displaying storage information regarding the at least one ingredient; and program code for displaying ingredient use information regarding the at least one ingredient.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, an apparatus for providing toxin information regarding ingredients used in feed to a user includes purchasing logic that receives a predetermined allowable toxin amount for at least one ingredient and testing logic, coupled to the purchasing logic, that receives a set of toxin content data for the at least one ingredient. The toxin content data includes a type and an amount for a set of toxins in the at least one ingredient. The apparatus further includes classification logic, coupled to the purchasing logic and testing logic, that classifies the at least one ingredient based on the toxin content data and the predetermined allowable toxin amount for the at least one ingredient, storage logic, coupled to the classification logic, that displays ingredient storage information regarding the at least one ingredient, and formulation logic, coupled to the testing logic and the classification logic, that displays ingredient use information regarding the at least one ingredient.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, a method of manufacturing feed includes processing feed ingredients in accordance with recommendations provided by a computer-implemented best practices feed management tool and mixing the feed ingredients to produce the feed. In one embodiment, the best practices feed management tool comprises a plurality of decision processes, wherein the recommendations are provided by the feed management tool as outputs of the plurality of decision making processes, and wherein the method further comprises accessing the plurality of decision making processes to receive the recommendations provided as outputs of the plurality of decision making processes.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, a system for providing toxin information regarding ingredients used in feed to a user, includes a first process, running on a host computer, the first process for receiving a set of toxin content data for at least one ingredient, the toxin content data including a type and an amount for a set of toxins in the at least one ingredient. The system further includes a second process, running on the host computer, the second process for classifying the at least one ingredient based on the toxin content data and a predetermined allowable toxin amount for the at least one ingredient, a third process, running on the host computer, the third process for displaying ingredient storage information regarding the at least one ingredient based on the classification of the ingredient, and a fourth process, running on the host computer, the fourth process for displaying ingredient use information regarding the at least one ingredient based on the toxin content data for the at least one ingredient.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSThe invention will be more readily understood by reference to the following description, taken with the accompanying drawings, in which:
The methods, apparatus and system described herein may be implemented using computer software, firmware, hardware or a combination of these. In particular, it is anticipated that the methods described herein may be embodied in software stored such as on a computer hard drive, a floppy disk, CD, DVD or other storage medium. For example, a computer device can be loaded with software instructions to implement the structure and processes of the method, system and apparatus described herein. The software may be standard software used by those skilled in the art or may be coded in any standard programming language to accomplish the tasks detailed below. In other embodiments, a user may access the methods, apparatus and system via a remote computer in communication over a network, such as the World Wide Web, with a host computer.
One strategy used to manage risks present in a system or process as well as to provide quality control is to use a best management practices tool. Typically best practices are procedures developed for an individual(s) to follow to ensure quality and predictability in the process. An organization may put the procedures of a best practices tool in place to ensure that a certain process or procedure maintains a high quality and predictable results.
At block 100, the steps of a decision process are displayed to a user. The decision process may be, for example, a set of decision trees regarding various points in feed production where toxins in feed and feed ingredients may be evaluated and controlled. During the feed production process, it is advantageous to take steps to control mold growth and mycotoxin production. As discussed previously, mycotoxins may be toxic to both animals and humans and affect both the nutrient performance and animal performance of a feed. At block 102, operator inputs are received that pertain to toxin content data for the set of ingredients. The toxin content data may be determined by testing a particular feed ingredient or feed mixture at a feed plant or off-site facility to determine, for example, the type and amount of toxins contained in the ingredients. Alternatively, test results from the supplier of the feed or feed ingredient may be used to provide the toxin content data. The toxin content data may alternatively include data regarding other factors that are indicative of the risk of mycotoxin development such as mold counts, chitin content and ergosterol content. The operator inputs may also include information on the maximum allowable levels of mycotoxins in particular ingredients and/or feed mixtures as well as the predetermined acceptable mycotoxin levels for purchase of the ingredient or feed. The acceptable purchasing mycotoxin levels may be based on standards as set by governments and industry organizations or may be set by the particular company or feed mill involved in the purchase of the feed ingredient or feed.
Once the operator inputs are received, decision process logic is used to process the operator inputs at block 104 in order to provide both toxin information and recommendations. The decision process logic may be stored in a digital storage medium. Based on the processing of the operator inputs, the user is provided with recommendations regarding various issues at block 106 including the storage and use of the feed ingredient or feed. The information and recommendations provided may include, for example, which additives (e.g., inhibitors, binders, etc.) could be used with the ingredient to counteract the presence of molds and mycotoxins, proper storage conditions for an ingredient or a feed incorporating the ingredient to prevent further mold growth and mycotoxin production, formulas for feed incorporating the feed ingredient and the type of feed in which the ingredient should be included, which may be based on, for example, the sensitivity of a particular animal species to a particular mycotoxin and the amount of mycotoxins present in the ingredient.
An exemplary purchasing decision process is shown in more detail in
Once the purchasing information is known, at block 310 it is determined whether the supplier of the particular ingredient or feed has agreed to meet the allowable toxin levels included in the purchasing information. If the supplier has agreed, the ingredient may be purchased at block 312. If the supplier has not agreed to meet the allowable toxin levels, it is determined at block 314 whether another supplier may be used to supply the ingredient. If there is another supplier, it is again determined whether the supplier will meet any toxin levels requirements provided in the purchasing information. If there is not a supplier that will meet the given requirements, a risk level will be assigned to the ingredient as shown in
At block 316, if the ingredient has been analyzed (or tested) for toxins four or more times, it is determined whether the last four analysis results are greater than a first given percentage of the allowable toxin level from the purchasing information at block 318. In the example shown in
At block 324, if the last analysis results are not greater than the second given percentage of the maximum allowable toxin level, the purchase risk is assigned as medium. If only two of the last four analysis results are greater than the first given percentage of the maximum allowable toxin level at block 330, it is determined at block 332 whether the last analysis results are greater than the second given percentage of the maximum allowable toxin level. If the last analysis results are greater than of the second given percentage of the maximum allowable toxin level or if is has been more than 45 days since the last analysis at block 334, then the purchase risk is assigned as medium at block 328. If it has been less than 45 days since the last analysis at block 334, then the purchase risk is assigned as low at block 336. If the purchase risk is low, the ingredient should be tested for the major mycotoxin for the particular ingredient. At block 330, if two of the last four analysis results are less than the first given percentage of the maximum allowable toxin level, the purchase risk is assigned as low at block 336. Information regarding the major (or most common) mycotoxins associated with a particular ingredient may be stored in a database accessible to the user.
Returning to
An exemplary testing process is shown in more detail in
Once the mycotoxins for which the ingredient should be tested are known, the appropriate test(s) should be performed on the ingredient sample. A database of recommended testing procedures for various mycotoxins may be accessed by the user at block 404. In addition, then database may include recommended testing kits. There are many mycotoxin testing procedures known in the art. Physiochemical methods include, for example, thin layer chromatography (TLC), high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas-liquid chromatography (GLC) and immuno-affinity columns. Bioassay systems include enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assay (ELISA). Most of the testing procedures require an extraction procedure to separate the mycotoxins from other components of the sample matrix for testing.
Many ELISA testing kits have been developed for the detection and quantification of mycotoxins, in particular, for those mycotoxins that are common to feed plants and feed production. ELISA testing kits are the most commonly used testing kits in the industry. There are also test kits available that use TLC or immuno-affinity columns procedures. Several types of testing kits test for multiple mycotoxins (TLC), while other testing kits require a separate kit for each mycotoxin (immunochemical kits). The testing and analysis may performed by the feed plant that has purchased the feed or feed ingredient and the tests may be performed on-site for efficiency. Alternatively, the testing and analysis may be performed off-site. Indirect methods for detecting the presence of substances contained in the ingredient include infrared spectroscopy and black light. In a further embodiment, test results for the ingredient may be provided directly by the ingredient supplier.
Returning to
An exemplary receiving and classification process is shown in more detail in
In the exemplary classification process shown in
Returning to
An exemplary storage decision process is shown in more detail in
Returning to
An exemplary formulation decision process is shown in detail in
If the feed maximum mycotoxin levels are not available or known, the ingredients at risk are identified at block 708. Mycotoxin binders are available for certain mycotoxins and may be added to the feed formula to prevent production of the mycotoxin at block 712. A calculation program or formula is provided at block 712 to determine the proper amount of binder to add to the ingredient or feed mixture. In one embodiment, economic factors may also be considered in determining a recommended toxin binder. Other strategies may be employed to determine the best use for an ingredient as shown in block 714. For example, other ingredients may be used to dilute the toxin or the feed incorporating the contaminated ingredient(s) may be directed to a feed for a species that is the least sensitive to the toxin. Information regarding the sensitivity of certain species to a toxin may be stored in a database accessible to the user. Another option, as shown in block 720, is to exclude the contaminated ingredients from any feed products.
Returning again to
As mentioned previously, the systems, methods and apparatus described herein may be implemented on a computer as software or hardware. In addition, the system may be accessible via a computer network such as the World Wide Web. Referring to
Testing logic 1004, coupled to the purchasing logic, is used to receive a set of toxin content data for the at least one ingredient. The toxin content data includes, for example, a type and amount for a set of toxins in the ingredient. The toxin content data for an ingredient is determined by sampling and testing a portion of the ingredient lot to determine the toxins present in the ingredient. Testing logic 1004 is coupled to database 1012 that includes information regarding recommended testing procedures and kits for various mycotoxins. In addition, the toxin content data acquired from the testing may also be stored in database 1012. Therefore, testing logic 1004 may receive the test results from database 1012. In an alternative embodiment, a user may provide the test results directly to the testing logic.
Classification logic 1006, coupled to the testing logic 1004, is used to classify the at least one ingredient based on the toxin content data and the purchasing information (e.g. maximum allowable toxin levels). The classification may be used to identify the ways in which the ingredient received by the feed plant should be stored and used. Proper storage of an ingredient or feed can reduce the possibility of continued mold growth and mycotoxin production. Preferably, the classification logic compares the toxin content data received by the testing logic 1004 and the maximum allowable toxin levels received from the purchasing logic to determine the classification of the ingredient. Each classification has associated storage information, such as recommended additives (e.g., inhibitors, binders etc.), and storage conditions. The storage information may be stored in database 1012, coupled to the classification logic 1006.
Storage logic 1008 coupled to the classification logic 1006 is used to provide and display ingredient storage information regarding the ingredient. As discussed above, the ingredient classification is associated with ingredient storage information. The ingredient storage information may include information such as recommended additives (e.g., inhibitors, binders etc.), and storage conditions In order to control and prevent mold growth and mycotoxin production, the ingredient should be stored in the proper environment. Storage conditions such as temperature, humidity and length of time of storage can effect mycotoxin production. In addition, additives, such as mold inhibitors may be added to the ingredient. There are numerous mold inhibitors known in the art. The ingredient storage information associated with each classification may be stored in database 1012.
Formulation logic 1010, coupled to the classification logic 1006 and the testing logic 1004, is used to provide and display ingredient use information regarding the ingredient. The ingredient use information may include types of feed for which the ingredient would be appropriate, a formula for feed or recommendation for a feed formula incorporating the ingredient, including any additives, and whether the ingredient should be used at all. The ingredient use information may be stored in database 1012. The ingredient use information provided is based on factors such as the toxin content data for the ingredient as well as feed specific information regarding maximum toxin levels and animal species sensitivity. The formulation logic may include a feed formulation program that may be used to determine an appropriate formula for feed or recommendations for a feed formula incorporating the ingredient based on the toxin content data for the ingredient as well as feed specific information regarding maximum toxin levels and animal species toxin sensitivity. Alternatively, the formulation logic may receive inputs from a feed formulation program. The feed formulation program may be a program specific to the user or the feed plant. In the alternative, a feed formulation program may be provided to the user by another source.
The described embodiments of the invention are intended to be merely exemplary and numerous variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. All such variations and modifications are intended to be within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.
Claims
1. A method for providing toxin information regarding ingredients used in feed to a user, the method comprising:
- receiving toxin content data for at least one ingredient, the toxin content data including a type and an amount for toxins in the at least one ingredient;
- classifying the at least one ingredient based on the toxin content data and a predetermined allowable toxin amount for the at least one ingredient; and
- displaying ingredient storage information regarding the at least one ingredient based on the classification of the ingredient.
2. A computer user interface that provides access to a toxin management system for providing toxin information and recommendations regarding ingredients used in feed to a user, the interface comprising:
- a purchasing interface including a display region that displays a predetermined allowable toxin amount for at least one ingredient;
- a testing interface, coupled to the purchasing interface, including a display region that displays a set of toxins to test for in the at least one ingredient, a display region that notifies the user of a test type associated with the set of toxins, and a display region that displays a set of toxin content data for the at least one ingredient;
- a classification interface, coupled to the purchasing and testing interface, including a display region that displays a classification for the at least one ingredient;
- a storage interface, coupled to the classification interface, including a display region that displays a set of ingredient storage information for the at least one ingredient; and
- a formulation interface, coupled to the classification interface, including a display region that displays a set of ingredient use information for the at least one ingredient.
Type: Application
Filed: May 11, 2007
Publication Date: Jan 3, 2008
Applicant:
Inventors: James Yi (Eden Prairie, MN), Gary Fischer (Anoka, MN), Frank Yin (Plymouth, MN), William Craig (Monticello, MN)
Application Number: 11/803,003
International Classification: G06F 17/00 (20060101);