NZ272832A - Molasses, oil seed, protein based animal nutrient composition - Google Patents

Description

New Zealand Paient Spedficaiion for Paient Number £72832 272832 Priority Date(s);..

Complete Specification Filed: asi&.b.s Class: (6) Publicsrtion Date:.. 2..LF.E.B.M,,.

P.O. Journal No: ^ npMP!l!;f!sC J ySrs^i w i/ PATENTS FORM 5 PATENTS ACT 1953 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION Improvements in Feeds for Ruminants " dumber ' V <\v f/aj Dated . —1 22 AUG isgtj *jj t We, AUSTRALIAN FEED COMPANY PTY. LIMITED of 3 Pile Road, Somersby, New South Wales, 2250, Australia, a company incorporated in New South Wales, Australia 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.

' * » I # —2— 27 28 3? The present invention relates to an improved product and method for delivering nutrient into the digestive tract of ruminant animals so as to optimize absorption of the nutrient thereby. The invention will be particularly 5 described with respect to the delivery of protein and fat to the fourth stomach of cattle, although it is to be understood that other forms of nutrient and other species of ruminant animals may be relevant to the present invention.

In the course of the passage of ingested food through 10 the alimentary canal of cattle, the digestion or absorption of various forms of nutrient in the food can take place at specific sites in the canal.

Acid breakdown of protein, for instance, occurs in the fourth or true stomach of cattle for absorption in the 15 intestine. However, owing to significant levels of bacteria mediated breakdown or modification of protein structure that occurs in the rumen or so-called first and second stomachs of cattle, and the further depletion that may occur in the so-called third stomach as a result of site specific proteolytic 20 or other conditions, the amount of protein that is broken down by acidic digestion in the fourth stomach for absorption in the intestine is substantially lower than the amount of protein initially ingested, and may typically be from about 20-3096.

A common prior art technique to protect the protein of oilseed meals fed to cattle from degradation or depletion in the rumen has involved the use of formaldehyde which v /V*nr^C complexes with the protein and increases the insoluralit'^^ ii* 14 SEP 1995 7 27 28 32' the protein in the meal. The formaldehyde carrier, which is itself inert to protein destructive and depleting conditions in the first, second and third stomachs, protects the protein until it releases the protein in the fourth 5 stomach for proteolysis. Typically, the proportion of ingested protein that may be released in the fourth stomach by this method is about 70*.

In recent times however, health authorities around the world have either banned or warned against the use of 10 formaldehyde as a protein carrier in cattle stemming largely from its recognition as a potentially deleterious sxibstance and the associated danger to workers in this field. There is also a fear that dangerous levels of formaldehyde may enter the food chain, and so alternative means for delivering 15 intact protein to the fourth stomach of cattle need to be sought.

Similarly, means need to be sought to protect fat'in a feed from depletion or degradation during its passage through the rumen of cattle.

Fat present in prior art unprocessed feed supplements has toxic effects on microorganisms in the rumen, as the fat has the property of coating bacteria and the like which, being unable to digest it, are unable to contribute to fermentation processes in the rumen and may die. A greater 25 than 5% fat intake in the diet of ruminants can lead to lowered digestibility of fibre in the diet and reduced feed intake.

The invention therefore resides in a processing jj //A/ 14 SEP 1995 27 28 37J technology that, when applied to a particular combination of protein, fats and mineral mixtures from food resources changes the characteristics of these resources such that the protein and fats in the mixture are altered chemically so that they form insoluble products in the rumen of cattle, sheep and other ruminants. These insoluble products are therefore neither degraded to smaller molecules by rumen microbes, nor do they affect the activity of the microbes in the rumen.

Whereas, there have been processes described which increase the insolubility of protein oilseed meals from which the oil has been extracted and therefore increase the dietary digestion in the intestines, there have been no systems described which render insoluble and protect protein seeds themselves such as those of cotton, lupins, sunflower, soyabean, cannola or safflower which are high in oil (from 5% to 35%) and which contain proteins that are highly soluble and are normally degraded in the rumen unless processing lx«c. taken place.

Such rumen insoluble proteins are referred to herein as bypass proteins owing to their ability to bypass the rumen and therefore escape microbial breakdown in the rumen.

Similarly, rumen insoluble fats are referred to as bypass fats owing to their ability to bypass the rumen without adversely affecting the microbial ecology therein.

The present inventors have now invented a method for producing a cattle feed containing high nutrient levels of 27 28 3? or degradation in the rumen and are delivered to the fourth stomach for digestion in significantly high levels.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a process for producing a feed for ruminants, the said feed including protein and fat that have improved insolubility in the rumen, the process comprising (i) providing a feed mixture including a protein source, a fat source, molasses, and hydrated calcium oxide or calcium hydroxide; (ii) applying sufficient heat and pressure over a sufficient time to (a) denature or insolubilise protein in the protein source to produce insoluble protein, and (b) form insoluble calcium salts of long chain fatty acids derived from the fat source, and (c) form reducing sugars from molasses.

Preferably, the protein source is selected from one or more members of the oilseed group having an oil content of from about 59s to about 35&.

Preferably, the protein source is selected from any one or more of the oilseed group comprising cotton seeds, lupins, sunflower, soyabean, cannola or safflower.

In a preferred form of the invention, the protein source and fat source are identical.

The fat source may also be selected from a v< 27 28 32 sources of processed and/or recycled oil, such as tallow, or vegetable oils arid any blend of the above.

The application of sufficient heat and pressure is preferably carried out so as to allow the reducing sugars to react with proteins from the protein source.

It is preferred that the heat and pressure is provided by an extrusion means.

Preferably, the reducing sugars are derived from sucrose in the molasses and are fructose and glucose.

In a further preferred form of the invention, step (ii) above may also lead to a mild Browning reaction between a reducing sugar derived from molasses and an amino acid group of the protein.

Preferably, the mild Browning reaction is between xylose and lysine.

The application of sufficient pressure is preferably by steaming the mixture at about 160 kPa and the application of sufficient heat is at about 110°C. In this way, the mixture is subject to a pressure cooker effect. The possible range of pressure is from about 140 kPa to about 180 kPa and temperature is from about 80°C to about 140°C depending on the feed mixture used.

Preferably, the mixture consists of whole cottonseeds, lupins, hydrolysed feather meal, hydrated calcium oxide, dicalcium phosphate, salt, a vitamin and mineral premix, molasses and blended fats and oils.

Alternatively, the reducing sugars may be xylose. 27 28 32.' Different amounts of cereal starches may be added to the above mixture to suit different needs for the feed.

The process of the present invention may include a preliminary step to increase the amount of insoluble calcium salts of long chain fatty acids present in the feed.

The preliminary step preferably consists of heating a vegetable oil with calcium oxide in a small volume of water at above about 80°C so as to form insoluble calcium salts (also referred to as calcium soaps) of long chain fatty acids which, as an insoluble suspension, can be added to the feed mixture prior to or during the step (ii) of the aforementioned process of the invention.

The calcium soaps are formed following hydrolysis of tri/ di/ and monoglycerides in the oil which breaks down the oil into its separate components, such as glycerol and long chain fatty acid (LCFA).

Heat generated by the initial reaction,and the small amount of calcium hydroxide formed triggers the hydrolysis reaction so that the resultant long chain fatty acids react with the calcium oxide to form calcium soaps. These calcium soaps are not reactive in the rumen but are dissociated in the intestine to calcium and LCFA which can be absorbed therein.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided a feed for ruminants prepared according to any one of the aforementioned processes of the invention.

- V? s,' p £• | \r 2728 3?; In order that the invention may be more readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will be made to the accompanying Examples.

EXAMPLE 1 5 Preprocessing An initial mix of feather meal, lime (hydrated calcium oxide), salt, vitamins, minerals, dicalcium phosphate and ethoxyquin (an antioxidant) is produced. This then has cracked lupins and a partial amount of molasses combined with io it.

This first mix is hammered through a fine screen to produce a powdery substance before being combined with cotton seed which has also been milled through a fine screen.

Cooking Initial "conditioning" of the mix involves the use of steam at 160 Kpa with temperatures of 110°C. Subsequent pressurisation of the mix is combined with the addition of fats and the remaining molasses, allowing them to be mixed uniforpily throughout the product and cooked into it. This 20 occurs in an extrusion means.

Further cooking for 15 minutes at 135°C up to 185°C also allows the moisture content of the product to be carefully controlled.

EXAMPLE 2 A particularly effective feed meal product for beef cattle was produced using the following mixture Cottonseed 346 kg f Lupins 346 kg " 14 SEP 1995 27 2ft 3? Feathermeal Molasses Blended fats/oils Hydrated calcium oxide Dicalcium phosphate Sal t Vit/min premix 173 kg 44 kg 52 kg 17 kg 9 kg 9 kg 3 kg 1000 kg Vitamin/mineral premix; Copper Iron Iodine Magnesium Manganese Molybdenum Selenium Zinc Vit A Vit D Active Levels 4.4 g/kg 19.4 g/kg 400 mg/kg 480 g/kg 8.9 g/kg 0.82 g/kg 80 mg/kg 17.6 g/kg 5,600 KlU/kg 1,120 KITJ/kg Analysis 33% Crude Protein 17% Fat 0.7535 Calcium 0.4% Phosphorus 14% Fibre 14 MJest. DE/kg The above vitamin/mineral premix is an optional additive to the above feed meal product. The feed m ^ 7 4 SEP J995 *]} 27 2 8 3? product may be made and sold without the addition of a premix so as to enable the user to add e premix of choice that will suit specific needs.

When prepared by the process of the present invention, 5 this free-flowing extruded meal is ideal for balancing pasture and grain-based diets to maximise efficiency of growth and production. It contains balanced levels of byp~ss proteins, fatty acids and minerals and is ideal for hastening finishing on good pastures, or for incorporation into feed 10 lot rations.

As a concentrate, it can be fed at a rate of 0.5 - 2 kg/Day either alone, in combination with whole or processed grains or with formulated feed lot rations, depending on individual requirements, which may be:-15 to hasten fattening (top off) on good pastures; to fatten store cattle on poor country; to maintain stocking rates despite seasonal pasture fluctuations; to strengthen cows in late pregnancy; 20 to increase beef cow milk yields to produce vealers at 9 months; to improve calving and conception rates (feed 2 months before breeding); and to top off stud sale or show cattle. 25 Pastures typically contain highly soluble proteins which are used only inefficiently for growth. The present product provides high levels of bypass protein in conjunction 27 2 8 3? with high energy levels to increase the efficiency of utilisation of pasture nutrients.

Bypass proteins escape microbial breakdown in the rumen and are then absorbed from the intestines. Because they are not modified by the rumen microbes they are readily absorbed and used to build structural proteins. The result is more efficient use of energy supplied by pasture and the concentrate ration enabling better partitioning of protein intake into muscle growth.

The present product contains bypass fat in addition to bypass protein. This acts to:- increase the energy density of the- ration, allow a higher level of fat to be fed than was previously possible, and ensure sufficient energy is available to take full advantage of the bypass protein.

The high levels of bypass fat and fatty acids in the present product are an extremely valuable source of energy for maximising production from beef cattle on pasture or in feed lots. The very high energy density of the present product allows a reduction in the volume of feed required to be consumed to satisfy the energy requirements of the animal. It also alleviates the need to feed large volumes of cereal grains in an attempt to increase energy intake and avoids the potential for problems associated with the introduction of large volumes of grain.

Pastures and other forages typically contain vari and often low levels of many essential minerals. 27283i Deficiencies of most minerals will result in decreased growth rates, loss of appetite and weight loss. There will often also be a reduction in reproductive performance and in the case of calcium and phosphorus there may be a weakening of 5 the bones. The present product contains adequate levels of all essential vitamins and minerals to allow cattle to maintain maximum growth rates.

In order to be certain that all cattle are consuming sufficient levels of all nutrients needed to maintain peak 10 growth rates for optimal production, it is important that supplementary feeds are highly palatable. The present product is an appetising blend of roasted meals with molasses which cattle find particularly enticing. It also combines well with grains to produce an even, flowing, dust-free 15 ration.

The other advantages of feeding the present product to beef cattle are as follows (a) It provides high levels of protein and energy without reducing forage intake to help maintain nutrient intake on lush pastures and it is ideal for minimising fluctuations in stocking rates due to seasonal variations in pasture quality. (b) Bypass protein and high levels of bypass fat increase the overall value of the diet by increasing the efficiency of growth. (c) It increases milk yields of beef cows on pasture to maximise growth rates of vealers to enable them to attain market weight at nine months of age.

£■£ MSi 27283? (d) It strengthens cows in late pregnancy and improves potentially low conception and calving rates. It also helps avoid weight loss in early lactation and reduces the calving to conception interval. (e) It is ideal for "topping off" stud show cattle and those being prepared for sales.

EXAMPLE 3 An effective feed for stud, show and sales stock, opportunity feedlots and paddock supplementation was produced 10 using the following mixture of ingredients in which protein comprises 15% and fat comprises 8% and having the same vitamin/mineral premix as Example 2.

Cottonseed 133 kg Lupins 80 kg Feathermeal 36 kg Barley 533 kg Mi11run 133 kg Molasses 44 kg Blended fats/oils 22 kg Hydrated calcium oxide 9 kg Dicalcium phosphate 4 kg Salt 4 kg Vit/min premix 1 kq 1000 kg The feed should be c;iven to the animal in a suitable introduction regime, whereby it is administered at 0.5 to 1^ body weight for 3 to 4 days. If good quality roughac A/ .ATft,.,. ^ j, ,4s£PfS95 4 27283* • • ^ 20 available, then the introduction regime should be followed by feeding at a rate of to 2% body weight for as long as necessary. For finishing vealers, steers and show cattle, the feed should be supplied at about 2% body weight.

EXAMPLE 4 Feeding trials of the product of the present invention were carried out and results summarised as follows Trial A When the product of Example 2 is fed to low producing dairy cows at a rate of 1 - 3 kg per day, the individual milk yield improved from 13 litres to approximately 18 litres per day.

When fed to high producing dairy cows (producing an average 25 litres per day) at a rate of 400 g per day, the milk yield went up by 1.25 litres per cow.

Trial B 8 x 18-20 month old steers were divided into two groups of four in a zero grazing situation and were fed approximately 7 kg of hay each per day for a period of two weeks. After two weeks, four steers were introduced to 4 kg per day of the product of Example 2 over a period of five days. The daily intake of 5 kg of hay was not affected and the treatment steers gained an average of 0.8 kg/day during the next 67 days from the start of the hay feeding trial.

This trial demonstrated that feeding the treated protein and fat supplement of Example 2 had no effect on intake of fibre. Those four steers, not given the product of Example 2 and fed 2 7 2 8 3 ?j on hay only for the duration of the 67 days gained an average of 0.44 kg/day.

EXAMPLE 5 An experiment was conducted to identify the reducing 5 sugars produced when molasses is subjected to the heat and pressure conditions of the present invention.

At 120°c temperature and 160 kPa steam pressure, the molasses was found by scanning to have undergone some reduction of its sucrose to fructose and glucose. The 10 proportion of sucrose to fructose and glucose in molasses is normally about 3 to 1, but this was reduced to about 2 to 1 under the above temperature and pressure conditions, indicating an increase in the concentration of the reducing sugars fructose and glucose.

In conclusion, some benefits of the present invention may be summarised as follows The process of the present invention enables extrusion of oil seeds under steam pressure at temperatures which allow reducing sugars present in the mixture and generated by mild 20 acidification in the steaming process to react with the proteins and the proteins in turn are denatured by heat.

Both chemical reactions, i.e. reducing sugar with lysine in the protein and denaturation, result in insolubility of protein and therefore protection from microbial degradation. 25 The process of the present invention enables higher than normal levels (than is the need on nutritional standards) of hydrated calcium oxide or calcium hydroxic be used in the mixture so that the calcium is partially ^ •■''luSiti/-#;.1 "*1 iy» • * 0 I 14 SEP ]995 *jj s? // 27 2fi 3? solubilised in the steaming process and the calcium ions formed are intimately associated with the fatty acids to form calcium soaps. Any surplus calcium ions produced by the process of the present invention are available to rapidly 5 forir: calcium soaps in the rumen of sheep and cattle following normal, rapid hydrolysis of natural fats to glycerol and long chain fatty acids in the rumen. The subsequent product does not reduce forage intake by ruminants.

The insolubility of the protein derivatives of the 1C invention and the insoluble products from fat derived from the invention, namely the calcium salts of long chain fatty-acids, is the basis of a feed that increases the amount of protein and long chain fatty acids available for digestion in the small intestine of cattle and sheep. The insoluble 15 calcium salts of fatty acids removes detrimental effects of fats alone on the microbial ecology of the rumen. The feed mixtures described above do not lower forage digestibility of cattle, nor do they reduce intake when fed at the level of supplementation to cattle on forage based diets (up to 3 20 kg/day).

Various modifications may be made in details of steps of the process and composition of the feed without departing from the scope or ambit of the invention.

VvA ,, 27 2 3 3 2

Claims (9)

WHAT WE CLAIM IS:

1. A process for producing a feed for ruminants, the process canrpr ising: (i) providing a feed mixture including a protein source, a fat source, molasses, and hydrated calcium oxide or calcium hydroxide; and (ii) applying sufficient heat and pressure over a sufficient time to (a) denature or insolubilise protein in the protein source to produce insoluble protein, and (b) form insoluble calcium salts of long chain fatty acids derived from the fat source, and (c) form reducing sugars from the molasses.

2. The process of claim 1 wherein the protein source is selected from one or more members of the oilseed group having an oil content of from substantially 396 to substantially 3396 by weight.

3. The process of claim 1 wherein the protein source is selected from any one or more of the oilseed group comprising cotton seeds, lupins, sunflower, soyabean, cannola and safflower. i

4. The process of any one of claims 1 to 3 v|hereih the protein source and fat source are identical. -18- 27 2 3 3 2

5. The process of any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the application of sufficient heat and pressure is carried out so as to allow the reducing sugars to react with protein from the protein source.

6. The process of any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the heat and pressure is provided by an extrusion means.

7. The process of any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the reducing sugars are derived from sucrose in the molasses and are fructose and glucose.

8. The process of any one of cla application of sufficient pressure at about 160 kPa and the applicatio about 110°C.

9. A feed for ruminants prepared the processes of claims 1 to 8. ms 1 to 7 wherein the s by steaming the mixture l of sufficient heat is at according to any one of RUSSEL^McVEAGH WEST-WALKE1 by: jSj/fy ATTORNEYS FOR THE APPLICAN'