GB1564187A

GB1564187A - Composition and method for promoting animal nutrition

Info

Publication number: GB1564187A
Application number: GB8621/78A
Authority: GB
Original assignee: Dow Chemical Co
Current assignee: Dow Chemical Co
Priority date: 1977-03-04
Filing date: 1978-03-03
Publication date: 1980-04-02
Also published as: NZ186515A; BR7801297A; JPS53112182A; AU511543B2; NL7802169A; CA1091502A; BE864342A; FR2382197A1; IT7848273A0; FR2382197B1; DE2809319A1; AU3341278A; IT1155859B; AR216784A1; DK98078A

Description

(54) COMPOSITION AND METHOD FOR PROMOTING ANIMAL NUTRITION (71) We, THE DOW CHEMICAL COMPANY, a Corporation organised and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware, United States of America, of Midland, County of Midland, State of Michigan, United States of America, do hereby declare the invention, for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement:- This invention concerns a composition and method for promoting nutritional responses of livestock and poultry.

The composition of the invention comprises 0,0-dimethyl 0-(2,4,5trichlorophenyl) phosphorothioate (hereinafter called "phosphorothioate") and monensin, optionally in admixture with the edible solid.

The method of the invention comprises introducing into the diet of an animal of the above-designated class in combination from 0.14 to 2.3 milligrams of monensin and from 0.5 to 4 milligrams of 0,0-dimethyl 0-(2,4,5-trichlorophenyl) phosphorothioate per kilogram of body weight per day, substantially over a period of (a) at least 28 days in the case of cloven hoof ruminant animals; (b) at least 7 days in the case of swine; and at least 3 days in the case of poultry.

Generally, the composition contains, by weight, from 0.01 to 320 parts of the phosphorothioate per one part monensin. Preferably, the composition will contain 0.01 to 100, more preferably 0.1 to 20, and most preferably 0.5 to 10 parts of the phosphorothioate per one part monensin.

The composition and method of the invention are useful for promoting the growth, increasing milk and fiber production and improving the feed conversion efficiency, of livestock and poultry, especially those selected from cloven hoof ruminant animals, such as cattle or sheep, swine, and chickens. The invention further relates to the feed or feed additive supplement and feed additive premix compositions containing the growth promoting substances.

The invention more particularly relates to the use of the phosphorothioate to overcome the depressed feed intake previously observed upon the administration of the antibiotic monensin to livestock and poultry.

The invention then relates to the use of said combination as synergistic growth promotants, to feed compositions and feed additive supplement compositions, including growing mash for poultry, containing both the components at appropriate dosage levels to be used in said method, and, to feed additive premixes and feed additive concentrates employed in making up said compositions.

U.S. Patent No. 3,501,568 describes monensin, where it is called A3823 complex, useful for treatment of coccidiosis. As the patent explains, the production of monensin by a fermentation process produces a mixture of factors, all of which are useful. The monensin contains hydroxyl groups and can form physiologically acceptable alkali metal and alkali earth metal salts, which include the sodium, potassium, lithium, cesium, rubidium, barium, calcium and magnesium salts.

Accordingly, the term "monensin" is used herein to refer to the various factors and the unresolved mixture of factors produced by fermentation, and the alkali metal and alkali metal salts.

The various factors of monensin are designated A, B, C and D.

The free acid form of factor A is a crystalline compound having a melting point of 103 to 1050C. The sodium salt has a melting point of 267 to 2690 C. The empirical formula of the free acid is C36H62O" and the molecular weight thereof is 670. The semi-structural formula of factor A is:

The sodium salt form of factor B has a melting point of about 227 to 228 C.

The molecular weight of the crystalline free acid is 656. The semi-structural formula is as follows:

Factor C is a crystalline monocarboxylic acid having a molecular weight 684.

The sodium salt melts at 212 to 2140C.

Factor D is also a crystalline compound containing a carboxylic acid group and having a molecular weight of 684. The sodium salt melts at 251 to 252"C.

Monensin is obtained by culturing a Streptomyces organism Stroptomices cinnamonensis Okami (NRRL B1588) as represented by a permanent deposit with the American Type Culture Collection at Washington, D.C. that has been assigned the culture No. ATCC 15413. The use of the phosphorothioate for the purpose of controlling parasites such as fleas, flies, lice, ticks, screw-worms and cattle grubs as well as the helminthic parasites such as lung worms, stomach worms, or the gastrointestinal worms, attacking warm-blooded domestic animals is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 2,811,480. The method of the patent comprehends the administration of the phosphorothioate either topically or orally at a dosage rate in the range of 50 to 175 milligrams per kilogram of body weight depending upon the phosphate ester selected and the parasite intended to be controlled.It is further taught that the treatment may be carried out in the form of multiple doses over a period of several days in which case a daily dosage of from 5 to 25 milligrams per kilogram of body weight may be employed.

It has now be found that upon feeding to livestock and poultry the phosphorothioate in combination with the monensin, the depressed feed intake observed on monensin-containing diets is overcome, and a highly desirable combination of rapid weight gain and feed conversion efficiency can be obtained.

As a consequence, improved nutritional response evidenced by one or more of more rapid weight gain and increased fiber production and/or milk production plus greater feed conversion efficiency is obtained on feeding an animal the combination of respectively from 0.14 to 2.3 milligrams of monensin and from 0.5 to 4 mg of the phosphorothioate per kilogram of body weight per day.

The monensin and the phosphorothioate are conveniently incorporated in a feed composition in appropriate amount to achieve the desired daily dosage of each in the amount of ration or supplement consumed regularly, generally 5 to 100 grams (5.5 to 110 g.) of monensin and 3 to 350 grams (3.3 to 385 g.) of phosphorothioate per ton (metric ton) of balanced ration (dry matter basis, i.e.

DMB), depending on the age and type of animal. These two nutritional response additives may also be incorporated in a mineral, protein or energy-type feed additive supplement in an appropriate amount of supplement the average animal is expected to consume each day on a daily basis.

For commercial use, it is convenient to provide a feed additive premix or concentrate containing the phosphorothioate and the monensin in a proportion such that a predetermined quantity of the premix to be added per ton of balanced ration DMB, for example, from 0.5 to 1000 pounds (0.225 to 450 kg.) of premix contains from 5 to 100 grams of monensin in addition to 3 to 200 grams of the phosphorothioate. The feed additive premix or concentrate consists of the monensin and the phosphorothioate and a carrier such as soybean meal or ground corn or other edible feed grade material or innocuous diluent suitable for the livestock or poultry animals.

The following glossary defines terms in terminology promulgated by the Association of America Feed Control Officials.

The term "blocks" means agglomerated feed compressed into a solid mass cohesive enough to hold its form and weighing over two pounds (I kg.), and generally weighing 30 to 50 pounds (13.5 to 22.5 kg.).

The terms "pellets" and "cubes" refer to agglomerated feed formed bv compacting and forcing through die openings by a mechanical process and cutting the extrudate into appropriate short lengths. Cubes are made from feed forced through a square opening and cut into appropriate lengths. Pellets are generally made from feed forced through round or oval openings.

The term "carrier" refers to an edible material to which ingredients are added to facilitate uniform incorporation of such ingredients into feeds. The active ingredient is absorbed, impregnated, or coated into or onto the edible material in such a way as to disperse and physically carry the active ingredient.

The term "commercial feed" means all materials which are distributed for use as feed or for mixing in feed, for animals other than man. except: (I) Option A-unmixed seed, whole or processed, made directly from the entire seed; Option B-unmixed or unprocessed whole seeds: (2) Hay, straw, stover, silage, cobs husks and hulls (a) when unground, and (b) when umixed with other materials: (3) Individual chemical compounds when not mixed with other materials.

The term "concentrate" refers to a feed used with another to improve the nutritive balance of the total and intended to be further diluted and mixed to produce a supplement or a complete feed.

The terms "feed" and "feedstuff' each refer to one or more edible materials which are consumed by animals (other than man) and contribute energy und/or nutrients to the animal's diet.

The term "diet" means a feed ingredient or mixture of ingredients including water, which is consumed by animals.

The phrase "feed additive premix" refers to an article that must be diluted for safe use in feed additive concentrate, a feed additive supplement or a complete feed. It contains, among other things, one or more additives in high concentrate in a suitable feed base such that up to 100 pounds (50 kg.) must be diluted to produce I ton (I metric ton) of complete feed. A feed additive premix contains additives at levels for which safety to the animal has not been demonstrated and/or which may result when fed undiluted in residues in the edible products from food producing animals in excess of the safe levels established.

The phrase "feed additive concentrate" refers to an article intended to be further diluted to produce a complete feed or a feed additive supplement and is throughout most of the range not suitable for offering as a supplement or for offering free choice without dilution. It contains, among other things, one or more additives in amounts in a suitable feed base such that from 100 to 1000 pounds (50 to 500 kg.) of concentrate must be diluted to produce 1 ton (1 metric ton) of a complete feed. A "feed additive concentrate" is unsafe if fed free choice or as a supplement because of danger to the health of the animal or because of the production of residues in the edible products from food producing animals in excess of the safe levels established.

The phrase "feed additive supplement" refers to an article for the diet of an animal which contains one or more food additives and is intended to be (1) further diluted and mixed to produce a complete feed: or (2) fed undiluted as a supplement to other feeds; or (3) offered free choice with other parts of the rations separately available. A "feed additive supplement" is intended to be safe for the animal and to not produce unsafe residues in the edible products from food producing animals if fed according to directions.

By "free choice" is meant a feeding system by which animals are given unlimited access to the separate components or groups of components constituting the diet.

"Ration" means the amount of the total feed which is provided to one animal over a 24 hour period.

The term "premix" refers to a uniform mixture of one or more microingredients with diluent and/or carrier. Premixes are used to facilitate uniform dispersion of the micro-ingredients in a larger mix.

The phrase "trace minerals" refers to mineral nutrients required by animals in micro amounts.

The term "vitamins" means organic compounds that function as parts of enzyme systems essential for the transmission of energy and the regulation of metabolisms of the body of an animal.

Increasing the weight gain, wool production, the milk production in lactating animals, and feed conversion efficiency of livestock and poultry selected from the cloven hoof-ruminant animals, cattle and sheep, from swine, and from poultry, is an important objective of this invention. For example, immature sheep. cattle and swine are commonly fed for maximum growth rate in feedlots and poultry such as chickens and turkeys in broiler pens, until they reach a marketable weight. When the desired weight is achieved. the animal is sold for slaughter. There is a normal feed intake for most animals due to both physical and metabolic factors. It is important economically that the aninials achieve market weight in as short a time as possible while consuming the least amount of feed necessary to achieve such gain.

It has been unexpectedly found that when the phosphorothioate is admixed with a monensin containing feed as specified herein and administered to ruminant animals, swine and poultry they more readily eat the feed so that the depressed feed intake characteristic of the monensin containing diet is overcome and as a consequence feed intake is improved, substantial rates of weight gain are observed while achieving suprising feed conversion efficiency results. On using monensin and the phosphorothioate in combination the average daily gain obtained as well as the feed conversion efficiency is much better than would be predicted from the characteristics of each nutritional response promotant administered alone, thus achieving synergistic results.

The practical effect of this invention is to bring ruminant animals such as sheep or cattle, swine, and poultry promptly to market weight with surprisingly reduced feed consumption, to obtain improved fiber (wool) production efficiency, and, in the case of lactating animals, greater milk production efficiency, when there is included in the diet, by way of the feed or feed additive supplement in the daily ration of such animals, the active ingredients or growth promotants, phosphorothioate and monensin. These materials are most conveniently dispersed uniformly throughout the normal feed or feed additive supplement of the subject animal being fed in effective dosage levels.Although some of the benefits of each of monensin and phosphorothioate may be obtained by feeding the two growth promotants simultaneously but in respectively different supplements or components of the daily diet, the depressed feed intake observed with monensin containing diets is not overcome.

Although the benefits of providing monensin and phosphorothioate together in the diet are generally not markedly noticeable in cloven hoofed ruminants during a feeding period shorter than 28 days, or 7 days in the case of swine, or 3 days in the case of poultry, the improvement in nutritional response continues to be increasingly evident as providing of the combination continues for longer periods such as up to 56 days and further, up to 112 days or more in the case of cloven hoof ruminants, up to 25 days and preferably at least 60 days in the case of swine, up to 10 days, more preferably up to 25 days and most preferably at least 60 days or more in the case of poultry.Occasional lapses of several days or more without provision of the phosphorothioate are not harmful to the animal, but limit the beneficial effects largely to those days during which the growth promotants are supplied.

Providing the combination of growth promotants during at least 75 , and preferably at least 900n of the days throughout a feeding period is considered to be "substantially every day" with respect to the feeding of livestock and poultry according to the present method.

The monensin and phosphorothioate can be mixed with conventional feed compositions. The feed compositions are then fed to the described livestock or poultry animals according to methods well known to the agricultural art. The use of the combination is particularly advantageous when incorporated into the normal feeds of meat-producing animals, i.e., into growing and/or fattening ruminant feeds or swine or chicken feeds. In the case of wool producing or lactating animals, the diet into which the combination of growth promotants is advantageously incorporated according to the invention may be a high production diet or a good maintenance diet as may be selected by the animal husbandman or poultryman.

The animal feeds most generally used in conjunction with the method of this invention are composed of various grain mixtures and/or roughage feeds such as hay, cottonseed hulls, rice hulls, silage or other high fiber feedstuffs commonly fed to meat, milk and/or wool-producing animals, especially in cattle or sheep feeds.

The feeds for swine or poultry will consist primarily of various grain mixtures plus the usual additaments such as bran meal, cottonseed meal, tankage or alfalfa meals suitable for monogastric animals.

The amount of monensin added and the amount of phosphorothioate added to feeds will vary depending on the age and type of animal. Very young animals that have been weaned or young poultry one or a few days old will have a lower feed consumption. However, as the animal goes through a growth period to a fattening period, sometimes called finishing, the feed consumption gradually increases, but generally falls in proportion to body weight.

Following are tabulations of feed intake for various sized and types of animals with accompanying computed ranges of monensin and phosphorothioate requirements to be used in combination per ton of feed DMB needed to provide the daily dosages set forth above. The average daily feed intake figures are from "Clinical And Diagnostic Veterinary Toxicology", 2nd ed., William B. Buck, Gary D. Oswaler and Gary A. Van Gelder, Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company, Dubuque, Iowa.

Beef Cattle Phosphorothioate in Feed Grams Monensin in Feed % Feed per (metric) ton Grams per (metric) Body wt. Intake/- Dosage (mg/kg) Ton Dosage (mg/kg) Ibs kg Body Wt. 0.5 4 0.14 .3 300 136 2.3 19.7 157.6 5.5 90.6 (21.7) (173.7) (6.1) (99.8) 450 204 2.5 18.2 145.6 5.1 83.7 (20.0) (160.5) (5.6) (92.3) 650 295 2.4 18.9 151.2 5.3 86.9 (20.8) (166.6) (5.8) (95.8) 1000 454 2.1 21.6 172.8 6.1 99.4 (23.8) (190.5) (6.7) (109.5) Lactating Cattle 770 350 1.4 35.0 280.0 9.8 161.0 (38.6) (308.6) (10.8) (177.5) 1760 800 1.2 40.0 320.0 11.2 184.0 (44.0) (352.7) (12.3) (202.8) Non-Lactating Dairy Cattle 770 350 1.8 33.0 264.0 9.2 151.8 (36.4) (291.0) (10.1) (167.3) 1760 800 1.6 28.0 224.0 7.8 128.8 (30.8) (246.9) (8.6) (141.9) Lambs 59 27 4.5 10.0 80.0 2.8 46.0 (11.0) (88.2) (3.1) (50.7) 99 45 3.9 11.6 92.8 3.3 53.4 (12.8) (102.3) (3.6) (58.8) Swine 10 4.5 8.0 5.7 45.6 1.8 26.2 (6.3) (50.3) (2.0) (28.9) 50 22.7 6.4 7.1 56.8 2.0 32.7 (7.8) (62.6) (2.2) (36.0) 100 45 5.3 8.6 68.8 2.4 39.6 (9.5) (75.8) (2.6) (43.6) 150 68 4.5 10.1 80.8 2.8 46.5 (11.1) (89.0) (3.1) (51.2) 200 90 4.0 11.4 91.2 3.2 52.4 (12.5) (100.5) (3.5) (57.8) Chickens Phosphorothioate in Feed Grams Monensin in Feed Ó Feed per (metric) ton Grams per (metric) Body Wt.Intake/- Dosage (mg/kg) Ton Dosage (mg/kg) Ibs. kg Body Wt. 0.5 4 0.14 2.3 0.5 0.23 14.0 3.2 25.6 0.9 14.7 (3.5) (28.2) (1.0) (16.2) 1.0 0.45 11.4 4.0 32.0 1.1 18.4 (4.4) (35.3) (1.2) (20.3) 1.5 0.69 9.7 4.7 37.6 1.3 21.6 (5.2) (41.4) (1.4) (23.8) 3.5 1.59 6.7 6.7 53.6 1.8 30.8 (7.4) (59.1) (2.0) (33.9) 5.5 2.50 5.0 9.1 72.8 2.6 41.8 (10.0) (80.2) (2.9) (46.1) From the foregoing, it is apparent that cattle on a growing diet and weighing 300 to 1000 pounds (136 to 454 kg.) will ordinarily be fed a diet, according to the invention, containing 18 to 173 grams per ton DMB (20 to 190 g./metric ton) phosphorothioate and 5 to 100 grams per ton DMB (5.5 to 110 g./metric ton) monensin while cattle on a fattening diet will also be fed a feed containing the same amounts of phosphorothioate and monensin.In each case, the concentrations will generally be somewhat higher for heavier animals.

Maintenance diets fed lactating dairy cattle should contain 35 to 320 g./ton (38.5 to 353 g./metric ton) phosphorothioate and 9 to 184 g./ton (10 to 203 g./metric ton) monensin depending on the size and feed intake of animal, while non-lactating dairy cattle should receive a feed containing 28 to 264 g./ton (30.8 to 291 g./metric ton) phosphorothioate and 7 to 152 g./ton (7.7 to 168 g./metric ton) monensin.

Accordingly, a preferred composition of the invention contains from 30 to 360 g.

phosphorothioate and from 7 to 210 g. monensin per metric ton and the balance maintenance ruminant animal feed.

Lambs on dry feed will generally be fed a ration containing 10 to 93 g./ton (I 1 to 102 g./metric ton) phosphorothioate and 2 to 54 g./ton (2.2 to 60 g./metric ton) monensin. Grower pigs may be fed a ration containing 5 to 92 g./ton (5.5 to 101 g./metric ton) phosphorothioate and 1 to 53 g./ton (1.1 to 58 g./metric ton) monensin, while swine in the fattening stage will also generally be supplied a similar ration.

Poultry such as very small day old or older birds up through starter or grower stage will generally be fed a complete ration or mash containing 3 to 73 g./ton (3.3 to 80 g./metric ton) phosphorothioate and 0.9 to 42 g./ton (1 to 46 g./metric ton) monensin, while poultry on a fattening diet will be fed a similar ration.

For commercial use, the monensin and phosphorothioate are most readily and conveniently used as a feed additive premix or feed additive concentrate formulation in which the growth promotants are distributed uniformly throughout a standard organic or inorganic animal feed carrier in a concentrated form which is conveniently packaged and shipped to the feed mixer. This premix or concentrate is then in turn mixed uniformly with a normal diet for the animal as desired by the grower or the feed mixer. Examples of carriers for premix compositions are soybean meal, corn oil, ground corn, barley, wheat, mineral mixtures containing, e.g., vermiculite or diatomaceous earth, corn gluten meal, corn distillers solubles, soy flour, or other modestly priced edible ingredients. The active ingredient will be in amounts to satisfy the criteria set forth above for balanced feed rations.

In the case of feed additive premix, a preselected unit quantity thereof in the range of 0.5 to 100 pounds (0.25 to 50 kg.) will contain a preselected quantity of each of monensin and phosphorothioate in one of the ranges set forth for each above, depending on the animals to be fed and will be suited to mix with the final feed or diet at the rate of one unit quantity per ton (metric ton) of feed.

In the case of feed additive concentrate, a preselected unit quantity in the range of 100 to 1000 pounds (50 to 500 kg.) will likewise contain a preselected quantity of monensin and phosphorothioate in one of the ranges set forth above for each of the growth promotants and will be suited to mix with the final feed or diet at the rate of one unit quantity per ton (metric ton) of feed.

The growth promotants may also be admixed with a suitable carrier such as an edible feed or feed component in the form of a feed additive supplement as that is defined hereinabove. Such a supplement may contain 0.1 to 10 percent by weight DMB phosphorothioate and 0.04 to 5 percent by weight DMB monensin. If to be fed free choice or as a supplement, the phosphorothioate and monensin concentrations are provided according to the anticipated daily consumption of the supplement to provide a daily dose of each of the promotants in one of the ranges specified herein.

A feed additive premix may contain 0.25 to 25 weight percent phosphorothioate and 0.08 to 8 weight percent monensin and the balance an organic or inorganic feed carrier.

A mineral feed additive supplement may contain 5 to 6 weight percent phosphorothioate and 1.5 to 2 weight percent monensin and the balance mineral supplement ingredients and binders.

A feed additive supplement, if to be used as a supplement, may be a mineral, protein or energy supplement in the form of a liquid, compressed or dry granular composition which can be free choice or self fed to animals.

The animal diets may also contain hay, straw, silage, cornstalks, cottonseed hulls, oats, barley and cereal brans, particularly for the ruminants; natural oils such as animal fat or cattle, fish oils, safflower oil, peanut oil, and cotton seed oil; antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, antibiotics, anthelmintics; and other appropriate medicaments.

Examples of typically prepared ruminant animal feeds are as follows: Example 1 Weight Percent Ingredients (D. M. Basis) Mixed Hay - 40.0 Ground Yellow Corn 45.0 Soybean Oil Meal 7.0 Soybean 7.0 Cane Molasses 7.0 Dicalcium Phosphate 0.5 Trace Mineral Salt 0.5 Vitamin A 300 IU/lb (660 IU/kg.) Vitamin D 150 to (330 IU/kg.) Phosphorothioate 18 to 173 grams/ ton of feed (20 to 190 g./metric ton) Monensin 5 to 100 grams/ ton of feed (5.5 to 110 g./metric ton) Such a feed typically contains 8 to 15 percent by weight moisture.

Example 2 Weight Percent Ingredients (D.M. Basis) Ground Shelled Corn 65.85 Mixed Ground Hay 20.00 Dried Molasses 6.00 Soybean Meal 6.00 Phosphorothioate 18 to 173 grams/ ton of feed (20 to 190 g./metric ton) Monensin 5 to 100 grams/ ton of feed (5.5 to 110 g/metric ton) Trace Mineral Salt 0.50 Dicalcium Phosphate 0.40 Ground Limestone 0.70 Vitamin A (30,000 units/gm) 66.7 grams/ton (73.5 g./metric ton) Vitamin D2 (16,000,000 7.1 grams/ton units/lb) (35,242 units/g.) 7.8 ./metric ton) Such a feed typically contains 8 to 15 percent by weight moisture.

Example 3 An example of a suitable feed additive premix is as follows: Phosphorothioate 64 grams Monensin 30 grams Ground Yellow Corn (5-10% moisture) 360 grams Example 4 For use in the field for animals on range, the monensin and phosphorothioate combination may be administered by means of salt or molasses blocks. A typical block may be prepared using the following compositions: Weight Percent Ingredients (D.M. Basis) Dried Cane Molasses 30.2 Ground Soybeam Hulls 29.6 Phosphorothioate 6 Monensin 4.8 Granulated Salt 25.9 Trace Minerals and Vitamins 0.24 Stabilized Animal Fat 1.3 Moisture 2.6 Example 5 If desired, monensin and phosphorothioate together may be administered as a part of a liquid animal feed supplement such as a supplement containing a nonprotein nitrogen source such as urea in admixture with molasses and other feed ingredients.Such a liquid supplement may be prepared using the following conditions: Weight Percent Ingredients (D.M. Basis) Molasses 79.90 Water 13.55 Phosphoric Acid, 85% 2.70 Ammonium Sulfate 2.0 Trace Minerals .50 Vitamin A, D & E .05 Salt 1.00 Phosphorothioate .20 Monensin .10 100.00% The following example demonstrates the marked improvement in feed intake on combining phosphorothioate and monensin in the diet as well as showing the further increase in average daily gain over phosphorothioate and the further increase in feed conversion efficiency over monensin on feeding the combination to beef cattle.

Example 6 25 Angus X Hereford Cross Heifers weighing approximately 415 pounds (l88 kg.) each were ear-tagged, weighed, and treated for grubs and helminths. These animals were then allotted to treatment groups of 6 animals each and placed into individual feeding pens. Feed was offered to the cattle at maximum ad llbllum intake on a daily basis. All discarded feed was weighed on a succeeding day postfeeding, recorded, and then discarded. Water was supplied ad libitum. Health and care were under the supervision of qualified personnel. All pens were washed on a daily basis.

Animals were weighed at 28 days intervals. Weight gain, feed conversion. and feed intake data were calculated at each interval or until the experiment was terminated 111 days after initiation.

All the aminals were fed the following basal diet consisting of: Weight Percent Ingredients (D.M Basis) Cottonseed Hulls 30.0 Ground Corn 40 40 Alfalfa Meal 12.70 Soybean Oil Meal 10.00 Molasses 5.25 Salt 0.50 Calcium Carbonate 0.40 Sodium Tripolyphosphate 0.25 Magnesium Oxide 0.30 Vitamins and Trace Minerals 0.20 100.00% A comparison group of animals was fed the basal diet having admixed therewith 30 g./ton (33 g./metric ton) monensin. (Group 1) A second comparison group was fed the basal diet having admixed therewith 80 g./ton (88 g./metric ton) phosphorothioate. (Group 2) A third group of six animals was fed according to the invention, the said basal diet having admixed therewith 30 grams per ton (33 metric ton) of monensin and 80 grams per ton (88 g./metric ton) phosphorothioate. (Group 3) The fourth group of six animals served as controls and received the basal diet without further additions. The results of the feeding study are tabulated as follows: TABLE I The Efficacy of Monensin, Phosphorothioate and Monensin-Phosphorothioate Combination on Weight Gains and Feed Conversions of Cattle Group I Group 2 Group 3 Group 4 Monensin+ Monensin Phosphorothioate Phosphorothioate Item (1 mg/kg body wt) (2 mg/kg body wt) (3 mg/kg) Control Average Daily Gain 2,33 2.50* 2.66 2.39 Ibs. (kg.) (1.06) (1.13) (1.21) (1.08) Average Feed/Gain Ratio 7.36 7.66* 6.99 7.68 *Average results for 5 heifers, the sixth having given anomalous results.

Groups 1, 2, and 4 were studied as comparisons.

The results listed for the comparisons in group 2 are based on data from just 5 animals, the 6th animal having given clearly spurious and anomalous results.

The data in the table demonstrate that the addition of monensin and phosphorothioate in combination improve average daily gain by 11.1 percent when compared to the controls. The improvement is almost 14.2 percent when compared to monensin alone and 6.4 percent when compared to phosphorothioate alone.

Similar improvements are noted for the improvement in feed conversions.

Example 7 In the following chick feeding experiment, monensin and phosphorothioate are added in combination to the following rye grain basal diet which is illustrative of poultry diets for broilers, i.e. rapidly growing birds for meat production.

Ingredient Weight percent Rye Grain 55.0 Soybean meal 27.00 Herring Fishmeal 5.00 Meat and Bone 5.00 Dried Whey 1.00 Dehydrated Alfalfa 1.25 Salt 0.22 Ingredient Weight percent Animal Fat 4.0 Dicalcium Phosphate 0.50 Ground Limestone 0.67 Vitamin Premix 0.25 Trace Mineral Premix 0.05 DL-Methionine 0.06 This diet without modification was fed to a control group of 12 broiler-type day-old chicks. Another group of 12 broiler-type day-old chicks were fed according to the invention the above list of diet which had admixed therewith the combination of 50 g./ton (55 g./metric ton) phosphorothioate and 100 g./ton (110 g./metric ton) monensin. The chicks were individually weighed and were fed for a total of 11 days. Feed and water were supplied ad libitum. Normal care and management of the facilities were observed.At the termination of the 11 day trial period, the birds were each individually weighed and the following data were calculated: TABLE II The Efficacy of Phosphorothioate-Monensin Combination on Average Bind Gain and Feed Conversion Improvement of Chicken Phosphorothioate Item +Monensin Control Average Bind Weight Gain (gms) 13.79 13.01 Feed/Gain Ratio 1.35 1.46 When compared to the controls, the chicks fed according to the invention were 5.7 percent heavier and consumed the 7.6 percent less feed to accomplish the heavier ain.

While the amounts of monensin and phosphorothioate to be employed according to the invention have been set forth hereinabove in broad ranges it is more preferred to utilize in the combination monensin in a dosage range of 0.5 to 1.2 mg/kg body weight and most preferably from 0.7 to 1 mg/kg of body weight. In the combination it is also more preferred to use the phosphorothioate in the dosage range of 1 to 2.5 mg/kg of body weight and most preferred to use about 2 mg/kg of body weight.

WHAT WE CLAIM IS: 1. A composition for promoting animal nutrition which comprises 0,0-dimethyl 0-(2,4,5-trichlorophenyl)phosphorothioate and monensin, optionally in admixture with an edible solid.

2. A composition as defined in Claim 1 which contains by weight, from 0.01 to 320 parts 0,Odimethyl O-(2,4,5-trichlorophenyl)phosphorothioat per one part monensin.

3. A composition as defined in Claim 1 which contains by weight from 0.01 to 100 parts 0,Odimethyl 0-(2,4,5-trichlorophenyl)phosphorothioate per one part monensin.

4. A composition as defined in Claim I which contains by weight from 0.1 to 20 parts 0,0-dimethyl 0-(2,4,5-trichlorophenyl)phosphorothioate per one part monensin.

5. A composition as defined in Claim 1 which contains by weight from 0.5 to 10 parts 0,0-dimethyl 0-(2,4,5-trichlorophenyl)phosphorothioate per one part monensin.

6. A composition as defined in Claim 1 which contains from 20 to 190 g. 0,0 dimethyl O-(2,4,5-trichlorophenyl)phosphorothioat and from 5.5 to 110 g.

monensin per metric ton and the balance a ruminant animal feed.

7. A composition as defined in Claim 1 which contains from 30 to 360 g. 0,0 dimethyl 0-(2,4,5-trichlorophenyl)phosphorothioate and from 7 to 210 g. monensin per metric ton and the balance a maintenance diet ruminant animal feed.

8. A composition as defined in Claim 1 which contains from 5.5 to 101 g. 0,0dimethyl 0-(2,4,5-trichlorophenyl)phosphorothioate and from 1.1 to 58 g. monensin per metric ton and the balance a feed for swine.

9. A composition as defined in Claim I which contains from 3.3 to 80 g. 0,0dimethyl 0-(2,4,5-trichlorophenyl)phosphorothioate and from I to 46 g. monensin per metric ton and the balance a feed for poultry.

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. Ingredient Weight percent Animal Fat 4.0 Dicalcium Phosphate 0.50 Ground Limestone 0.67 Vitamin Premix 0.25 Trace Mineral Premix 0.05 DL-Methionine 0.06 This diet without modification was fed to a control group of 12 broiler-type day-old chicks. Another group of 12 broiler-type day-old chicks were fed according to the invention the above list of diet which had admixed therewith the combination of 50 g./ton (55 g./metric ton) phosphorothioate and 100 g./ton (110 g./metric ton) monensin. The chicks were individually weighed and were fed for a total of 11 days. Feed and water were supplied ad libitum. Normal care and management of the facilities were observed.At the termination of the 11 day trial period, the birds were each individually weighed and the following data were calculated: TABLE II The Efficacy of Phosphorothioate-Monensin Combination on Average Bind Gain and Feed Conversion Improvement of Chicken Phosphorothioate Item +Monensin Control Average Bind Weight Gain (gms) 13.79 13.01 Feed/Gain Ratio 1.35 1.46 When compared to the controls, the chicks fed according to the invention were 5.7 percent heavier and consumed the 7.6 percent less feed to accomplish the heavier ain. While the amounts of monensin and phosphorothioate to be employed according to the invention have been set forth hereinabove in broad ranges it is more preferred to utilize in the combination monensin in a dosage range of 0.5 to 1.2 mg/kg body weight and most preferably from 0.7 to 1 mg/kg of body weight. In the combination it is also more preferred to use the phosphorothioate in the dosage range of 1 to 2.5 mg/kg of body weight and most preferred to use about 2 mg/kg of body weight. WHAT WE CLAIM IS:

1. A composition for promoting animal nutrition which comprises 0,0-dimethyl 0-(2,4,5-trichlorophenyl)phosphorothioate and monensin, optionally in admixture with an edible solid.

monensin per metric ton and the balance a ruminant animal feed.

10. A composition as defined in Claim I which is a feed additive premix

containing from 0.25 to 25 weight percent 0,0-dimethyl 0-(2,4,5trichlorophenyl)phosphorothioate and from 0.08 to 8 weight percent monensin and the balance an organic or inorganic feed carrier.

11. A composition as defined in Claim I which is a mineral feed additive supplement containing from 5 to 6 weight percent 0,0-dimethyl 0-(2,45- trichlorophenyl)phosphorothioate and from 1.5 to 2 weight percent monensin and the balance mineral supplement ingredients and binders.

12. The method of promoting nutritional responses of livestock and poultry selected from cloven hoof ruminant animals, swine and poultry which comprises introducing into the diet of an animal of the designated class from 0.14 to 2.3 milligrams of monensin and from 0.5 to 4 milligrams 0,0-dimethyl 0-(2,4,5trichlorophenyl)phosphorothioate per kilogram of body weight per day, substantially over a period of (a) at least 28 days in the case of cloven hoof ruminant animals; (b) at least 7 days in the case of swine; and at least 3 days in the case of poultry.

13. The method defined in Claim 12 wherein the combination is introduced into the diet of cloven hoof ruminant animals for a period of at least 28 days.

14. The method defined in Claim 12 wherein the combination is introduced into the diet of swine for a period of at least 7 days.

15. The method defined in Claim 12 wherein the combination is introduced into the diet of poultry for a period of at least 3 days.

16. The method as defined in Claim 12 carried out over a period of at least 56 days in the case of a cloven hoof ruminant animal.

17. The method as defined in Claim 12 carried out over a period of at least 112 days in the case of a cloven hoof ruminant animal.

18. The method as defined in Claim 12 carried out over a period of at least 25 days in the case of swine and poultry.

19. The method as defined in Claim 12 carried out over a period of at least 60 days in the case of swine and poultry.

20. The method as defined in anyone of Claims 12 to 19 wherein the amount of 0,0-dimethyl 0-(2,4,5-trichlorophenyl)phosphorothioate employed is from I to 2 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day.

21. The method as defined in anyone of Claims 12 to 20 wherein the amount of monensin employed is from 0.5 to 1.2 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day.

22. The method as defined in anyone of Claims 12 to 21 wherein the monensin and 0,0-dimethyl 0-(2,4,5-trichlorophenyl)phosphorothioate are employed in intimate admixture with the feed of a ruminant animal, swine or poultry.

23. A composition as claimed in claim 1 substantially as hereinbefore described in any one of the Examples.

24. Livestock and poultry whose nutritional responses have been promoted by a method as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 22.

25. Meat from an animal as claimed in claim 24.

26. Milk from a lactating animal as claimed in claim 24.

27. Wool from sheep as claimed in claim 24.