AU2017202678A1 - Medicated Molasses Block - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract A medicated molasses feed block for ruminants containing a pain relieving agent, such as meloxicam. The feed block allows an animal to self medicate.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] This invention generally relates to a medicated molasses feed block for ruminants. In particular, the invention concerns a medicated molasses feed block containing a pain relieving agent.

BACKGROUND ART [0002] The issue of improving welfare during aversive routine husbandry procedures has emerged as a leading welfare concern for all livestock industries in Australia and beyond. Growing consumer awareness of painful procedures and practices poses a significant threat to the red meat, dairy and wool industries. Providing adequate and long lasting pain relief will deal with many of these concerns. However, until recently, there were no products registered for use by producers to ameliorate pain in the animals.

[0003] The registration of Tri-Solfen® spray for use in both sheep and cattle husbandry procedures has enabled producers to provide significant topical pain relief to wounds incurred during some procedures due to inhibition of nociception, including surgical castration (Lomax et al 2010; Lomax and Windsor, 2013), mulesing (Lomax et al, 2008) and dehorning (MaCarthy et al, 2015; 2016) Further, the registration of Buccalgesic® for oral administration of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug meloxicam, potentially provides additional pain relief for livestock undergoing aversive husbandry procedures, through diminution of pain sensitisation. Managing pain associated with husbandry interventions is increasingly commonplace in extensive sheep meat and beef production systems, although there remain unresolved issues preventing the promotion of ‘best practice pain management’ approaches. In particular, the timing of and route of administration, plus evidence of efficacy in provision of practical long-term pain relief on farms, deserves further attention if use of this drug is to be routinely adopted by producers.

[0004] The present invention builds on the success of previous projects investigating pain relief in livestock. Tri-Solfen® (as described in Australian Patent Number 2007221941 - A topical anaesthetic composition, filed 2007-10-11; and Australian Patent Number 2006202528 A topical analgesic composition, filed 2006-03-15) has been shown to be efficacious in the short term, providing topical anaesthetics pain relief for at least 24 hours, but does not address

2017202678 21 Apr 2017 the inflammation resulting from surgical procedures (Lomax et al, 2008; Windsor et al, 2016). This is particularly important in procedures that cause severe lesions, such as mulesing (Lomax et al, 2008) and dehorning (MaCarthy et al, 2016). Whilst Buccalgesic® addresses inflammation, a single dose administered during a procedure, also does not provide the longer term pain relief required.

[0005] Feed supplementation blocks are commonly used to supplement diets of ruminants for increased milk and meat production. They are not, however, normally used to deliver pain relieving agents such that animals can self regulate consumption to control pain. Pain relief - if administered at all - normally entails having to muster and handle the animals, and normally entails injecting the animals with a pain relieving agent. Mustering, handling and injecting animals can be laborious, inconvenient and expensive.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION [0006] In one aspect, the present inventors have now developed a medicated molasses feed block that can be used to deliver at least one type of pain relieving agent to one or more ruminants in a controlled manner.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a medicated molasses feed block comprising at least one type of pain relieving agent.

[0008] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a painrelieving method for a ruminant, said method comprising the step of feeding a ruminant a medicated molasses feed block comprising an effective amount of at least one type of pain relieving agent.

[0009] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a medicated molasses feed block, said method comprising the steps of:

[0010] combining ingredients, including molasses and at least one type of pain relieving agent, to form a block mixture;

[0011] pouring the block mixture into a mould; and [0012] allowing the block mixture to set to form a medicated molasses feed block comprising the at least one type of pain relieving agent substantially uniformly dispersed

2017202678 21 Apr 2017 throughout the medicated molasses feed block.

[0013] The block’s ingredient content, size and shape can be tailored for the particular ruminant type for which it is provided, or even for the geographic location of the ruminant. For example, grain versus grass fed ruminants many require different ingredient contents in their blocks, such as different mineral content. The block can also be tailored for the palate of the ruminant (e.g. molasses and salt content).

[0014] In addition to containing molasses and at least one type of pain relieving agent, the block can for example comprise one or more of the following types of ingredients: a nitrogen source; a protein source; a carbohydrate source; minerals; vitamins; a solidifying, binding or gelling agent; a pH adjuster; a filler; a flavouring agent (to increase palatability of the block); a biological active; and general types of excipients.

[0015] The at least one pain relieving agent can be used to prevent, minimise or obviate any suitable type of pain experienced by the ruminant. For example, pain may result from an injury or pain may be caused by a surgical procedure - such as a laceration, a surgical incision, an ulcer, a major abrasion or a major burn. For example, pain may be caused by an animal husbandry procedure such as mulesing, shearing, castration, tail docking, ear tagging, de-homing, branding or marking.

[0016] Any suitable type or types and quantity or quantities of pain relieving agent can be used. For example, the pain relieving agent content can be about 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3, 0.35, 0.4, 0.45, 0.5, 0.55, 0.6, 0.65, 0.7, 0.75, 0.8, 0.85, 0.9, 0.95, 1%, 1.5%, 2%, 2.5%, 3% , 3.5%, 4%, 4.5%, 5%, 5.5%, 6%, 6.5%, 7%, 7.5%, 8%, 8.5%, 9%, 9.5% or 10% weight/weight.

[0017] In some embodiments, the pain relieving agent could comprise between about 0.5 kg per ton up to about 10 kg per ton of total block formula.

[0018] In some embodiments, the pain relieving agent can be an analgesic agent or combination of different types of analgesic agents. For example, the pain relieving agent can be any suitable type of anti-inflammatory agent or combination of different types of antiinflammatory agents. In some embodiments the pain relieving agent can be at least one analgesic agent in combination with at least one anti-inflammatory agent.

[0019] Potentially suitable agents include one or more of the following: acetaminophen,

2017202678 21 Apr 2017 aspirin, salicylic acid, methyl salicylate, choline salicylate, glycol salicylate, 1-menthol, camphor, mefenamic acid, fluphenamic acid, indomethacin, diclofenac, alclofenac, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, pranoprofen, fenoprofen, sulindac, fenbufen, clidanac, flurbiprofen, indoprofen, protizidic acid, fentiazac, tolmetin, tiaprofenic acid, bendazac, bufexemacpiroxicam, phenylbutazone, oxyphenbutazone, clofezone, pentazocine, mepirizole, hydrocortisone, cortisone, dexamethasone, fluocinolone, triamcinolone, medrysone, prednisolone, flurandrenolide, prednisone, halcinonide, methylprednisolone, fludrocortisone, corticosterone, paramethasone, betamethasone, naproxen, suprofen, piroxicam, diflunisal, meclofenamate sodium, carprofen, flunixin, tolfenamic acid and meloxicam.

[0020] In some embodiments, the pain relieving agent can be a non-steroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAIDs). The NSAID can be a salicylate (e.g. aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid), diflunisal (dolobid), salicylic acid and other salicylates, salsalate (disalcid)), propionic acid derivative (e.g. ibuprofen, dexibuprofen, naproxen, fenoprofen, ketoprofen, dexketoprofen, flurbiprofen, oxaprozin, loxoprofen), acetic acid derivative (e.g. indomethacin, tolmetin, sulindac, etodolac, ketorolac, diclofenac, aceclofenac, nabumetone), enolic acid (oxicam) derivative (e.g. piroxicam, meloxicam, tenoxicam, droxicam, lornoxicam. ilsoxicam, phenylbutazone), anthranilic acid derivative (fenamate) (e.g. mefenamic acid, meclofenamic acid, flufenamic acid, tolfenamic acid), selective COX-2 inhibitor (e.g. celecoxib, rofecoxib, valdecoxib, parecoxib, lumiracoxib, etoricoxib, firocoxib), sulfonanilide (e.g. nimesulide), or other (e.g. clonixin, licofelone, H-harpagide in Figwort or Devil's Claw).

[0021] Solidifying, binding or gelling agents help solidify the block/make the block a coherent mass. Suitable examples include calcium oxide, magnesium oxide, calcium hydroxide, di-ammonium phosphate, cement, bentonite and hydrated lime (quick lime). Any suitable solidifying, binding and/or gelling agent/s quantity can be used. For example, the solidifying, binding and/or gelling agent/s content can be about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 or 40% weight/weight.

[0022] pH adjusters help adjust the final pH of the block. Examples of suitable pH adjusters include organic acids such as citric, tartaric, boric and phosphoric acid. Any suitable pH adjuster quantity can be used. For example, the pH adjuster content can be about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10% weight/weight.

2017202678 21 Apr 2017 [0023] Fillers help bulk up the block, to get it to the correct volume. The filler can be digestible or not. Examples of suitable fillers include bran (digestible) and earth (not digestible). Any suitable filler/s quantity can be used. For example, the filler/s content can be about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 or 40% weight/weight.

[0024] Any suitable source or sources of nitrogen can be used. The nitrogen can derive from a source of protein or not. In an example, the source of nitrogen is urea (non-protein source). Any suitable quantity of nitrogen or nitrogen source can be used. For example, the nitrogen or nitrogen source content can be about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20% weight/weight.

[0025] Any suitable source or sources of protein can be used. Suitable sources of protein include cottonseed meal, fish meal, soybean meal and oilseed meal. Any suitable quantity of protein or protein source can be used. For example, the protein or protein source content can be about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20% weight/weight.

[0026] Any suitable source or sources of carbohydrate can be used. Suitable sources of carbohydrate include molasses. Any suitable quantity of carbohydrate or carbohydrate source can be used. For example, the carbohydrate or carbohydrate source content can be about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20% weight/weight.

[0027] The block can include any suitable type of mineral or minerals. Examples of suitable minerals include sodium, phosphorus, sulphur, calcium, sodium, iron, copper, manganese, zinc, iodine, selenium and cobalt. Any suitable mineral quantity can be used. For example, the mineral content can be about 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5 and 5% weight/weight.

[0028] The block can include any suitable type of vitamin or vitamins. Examples of suitable vitamins include vitamin A, B, C, D and E. Any suitable vitamin quantity can be used. For example, the vitamin content can be about 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5 and 5% weight/weight.

[0029] Any suitable type or types of flavouring agent can be used. Any suitable quantity of flavouring agent/s can be used. Examples of flavouring agents include molasses and salt.

2017202678 21 Apr 2017 [0030] Any suitable type of salt or salts can be used. Suitable types of salt include sea salt and sodium chloride. Any suitable quantity of salt can be used. For example, the salt content can be about 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20% weight/weight.

[0031] Any suitable type or types of biological actives (apart from the pain relieving agent) can be used. Suitable types of biological actives include antibiotics, antimicrobials, rumen stimulants (to encourage the growth of rumen microbes), methane-reducing agents (e.g. 3nitrooxypropanol) and ionophores (compounds that alter rumen fermentation patterns, to increase feed efficiency and body weight gain). Any suitable quantity of biological active/s can be used. For example, the biological active/s content can be about 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3, 0.35, 0.4, 0.45, 0.5, 0.55, 0.6, 0.65, 0.7, 0.75, 0.8, 0.85, 0.9, 0.95, 1%, 1.5%, 2%, 2.5%, 3% , 3.5%, 4%, 4.5%, 5%, 5.5%, 6%, 6.5%, 7%, 7.5%, 8%, 8.5%, 9%, 9.5% or 10% weight/weight.

[0032] Suitable general excipients include antioxidants, colourants, emulsifiers, preservatives, solvents, solubilisers, viscosity increasing agents, diluents, carriers and so forth. Any suitable quantity of water can be used. For example, the water content can be about 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20% weight/weight.

[0033] The molasses of the block provides the following: improves palatability (flavouring agent); provides minerals/trace elements such as sulphur; provides carbohydrates/fermentable sugars; and, functions as a binding agent. Molasses also makes the block easier to manufacture. Any suitable source and quantity of molasses can be used. For example, the molasses content can be about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59 and 60% weight/weight. In other embodiments, molasses can be used to balance the ingredient content to 100%. The molasses can be produced from sugarcane, for example.

[0034] Preferably the block has a toffee-like consistency, able to withstanding wet weather as well as temperatures ranging from about -20°C to 50°C.

[0035] Preferably the pain relieving agent is substantially uniformly dispersed throughout the medicated molasses feed block.

[0036] The medicated molasses feed block can be fed to any suitable type of ruminant. Suitable ruminants include sheep, cattle, horses, buffalo, goats and yak.

2017202678 21 Apr 2017 [0037] Preferably, the method comprises the ruminant self-medicating. That is, the ruminant consumes as much of the medicated molasses feed block as it desires, as often as it desires.

[0038] Preferably, the medicated molasses feed block provides a dose to the ruminant in the order of about 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95 and lOOmg/ruminant/day (depending on the size of the animal).

[0039] Preferably, ruminants consume approximately 100 to 400 g of block per day. For example, rams may consume approximately 200 g per day. For example, ewes may consume approximately 300 g per day. For example, lambs may consume approximately 150 g per day. For example, cattle may consume approximately 200 g per day.

[0040] The medicated molasses feed block may be fed to the ruminant for a period of 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, 6 days or 7 days or more. The medicated molasses feed block may be fed to the ruminant for a period 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5 or 4 weeks. More preferably, the medicated molasses feed block is fed to the ruminant for a period of 1 to 3 weeks, and even more preferably 1 to 2 weeks.

[0041] The method may comprise a step of feeding to the ruminant a first medicated molasses feed block containing a first type of pain relieving agent for a first period of time, then a second medicated molasses feed block containing a second type of pain relieving agent for a second period of time. The first and second periods of time could, for example, each be 1 to 2 week periods. If required, the method may comprise a step of feeding to the ruminant a third (or fourth) medicated molasses feed block containing a third (or fourth) type of pain relieving agent for a third (or fourth) period of time.

[0042] The block can be manufactured using a hot process (requiring heating of one or more ingredients) or cold process. Preferably, the block is manufactured using a cold process. More preferably, the block is manufactured using a cold moulding process.

[0043] A body of the block can be of any suitable size and shape. The block body can comprise a top surface, a bottom surface and at least one side surface. Potential shapes for the block body include a rectangular, hexagonal or octagonal prism or cylinder/disc, for example.

[0044] The block body can be of any suitable weight but preferably has a weight of

2017202678 21 Apr 2017 between about 5 and 1000 kg, and more preferably about 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, 400, 450, 500, 550, 600, 650, 700, 750, 800, 850, 900, 950 and 1000 kg.

[0045] Particularly preferred embodiments of medicated molasses feed block are described below.

[0046] Preferably, the medicated molasses feed block comprises at least about 50% weight/weight molasses.

[0047] Preferably, the medicated molasses feed block comprises about 5 to 10% weight/weight salt.

[0048] Preferably, the medicated molasses feed block comprises at least one type of phosphate. Any suitable type or types and quantity of phosphate can be used. For example, the phosphate content can be about 5-10% weight/weight. A suitable phosphate is di-calcium phosphate.

[0049] Preferably, the medicated molasses feed block comprises at least one type of hydrated lime. Any suitable type and quantity of hydrated lime can be used. For example, the hydrated lime content can be about 0-5% weight/weight.

[0050] Preferably, the medicated molasses feed block comprises magnesium oxide. Any suitable quantity of magnesium oxide can be used. For example, the magnesium oxide content can be about 10-20% weight/weight.

[0051] Preferably, the medicated molasses feed block comprises minerals such as copper, cobalt, zinc and selenium. Any suitable mineral quantity can be used. For example, the mineral content can be about 1-2% weight/weight.

[0052] Preferably, the medicated molasses feed block comprises up to about 10% weight/weight water.

[0053] Preferably, the medicated molasses feed block comprises about x....y% weight/weight of each type of pain relieving agent. A preferred type of pain relieving agent is an anti-inflammatory agent.

[0054] Optionally, the medicated molasses feed block comprises about 5-10%

2017202678 21 Apr 2017 weight/weight of phosphoric acid.

[0055] Optionally, the medicated molasses feed block comprises at least one type of protein source/meal. Any suitable type or types and quantity or quantities of meal can be used. For example, the meal content can be up to about 2% weight/weight. Suitable meal is, for example, cottonseed meal, fish meal, soybean meal and oilseed meal.

[0056] A particularly preferred medicated molasses feed block comprises the following ingredients (all weight/weight):

[0057] 50% (or to balance) molasses [0058] 5 to 10% salt [0059] 5 to 10% phosphate (e.g. di-calcium phosphate) [0060] Up to 5% hydrated lime [0061] 10 to 20% magnesium oxide [0062] 1 to 2% minerals (including copper, cobalt, zinc, selenium) [0063] 10% water [0064] Each type of pain relieving agent (e.g. carprofen or meloxicam) - Quantity to suit so as to provide a pain relieving effect [0065] Such a medicated molasses feed block can be suitable for providing pain relief to ruminants.

[0066] The method can further comprise the step of topically administering to the animal an anaesthetic or analgesic composition. The topical anaesthetic or analgesic composition can be, for example, Tri-Solfen®, as described in Australian Patent Number 2007221941 or Australian Patent Number 2006202528 - the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by way of cross-reference.

[0067] The topical anaesthetic or analgesic composition can have, for example, one of the following formulations:

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2017202678 21 Apr 2017 [0068] 1. A topical anaesthetic or analgesic composition comprising:

[0069] at least one local anaesthetic agent;

[0070] a carrier comprising a hydrophilic or hydroalcoholic gelling agent for forming a longlasting barrier over the open wound;

[0071] an antiseptic agent; and [0072] a vasoconstrictor.

[0073] The composition can comprise one or more ingredients such as an antioxidant, a detectable marker for indicating the presence of the composition on the animal, a local anaesthetic agent having a rapid onset of action, and/or a local anaesthetic agent having a long duration of action. It is to be understood that the local anaesthetic having a rapid onset of action and having a long duration of action can be one and the same, e.g. bupivacaine.

[0074] 2. A topical anaesthetic or analgesic composition comprising:

[0075] about 100 mg/mL non-crystallising liquid sorbitol (70%);

[0076] about 50.0 mg/mL lignocaine HCI (or other anaesthetic agent having a rapid onset of action);

[0077] about 5.0 mg/mL bupivacaine HCI (or other anaesthetic agent having a long duration of action);

[0078] about 1.5 mg/mL sodium metabisulfite;

[0079] about 5.0 mg/mL cetrimide [0080] about 45.0 pg/mL adrenaline tartrate;

[0081] about 5.0 mg/mL hydroxy cellulose; and [0082] (optionally) dye.

[0083] 3. A topical anaesthetic or analgesic composition comprising:

[0084] about 100 mg/mL non-crystallising liquid sorbitol (70%);

[0085] about 40.0 mg/mL lignocaine HCI (or other anaesthetic agent);

[0086] about 1.5 mg/mL sodium metabisulfite;

[0087] about 5.0 mg/mL cetrimide;

[0088] about 36.0 pg/mL adrenaline tartrate;

[0089] about 5.0 mg/mL hydroxy cellulose; and [0090] (optionally) dye.

[0091] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

[0092] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as

2017202678 21 Apr 2017 an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

[0093] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0094] Example 1 - Manufacture of a medicated molasses feed block [0095] This example describes the manufacture of a medicated molasses feed block (“medicated feed block”) containing a pain relieving agent, manufactured using a cold moulding process.

[0096] Molasses and hydrated lime were mixed together in water using a high-speed mixer. Other ingredients, including salt, di-calcium phosphate, magnesium oxide, minerals and pain relieving agent were added in turn, and the mixture was poured into a mould and allowed to set for about 48 hours.

[0097] The block consisted of the following ingredients (all weight/weight):

[0098] 50% molasses [0099] 5 to 10% salt [00100] 5 to 10% di-calcium phosphate [00101] Up to 5% hydrated lime [00102] 10 to 20% magnesium oxide [00103] 1 to 2% minerals (including copper, cobalt, zinc, selenium) [00104] 10% water [00105] Quantity to suit % Pain relieving agent - carprofen or meloxicam [00106] The pain relieving agent may typically comprise between about 0.5 kg per ton up to

2017202678 21 Apr 2017 about 10 kg per ton of total block formula.

[00107] When set, the block had a toffee-like consistency.

[00108] The block had a weight of 20 kg. The pain relieving agent was substantially uniformly dispersed throughout the block. The consistency of the block was like toffee.

[00109] Some of the advantages of the block as described in this Example are stated below:

[00110] 1. It is rain-resistant in that it will not readily dissolve in rain.

[00111] 2. It is stable within the following temperature range: -20 to 50°C. Therefore, the block is suitable for use in Australia as well as countries having similar climates/environmental conditions such as South-East Asia, including New Zealand, Indonesia, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia, China, India and Myanmar.

[00112] 3. It is highly palatable, particularly to ruminants such as sheep and cattle.

[00113] 4. The pain relieving agent (and other biological actives) can be substantially uniformly dispersed throughout the block.

[00114] 5. The block releases the pain relieving agent in a uniform and controlled manner.

[00115] 6. The block enables controlled consumption - low daily dose of pain relieving agent, thereby minimising the risk of overdosing.

[00116] 7. The rate of cold production of the block is high, being about 50 tonnes of block per day.

[00117] 8. The block need not require urea as an ingredient.

[00118] 9. Animals can self regulate consumption to control pain and at the same time intake essential nutrients to increase productivity.

[00119] 10. The feed block saves farmers having to muster and handle animals, as well as delivering pain relieving injectables.

[00120] Example 2 - Self-prescribed control of pain relief of grazing sheep through medicated feed blocks

2017202678 21 Apr 2017 [00121] The feed block as described in Example 1 can be left in the presence of grazing sheep, such that they can self regulate consumption to control pain. The consumption rate of the block/pain relieving agent can be monitored, and the level of pain in any given animal can be measured.

[00122] It is to be appreciated that the block of this trial could be used to treat ruminants other than sheep, and that the block could have used a different type of pain relieving agent, as described elsewhere in this specification.

[00123] Example 3 - Calf castration with Tri-Solfen® (TS) and meloxicam (Me) as medicated meloxicam molasses block (MMB) for 2 weeks [00124] Materials and Methods [00125] Bos Taurus calves (n=48) age 4-6 months (150-200 kg) will be randomly allocated into 6 treatment groups including: ‘Sham’ uncastrated (n = 6), ‘Sham + Ba’ uncastrated receiving MMB (n=6), ‘Mark’ castrated and untreated’ (n = 6), ‘Mark +TS’ castrated receiving Tri-Solfen® (n=6), ‘Mark +Me’ castrated receiving MMB for 2 weeks, (n=6), ‘Mark + TS+MMB’ castrated with Tri-Solfen & MMB for 2 weeks, ‘Mark + TS+Buccalgesic®’ castrated with Tri-Solfen® and a single dose of Bucclagesic®.

[00126] Meloxicam will be administered in a block supplement for the MMB groups for a week prior to the castration to ensure all animals consume the product, with the TS & Buccalgesic® administered to the groups during the surgery. Welfare will be assessed by ‘blinded (to treatment)’ observers using a real-time and video analysis of an ethogram (at time points immediately after, 24hrs, 48hrs, one week and two weeks after castration). Wound pain will be assessed by quantitative sensory testing (QST), using a 75g Von Frey instrument to quantifying the animal’s response to mechanical stimulation of the wound over time to assess wound anaesthesia and/or sensitivity (at time points immediately after, 24hrs, 48hrs, one week and two weeks after castration). QST results will be recorded using a Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) to record central cognition and peripheral reflex responses that were compared between groups for analysis by an ordinal logistic regression proportional odds model as has been previously published (Lomax et al, 2008).

[00127] Results [00128] Experiment 1: castration of young lambs.

2017202678 21 Apr 2017 [00129] Results in this trial are very likely to show significant differences between some if not all the groups at 1 minute post-operation. It is expected that elevated Ethogram and NRS scores will very likely be observed at most time points for the ‘Mark’ castrated and untreated and the ‘Mark + Me only’ castrated groups. It would be expected that the benefits of TS and a single Buccalgesic® treatment would decline past 24-48hrs and that the benefits of MMB would achieve diminished Ethogram and NRS scores compared to untreated groups at most time points through the trial. It would be expected that both the ‘Mark’ and ‘Treated’ groups would display significantly higher NRS scores that the ‘Control’ or sham castrated animals. [00130] Conclusions [00131] Castration of calves and lambs, dehorning of calves and mulesing of lambs, are painful procedures that have been generally accepted in Australia as they improve the life-time welfare of our livestock, considerably reducing injury and disease risk. The enthusiastic adoption of Tri-Solfen® for mulesing by a majority of Merino wool producers who are prepared to pay between $0.50-0.90 for pain relief to provide better welfare outcomes for their lambs, indicates that our producers increasingly understand that improved animal welfare is important. Whilst Tri-Solfen® has been widely accepted in the sheep industry and is gaining popularity in the beef industry, the use of and need for meloxicam remains less conspicuous. The hypothesis is that if meloxicam (or a like agent) is to be promoted for ‘best practice welfare’ in aversive husbandry procedures, a more innovative approach is necessary to provide sustained delivery of the drug in the prolonged healing phase of the wounds.

[00132] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word ‘comprising’ and its derivatives including ‘comprises’ and ‘comprise’ include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[00133] Reference throughout this specification to ‘one embodiment’ or ‘an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[00134] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises

2017202678 21 Apr 2017 preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

[00135] References [00136] Lomax, S., Shell, M., and Windsor, P.A. 2008. Impact of topical anaesthesia on pain alleviation and wound healing in lambs following mulesing. Aust. Vet. J. 86: 159-169 [00137] Lomax, S., Dickson, H., Shiel, M., and Windsor, P.A. 2010. Topical anaesthesia alleviates the pain of castration and tail docking in lambs. Aust. Vet. J. 88: 67-74 [00138] Lomax, S., Windsor, P.A. (2013). Topical anaesthesia mitigates the pain of castration in beef calves. J. Animal Sc. 91:1-8 [00139] McCarthy, D., Lomax, S., Windsor, P.A., White, P.J. (2015) Effect of a topical anaesthetic formulation on the cortisol response to surgical castration of unweaned beef calves. Animal DOI: 10.1017/S175173111500142 [00140] MaCarthy, D., White, P., Windsor, P.A., Lomax, S. (2016) Effect of topically applied anaesthetic formulation on the sensitivity of scoop dehorning wounds in calves. PLoS ONE 1 l(9):eOI63181 [00141] Windsor, P.A., Lomax, S., White, P. (2016) Progress in pain management for improved small ruminant welfare. Small Rum. Res. DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2016,03.024

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Claims (20)

1. A medicated molasses feed block comprising at least one type of pain relieving agent.

2. The feed block of claim 1, wherein the pain relieving agent is an analgesic agent or an anti-inflammatory agent.

3. The feed block of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the pain relieving agent comprises between about 0.5 kg per ton up to about 10 kg per ton of total block formula.

4. The feed block of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the pain relieving agent is selected from the group consisting of: acetaminophen, aspirin, salicylic acid, methyl salicylate, choline salicylate, glycol salicylate, 1-menthol, camphor, mefenamic acid, fluphenamic acid, indomethacin, diclofenac, alclofenac, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, pranoprofen, fenoprofen, sulindac, fenbufen, clidanac, flurbiprofen, indoprofen, protizidic acid, fentiazac, tolmetin, tiaprofenic acid, bendazac, bufexemacpiroxicam, phenylbutazone, oxyphenbutazone, clofezone, pentazocine, mepirizole, hydrocortisone, cortisone, dexamethasone, fluocinolone, triamcinolone, medrysone, prednisolone, flurandrenolide, prednisone, halcinonide, methylprednisolone, fludrocortisone, corticosterone, paramethasone, betamethasone, naproxen, suprofen, piroxicam, diflunisal, meclofenamate sodium, carprofen, flunixin, tolfenamic acid and meloxicam.

4. The feed block of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the pain relieving agent is selected from the group consisting of: salicylate, diflunisal, salsalate, propionic acid derivative, acetic acid derivative, enolic acid derivative, anthranilic acid derivative, selective COX-2 inhibitor, sulfonanilide, clonixin, licofelone, and H-harpagide in Figwort or Devil's Claw.

5. The feed block of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pain relieving agent is substantially uniformly dispersed throughout the feed block.

6. The feed block of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the feed block comprises the following ingredients (all weight/weight):

50% (or to balance) molasses;

5 to 10% salt;

5 to 10% phosphate;

2017202678 21 Apr 2017 up to 5% hydrated lime;

10 to 20% magnesium oxide;

1 to 2% minerals;

10% water; and a therapeutically effective amount of at least one type of pain relieving agent (quantity to suit).

7. The feed block of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pain relieving agent is meloxicam.

8. The feed block of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the pain relieving agent is carprofen.

9. A pain-relieving method for a ruminant, said method comprising the step of feeding a ruminant a medicated molasses feed block comprising an effective amount of at least one type of pain relieving agent as described in any one of the preceding claims.

10. The pain relieving method of claim 9, wherein the feed block provides a dose to the ruminant in the order of about 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95 or 1 OOmg/ruminant/day.

11. The pain relieving method of claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the ruminant is capable of consuming approximately 100 to 400 g of block per day.

12. The pain relieving method of any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the at least one pain relieving agent is used to prevent, minimise or obviate pain resulting from an injury or pain caused by a surgical procedure.

13. The pain relieving method of any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the at least one pain relieving agent is used to prevent, minimise or obviate pain resulting from an animal husbandry procedure.

14. The pain relieving method of any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the method comprises the ruminant self-medicating.

2017202678 21 Apr 2017

15. The pain relieving method of any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein the feed block is fed to the ruminant for a period of approximately 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, 6 days or 7 days or more.

16. The pain relieving method of any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein the medicated molasses feed block is fed to the ruminant for a period of about 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5 or 4 weeks.

17. The pain relieving method of any one of claims 9 to 16, wherein the method comprises a step of feeding to the ruminant a first medicated molasses feed block containing a first type of pain relieving agent for a first period of time, then a second medicated molasses feed block containing a second type of pain relieving agent for a second period of time

18. The pain relieving method of any one of claims 9 to 17, wherein the method further comprises a step of topically administering to the animal an anaesthetic or analgesic composition, such as the anaesthetic or analgesic composition described in Australian Patent Number 2007221941 or Australian Patent Number 2006202528.

19. A method of manufacturing a medicated molasses feed block, said method comprising the steps of;

combining ingredients, including molasses and at least one type of pain relieving agent, to form a block mixture;

pouring the block mixture into a mould; and allowing the block mixture to set to form a medicated molasses feed block comprising the at least one type of pain relieving agent substantially uniformly dispersed throughout the medicated molasses feed block.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the feed block is as defined in any one of claims 1-8.