KR102353501B1 - Functional sand for pets and manufacturing method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

One embodiment of the present invention relates to functional sand for companion animals including okara, corn starch, a plant extract containing anthocyanins, and additives. The functional sand for companion animals can determine the state of kidney disease by checking the acidity of companion animal urine, which is difficult to collect separately, in daily life. In addition, stability is guaranteed during use, it has an eco-friendly effect, and has advantages of improved coagulation, absorption, antibacterial and dust generation reduction compared to conventional sand for companion animals.

Description

Functional sand for companion animals and manufacturing method thereof

The present invention relates to functional sand for companion animals and a method for manufacturing the same, and more particularly, to an eco-friendly functional sand capable of diagnosing the health of companion animals while having excellent absorption, coagulation, and antibacterial properties, and a manufacturing method thereof.

In modern society, various types of companion animals are bred in general homes, sales offices, zoos and farms, and in particular, small and medium-sized animals such as cats, hamsters, hedgehogs, and rabbits go beyond the concept of animals and are positioned as family and companions in life. is the trend In other words, the number of households owning companion animals is gradually increasing, and accordingly, the demand for products related to companion animals is rapidly increasing, and related industries are prospering.

In particular, in the case of 　 cats, 'cat 　 sand' is used as a means to dispose of cat litter and urine in consideration of the cat's habit of excreting in the sand and covering the excrement with sand, and cat sand of various materials has been developed. is becoming

In this regard, sodium benzonite material is widely used and is widely used as a product with excellent coagulation power, but since it is mined and crushed into small particles, dust generation is severe, and the surface of the particles is sharply formed due to crushing, which causes cats to become sandy. In the process of using it, there is a risk that it may cause a wound when it comes into contact with the skin. In addition, since silica 　 material contains ingredients that are harmful to the human body and the environment, there is a disadvantage of providing causes of diseases such as eye diseases and skin diseases.

That is, the conventional cat 　 sand has various disadvantages such as non-environmental problems, damage caused by dust, and problems related to the stench of excrement, and functional sand that can solve these aspects is required.

Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2017-0091842 Korean Patent Registration Publication No. 10-1923215

An object of the present invention is to solve the various disadvantages of conventional cat litter as described above, and more particularly, by containing a plant extract containing okara, corn starch and anthocyanin as an active ingredient, excellent cohesive force, minimized dust generation degree and to provide functional sand for companion animals that can diagnose the health of companion animals while showing eco-friendliness, etc.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing the functional sand for companion animals.

In order to achieve the above purpose,

One embodiment of the present invention provides a functional sand for companion animals including okara, corn starch, a plant extract containing anthocyanins, and additives.

In addition, the okara may include 45 to 55% by weight, 25 to 41% by weight of the corn starch, 0.1 to 8% by weight of the plant extract, and 0.1 to 10% by weight of the additive.

In addition, the sand may include okara and corn starch in a weight ratio of 1:1 to 20:1.

In addition, the additive may be at least one selected from the group consisting of zeolite, calcareous material and natural antibacterial material.

In addition, the plant may be at least one selected from the group consisting of red cabbage, red onion, black bean, purple corn, purple sweet potato, amaranth leaf, grape, blueberry, aronia and mulberry.

In addition, the sand may have a pellet shape, a diameter of 2 mm to 3 mm, and a length of 3 mm to 15 mm.

In addition, the sand may be discolored red when the pH of the companion animal's urine is 4.5 or less.

Another embodiment of the present invention comprises the steps of 1) mixing okara, corn starch and additives; 2) molding the mixed composition into a pellet shape; and 3) drying the plant extract containing anthocyanin to the dried composition for 4 to 8 hours after application.

In addition, step 3) may be repeated 3 to 10 times.

In addition, the anthocyanin-containing plant extract is obtained by heating a plant and may have an anthocyanin content of 1 to 10% by weight.

Another embodiment of the present invention comprises the steps of 1) mixing okara, corn starch, anthocyanin-containing plant extract and additives; and 2) molding the mixed composition into a pellet shape.

In addition, the anthocyanin-containing plant extract is obtained by squeezing a plant and may have an anthocyanin content of 1 to 10% by weight.

In addition, after step 2), the method may further include drying for 4 to 8 hours after applying the plant extract containing anthocyanins to the molded composition.

In addition, the 2) step, a) heat-treating the molded composition at a temperature of 170 ° C. to 200 ° C. for 8 minutes to 15 minutes; and b) drying the heat-treated composition for 12 to 24 hours.

In addition, the moisture content of the composition dried after step b) may be 3% by weight or less.

Functional sand for companion animals according to an embodiment of the present invention can determine the kidney status by checking the acidity of companion animal urine, which is difficult to collect separately, in daily life.

In addition, since functional sand is realized using natural raw materials, stability is guaranteed and eco-friendly when used, and it has the advantage of exhibiting improved coagulation, absorption, antibacterial and dust generation reduction compared to conventional sand for companion animals.

1 is a photograph comparing color changes according to urine acidity of companion animals in sand according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2A and 2B are photographs showing the shape of sand according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3A and 3B show the same weight-to-volume of sand according to an embodiment of the present invention.
4A and 4B are results of comparing the coagulation force of sand according to an embodiment of the present invention with that of a control group.
5 is a comparison result of the absorbency of sand according to an embodiment of the present invention with a control group.
6 is a comparison result of water dissociation properties of sand according to an embodiment of the present invention and a control group.
7A and 7B are results of comparing the degree of dust generation of sand according to an embodiment of the present invention with a control group.
8A and 8B are results of comparing the antibacterial activity of sand according to an embodiment of the present invention with that of a control group.
9 is a comparison result of the deodorizing power of sand according to an embodiment of the present invention with a control group.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail.

One aspect of the present invention may provide functional sand for companion animals including okara, corn starch, a plant extract containing anthocyanins, and additives. Specifically, it may include 45 to 55% by weight of the okara, 25 to 41% by weight of the corn starch, 0.1 to 8% by weight of the plant extract, and 0.1 to 10% by weight of the additive.

The okara is a by-product from the production process of tofu. As an eco-friendly raw material with low dust generation, okara has excellent water absorption and water dissociation properties without harming the health of companion animals.

In addition, in the case of corn starch, compared to other plant-derived starches, it has less flavor and has an appropriate coagulation power, so that when mixed with okara to form sand, it is possible to maintain the elasticity of the sand at an appropriate level while maintaining the moisture absorption of the okara. For example, in the case of sweet potato starch, there is a problem that a characteristic odor is generated excessively, in the case of potato starch, it is difficult to properly mix with okara due to the large change in stickiness depending on the moisture formed, and in the case of tapioca starch, it hardens too hard to absorb moisture It takes a long time to apply, making it difficult to apply to pet sand.

Specifically, the sand may include okara and corn starch in a weight ratio of 3: 1 to 2: 3, 3: 2 to 1:1, or 5: 4 to 1:1. When sand is produced by mixing okara and corn starch in the above range, the sand is not easily broken and maintains excellent water absorption, and its performance is well exhibited when other functional additives such as antibacterial, deodorizing, and urine pH diagnosis are added. can be In other words, the functional sand for companion animals of the present invention contains okara and corn starch in an optimal mixing ratio, thereby exhibiting excellent coagulation, absorption and dust reduction ability without including artificial compounds such as calcium carbonate or silica gel. .

Anthocyanin is a water-soluble substance that can be used as a natural indicator, and has a red color under acidic conditions with low pH and blue under basic conditions with high pH. Various functional groups of anthocyanin chromophore molecules react with hydrogen ions or hydroxide ions to change the structure of the chromophore molecule. Through this change, the wavelength of the light absorbed by the anthocyanin chromophore molecule is changed, and the pH change of the contacted solution can be observed by observing the complementary color of the color corresponding to the wavelength absorbed by the indicator.

The present invention applied these characteristics of anthocyanins to sand for companion animals, and made it possible to check the health of companion animals by measuring the urine state of companion animals, which is artificially difficult to collect, in daily life.

That is, the sand may be discolored red when the pH of the companion animal's urine is 4.5 or less. For example, a cat's normal urine is pH 5.5 to pH 7.0, and when the kidney function is lowered and has strong acidity, it may be discolored red, and furthermore, if it is alkaline beyond neutral, it is discolored blue. can be Specifically, urine of companion animals with reduced renal function due to lack of drinking water or kidney disease discolors the sand red (see FIG. 1; sand obtained according to Preparation Example 4), and in the case of normal urine, a dark purple color due to moisture It may appear red, but it does not turn red.

Specifically, the anthocyanin-containing plant extract may be extracted from at least one selected from the group consisting of red cabbage, red onion, black bean, purple corn, purple sweet potato, amaranth leaf, grape, blueberry, aronia and mulberry. . In addition, it is most preferable to use a red cabbage extract that is not harmful to companion animals and can exhibit more diverse color changes than fruit extracts.

In addition, relative to 100 parts by weight of the sand, the anthocyanin-containing plant extract may be included in an amount of 0.1 to 8 parts by weight, 1 to 7 parts by weight, or 2 to 6 parts by weight. This may vary depending on the method of obtaining the anthocyanin-containing extract, that is, the extraction method, for example, 3 to 8 parts by weight of the heated extract and 0.1 to 5 parts by weight of the extracted extract are included in the urine pH change sensitivity of companion animals. (color development) can be realized well.

In addition, the sand may include at least one selected from the group consisting of zeolite, calcareous material, and natural antibacterial material as an additive. Zeolite not only improves the coagulation power of cat sand, but also has porosity, so it can adsorb molecules and ions such as gases and liquids, thereby giving the sand a deodorizing ability.

In addition, the calcareous material contains chitosan, which is a natural organic polymer material, and chitosan can be extracted from crustaceans such as crabs and shrimp, cuttlefish bones, insect epidermis, and the like. Since the chitosan is finally decomposed into carbon dioxide and water by enzymes and aerobic microbial decomposition, it is a natural coagulant with almost no secondary environmental pollution problem, and is harmless to the health of companion animals. The calcareous material may be included in an amount of 0 to 10 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the sand.

In addition, the natural antibacterial material is added to reduce the odor generated in the feces of companion animals and inhibit microbial fermentation, for example, extracted from phytoncide, mint, pine needles, peppermint, licorice, gardenia, grapefruit, etc. it may have been In addition, the antibacterial material may be a hesperidine-rich Citrus Unshiu Peel powder, which is known to have antibacterial effects and the like. The calcareous material may be included in an amount of 0 to 2 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the sand.

The shape of the sand according to an embodiment of the present invention can be confirmed in FIGS. 2A and 2B . 1A shows a pellet shape, wherein the sand has a diameter of 2 mm to 3 mm, and a length of 3 mm to 15 mm or 5 mm to 10 mm. In addition, FIG. 2b shows a crack shape, and has a length of 10 mm or less.

Another aspect of the present invention, 1) mixing the okara, corn starch and additives; 2) molding the mixed composition into a pellet shape; and 3) drying the plant extract containing anthocyanin to the dried composition for 4 to 8 hours after application.

In step 1), okara, corn starch and additives are mixed to form a dough, and the properties and mixing ratio of each component are the same as described above.

Step 2) may be performed using commercially available pellet equipment. In addition, in step 2), a) the molded composition is subjected to a temperature of 170° C. to 200° C. or 175° C. to 190° C., preferably 180° C. for 8 minutes to 15 minutes or 9 minutes to 12 minutes, preferably 10 minutes. during heat treatment; and b) drying the heat-treated composition for 12 hours to 24 hours, 13 hours to 20 hours, or 14 hours to 16 hours. In addition, the moisture content of the composition dried after step b) may be 3% by weight or less.

On the other hand, step 3) may be repeated 3 to 10 times in order to realize appropriate color development according to the anthocyanin content of the plant extract. In this case, the anthocyanin-containing plant extract is obtained by heating a plant and may have an anthocyanin content of 1 to 10% by weight.

Another aspect of the present invention comprises the steps of: 1) mixing okara, corn starch, an anthocyanin-containing plant extract and additives; and 2) molding the mixed composition into a pellet shape.

The step 1) is to form a dough by mixing okara, corn starch, anthocyanin-containing plant extract and additives to form a dough, and the properties and mixing ratio of each component are the same as described above. In this case, the anthocyanin-containing plant extract is obtained by squeezing a plant and may have an anthocyanin content of 1 to 10% by weight.

Step 2) may be performed using commercially available pellet equipment. In addition, in step 2), a) the molded composition is subjected to a temperature of 170° C. to 200° C. or 175° C. to 190° C., preferably 180° C. for 8 minutes to 15 minutes or 9 minutes to 12 minutes, preferably 10 minutes. during heat treatment; and b) drying the heat-treated composition for 12 hours to 24 hours, 13 hours to 20 hours, or 14 hours to 16 hours. In addition, the moisture content of the composition dried after step b) may be 3% by weight or less.

In addition, after step 2), in order to control the degree of color development in the molded composition containing the plant extract containing anthocyanin, drying the plant extract containing anthocyanin for 4 to 8 hours after application is further may include

Furthermore, the pellet-shaped functional sand for companion animals manufactured by the above-described methods may be manufactured to have various shapes such as beads, flakes, and cracks through specific equipment.

As such, the functional sand for companion animals of the present invention is manufactured by heat-treating and drying a composition containing a plant extract including okara, corn starch, anthocyanin, and other additives according to specific conditions, thereby producing pellets without using pellet equipment. It can be manufactured, and since it does not contain artificial compounds such as calcium carbonate or silica gel, it is eco-friendly and exhibits excellent coagulation, absorption and dust reduction ability.

In the above-described method for producing functional sand for companion animals, the description of the physical properties of the plant extract, additives and other sand containing okara, corn starch, anthocyanin, refer to the description described in the functional sand for companion animals.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail by way of Examples. However, the following examples are only for illustrating the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto.

Preparation Example 1. Preparation of functional sand for companion animals (Recipe A)

Based on 100 parts by weight of the total composition, 55 parts by weight of okara, 40 parts by weight of corn starch, and 5 parts by weight of water were mixed and kneaded to form pellets. Next, the pellet-shaped dough was heat treated at a temperature of 180° C. for 10 minutes, and then dried for 12 hours to prepare sand.

production example 2. Manufacture of functional sand for companion animals (Recipe B)

Functional sand for companion animals was prepared in the same manner as in Preparation Example 1, except that 55 parts by weight of okara, 41 parts by weight of corn starch, and 4 parts by weight of water were mixed and mixed when the raw materials were mixed.

production example 3. Manufacture of functional sand for companion animals (Recipe C)

Functional sand for companion animals was prepared in the same manner as in Preparation Example 1, except that 50 parts by weight of okara, 40 parts by weight of corn starch, and 10 parts by weight of water were mixed and mixed when the raw materials were mixed.

production example 4. Manufacture of functional sand for companion animals

Functional sand for companion animals was prepared in the same manner as in Preparation Example 1, except that 55 parts by weight of okara, 40 parts by weight of corn starch, 3 parts by weight of water, and 2 parts by weight of anthocyanin-containing red cabbage extract were mixed and mixed when the raw materials were mixed in Preparation Example 1. .

In the case of Preparation Examples 1 to 3, separate from the health diagnosis function of companion animals, they were separately prepared to test the physical properties that sand should have in order to perform a toilet treatment function, and the unique characteristics of the sand of the present invention were The experiment was performed without introducing color.

Experimental example 1. Volumetric

The same weight-to-volume of the sand obtained in Preparation Examples 1 to 3 was confirmed. As a result, it can be seen that the sand volume of Preparation Example 2 is the largest (see FIGS. 3A and 3B ).

Experimental example 2. coagulant measurement

After filling the same volume with other companies' products (Queen of Sand Nudie Green Tea, Channel Fat Co., Ltd.) and the sand obtained in Preparation Examples 1 to 3 in the same volume, 30 mL of water was poured in each. After 30 minutes, the container was turned over to check the size of the remaining mass to measure the coagulation force. As a result, it can be seen that the coagulation force of the sand according to the embodiment of the present application is superior to that of other products as a control, and in particular, the sand of Preparation Examples 2 and 3 exhibited excellent shape retention (see FIGS. 4A and 4B ).

Experimental example 3. Absorption Power Measurement

After filling a separate container with the same volume of a competitor's product (Queen of Sand Nudie Green Tea, Channel Fat Co., Ltd.) and the sand obtained in Preparation Examples 1 to 3, immediately after pouring 30 mL of each water, check the bottom to measure the absorbency did As a result, it was confirmed that the sand according to the present invention absorbed more moisture within the same time (see FIG. 5 ).

Experimental example 4. water dissociation and check the level of dust generation

Another company's product (Queen of Sand Nudie Green Tea, Channel Fat Co., Ltd.) and the sand obtained in Preparation Examples 1 to 3 were filled in separate containers in the same volume, and then 150 mL of water was poured therein. After that, after stirring roundly with a bar twice, the dissociation state was confirmed. Referring to FIG. 6 , it can be seen that the sand according to an embodiment of the present application has superior water dissociation properties compared to a control product of other companies.

In addition, it was confirmed that the degree of dust generation of the sand according to an embodiment of the present application was significantly lower than that of other products as a control (refer to FIGS. 7A and 7B ).

Experimental example 5. Measurement of antibacterial activity

The antibacterial activity of the sand obtained in Preparation Example 4 was compared with bentonite, a competitor's product a (Queen of Sand Nudie Pure, Channel Pet Co., Ltd.), and a competitor's product b (Tofu Lang Cats, Pupia Outlet Co., Ltd.).

First, after the cats used each sand for a week, 15 g of sand was taken out and diluted 100 times in water. This was smeared on a microbial culture medium and cultured for two days, and then the growth patterns of the microorganisms were compared. In the first round, bentonite, the second company's product a, and the third company product b were compared with the sand of Preparation Example 4 (see FIGS. 8A and 8B ).

As a sand component, bentonite had a lower microbial growth rate than sand containing various organic matter. At this time, it can be seen that in the sand according to an embodiment of the present application, microbial colonies similar to bentonite were formed in the first experiment (100 vs. 93), and in the second and third times, the microorganisms grew less compared to other products. It can be seen that (A vs. Preparation Example 4=100 vs. 53, B vs. Preparation Example 4=100 vs. 64)

Experimental example 6. deodorizing power measurement

The deodorizing power of the sand obtained in Preparation Example 4 was compared with bentonite, a competitor's product a (trade name, manufacturer), and a competitor's product b (trade name, manufacturer).

First, when the cats used each sand for a week, all the feces were removed, and the amount of ammonia in the toilet was measured using an _{ammonia (NH 3 ) measuring device in the state that urine and feces were not removed for 12 hours on the 7th day.} In the first round, bentonite, in the second round, a competitor's product a, and in the third round, a competitor's product b was compared with the sand of Preparation Example 4.

As shown in FIG. 9 , bentonite was coagulated sand, not absorbent, and had a very strong smell of cat urine, and other products also had very low deodorizing power to the same level. In contrast, it can be seen that the sand of Preparation Example 4 was neutralized while absorbing ammonia, thereby reducing the odor.

Claims (10)

1) 45 to 55% by weight of okara, 25 to 41% by weight of corn starch, 0.1 to 8% by weight of an anthocyanin-containing plant extract, 0.1 to 10% by weight of additives, and 4 to 10% by weight of water step; and
2) comprising the step of molding the mixed composition into a pellet shape,
Step 2) comprises: a) heat-treating the molded composition at a temperature of 170° C. to 200° C. for 8 minutes to 15 minutes; and b) drying the heat-treated composition for 12 to 24 hours, wherein the moisture content of the dried composition after step b) is 3% by weight or less,
A method for manufacturing functional sand for companion animals.
According to claim 1,
After step 2), the method further comprises drying for 4 to 8 hours after applying the plant extract containing anthocyanin to the molded composition,
A method for manufacturing functional sand for companion animals.
According to claim 1,
The additive is at least one selected from the group consisting of zeolite, calcareous material and natural antibacterial material,
A method for manufacturing functional sand for companion animals.
According to claim 1,
The plant is at least one selected from the group consisting of red cabbage, red onion, black bean, purple corn, purple sweet potato, amaranth leaf, grape, blueberry, aronia and mulberry,
A method for manufacturing functional sand for companion animals.
According to claim 1,
The plant extract containing the anthocyanin is a heated extract or a juice extract, and the anthocyanin content is 1 to 10% by weight,
A method for manufacturing functional sand for companion animals.
Functional sand for companion animals manufactured according to the method of any one of claims 1 to 5. delete delete delete delete

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