GB2406516A

GB2406516A - Composition for horses comprising a fibre, a mucilage and a fat

Info

Publication number: GB2406516A
Application number: GB0412204A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Christopher Gordon; John Lowe
Original assignee: Dodson & Horrell
Current assignee: Dodson & Horrell
Priority date: 2003-05-30
Filing date: 2004-06-01
Publication date: 2005-04-06
Also published as: GB0312485D0; GB0412204D0

Abstract

A composition comprising a fibre and one or both of a mucilage and a fat. The composition can be used as a horse feedstuff and can further comprise a phospholipids and/or antioxidants. The fibre may be short cut grass, Lucerne, hay, straw, oat fibre, beet pulp, refined cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin from cereals, fruits or vegetables. The mucilage is preferably full fat linseed and the fat may be full fat soya, soya oil or soya bean lecithin. The preferred antioxidants are vitamin C and/or vitamin E optionally in combination with grape skin extract. The composition is preferably in the form of a pellet and can be used as a complementary horse food. The composition is useful for maintaining normal gastric function and is also useful for the treatment of gastric ulcers.

Description

24065 1 6

HORSE FOOD COMPOSITION

The present invention relates to a composition particularly, but not exclusively, for feeding to horses, and to its use as a medicament, particularly for gastric ulcers.

The horse at good grass, that is, in a natural environment with unrestricted access to food, has way in excess of its nutritional needs, and enjoys availability of food consistent with its physiology as a persistent, continuous, selective grazer. The horse only produces saliva when chewing and the saliva, though not containing enzymes, acts to buffer stomach acid. The stomach of the horse is such that it continually secretes a variable quantity of hydrochloric acid (HCI), so ideally there is present in the stomach both food and saliva all the time. Any interruption in the pattern of continuous grazing causes a fall in gastric pH owing to the continuously secreted hydrochloric acid, and this can lead to gastric problems. The hydrochloric acid leads to mucosal aggression, which is exacerbated by further pepsin secretion and bile acid reflux, and this can lead to gastric ulcers. These ulcers are primarily, but not solely, in the upper non glandular part of the stomach. The administration of some types of non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) may also predispose the horse to gastric ulcers.

Interruption of the natural feeding pattern of the horse is common. This can, for example, simply be due to the fact that good grass cannot be grown all year round, but is also caused because a great many horses are housed and only fed meals at particular times of the day. This is common, for example, amongst performance and racing horses, as many trainers consider that housing the horse and feeding alternative foods at specific times of the day is a more productive regime. Such horses are typically fed minimal forage and compounds twice per day (for example morning and evening), leaving long periods in the middle of the day when the stomach is effectively empty. This predisposes the horse to gastric ulcers, and indeed gastric ulcers are reported in the literature to be prevalent (for example, between 60 and 80% of sporting or racing horses) in the majority of housed, meal fed horses. Such horses have limited access to forage, and are typically race horses or event horses, although can be any horse where continuous access to forage is restricted.

A number of approaches have been used by the veterinary profession in order to try to alleviate this problem. Typically, these have been pharmaceutical approaches relying for example on antacids, histaminehydrogen receptor antagonists, proton pump inhibitors, prostaglandins and the like. These approaches can work to a certain extent, but all suffer from disadvantages either in terms of practical application, cost, or actual success rate. One solution to the problem is to turn the horse out to grass, but as indicated earlier this may not actually be possible, and in any case is frequently unacceptable to the trainer or owner.

We have now recognised that there is a need for a more practical and effective solution to the above problem. Having appreciated this need, we have now devised a solution. In particular, we have now found a way of overcoming, or minimising, gastric problems experienced by housed, meal fed horses.

Accordingly, the present invention provides, in its broadest aspect, a composition comprising a fibre source and one or both of a mucilage source and a fat source. It is highly preferred to include both a mucilage source and a fat source, and these can be provided as separate components or a single component can serve as both the mucilage and fat source.

In a preferred aspect, the invention provides a composition comprising a fibre source, a mucilage source, a fat source and a phospholipid source. Depending on the fat source used, the fat source can also be the source of phospholipid; alternatively the phospholipid source can be provided as a separate component.

In a further aspect, the present invention also provides a composition comprising a fibre source, a mucilage source, a fat source, a phospholipid source and one or more anti-oxidants.

In a further aspect, there is also provided the use of a composition according to the invention as a complementary horse food.

The invention also provides a feedstuff comprising a composition according to the invention. Preferably, the foodstuff is a horse feedstuff, more preferably a complementary horse feedstuff, for example a complementary horse food product.

The invention includes a composition or foodstuff according to the invention for use as a medicament.

In particular, there is provided a composition or foodstuff according to the invention for use as a medicament for treating gastric ulcers, particularly in horses.

Accordingly, there is further provided the use of a composition or foodstuff according to the invention for the manufacture of a medicament for preventing or treating gastric ulcers, particularly in horses.

Compositions according to the invention also serve to maintain normal gastric function in horses. Accordingly, the invention also provides a method of maintaining normal gastric function in a horse, which method comprises feeding a composition or foodstuff according the invention to a horse between meals.

The present invention provides compositions which require a high chewing rate, which in turn generates a good volume of saliva by the horse. The compositions also have a long stomach retention time (i.e. increased gastric residence) and also provide additional buffering in the stomach, over and above that provided by saliva alone. This combined buffering of stomach acid is more effective than either factor alone, or the sum of these factors when taken individually, in maintaining normal gastric function or in preventing or treating gastric ulcers, particularly in meal fed horses. The invention provides a physical mucus coating to the stomach wall, and acts at cell wall level as an antioxidant to quench the hydrogen ions by creating a monolayer of protective components of antioxidants and tannins. The present compositions allow an episodic feeding pattern to be maintained (such as feeding meals morning and evening), whilst preventing or substantially minimising the problems associated therewith. The present invention enables the easy feeding of one or more complementary meals (for example, each of about 1-2kg in weight) between two or more main daily feeds. This serves to maintain food and buffering in the stomach during the critical period after a main meal (typically this period is 4-6 hours after a main feed), without upsetting the overall balance of the feeding plan of the training yard. Heretofore, such an approach to the management and maintenance of normal gastric function in horses, particularly housed, meal fed horses, has not been undertaken. Compositions according to the invention can, for example, be fed to horses to specifically prevent the development of gastric problems such as gastric ulcers, or to treat these problems if they are exisiting or in their early stages. We prefer to feed a composition according to the invention to a horse about 2-8 hours, preferably about 4-6 hours, after a main meal.

The fibre source, alternatively known as forage, can be any suitable source of fibre, although it is preferred to use one which provides a high chewing rate. The chief aim of the fibre source is to provide a high chewing rate since the higher the chewing rate the more saliva is created, so fibre sources consistent with this purpose are to be preferred. We prefer to use short cut grass as this is known to increase the chewing rate compared with long grass, and is also a good buffer because of its protein content. Other suitable fibre sources include Lucerne (alfafa), hay, straw, oat fibre, beet pulp, refined sources of cellulose and/or hemicellulose and/or lignin from cereals, fruits, or vegetables. The fibre source can be provided for example in a dry, preserved or fresh form. Generally speaking, the fibre source can be present in the composition in an amount of from 25 to close to 100% (by weight of the composition), although is preferably present in an amount of from 70 - 90% (by weight). Preferably, the fibre source is low in soluble fibre components, such as pectins, as these may increase the production of short chain fatty acids from fermentation and result in a reduced stomach pH. Preferably, the fibre source includes some form of protein as this can increase the buffering capacity, and grass or Lucerne are suitable in this respect.

In terms of measurable fibre, the crude fibre level provided by the forage (i.e. fibre source) as fed is suitably between 5 to 25% by weight of the composition, preferably 7.5 to 20% by weight, more preferably around 14 to 15% by weight. The neutral detergent fibre (NDF) level is preferably about 20 to 50% by weight of the composition, more preferably about 30-40% by weight, with a range of 33-35% by weight being highly preferred. The measure of total dietary fibre (TDF) is preferably similar to, or the same as, the figures given for NDF above. The terms crude fibre, neutral detergent fibre and total dietary fibre are well understood in the art, and arise because of the different chemical techniques used to quantify fibre content. The techniques are well known by the skilled addressee and will not be described further.

The mucilage source provides a protective mucilage coating on the lining of the stomach, and thus protects against the potentially harmful effects of stomach acid, and also against pepsin secretion and bile acid reflex. The effect of the mucilage is over and above any effect provided by any natural mucus produced by the horse. By mucilage source we mean to include both mucilages which strictly are complex organic compounds related to the polysaccharides and of vegetable origin, and mucins which are a group of glycosylated glycoproteins occurring in mucus, saliva and other secretions. Mucopolysaccharides (containing hexosamine) may for example be used. These may be combined with a protein if desired, provided that when dispersed in water a mucus is formed. It is particularly preferred to use full fat linseed, preferably in a heat- treated and stabilised form. Other suitable mucilage sources include liquorice (glycyrrhiza glabra), linseed, marshmallow (Althaea offcinalis), ispaghula (plantago ovate), or slippery elm (ulmus fulva). The mucilage source can for example be used in a range of from 0.1-40% (by weight of the composition), but preferably from 1-15% (by weight) is used. Mucilage sources which also provide a source of fat can advantageously be used (thus combining the mucilage source and fat source in a single component) and full fat linseed is useful in this respect. Compositions comprising from 1-15% (by weight) full fat linseed are thus particularly preferred.

The fat source serves primarily to slow gastric emptying so that the composition is retained longer in the stomach. This provides additional protection against stomach acid, in particular the fall in gastric pH which occurs when the stomach is empty. Any suitable fat may be used, but we prefer to use sources which provide fat with a high triglyceride content and low free fatty acid content. It is particularly preferred to use a fat source which includes some, and preferably a high, phospholipid content. Examples of such sources include full fat soya and soya oil, for example soya bean oil lecithin. The presence of phospholipid helps to maintain gastric cell membrane integrity. Other useful fat sources include omega-3 fatty acids (which help to reduce inflammation caused by ulceration) such as linseed oil (including full fat linseed), rapeseed oil and fish oil. Typically, the amount of fat source will be for example from 1-20% (by weight of the composition), preferably from 2-10% (by weight).

A phospholipid source is preferably included in the composition. As noted above, this can be present as part of the fat source if a suitable source such as soya bean oil lecithin is used. Alternatively, the phospholipid source can be added as a separate component of the composition. Any suitable phospholipid can be used, bearing in mind that its main purpose is to help maintain gastric cell membrane integrity, so phospholipids which best perform this function are preferred. The phospholipid can, for example, be any phospholipid extracted by any means from either animal or vegetable oil or fat sources or cell membranes. Typically, the phospholipid is present in the range of from 1 to 25% (by weight of the composition), preferably from 1 to 10% (by weight). One or more phopholipids can be used if desired.

It is a preferred feature of the present composition that one or more anti- oxidants is included. We prefer to use a combination of vitamin E and vitamin C, and this is preferably used in combination with a thiol donor such as grape skin extract, but these components can be used singularly if desired. These anti-oxidants serve to reduce oxidative damage to the stomach cells by their reactivity at cell wall level as well as in the lumen of the stomach. They are powerful scavengers of free radicals many of which radicals are responsible for impaired endothelium mediated vasodilation via their negative interation with nitric oxide (NO). Both the direct antioxidant activity to help maintain cellular integrity, reduce DNA damage and the effect on vasodilation are important in their role. Other suitable anti-oxidants include mixed tocopherols, carotenoids, herb extracts, quercetin, garlic acid, and tea polyphenols. In principle, it is possible to use any anti-oxidant that has a redox potential such that it can freely donate electrons to vitamins C or E, so as to regenerate their antioxidant activity or act as a primary anti-oxidant in their own right, whereby as a function of their inclusion rate compared to the vitamin E and C, they are preferentially oxidised so as to spare the vitamin E and C. Also, in principle, any combination of two or more of the above anti-oxidants can be employed with the vitamin E and C. Preferably, the anti-oxidant component of the composition is present in an amount in the range of from 0.05-1% (by weight of the composition), more preferably 0. 1-0.5.0% (by weight).

A further preferred feature of the present composition is a protein source. We prefer to use a highly water-soluble protein source such as, for example, whey protein concentrate or potato protein, since because of their high solubility they can go into solution in the stomach and contribute to buffering the gastric pH. However, other suitable protein sources can be used. For example, grass, Lucerne or maize gluten 60 (prairie meal) can be used if desired. Grass and Lucerne, for example, can each serve as both a fibre source and a protein source, whereas maize gluten can, for example, function as a protein source and an anti-oxidant source, owing to the presence of carotenoids therein. Where employed, the protein sources preferably included in an amount of from 0.1-25% (by weight of the composition), preferably from 1-10% (by weight).

The composition is preferably presented as a low bulk density small pellet, although other presentations are possible. This sizing serves to increase the chewing rake per kilogram of product consumed, and this is advantageous because of the consequently increased saliva production. Preferably a sugar, for example dextrose, is also included. This component will preferably be present in an amount of from 0.1-10% (by weight of the composition), more preferably 0.1-2% (by weight).

An alkalising (or antacid) agent can also be included in the composition if desired. We prefer to use compounds such as potassium citrate, although other antacids including sodium bicarbonate, or those based on magnesium or aluminium can be used. Preferably, the alkalising agent is present in an amount of from 0.5- 15% (by weight of the composition), more preferably from 1.5-12.5% (by weight).

Since horses generally do not like bitterness, we prefer to include a sweetening agent in the composition in order to overcome any bitter taste. Any suitable sweetener can be used, although we prefer to use glycine. Other suitable sweeteners include dextrose, glucose, sucrose (any of which can be in powder or liquid form) or any other flavouring or sweetening agent of natural or artificial origin permitted under the feeding stuffs legislation for inclusion in animal food. Preferably, the sweetening agent is included in an amount of from 0.1-10% (by weight of the composition), more preferably from 1-5% (by weight). Sweeteners such as dextrose and sucrose are each able to function as sweetener and humectant.

The product may be fed soaked or as a semi-moist presentation in which case a humectant should also be included. Preferably the moisture (i.e. water) content is in the range of from 5-40% (by weight of the composition), more preferably from 15- 30% (by weight). A moist product can also increase the chewing rate per kilogram of product consumed. For semi-moist compositions we prefer to include a humectant such as, for example, dextrose, potassium sorbate or glycerine, although other suitable humectants can be used. We prefer to use dextrose or sucrose as these further act as sweeteners. Preferably, the humectant will be present in an amount of from 0.1-10% (by weight of the composition), more preferably 0.1-2% (by weight). In principle, any humectant as permitted under the feeding stuffs legislation for inclusion in animal food can be employed.

A vasodilator can optionally be included in the composition. Preferably, the vasodilator is a nitric oxide (NO) donor. We prefer to use Rutin, but other suitable vasodilators can be used, including for example ginkgo biloba extract, lettuce, grape seed extract (which is rich in proanthocyanidins), hawthorn (crateagus laevigata), and black cohosh (climicifuga racemosa). The antioxidant vitamin C through its scavenging of superoxide and oxygen radicals will also have a vasodilatory effect and be a promoter of NO. When included, the vasodilator is preferably present in an amount of from 0.001-1% (by weight of the composition), more preferably from 0.04- 0.4% (by weight). The role of the vasodilator is to maintain blood flow in the stomach wall thereby assisting in the removal of potential harmful H+ ions, from the stomach acid (HCI), when they enter the stomach wall. A reduction in blood flow permits the H+ to remain in the cells of the stomach wall and either induce or increase the ulceration. A polymer gel forming agent can be included in the composition if desired. We prefer to use an agent such as sucralfate, but other polymer gel forming agents having a similar effect can also be used. A tannin may also be included as these act as a gel coating to the stomach cells. These agents adhere to damaged stomach mucosa (such as ulcer tissue) and thus provide protection against stomach acid and enzymes, allowing healing to occur.

So far as presentation of the composition is concerned, this can be provided in any suitable form. For example, the composition can be provided as an extruded pellet, as a conventional pressed cube, or as a conventional farm feed pellet.

Alternatively, the composition can be provided as a meal or as a coarse mix, for example a coarse mix of the fibre source with the other ingredients being in powder form. For the present compositions, it is especially preferred to use an extruded pellet, as extruded pellets have the advantage of requiring more chews per kilogram than conventional pellets. Extruded pellets thus increase saliva production and take longer to eat, both of which factors contribute to the aim of the invention. We prefer to use an extruded pellet with a low bulk density. The bulk density is preferably less than about 350g/1, more preferably less than 200g/1. This presents a large volume of feed to the horse and this increases the number of chews and thus the amount of saliva production per kilogram of composition consumed. Typically, the pellet size is in the range of from 3mm - 100mm in diameter, but is preferably of from 10- 40mm in diameter, with a typical length of from 3 - 100mm, preferably in the range of from 3- 25mm. A particularly preferred diameter is less than 7mm, suitably 3-5mm.

Preferably, the dimensions of the pellet will be chosen so as to maximise the chewing rate of the horse per kilogram of food consumed. Preferably, the moisture (i.e. water) content of the final product or pellet is in the range of from 5-40% by weight of the composition, preferably from 20-30% by weight. Moisture levels within these ranges help to increase the chewing rate per kilogram of food consumed, and also slows down the rate of consumption. Both of these factors serve to increase gastric buffering via increased saliva production, and the moisture content of the product also contributes to the overall levels of liquid in the stomach.

Generally, the compositions of the invention can be formulated by simple mixing of the ingredients followed by processing, for example conventional pelletisation or extrusion, as desired.

In order that the invention may be more fully understood, the following example is included by way of illustration only.

EXAMPLE 1

The following ingredients were mixed and formulated as an extruded pellet.

Ingredient Percent by Weinht Grass 69.36 Unmollased Sugar Beet 5.00 Full fat linseed 15.00 Lecithin 3.00 Vitamin E 0.03 Vitamin C 0.03 Grape Skins 0.50 Rutin 0.08 Whey Protein Concentrate 2.50 Dextrose 2.50 Lignosulphonate 1.50 Potassium Citrate 0.50

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A composition comprising a fibre source and one or both of a

mucilage source and a fat source.
2. A composition according to claim 1, which composition is a horse feedstuff.
3. A composition according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the composition includes both a mucilage source and a fat source.
4. A composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3 further comprising a phospholipid source.
5. A composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4 further comprising one or more antioxidants.
6. A composition according to any preceding claim wherein the fibre source comprises one or more of short cut grass, Lucerne, hay, straw, oat fibre, beet pump or a refined source of cellulose and/or hemicellulose and/or lignin from cereals, fruits

or vegetables.
7. A composition according to claim 6 wherein the crude fibre level provided by the fibre source is from 5% to 25%, or the neutral detergent fibre is from 20% to 50%, or the total dietary fibre is from 20% to 50%, all by weight of the composition.
8. A composition according to claim 7 wherein the crude fibre level is from 14% to 15%, or the neutral detergent fibre is from 33% to 35%, or the total dietary fibre is from 33% to 35%, by weight of the composition.
9. A composition according to any preceding claim wherein the mucilage source is present at a concentration of from 1% to 15% by weight of the composition.
10. A composition according to any preceding claim wherein the mucilage source is full fat linseed.
11. A composition according to any preceding claim wherein the fat source is present at a concentration of from 2% to 10% by weight of the composition.
12. A composition according to any preceding claim wherein the fat source comprises full fat soya, soya oil, or soya bean oil lecithin.
13. A composition according to any one of claims 5 to 12 wherein the antioxidant is vitamin C or vitamin E, or a combination of both, optionally in combination with grape skin extract.
14. A composition according to any preceding claim in the form of a pellet.
15. A composition according to claim 14 wherein the pellet has a bulk density of less than about 350g/l.
16. A horse food product comprising a composition according to any one of claims 1 to 15.
17. A composition according to any one of claims 1 to 15, or a product according to claim 16, for use as a medicament.
18. Use of a composition or product according to any preceding claim as a complementary horse food.
19. Use of a composition or product according to any preceding claim for the manufacture of a medicament for preventing or treating gastric ulcers.
20. A method of maintaining normal gastric function in a horse which method comprises feeding to a horse between meals a composition according to any one of claims 1 to 15 or a product according to claim 16.
21. A composition or foodstuff substantially as herein described.