NZ626354B2 - Method and composition for increasing the proportion of dietary ingredients that are resistant to degradation by ruminal microorganisms - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is a ruminant animal feed, comprising: -ruminant animal feed ingredients combined with a binder composition and water to thereby form a raw feed mixture, the raw feed mixture so formed being processed into a processed feed pellet comprised of agglomerated particles; -wherein the binder composition is comprised of a calcitic or dolomitic mineral hydrate, either alone or in combination with a companion composition selected from the group consisting of mineral carbonates, mineral oxides, and combinations thereof; and -wherein the so processed agglomerated particles are effective to increase the proportion of dietary ingredients present in the feed that are resistant to degradation by ruminal microorganisms, Also disclosed is a method for processing ruminant animal feed which increases the proportion of dietary ingredients present in the feed that are resistant to degradation by ruminal microorganisms, the method comprising the steps of: -combining ruminant animal feed ingredients with a binder composition and a blending aid to thereby form a raw feed mixture; -processing the raw feed mixture so formed into a pellet or prill comprised of agglomerated particles; and -wherein the binder composition is comprised of a calcitic or dolomitic mineral hydrate, either alone or in combination with a companion composition selected from the group consisting of mineral carbonates, mineral oxides, and combinations thereof. omposition is comprised of a calcitic or dolomitic mineral hydrate, either alone or in combination with a companion composition selected from the group consisting of mineral carbonates, mineral oxides, and combinations thereof; and -wherein the so processed agglomerated particles are effective to increase the proportion of dietary ingredients present in the feed that are resistant to degradation by ruminal microorganisms, Also disclosed is a method for processing ruminant animal feed which increases the proportion of dietary ingredients present in the feed that are resistant to degradation by ruminal microorganisms, the method comprising the steps of: -combining ruminant animal feed ingredients with a binder composition and a blending aid to thereby form a raw feed mixture; -processing the raw feed mixture so formed into a pellet or prill comprised of agglomerated particles; and -wherein the binder composition is comprised of a calcitic or dolomitic mineral hydrate, either alone or in combination with a companion composition selected from the group consisting of mineral carbonates, mineral oxides, and combinations thereof.

Description

PCT/U52012/066661 METHOB AND SOMPOSITION FOR ENCREASXNG THE TiON {3F DiETARY iNGREDIENTSTHAT ARE RESi-STATfiT Til} BEGRABATI‘QN BY RUMJNAL MiG-RQORGARISMS Technicai Field The present- invention relates generaliy to ruminant o'clts for damesticatedé ruminsanis and, particularly, in such feedstociis which are. resistant to degradation by minimal microorganisms.

Background Art Ruminani s, i‘nciucifiing cattie, anew: goats,- ‘dear, and buffaio, have a iiighiy iii} specialized and complex stomach, mittens at which are inhabited by microorganisms capable of digasting compiex. carbohydrates, such as nse {fiber}. The stomach {if ruminants is divided into four distinct chambersmt'ne rumen: reticuiumj. nmasum, andE abomasum. The first two of these, campartments ate characterized by the presence of dense pepuiaticns of symbiotic bacteria. arzciiaea. pratozoa, and fungi. These microorganisms are ca-pabie 0t fermenting feeds that are ingested by ruminant s, atei-y yieiding meiabnii’tes that can be used by other microorganisms or the host . it in this symbiotic. onship that renders ruminants e of producing miik, meat: and nther products while eating fibrous feeds: that cannot be digested by pigs, ns, peopiei and other simplnstnmanhed, monegast'ris animais..

One at the, cha-ii‘enges in production at” ruminant .ani‘mais is in bai-anci-ng; nutritional requirements cf micronrganis'ms in the gut with thnse at the host animait. High producing ruminants e sub‘stantiai quantities of amine acids, energy, vitamins, and minera‘ig to. meet demands for production of miik, meat, and (or) fiber, The mic-rabies within the rumen (i.e., reticuiowsmen) are van; adent in: their ability to e carbonydtates, protein, and? nther constituents of the diet, often to an extent that far amends their own nutrient ”needs, Excessive degradation of nutrients in}; ruminal micmorganisms can resui‘t' in teiative ennies of these nutrients for the ruminant host, Retain, amino acids, and certain vitamins are particulariy susceptibie to microbial 3.0 degradafinn within the rumen. As an example, dietary, proteins are exiensiveiy degraded by mismargavnisms to yieid amino acids, which then are deaminated to yield ammonia. The ammonia is utilized by microflora and fauna of the rumen ecosystem for synthesis of microbial protein, but when ed in excess is absorbed into the bloodstream, converted to urea by the liver, and excreted in urine via the kidneys as a waste product. If excessive degradation is avoided, these amino acids exit the rumen and become available for tion within the small intestine, thereby contributing to the nutrient requirements of the host animal. Various means have been employed to modify dietary ingredients in ways that decrease their susceptibility to microbial degradation within the rumen, thus increasing the proportion of the compound or ingredient that Abypasse3@ the rumen. Ruminally undegraded, rumen undegradable, ruminally protected, , and bypass all are terms used to describe compounds or products that exhibit some degree of resistance to the digestive actions of microorganisms within the rumen.

In spite of these advances in the nt arts, a need continues to exist for further improvements in techniques for increasing the proportion of dietary ingredients that are resistant to degradation by l microorganisms.

Disclosure of the Invention In the method of the present invention, feed ingredients that are otherwise susceptible to degradation by ruminal microorganisms are combined with calcitic and/or dolomitic mineral hydrates cally called ed lime as a binder, and typically with a blending aid, such as water. The mixture is then processed through a pin mixer, pellet mill, disc izer, drum pelletizer, extruder, or other suitable device to produce prills or pellets of agglomerated particles.

As such, in one aspect the present invention provides a method for processing ruminant animal feed which increases the tion of dietary ingredients present in the feed that are resistant to degradation by l rganisms, the method comprising the steps of: combining ruminant animal feed ingredients with a binder composition and a 3O ng aid to thereby form a raw feed mixture; (followed by page 2a) processing the raw feed mixture so formed into a pellet or prill comprised of agglomerated particles; and wherein the binder ition is comprised of a calcitic or dolomitic mineral hydrate, either alone or in ation with a companion composition ed from the group consisting of mineral carbonates, mineral oxides, and combinations thereof.

In another aspect, the present invention es ruminant animal feed, comprising: nt animal feed ingredients combined with a binder composition and water to y form a raw feed mixture, the raw feed mixture so formed being processed into a processed feed pellet comprised of agglomerated particles; wherein the binder composition is comprised of a calcitic or dolomitic l hydrate, either alone or in combination with a companion composition selected from the group consisting of mineral carbonates, mineral oxides, and combinations thereof; and wherein the so processed agglomerated particles are effective to increase the proportion of dietary ients present in the feed that are resistant to degradation by l microorganisms.

The hydrated lime which is used in the method of the invention can be a high calcium, dolomitic or partially hydrated dolomitic lime produced in a pressure hydrator or in an heric hydrator. This would include hydrates made from magnesium lime and/or calcitic dolomitic lime, i.e., high calcium lime, magnesium lime, calcitic dolomitic lime and dolomitic lime. While some mixtures of component ingredients used in the practice of the invention will contain the previous components alone, some mixtures will also include a calcitic and/or dolomitic ate mineral component, i.e., dolomite, calcium (followed by page 3) PCT/U82012/066661 ,.3~ carbonate or magneéiom carbonate or mixtures th‘ereoi‘ This method of processing ruminant animal feed and the food product produced thereby effectively increases the proportion: of dietary ingredients present. in the feed that are ant to degradation by ruminval microorganisms.

There are a number of additional sing steps which may be employers:= ole-pending. upon the desired characteristics of the end product, For example, the agglomerated particles may have a secondary coating applied after agglomeration. "$0 ins sing technique can be used to protect other ingredients #7er the action of l microorganisms. For example, the agglomssatsd particles may also. include , methionine or other amino acids as a means of increasing the proportion of those nds that are available for absorption-in the animal oos‘tmminacl tract. The agglomerated particles may include choline and water soluble vitamins that may be “i5 required by the animal in quantities that exceed tn-ose which would normally escape digestion by i es. The agglomerated particles so produced may also provide for the protection of: monounsaturated or polyunsaturated iioids which normally are extensively bionyclrogenateoi by ruminal microorganisms to yield saturated .

The same techniques can. be used-“to provide for the protection of fat soluble vitamins, enzymes orobiotios, memories. carbohydrates.“ pharmaceuticals, essential oils, minerals, and other compounds which ins‘u’rs- that a greater proportion of those prowess are presented post~ruminaliy Additional objects, features and advantages will be apparent in the written ption .25 which follows, Brief Dessrigtion of the moorings Figure 1- is a graphical entation of tho s of an In situ evaluation of; the disappearance of dry matter after 24.nours ofin-oubation in the roman.

Figure? is a graph of fatty acid concentration in plasmaof growing steers WO 82035 PCT/U82012/066661 Deacri lion affine Preferred: Embadiment The ments herein and the various features and ageous details- thereof are explained more fully with: retaienge to the nomlimiiing ments that are detailed in the following damnation. Descriptinns of well—kndwn ents and 02 pracasees and manufacturing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein ate intended merely in facilitate an understanding of ways in which the invention; herein may be practised and in further enable those of skill in the art to ce the embodiments herein.

Accerdingiy, the examples ahduid not be construed as limiting the scope of the claimed invention. in tile. present invention: “animal feed ingredients" that are otherwise susceptible l0 degradation by mminal micmdrganisms are combined: with calciti‘c andidr dolomitic mineral hydrates generically called hydrated lime as a bindei, and lly with a blending aid: such as waier‘ The e is than pracessed through a pin mixer, pellet mill. disc pelletiz‘er‘ drum palletizer, extruder. or either le device to produce prills or. pellets of agglomerated particles, in the case ci a pin mixer, a. mixture oi dry powders will usually be charged to the mixer with water being injected via injection: parts on the top of the pin mixer: However, either methadr of p're~mixing the water or adding: the water . precessing can be employed. Soliubiiiza'ble products can be p‘ieeolubilized and than injected with the water via the injection ports (far example, lysine has been successfully processed in this manner, as well as in the atandatd dry mix manner With water being injected via the iniectinn portal). Seni'imcliy (greaweiiedi ts can also be Used in a disc pelle‘iizer or a drum pelletlézen in. some {ideas} '25 water is not required, as where high moisture ingredienie are cambinedi'wltn the other dry ingredients. Ne‘naaquedus selvanta, such as giycemli, may also be emitting/ed in some Circumetaneee.

By “animal feed ingredient“ is meant in this discussion that component oi the agglomerated priil or pellet that weuld otherwise be susceptible to degradation by ai microorganismslenzymaa in the lumen; These ingredients will include such things as biologicaily active ingredients andl‘or therapeutic er nutritional agents, as well W0 2013/082035 PCT/U82012/066661 _ 5 - as those ients merely having feed value. m addition to those “food ingredients" p‘reviauséy mentioned such ingredients may 'irrci‘ud‘e miners! additives gush as sodium, potassium. iron, am; vitamins such as vitamins -, etc; protei’nfenergy pmducing @035 such as mined flax seed, dried? bfocd or maat meat, cottonseed rhea}, soy meat, can-era meal, e, fatty acids and yeasfs; grewt'rr factors; enzymes sash as proteases, firms-es, or car‘bahycirases-, inciuding but not limited? to, amyfasess, iracfases, jirulrases, wan-arses, and cellutases; antibibtics; exogenous growth premotans; and food adjwants such as fiodium b’icarbonate‘ o‘t. propylene giycoi and Sodium prepienate. The “animai freed ingredient" can, be thought of: as‘ a care ’18 materiai which is embedded or fired up within a: matrix consigting 0f the carbnrratelhydrate comma-x, in: othgr wards. a matrix of aggiamerated cies.

The hydrated. lime which rs used in the methcrd of the invention Can be a high calcium, dolomitio or parti’affy hydrated c‘ iime produced in a pressure hydrarcr or in- an 1'5. atmospheric hydratorr This wauid' include hydrates; made 'fmm magnesium lime and ic dammitic iime‘ ‘i‘eq high cal’c'rum Irma. magnesium: time, catcitic dolomitic- lime and delomitfic Ei’me.

Preferred caicitic and dammit-c minerai hydrates used as binder-éompo‘nents for the food ingredients in making the 'agglomeratsd partides 0f the invention thus inciude both hégh Vcaicium hydrate and doi'omific hydrates, as weir as mixtures of caieium and magnesium hydmxéde. We term “hyérated Erma" is therefore ar: mature: si'o‘rr to fiy encompass a}! of the renewing: 2-5 High. Cai‘cium Hydrate: Hydrated iime (calcium hydroxide, or s'i'aked. firm) is a dry - regui-ting from the murmured, slaking of quickiime with water, The exothermic or reieased heat of: reaction: is captured and used to, evaporate the excess siaking water.

This is to ha di‘Stingzuished from “rime slurry” in which the excess Water is not evaporated and the hydrate remains ‘as a water suspensian. The chemical fermu-ia is CarOH)g, Doiomi‘tic Bydra‘te: Dammitic Hydrate is manufactured from dslomitic quickri'me basicaily by twa- mefhods. We first method is Similar to high caiicium hydrate manufacture and _ 3 - usuaiiy does not eempieiely hydrate ail the Oxides; especially "the magnesium exiide compenent. The second method relates to pressure nyeratien of deiom‘itie quickiime under ii hydrating eendiiions that COfiimi temperature and pressure in order to insure that ail the caiciium and magnesium cxidies are fully hydrated. Varieties of hydrates from both s may be minted fer“ purpeses oi the present invention, either inoee produced by pressure hydra-tors, or 'inose‘ produced? by atmospheric hydratore." A epectrum of ts of the abeve type are cemmemieifily available from moist Nnrth ’l' U America. 3700 Helen Street; Fen Worth, Texas '36101. er from Lhoisi operations worldwide.

As has been mentioned, wniie same mixtures of compneent ients used in: the practice of the invention will contain the previous components aione‘. some mixtures will also e a} calcitiic and/or dielomiiic carbonate mine-rel component, Le, calcium ate or magnesium carbonate or dolomite or mixtures thereof. The on of such a minerai component genereiiy helps in the ultimate prill formation and also yields a stranger priii. Other ls such as selenium may be included, as Well as aluminum ning nds. in. some cases, mineral oxides, e.g., calcium exicie 23 or ium oxide. may also» be present, Preferred binder eempesitions 0i the invention: will thus iypiceiiy be comprised of hydrated lime in cembinatien with. a: companien maieriei or meteriaie seen as, fer exe‘mpie, a d-oiemiii’c. or cai'ciiie i‘imee‘tene, The hydrated lime component wiii typically be present in the range from 10 to 95% by weight of} the total composition, preferebiy about 25 to 90% weight, By way of an example, the binder canines-lime can: contain about 40% by weight of hydrated lime and 89% by weight dolomiiic limestone er d'oiemiie. An example dolomiiic limestone is Applicant’s ”ProM-QW '95" iic limestone which is commercieiiy available frem Lheis’i‘ North America. Other ‘38 companien is inci‘ude cileyis); ium oxide. magnesium cei‘banete (magnesite) and magnesium hydroxide (brucitei. In other circumstances, the binder is made up of the hydrated lime aiene with the. animal. feed ingredient PCT/U52012/066661 _ 7 - When combined with the binder cam-panent or components of the invention and processed as described, a matrix ‘Qf agglomerated particles is produced The end result may be either :a‘ nails: or prifi as those terms are ly understond‘ A “pellet” typicaliy takes the form of a {on or cyiiinder, whiie a “priilf” Wit? be taken-t0 mean a sman aggregate of a maieriai, mos-t after] a dry sphere which is a said a room ‘temperature‘ As has been mentioned, it is usefui to Etn'mk af the products of the invention as having: a core material-i (the animai feed ingredient) which is embedded or tied up within a matrix cnnsisting of the carbenatefhydrate complex The manufacturing prawns for manufacturing the, aggiomerated peii'etsiprms of the invention will now be :descnbed in wearer detail. Tame I beiow gives the settings used for a pin miil in” cturing the aggfameratedi particles ofthe ion. A “pin mm? or pin mixer" win: he. understand by those ci in the relevant, arts to be a high, speed. mnditioning and micro~peifetizing deviée that converts pawders into smaii' 1:5 aggiamerates through the action of a high speed rater shaft andipin assembly, with the. addition of iéquids such as water, binders, a?! orsurfactants.

Tabée I: I Production Run - Settings ’50% Boiomitic Hydra‘tie (pressure hydratedyfiwa Mifled Fiax Seed 1 Material Feed Rate Nome Waier le‘Mixer Green-Paliais :351:33: : {£- 3. EL} @002 tip ies 0.2'gal3ons cf water per minute in a 218 degree flat spray pattern {21:40 psi) ed bulk density (ibslfta) Tabie H below gives the raw materizfi properties fer the {aw ingredients fezdi in the pin mixer.

PCT/U82012/066661 Taibie [It Raw Materiai Pro ewes PreRun: 2/9- Maisture , Bulk Density 1‘ Bulk; Dansity ”i {gages} g15m ‘5 icom'gaeséag 5mm 3 ' § 59% Emma/a we: — p-r’émix 1 3.9% 29.? 41.7 Tabie 3:! gives the size distribution .i-nformatian for {he mined flax seed which ses the “anima? feed ient” which is to be protected from ruminai degradation; Milied flax seed is a commcnly available pmduct which, can be produced, for exampie. by processing with a hammer mm. Fiaxv seeds n- high. ¥evels of dietary fiber as war as Iignans.. am nce of micromtrients and omegaes fatty acids. 1O Tabie Sill: Milled Flax Seed Sizing Sieve Size ' “/0- Retained % Cumui'afive (Retained 16 mesh ; 0.0% 45 mesh, i ?1 13%; mam i’ “'m'mm“ ”“""~:W’“‘”"“" WWW 0.0% § 100m»; { "rabies {\3 andE V beiow give: the finished peiiei: preperfies 0f the pei'iets produced "with ‘36 the pin mixer: PCT/U82012/066661 Table N Finished? Pellet firerfiles Bulk Density {lfbfft fl {arbAttriii-an Camp. Strength {fiemfani} {L‘szmpactsd} r mergpothd-s} “-3ng 363 4'3 .3 " x”; 19;? rLaél'ariLea éaéwgfilés at 90°C ** ed as % loss of ~16X20 mesh afier'S' mins on 30 mesh screen {Re-Tap) *“Conductad on 138‘“ prl'llsxpellets (7 samples ~— highest & lowest dropped), Table, V ed Pellet Size Distrrbutian- (0.5% re «90°C labdried samples) 1‘3 Sieve-"Size fifirRetaénecl ‘3'" Cumulative {Retained} 1'4 mesh 89.2% 69.2% 18 mesh 82% 78.4% mesh 1'0; 3% 88.7% 45 mesh 10.3% 990% 1&5 80 mesh 0.6% W892: 120: mesh 02% 988% pan 02% 108.9% The pellets of agglomerated particles so prepared: wera then used in two test :20 tions of the efficacy of the method cf the invention: Er} protecting feed ingredients from degsradafien that wamld Otherwise scam in the animal rumen. The first evaluation was an “in situ” trial. The test pellets were 50% dolomltlc lime hydrate!5l3% milled flax seed; 75% time hydratel25% mllled flax seed; and 99% lime hydrate} lysine, respectively. They are compared with flax seeds or lysine alone.

Evaluatim N20. 1: The in sr‘r'a procedure utilizes small in sltu‘ bags made of .a nitrsgen~free étic polyester fabric {Dacronfig Ankomiechmmgy, Macedon, MY) that has a: 58 gm pore W0 2013/082035 PCT/U82012/066661 ,13. size. The pares are sufficiently smali such that when feed materials are placed into the bag the contents ave retained The pore: size alse i5 large ermugh to aiio‘w fer entry 0% microorganisms info the bag When placed into-the mmem, thus exposing the contents to the degradaiive actions cf ruminal microbes. Gisappearance 0f feed les from the bag is preshmed to be due to microbial fermentative activity whilst the bag and its contents ate ded within the rumen envimnmeni. In sit-u assays provide useful ation regarding the tibility cf feeds to ial ion within the Human The test procedure consisted of adding 3.2 g of sample (as is) to Dacmn bags, which ’lO- then were heat-seaiecil and subsequently placed into the rumen and allowed to incubate for 24 hours. 3393 then were removed? {mm {hie mmen, dried and. Weighed t0: determine: disappearance of dry matter, Concentrations 01‘ protein, totai fatty acida, and fatty acid profile were determined far the residue- from each . Samples were, prepared in duplicate within each» animal, along with blank bags for correction, anti six T5 animals were used, Three cattle were fed a high-concemirate diet and 3 were fed? a high~foraget i.e., iow concentrate diet.

Tabie Vi summarizes dry matter conients‘ and well; as. this: as-feci and dry matter concentrations of crude ptoiein and: total fatty acids. for pure ground flaxseed, the 58:50 28- fiaxseediume mixture, the V525 Flaxseedlume mixture; the 90:10 LimefLysine mixture, and pure lysine hydrochloride prior in in situ fermentation. These vai'ues were used lov'caiculate the extent of city matter and nutrient disappearance during the in am; digestion pracedure.

Table v.1 """""""" imam l Dry {Crude Pretein (9i, Toiai Fatty-Acids after ‘ Dry Matter Basis} (7% Dry Matter .1 I , ...B ii i Flaxseed l .9333 ;. 50:60 1' Fiaxseed 2012/066661 ..- 1g“? ..

Tabla Vii summarizes the percent ciiSappea-rance of dry mattar from in Sim bags during a 24~hour period of rummal incubation. Two sets 5? donor s were used (High Forage/Low Cancentrate and High Cvoncantrateftow Forage} to evatiuata disappearance under varying ruminai canditians. The column identified as “Mean" represents the average af the Low and High concentrate groups. ad in its; unprotected form was between- 4795 and 8138‘th ruminaiiy degraded {mean of 54.66%) whereas disappearance of tha Ftaxsaaa mixtures ranged fmm 5.16 to 14.42%. with the r proportion of- .iima (La. ”f5:%) mg. the greatas’t ruminal stabifity Unprotected. 335an was aimosf compiataly degraded {299.83%}, whereas the ’10 limaiiyaina mixture was subatan’eiaity mare stabka within the mma‘n.

Table Via}: in Sim dry m'attarfigap earance (% .f‘ ‘mwvdrymafiardisapearanceif) i Praduct i Mam 75/25 Fiaaxseedi..

Tabla WI summarizes the fatty acid contents 3f the ected and protected flax preducts after 24~hours of in am; faaubatian. These values Were, used in caniuactiaa with information fram Tabla-s Vt and Vli fa caicuiaia the ‘prapo‘r‘tian 0f fatty acids that were retained through tha in sifu tion, which are summayized in Tabia IX. On 2'0 avara-ge,_ teas than 34% of fatty acids remained after the Muhour incubation of unprotected flaxsaed (range of 27.273995), whereas mare than doubts: this amount was rata'inadrfar the protected flax products Tabie WEI: W§,,.§:§38. ”was Fiaai 559‘- IL: -Wmfi PCT/U82012/066661 .~ .12 ~.

Tame ix: Ruminai escae of fat 52:91:35 3%) after 24 hours of incubation 80310 88.927 69135 Table X iflustra-tes the concentrations of. protein 91‘ residue retained. in the bagsfoliowing 24 hours of rumina-i insubation. Nate that: mines are zero far the. unpraiected , mciicating that 100% of the materiai disappeared from the bag, information in Tabie X was used: in conjuariction with data in ‘Ta‘bies Vi and V” m Gamma the fractions of n that were resistant to mminai degradation (3.9.. rummai escape protein), which 130 are summarized in Table Xi, Lysine in its unprotected farm was 'compl‘eteiy degraded, while- ihe lime treated products were substantiafiiy more resistant to degradation, simiiariy‘, protein in the protected forms of eci was approximaieiy‘ ‘id more resistant to degradatinn during £11924~hour in situ incubation period. ting; that the method has substantial? efficacy far prutectin-g nutrients against microbiai digestion..- Ta-bie X: Crude totem, (943‘ of Residue after 24 hours. 0f incubation.

Prodiiiet Fi‘axse‘ed 17003 imifiigm 59(50 Fiaxseed Q758i 9826' 75125 Fiaxseed 5.251 792318 Xi: Rum’inai escage ‘Pmduct Mean Low ancentratg High Conpentrate F§axsead PCT/U82012/066661 - '33, - Table )0! summarizes the fatty acid profilss 01‘ residues after 244mm in situ incubation, Notable differences are seen with 018:15191! 018:1m1. and ifit, a1? of'which are formed during partia} biohydrogenatim a? afpha—‘iénolemic acid or Iinoi‘eic acid: by ruminal’ microbess. in: each case, values are Icwet far {he pretecte'di forms of fiaxseed indicating that the matrix was an effecfive missmbiai barrier. Most e is the increase in- 0181‘3fi3 {View linolenic acid), which is the predcminant palyunsaturatedfi fatiy 'acid in: 'fiaxseed. Compared to the ested form cf flanged. the lime matrix mar-eased retenticn of'this fatty acid by behtveen 8? and 338%.

PCT/U52012/066661 - 3-4 5 Tabke X11: Fatty acids appearingi'in residue foiiow-ing 24 hours .53“ incubation, expressed. :55 .a percent of the ameunt initialfiy 515555 15.353335314333533. Vaiue‘s are the (553413 of conversion 330333 03.35 fatty acid '35 5555853315., biéhydrog-enafion}. 55235 5514‘ Flaxsaed 55/55535555.55 75725 51555555 (:355" 375.44 3'555 355.33 359.55 5533 I 5232 333.35 5535 323.55 1035:3553 52555 93.27 ‘ 257.3? C'353n33 ‘ 435.35 1. 345 f ND l5353555 ' ' 3549 32.42 73:44 * I 5555 1 55.33 : 57.54 :435._55_3............ ......,....._..............-..............._..... ........-.._._..........................}: ....4930“ 5537 3C'11=8:23165 ‘30 31 ; 69. 39 60,138 ' Conjugated fimieic :8233912??H...win»..22 ' (355,115358 1150153: acid 18:2318832...f“M...“2....._........ ......................................................................................m3 N!) 8 5355 13301515 acid. 38.259531 87.53 182.57 84.78 13344 318, 2817 3 “37359 {3208318 2858 85.88 1.8.29:253.........__ 3555 1 55.55 (:22:0 .....95.5:5W3 C22: 5313 ‘3848 8153 3 304.32 _ 5550 .0241 ND: 335’: detected: WO 82035 PCT/U82012/066661 “ '12:), .. 1: The mutation ia id‘eniify fatty acids is as follows: The number im.madiate§y fatiowing the lettar “C" indicates the number of carbgm atoms in the fairy acid; chain. The nUmber immediiafely foii'owing the com indicates the number of doubte bonds between carbcm afams in the fatty acid chem {i.e,, degree of saturation}. Qmega 3 fatty acids are denoted as “n3", umaga 6 fatty acids as “he", and so on. The sis {3‘1 and trans ratians 0f double bonds are denofieu“ as “a” and “t"..

The results of the first eva-iuatian are H‘Eustrated :graphicaiiy in Figure. 1 of the drawings.

The in situ dry percentage disappearance can be seam to be dramaticaily imwer for the cmprifled miiiied fiEaxs-eedlliéme hydrate triais or even for Iysinefiime e Erie-L ’EO compared. to flex seeds 9r Iysine agene, In the next evaiuaticnr, a study was canducted ta; ine if feeding mined fia-xseed- acupruzied with dcl‘cmitic hydrate and dcfiomitic carbonate win. decreage bieixydmgenation a? poiyunsaturated fatty acids by mmen microorganisms, thus increasing their tratians within the rum-en biced. afigflflgé Procedure; Forty-five steers were blocked” by weight, randamiy 3.553an to individuai pens, and pens to dietary treatments (15 raplica'tes), Steers were fed for “:4 days with a basal diet consisting of 30.0% wet com en feed‘ 25% wheat straw, 25% prairie hay, 12.78% steamfiakedcem, and 3.02% suppi‘ement. in ents '2 and 3-,. a partien 0f flaked mm was :‘eplaced with 2.?‘9‘326 fiaxseed or 8.13% 0? a bkend of: Lime and Fiaxseed according; a$ shown m Table 1 Com: oft; was 'inciuded t0 provide far similar fat cancentrations in the three diets. Diets. were formuiated ta pmvide at ieast 12% crude. protein. 30G ay monensin, 1006 milk) vitamin £3» 04% added sodium. and 0.35%. awed chinrine, 0‘?% caioi'um, 0.73% Qtjtaasssium:z and '10 ppm {3? Cu. Weights {if :unconsum’ed feed {arts} were determined every day. 3f} Week¥y sampies of feeds were taken and compositgd s-amgpie per treatment that was ”analyzer; for dry matter (BM)! organic: matter (OM), crude protein (OP), neutral detergent fiber {NSF}, and“ tatai ,t-ipkizs. Blood samples-were taken from the jugmarvein for anatysis 0? $009 chain fatty acid (LCFA). concentrations on day 0,. 7‘ and 14 of the study; Heparinized vacuum tubes {green top.) were used which immediateiy placed on . ice and centrifuged (“1200- x g for 233 min), Cm, day 18 of. the study, and 3 h after , 18 ~ feeding, sampies of i‘uminai fiuifié and ruminai headspace gas were taken by centesis in. order to determine rumin-ai pH, LCFA pmfiie of- r‘umina} digesta‘ and gas compcsition.

Data were statisticaiiy anaiyzed using the MIXES? procedure a? SAS (Version 9.0.). with. treatment and day as fixed effects, b’am nested within strata, barn as the random effect; and animai as the experimental unit.

Table xsu: MQLGEEWWWW..................................................................................................................

Fiaxse‘edl wigggggggggiggmm Pre~exgeriment Control Fiaxseed Lime Wet com g§uten feed 30.08 30.00 30‘00 S‘QBG Wheatstraw 25.00 2.5.80 25.00 25:00 Prairie hay 25.00 2.500 25.00 25.00 Steam flaked com 10.36 1278 “£2.86 8.50 Linseed mes: -- 3.01 1,22 1.51 Com oil ~~ 1.19 Of! -- Fla‘xseed 2.79 ~— iax w ~~ 8.13 in 500 ~~ -- - Suwementwdr_______ 3W 3‘02?“ 186?“ “Formulated to previ'de 300 mg/day monensin 77800 iUlib vitamin A, 0.1% added Stadium and O 15% added chierine 87% calcium, 0.7% poiassium, and 10 ppm coppen RESULTS: “fable XIV: Feed intake and ruminal’ H emm.-... mwmwmwww Control Flaxseed Flameme SEM e mm€55“”“‘§'e“‘§“““§*§§§§" Feedéiintakefdry basis’)..ib “14.29 1.378? 113.40 0.41% 02032 Ruminal pH 77.00 7402 7.04? 0.069 {3.8396 2012/066661 tswxlmmm 3on .mmmwd .30de www.mx, E, & Emlmfifi; gm? wDCOdV 50¢de .5 Egg 38? 39$ 5.3 58.3 2mm. 3 3 2» N? .3 immmétmmmmvimmm.E mam. m.§,. gm $8 Em meéfimwmmm m. 3% 3.2 gm. ©QO at. o a: 3% “new 3% 3 ........

)Nfis whwgmmmgogmwwdgmmw fie. 3.$.32 3N? mg 3% EN $3wa m $3 $m,,. 6 mg 90mm 3 ........ mfiimwmm..szm§ .me.o 3% mg 3% 8d mEmma mam .3 Ear Sm min 3a marmam .mcommbcmucoo “cacao Mao N. En. mg qmm 3% 3a .,owwom fig, o fl? mag. gm $3 and .oz. 5X gumlzwmw 8% 930 35 :20 3.8 $35 umxoom mnnmfi WO 82035 PCT/U82012/066661 2‘ 18* Alaha—iineleaic acid (C18t3'ns; else commonly referred to as ALA) ”is regarded as an ial nutrient for meat animals, meaning that ih‘e body is. incapable of synthesizing the fatty acid: in ties sufficient in fulfill nutritional requirements of s, thus indicating that it must be included as part of: the animal‘s diet. This fairy acid is utilized as a precursor far synthesis of other ant iong~chai~n fatty amide, including; -pentaemic acid and hexaencic acid {EPA and BHA}, as: well as in the synthesis; e? cholesterol: d hermenes, eicoeanoida, and other impartani cempoundel This pelyunaat’ureted fatty acid typically is sublet): to ~ extensive biohycircgena’tioe {thus yielding stearic acid) by microorganisms within the rumen eccsyatem‘ as taught by Montgomery at all, who have shown that less than % cf dietary'ALA is availablafer absorption: in the ecatmminal digestive tree-t. See‘ Montgomery SP, {Smuillerd J8, Nega‘raia Y8, Tifgemeyar EC, Sindt ‘13., 2008, “Effects Of Supplemental Fat Scarce On Nutrient Digestion and? Rommel: Fermentation in Steer-S”; .J Anim Sci; 88(3):640~‘50. Alphadincienic acid is present in: ’15 immature cocleeasen grasses, legumes, and same force species, but is vely ent in mature forages, cereal grains, and many oilseede Flexseed is an oileeed grown in temperate climates that is a rich source of alpha linolenie acid, containing approximately 40.45% all, roughly 55~80% of which is in the form of ALA.

Concentrations cf linolenic acid in blood piasma are more~er~less linearly asseciated with dietary concentrations of the fatty acid, thus making 'flaxsead an ideal candidate for evaluating cy cf the method for protecting nucleate from the actions of micreorganisms wiihin the‘foreemmachs of ruminant animals Figure. 2 of: line drawings illustrates differences in: bleed concentrations of alpha— linolenic acid? in animals fed different dials. During the metrialE period: all s were fed a basal diet containing law levels 0’? ALA-l films leading to low plasma, concentrations of ALA in all treatment groups on. Day 0, cf the experiment. From day» Mali, all cattle were fed a, cemmea basal diet: bu: the flax-seed and flaxseadllime treatment groups were supplemented with an equivalent amount of fl’axsaea in the ected and protected farm-s, respectively. On clays 7 and M of the experiment plasma concentrations of ALA remained law in the Control gmup, but increased wo 2013/082035 PCT/U82012/066661 * qg“ sharply in the groups fed? flaxseed. Marewer‘ compared it: came fed the unprotected form of d, plasma ccnceniratians a? ALA were .432 and 292% greater for the FiaxseediLime treatment groups on days 7' and M; respectively.

These results dearly iiiustra-te that the method? was saccessfui in rendering a greater proportion of the dietary ALA resistant to biehydrogenation by ruminai rganis-ms.

As eri, fatty aciai concentratirms among: treatments were Similar at day 0 of the experiment (prior to administratian of dietary treatments); Differences among. treatments were readiiy apparent after 3’ and '14 days Of suppiemen’ring the: fiaxseed and the priiied fiaxseediiime e. Most notabie are the eievaied concentrations cf aipha iinciemc acid (318:3n3) for the priii'ed ediiime treatment, indicating that the process decreased suseeptibiiiiy of the fia-xseed to micmhiai biahydrogenation within the reticuio~rumen.

One particuiar advantage of the methods of the invention might be referred to as the “seifiheaiiiig” nature of the aggio‘merated: particies which are ed in as far as their .abiii-ty to t core nutrientsicampositions fmm degradation by i microorganiamss, Prior art products known to Appii‘cant 'appiied such things as fats (Baichem‘s prai’etted choiine}, synthetic poiymers (Missed?) pra’rec'ted lysine arid methionine) or proteinaceaus films to the surface 9f the core maievriai, thus encasing the core materiai-‘s and serving as a protective barrier. Efficacy of these pram-sis is iimited‘ haweverr due to the propensity fertile outer She“ t0 become red thus eXpOSi-rig the core 'mate‘riai to ruminai ganisms. In the d of the present 2'5 invention: a product is ed in the naming of .a core maieriai embedded within a matrix: cansisting cf the carbonatefhydrate compiex. Within the rumen, the al is exposed to relatively high concentratims at“. carbon diax‘ide, which further "re- carbonates“ the surface t0 form an impervious out-er iéayer. Fracturing of the priiis is inevitabie. during feed processing and as a resuii of mastication by the anim'ai.

However, in the case «of the method" of the. invention, the unprotected surfaces of WO 82035 PCT/U82012/066661 520* fraciured materials become carbonated {Waugh expasure to carbon diaxide in the rumen.

By ng a homogeneous or semi-homcgeneous matrix, the present ive {I} method allows; the intimate contact of. active binder and coating iai with. the bypass material, Hydrated lime: 0i ail forms: will? readily react with 80;), it) form calcium carbonate} in a wet C302 envimhmmi, such as. the animal rume‘n: this reaction will proceed quickly. Any surface that is he due to the hydrate wiii react in these.- Cfifldiilfin& whether they are the es of momma-ted ‘ the surfaces in cracks or hash surfaces hmughi about by degradation in handiihge or ption. The formation of fresh caicium carbon-ate wili passivate’ the surfaces. and protect them from further rumihai degradatihn not only due to the creaiim of a chemicaiiy neutrals surface, but aiso due ta the increase in volume cf the caicium compound as it hhaies. The effect is somewhat ii‘ke that achievad’ with i5 doiomific lime in construction applications); m-hie hydrated iime is specified for use in mortars and slucws in earthquake” zanes due to its ability to recarhcnate, fill in microcracksz due to this voiumetn’c‘ expansion. and prevent the coaiescing of these cracks into big cracks that head.» io-fa‘iiures. The methad oi the presentihveniim thus uses a specisai hydrated lime binder to create a matrix with an ability to- repair defects. 28 while in the ‘i rumen, an effect not achieved with the products .01“ the prior art.

Adtiiiichaiiy, any (if the binder that does abrasie, break tiff or disseiva wiii provide po'sifive {amen buffering.

While the invention has been described in several preferred forms, those skilled in the ram/ant arts will recognize that: various modificaiians can be made- while still faiiihg within the scape hi the invention as defined in the claims which inflow. For example, the controlling parameiem of these manufacturing processes can he mhdiiieci hr aitered to adjust the finished characteristics of- the agglomerated? les. Those characteristics which can be mediiied include, but am not ' necessary iimiied to, the les apparent density, particle size, particle pGiTQSl'iy all of which can impart oi" retard: certain characteristics which area» deemed beneficial or datiimehtai to thew-use as discussed in the body of this invention. Additional control PCT/U82012/066661 v: 21 v: of the finished materiaisi characteristics may be modified by a secondary coating or a iayerisng of a secondary coating, When fed to ruminania the 'pa‘riicifes are exposed in the aqueous, CO2~rich environment of the rumen, and chemical hydrates. on the surface of the particle are recarbonated in form Car-”.3031 MgfiOai 0r other a‘i carbonates, wnich are substantiaiiy resiSiani to atinn within the rumen. inn bnnated e , .as an effective barrier to microorganisms, preventing: access to feed ingredients or other ents imbeddied within the aggiomerated part-ides. The agglomerated :p’arti-Gies: nr fragments thereon are é from the rumen, through the nmasum, and into, the um where they are amused to gastric hydrochinric acid secretions. in the presence 01‘ nydronhinrin acid the carbonates are dissolvedi releasing the feed ingredientsi or other components embedded therein». Components released from the matrix are then avaiianie for digestian and absorption er inner ‘15 actions in the posi~ruminai digestive tract, As has been expiained; the preferred process utilizes mineral hydrates xides) as the binder for the matrixuforming materiais. Where. it may be suitabie to release some proportion of the agglfiomerated materiai within the rumen, the matrix wouidi be presented to the anirnai in its hydrated {or ‘partiaiiy hydrated) form: without prinr rev carbonation "thug. depending. on the ruminai' environment to generate a protective carbonate layer on the particie surface, and in so doing reieasing a poriicn of the matrix materiai. Where it is dresiredi to minimize reieage 0f mater-inks within. the rumen, hydrates may be exposed to carbon dioxide daring the cturing, toyleid cis that contain 'a grea’rer proportion of mineral carbonaies that are mare-inn tens rumi‘nally inert; As, an alternative, it is canceivabie to utilize carbonates daireciiy for preparation 01‘ the .

The process is suitable for sing the proportion oi‘dieiary ingredients presented ' for digestion and absorption within: the posHuminal digestive tract by inhibiting premature digestion by microorganisms inhabiting the rumen‘ The meinnd can be appiiedé to iysine, methionine‘ or other amino acids as a means of; increasing the » 22+ pmportion of these compounds that are ava-iialbte for absorption in the pastmmiina‘t tract. thus improving nutritional status of the host.

Atuminum compounds may atso be included in the binder comzpcsitions in some {38393 .

Sim‘iiaariy, the process: can be apptted for chafing 'andmr water sotuble WWW-13:13,. vitamins, inc-iUdt-ng ascorbic: acid (vitamin. C}, vitamin inclutiing: B1 (thiamine), 132 ayin),_ E33 (niacin or amicita): 535 {pantothenic acid), 18 135 (‘py-ridoxtne. pyridaxai, at pyridcsxami‘ne, or pyridoxine hydrochtoride), BMbictin), 89 (folic acid); and 813(cobaiamins; Gammonty Cyamcebala‘min}, at} of which are highly suscespt‘ibie to extensive sis by ruminati mfcrcsargantsms, and that may be required: by the host animal in quantities that exceed those which normatty escape ion by ruminat microbes, The method 3330 has application for the. protection of monounsaturated or polyunsaturated tipids, which normally are extensively mgenated by l microorganisms to yield saturated tipizds. Comptexing‘ lipids in, the manner described herein decreases the extent of mgenation of unsaturated fatty acids, thereby making it feasibie to increase the propertion of unsaturated fats in: meat, mitk‘ and animal tats. As examples, animal' products can be watched: with omegafi fatty acids, conjugated tinoteic acids, or other fatty acids deemed usefu} a3 nts for hum-ans and other ani’mats. As a further cans‘sderationz, tmsaturated fats and derivatives thereof may be toxic t0 l microorganisms, and when prezse'nt in excesg can decfiease digestion of other mmpcnents of the diet, atty‘ fiber.

'Ccmeplex'ing lipids using: the method described: herein ext-aids; interactinn between fipids and turning! miaroargganisms, thus maintaining more optimat digestion of fibrous feeds and other ingredients that may otherwise be impaired in the presence of unsaturated Iipida In the minat tive track potyunsmurated fats generaliy are mere digestibte than saturated; mtg,~ thus yietding more energy for the animat. Preventing extensive biohydm-gsenation of tipids thus represents a means of improving enetgy value of fats for ruminants, PCT/U82012/066661 Mineral elements ’also coneli’tute a logical target for protection. For example, sodium seleoi’ce= which is a: relatively available source of essential selenium, is utilized by l microorganism: to synthesize 'selenooysteine, which has relatively poor bioavailéaoillty in the umioel digestive tract. Protecting: selenium within the mineral matrix des interaotlaeo with ruminal microbes, preserving the more available form of this essential mineral. Minimizing interactions between mineral elements and ruminal microorganisms may have other ages. as well: For instance, heavy metals- suoh ae zine, cooper, andE manganese are e of , inducing antimicrobial resistance among microorganisms exposed to these elements, thus impeding. efficacy of important antimicrobial drugs. By ing the heavy metals within a protective matrix: interaction will] ruminal microorganlsms are avoided, thee precluding the neceeelty for microorganisms to liar-“lemme genes that encode for antimiofoblal resistance elements.

The applications above are ed to serve only as examples. and by no means rtheee be ued as a finite list of'epollcations‘ The. same process could be employed as a means of protecting {at soluble ns, enzymes, probiotiee, prebiotlcs, carbohydrates. pharmaceuticals, essential oils! minerals and other compoundel thus assuring that greater proportions of these products are presented ooet—wminally to e their desired effects on the host (animal or microbial populations lathe oestrominal tract Thus: while the invention oae been shown in several of its forms; it is not thus. limited 2-5 but is susceptible to various changes and tmodifiCations without: departing from the spirit thereof. _ 24-

Claims (22)

Claims:

1. A method for processing ruminant animal feed which increases the proportion of dietary ingredients present in the feed that are resistant to degradation by ruminal microorganisms, the method comprising the steps of: combining ruminant animal feed ingredients with a binder composition and a blending aid to thereby form a raw feed mixture; 10 processing the raw feed mixture so formed into a pellet or prill comprised of agglomerated particles; and wherein the binder composition is comprised of a calcitic or dolomitic mineral hydrate, either alone or in combination with a companion ition selected from 15 the group consisting of mineral ates, mineral oxides, and combinations thereof.

2. The method of Claim 1, wherein the binder composition is made up of hydrated lime ed with a mineral carbonate.

3. The method of Claim 1, wherein the binder composition is comprised of a mixture of hydrated lime and a calcitic or tic carbonate l material.

4. The method of Claim 3, wherein the carbonate mineral material is ed from 25 the group consisting of calcium carbonate, ium carbonate, dolomite and mixtures thereof.

5. The method of Claim 1, wherein the binder composition is about 40% by weight hydrated lime and 60% by weight dolomitic limestone. _ 25-

6. The method of any one of Claims 2—5, wherein the hydrated lime is selected from the group consisting of high calcium, dolomitic or partially hydrated dolomitic limes produced in a pressure hydrator or in an atmospheric hydrator.

7. The method of any one of Claims 2—5, n the hydrated lime is made from a starting material selected from the group consisting of high calcium lime, magnesium lime, calcitic dolomitic lime and dolomitic lime.

8. The method of any one of Claims 2—7, wherein the hydrated lime is present in the 10 range from about 10 to 95% by weight of the total raw feed mixture.

9. The method of any one of Claims 1-8, n the raw feed e is processed by means of a pin mixer, pellet mill, disc izer, drum pelletizer, extruder, or other device suitable for producing agglomerated particles.

10. The method of any one of Claims 1-9, wherein the blending aid is water.

11. The method of any one of Claims 1-9, wherein the blending aid is a high moisture content ingredient which contains water.

12. The method of any one of Claims 1-9, wherein the ng aid is a non—aqueous solvent.

13. The method of any one of Claims 1-12, wherein a secondary coating is applied to 25 the agglomerated particles after agglomeration.

14. The method of any one of Claims 1-13, wherein the erated particles are exposed to carbon dioxide during processing to thereby yield a final product which contains a greater proportion of mineral carbonates which are basically ruminally 30 inert. _ 26—

15. The method of any one of Claims 1—14, wherein the agglomerated particles include lysine, methionine or other amino acids as a means of increasing the tion of those compounds that are available for absorption in the animal postruminal tract.

16. The method of any one of Claims 1—15, wherein the agglomerated particles include choline and water soluble vitamins that may be required by the animal in quantities that exceed those which would normally escape digestion by ruminal

17. The method of any one of Claims 1-16, wherein the agglomerated particles so produced provide for the protection of monounsaturated or polyunsaturated lipids which normally are extensively biohydrogenated by ruminal microorganisms to yield saturated lipids.

18. The method of any one of Claims 1-17, wherein the agglomerated les so produced provide for the protection of fat soluble vitamins, s, probiotics, tics, carbohydrates, pharmaceuticals, essential oils, minerals, and other compounds which assure that a greater proportion of these products are presented 20 post-ruminally.

19. A ruminant animal feed, comprising: ruminant animal feed ingredients combined with a binder composition and water to 25 y form a raw feed e, the raw feed mixture so formed being processed into a sed feed pellet comprised of agglomerated particles; wherein the binder composition is comprised of a calcitic or dolomitic mineral e, either alone or in combination with a companion composition selected from 30 the group consisting of mineral carbonates, mineral oxides, and combinations thereof; and _ 27- n the so processed agglomerated particles are effective to increase the proportion of dietary ingredients present in the feed that are resistant to ation by ruminal microorganisms.

20. The ruminant animal feed of Claim 19, wherein the binder composition is comprised of dolomitic ed lime combined with a companion material selected from the group consisting of calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, te and mixtures thereof. 10

21. A ruminant animal feed produced by the method of any one of Claims 1-18.

22. The method of Claim 1, substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the Examples and/or