WO1997002756A1

WO1997002756A1 - Thixotropic animal feed suspensions with improved functional flexibility

Info

Publication number: WO1997002756A1
Application number: PCT/US1995/009083
Authority: WO
Inventors: Robert Roskowiak
Original assignee: Cargill Incorporated
Priority date: 1995-07-13
Filing date: 1995-07-13
Publication date: 1997-01-30

Abstract

This invention provides a liquid animal feed suspension and a method for making a liquid animal feed suspension that remains stable and flowable over wide pH, temperature and dry matter ranges. The liquid feed provides high levels of phosphorus and other nutrients without requiring the use of suspending aids, such as clays and gums.

Description

THIXOTROPIC ANIMAL FEED SUSPENSIONS WITH IMPROVED

FUNCTIONAL FLEXIBILITY

The present invention relates to animal feed suspensions which are liquid feed supplements that remain positionally stable and flowable over wide pH, temperature and dry matter ranges, while providing high levels of nutrients. More particularly, the feed suspensions of the present invention provide increased levels of dietary phosphorus and are capable of providing other nutrients while not requiring the use of suspending agents such as clays or gums.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Phosphorus and other nutrients are required by animals in large quantities for optimal growth and health. Hence, animal feed supplements are used to enrich and fortify animal feeds. Supplementation plays a pivotal role in supplying minerals, protein, energy vitamins, and trace elements which are often deficient in native forage and grains. Liquid animal feed supplements have become a popular form of feed supplements as they can provide this nutrition in a single package without the problems of palatability, dustiness, feed segregation, waste, and handling which are experienced with dry supplements.

The inclusion of soluble and insoluble nutrients in a liquid animal feed has limited the use of liquid animal feed supplements. Gelling of liquid feeds is a common problem faced by manufacturers and their customers. Gelling can restrict flowability, particularly as temperature decreases and storage length increases. Unfortunately, these gels are formed due to phosphates of calcium, magnesium, and iron, which are many of the nutrients in shortest supply in the ration and most in need of supplementation. As a result, many liquid supplements are subsequently lower in phosphorus than can efficiently meet this market need. A stable liquid feed with a high phosphorus content capable of suspending insoluble minerals needed in the diets of most animals has heretofore not been available because a feed high in phosphorus has also been too viscous, or even solid over broad temperature and pH ranges.

Positional stability of liquid mineral supplements has previously depended on suspending aids like clay and gum to suspend insoluble materials. Since these suspending aids are nutritionally inert, the user incurs significant costs for transporting and storage of ingredients having no nutrient value. Further, as the utilization of numerous by-products increases, problems arise with dispersibility, poor high temperature stability, and increased restrictions on the order in which the feed can be mixed.

Monogastric animals such as swine, horses and poultry do not utilize non-protein nitrogen (NPN) . The use of NPN containing ingredients like urea, ammonium polyphosphate, and anhydrous ammonia has been required in liquid feeds for reasons of flowability, buffer and pH control. This tends to limit the pH of the feed supplement to below about 7.0 due to generation of ammonia gas and has effectively kept these suspensions out of the swine, poultry and horse markets.

Attempts have been made to provide thixotropic animal feed suspensions. For example, U.S. Patent No. 4,267,197 describes liquid animal feed supplements using ammonium phosphate or sulfate salts as a gelling agent for an aqueous sugar solution. A solid dispersant such as gelatinized starch, an alkali metal alginate, or a clay can be used to impart high temperature stability to the gel. The feed supplement contained about 12 weight percent or more total sugars, up to about 1.04 weight percent phosphorus, and about 0.35 to about 0.80 weight percent divalent cations. A suspension with more than about 1.1 weight percent phosphorus and which is capable of supplying up to about 12 weight percent phosphorus is not described.

A need exists, therefore, for an animal feed suspension which will not settle or separate into distinct phases over extended periods of storage or during transportation and which will also permit high loading of phosphorus and other insoluble nutrients into the suspension, without requiring the use of suspending agents such as clays or gums.

An object of the present invention is to provide a stable liquid animal feed suspension with increased levels of phosphorus which does not require the use of suspending agents such as clays or gums.

Another object of the invention is to provide a stable liquid animal feed suspension which is stable over a wide temperature and pH range which is effective for suspending up to about 40 weight percent undissolved solids.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a stable liquid animal feed suspension which not only has high phosphorus content, is stable and does not solidify over broad temperature ranges, and is capable of delivering other nutrients and proteineous nitrogen to the animal.

Other objects, advantages, features and characteristics of the present invention will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description and the appended claims.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The liquid animal feed of the present invention provides a method for making a feed composition and a feed composition with high levels of phosphorus with the flexibility in formulation to provide other nutrients, without requiring the use of suspending aids, such as clays or gums. By controlling and utilizing reactions between effective amounts of soluble divalent cations and effective amounts of soluble phosphorus to provide a flowable feed with a viscosity of about 1000 to about 10,000 cps measured over a temperature range of from about 10'F. to about 100°F, rather than using suspending agents, a positionally stable, flowable thixotropic liquid animal feed can be produced which provides a level of soluble phosphorus of at least about l.l weight percent. The liquid animal feed is effective to provide up to about 12 weight percent phosphorus and can be utilized as a carrier to provide significant levels of other nutrients, including calcium, magnesium, protein, fat, and trace elements.

The present invention provides a stable liquid animal feed composition comprising a soluble phosphorus source, a soluble divalent cation source, a soluble carbohydrate and water, the liquid feed having a viscosity of from about 1000 cps to about 10,000 cps measured over a temperature range of from about 10°F. to about 100°F. The soluble and insoluble phosphorus sources, the divalent cation source, the soluble carbohydrate and water being mixed in effective amounts to provide the stable feed with at least about 1.1 weight percent soluble phosphorus, and being effective to provide up to about 12 weight percent phosphorus, based on the weight of the feed. The aforedescribed viscosity and the liquid feed is effective for suspending at least about 40 weight percent undissolved solids over a pH range of from about 5.0 to about 9.0 for a period of time up to about 12 weeks over a temperature range of from about 10'F. to about 100'P. The liquid feed provides at least about 50 weight percent dry matter.

In an important aspect of the invention, the stable liquid animal feed has the aforedescribed viscosity and comprises from about l.l to about 12 weight percent phosphorus, wherein from about 1.1 to about 5.0 weight percent of the phosphorus is soluble; from about 0.05 to about 0.3 weight percent soluble divalent cation, such that the ratio of soluble phosphorus to divalent cation is about 5:1 to about 50:1; from about 3 to about 20 weight percent soluble carbohydrates, and from about 20 to about 50 weight percent water. The indicated viscosity and the liquid feed being effective for suspending at least up to 40 weight percent undissolved solids over a pH range of from about 5.0 to about 9.0 for a period of up to about 12 weeks at a temperature of from about 10'F. to about 100°F. The liquid feed provides at least about 50 weight percent dry matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As used in this application, "suspending agent" or "suspending aid" includes clays, gums, starch or alginate.

"Clay" means a plastic mixture of silica and alumina which may be silicate mineral which hardens when heated and which in powdered form is an effective dispersing agent. Clays include but are not limited to attapulgite and sepiolite. "Gum" means a polysaccharide material of plant origin which forms colloidal gels in water. Gums include but are not limited to xanthan gum and carrageenan gum.

"Thixotropic" refers to a gel matrix that thickens with time but can be disrupted by agitation or recirculation, and re-thickens when allowed to sit. In the present invention, the feed supplement may be agitated or circulated prior to its application or use.

"Dissolved" in respect to a liquid animal feed, means that the material which is dissolved does not exist in a liquid in particulate form having at least about 5 weight percent particles having diameters greater than 30 nM which are as measured by dynamic light scattering.

"Undissolved Solids" in respect to a liquid animal feed, means material that exists in the liquid in particulate form having at least about 5 weight percent particles having diameters greater than 30 nM which are as measured by dynamic light scattering.

"Positionally Stable" refers to a liquid animal feed which has substantially the same viscosity throughout the feed and the ingredients are quantitatively substantially the same throughout the feed such that solid and liquid materials do not float, settle or separate out.

"Soluble Phosphorus" refers to a phosphorus source with a water solubility of at least about 10 grams per liter.

"Dry Matter" refers to all of the components which remain after water is removed.

By balancing effective amounts of water, a soluble carbohydrate, a soluble source of dietary phosphorus, and a soluble source of divalent cations, the invention provides a stable liquid having a viscosity of from about 1000 cps to about 10,000 cps measured over a temperature range of from about 10 to about 100°F. The stable liquid is capable of suspending insoluble phosphorus to provide a liquid feed suspension with a total phosphorus content of at least about 1.1 weight percent, and is capable of providing up to 12 weight percent phosphorus. Soluble divalent cations such a calcium and magnesium act with soluble phosphorus to increase the viscosity of the feed. Hence, the amount of each of these sources must be balanced in amounts effective for not hardening the liquid feed into a solid form or raising the viscosity of the feed above the desired limits described above. In an important aspect of the invention, the ratio of soluble phosphorus to divalent cation is about 5:1 to about 50:1.

The liquid feed of this invention may contain other ingredients including suspended solids such as carbonates, oxides, proteins and undissolved dietary salts; fats such as animal fats, vegetable oils and soapstocks; dissolved solids such as chlorides, sulfates, hydroxides, acids and urea. The liquid feed of this invention is effective to provide between about 50 to about 80 weight percent dry matter, based on the weight of the feed.

Soluble and Insoluble Phosphorus

Any soluble or insoluble phosphorus source suitable for an animal's diet is suitable for use in the liquid feed of the invention. The particle size of the soluble phosphorus is such that about 100% of the particles pass through a U.S. #10 screen. Sources of soluble phosphorus include any soluble form of orthophosphate, polyphosphate, pyrophosphate including sodium phosphate monobasic, sodium phosphate dibasic, sodium phosphate tribasic, potassium phosphate mono, di- or tribasic, ammonium phosphate mono or dibasic, phosphoric acid, ammonium polyphosphate, sodium tripolyphosphate, tetrasodium pyrophosphate, sodium hexametaphosphate and mixtures thereof. Calcium phosphate monobasic is a source of both soluble phosphate and divalent cations and will alone provide thickening.

Insoluble sources of phosphorus are added to the feed to increase the total amount of phosphorus supplied in the diet. The insoluble phosphorus sources will be sufficiently insoluble and unreactive such that they do not result in an increase in viscosity. Sources of insoluble phosphorus include calcium phosphate dibasic, magnesium phosphate dibasic, calcium pyrophosphate, calcium phosphate tribasic, and mixtures thereof.

Divalent Cations

Divalent cations are provided primarily through pure soluble salts like calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, magnesium sulfate, and mixtures thereof.

Divalent cations are also provided in limited amount in by-products like cane molasses, condensed fermented corn extractives, condensed separator by-product, bitterns and mixtures thereof. The soluble divalent cations may also serve to enhance freeze stability of the liquid feed.

The Carbohydrate Source

The source of carbohydrates in the feed may be sugars such as sucrose and glucose, and nutritive liquids such as beet and cane molasses, condensed beet solubles, and corn steep liquor. The carbohydrate source comprises from about 3 to about 20 weight percent of the liquid feed. The soluble carbohydrate source provides a medium that supports gelation with the introduction of the sources of soluble phosphate and divalent cations. The source of carbohydrates in the feed includes pure sugar solutions, sugar rich by-products, non sugar carbohydrate and mixtures thereof. Examples of sugars which are carbohydrates include glucose, sucrose, fructose, and maltose. Sugar rich by-products includes molasses, including cane, beet and citrus, hemicellulose extract, condensed separator by-product and condensed whey. Examples of non sugar carbohydrates includes condensed fermented corn extractives, gelatinized starch and delactosed whey.

In an important aspect of the invention, the carbohydrate source is a blend of corn steep and condensed separator by-product (CSB) . In this connection corn steep liquor means condensed fermented corn extractives and condensed separator by-product is a beet molasses containing about 20 weight percent sugars. In another aspect of the invention, condensed beet solubles can be utilized as a source of carbohydrates. Condensed beet solubles means beet molasses which has been desugared by fermentation and which contains lower levels of sugars. In another important aspect of the invention, the carbohydrate source is cane molasses having about 84 Brix.

In another aspect of the invention, the liquid feed supplement may also contain from about 0 to about 11.5 weight percent of a sugar as described above.

Optional Insoluble Ingredients

Insoluble ingredients including carbonates such as calcium carbonate, calcium salts such as calcium sulfate, calcium phosphate di- or tribasic, calcium pyrophosphate, oxides such as magnesium oxide, proteins and undissolved dietary salts may be added to the liquid feed in amounts ranging from about 0 to about 40 weight percent of the liquid feed. It is an important aspect of the invention, the liquid feed of the invention has the ability to provide a suspension of insoluble solids of up to about 40 weight percent of the liquid feed over a broad temperature range of about 10° to about 100°F. In an important aspect of the invention, the liquid feed suspension includes calcium carbonate having a particle size such that 100% passes through a U.S. #100 screen, in an amount effective to provide up to about 15 weight percent calcium.

Optional Fat Source

The fat source includes, but is not limited to fat such as tallow, choice white or yellow grease, soapstock oils including raw soybean soapstocks and acidulated soapstocks, vegetable oils and mixtures thereof. Generally up to and including about 30 weight fat may be included in the liquid feed of the invention. If fat is used, however, the fat may effect the viscosity of the composition, and as a result, the other ingredients may have to be controlled to provide the viscosity of the liquid feed as described herein.

Optional Nitrogen Source

The liquid feed of the present invention does not require the use of NPN for reasons of flowability, buffering, or pH control. Hence, sources of nitrogen in the feed can include proteineous sources of nitrogen. Sources for dietary nitrogen includes but is not limited to ammonium polyphosphate, urea, oilseed meals, feed grade biuret, ammonium chloride, ammonium sulfate, anhydrous aqua ammonia, animal protein products, blood meal, feather meal, soybean meal, meat and bone meal, corn gluten meal, amino acids and mixtures thereof. Optional Thickening Agents

In another aspect of the invention, the liquid animal feed may also contain thickening agents. Suitable thickening agents include clays such as sepiolite and attapulgite, and gums such as xanthan gum, carrageenan gum and guar gum.

pH Control Ingredients

The pH of the liquid feed should be maintained between from about 5 to about 9. This control may be retained with acids and bases such as but not limited to phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid, sodium hydroxide and magnesium oxide. However, with certain ingredients, the pH may be adjusted to above 5 to avoid foaming of carbonates. Heretofore, higher pH systems decreased the solubility of phosphorus and tended to decrease the viscosity of the feed. In the instant invention, the pH should be controlled in the aforedescribed range to effect the desired viscosity. Further, if NPN nitrogen sources are used, such as ammonium polyphosphate, the pH of the system should be below about 7 so as to not effect the generation of ammonia gas.

Viscosity

The liquid feed is thixotropic and has a viscosity within the indicated range at the temperatures indicated. This viscosity, for commercial purposes, should be retained for a period of at least 12 weeks and, if the liquid feed sets up, it can be agitated to convert it to liquid form with a viscosity of from about 1000 to about 10,000 cps at a temperature of about 10 to about 100 °F., due to its thixotropic properties.

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SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 2$ The following table sets forth the ingredients and nutrient ranges which demonstrate the formulation flexibility provided by the present invention.

Weight Percent Ingredient General Preferred

Soluble Carbohydrate 3-20 3-15 Soluble Phosphorus 1.1-5 1.1-2.5 Divalent Cation 0.05-0.3 0.05-0.3 Total Phosphorous 1.1-12 2-10 Calcium 0-15 2-10 Protein 0-40 3-30 NPN 0-40 0-30 Fat 0-30 0-15 Suspending Aid 0-2 0-1 Trace Minerals/Vitamins 0-5 0.1-3 Magnesium 0-3 0.3-1.5

PH 5-9 5-7

Dry Matter 50-80 60-70

Total Sugars 0-11.5 2-10

Making the Liquid Feed of the Invention

The method of the invention comprises incorporating a soluble carbohydrate, a soluble phosphorus source and a soluble source of divalent cations into an aqueous solution in a sufficient quantity to effect an increase in viscosity of^'the solution.

Since the carbohydrate, phosphorus and divalent cations are also animal nutrients, supplying these additives to a solution serves the dual function of increasing viscosity and supplying the dietary requirements of these elements.

The general mix order for compositions covered by this invention involves first forming a thixotropic liquid phase and then suspending insoluble material. In an important aspect of the invention the mix order is water, divalent cation, soluble carbohydrate, soluble phosphorous, and insoluble material. The order in which ingredients can be mixed can be varied, however, the reaction between divalent cations and soluble phosphorus must take place in the presence of soluble carbohydrates and the divalent cation and soluble phosphorus must be dissolved to be effective. Ingredients may be added in dry form or in a solution, however, as indicated, soluble phosphorus, divalent cation and soluble carbohydrate must be dissolved to be effective.

The following examples illustrate methods for carrying out the invention and should be understood to be illustrative of, but not limiting upon, the scope of the invention which is defined in the appended claims.

EXAMPLES

EXAMPLE I

Table 1 as follows demonstrates the effect different levels of soluble phosphorous, divalent cations, and different amount of dry matter on gel strength. All amounts are expressed as weight percent.

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SUBST1TUTE SHEET (RULE 26) Ingredient #1 #2 #3 #4 #5 #6 #7 #8

Water 33.20 21.92 26.73 15.14 20.23 6.84 13.74 0.92

Corn Steep Liquor 0 14.00 0 14.00 0 14.00 0 14.00

Cond. Sep. By-Product 0 21.38 0 32.76 0 45.46 0 53.98

Phosphoric Acid (75%) 0 10.00 0 8.00 0 6.00 0 5.00

Sodium Hydroxide (50%) 0 12.00 0 9.60 0 7.40 0 6.00

Ammonium Polyphosphate 6.00 0 6.00 0 6.00 0 6.00 0

Limes one 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 co Ca Phosphate dibasic 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00

CZ O CO 10 Calcium Chloride (77%) 0 0.70 0 0.50 0 0.30 0 0.10

Cane Molasses 40.80 0 47.27 0 53.77 0 60.26 0 m co TOTAL 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 rπ rπ

% Sugar 17.54 4.27 20.32 6.43 23.12 8.85 25.91 10.47 cr % soluble phosphorus 0.90 2.51 0.90 2.04 0.90 1.56 0.90 1.33

_ ftP?) 15 % divalent cation 0.50 0.28 0.56 0.27 0.64 0.24 0.73 0.21

Sol . P/Div.cation ratio 1.8:1 9.0:1 1.6:1 7.5:1 1.4:1 6.5:1 1.2:1 6.3:1

% dry matter 55 55 60 60 65 65 70 70

Viscosity (cps) 250 1750 500 1800 850 2000 1300 2000

Stability settl no settl no settl no settl no -ing sett. -ing sett. -ing sett . -ing sett .

The data from Table 1 demonstrates that adequate gel strength and suspendability can be supplied within a wide range of dry matter. The ratio of soluble phosphorus to divalent cation was increased gradually by raising soluble phosphorus levels to provide similar viscosity at 55% and 70% dry matter. Compositions #2, #4, #6 and #8 show animal feed compositions within the claimed ranges that did not show settling (no sett.) . In comparison, compositions #1, #3, #5 and #7 have amounts of ingredients outside of the claimed ranges, and these compositions had low viscosity or showed settling of components.

EXAMPLE II

Table 2 provides examples of typical commercial product. Thickening is provided by controlling gelling reactions between soluble phosphorus and divalent cations in low-cost by-products (corn steep, condensed separator by-products) , with or without clay. The product also provides high mineral levels (9% calcium and 5% phosphorus) in a stable flowable liquid. All amounts are expressed as weight percent.

Table 2

With No

Ingredients clay Clay

Water 11.72 12.76

Clay (25%) 1.00 0

Corn Steep Liquor 16.00 15.00

Condensed Separator By¬ 18.28 16.94 product

Phosphoric Acid 5.00 6.00 (75%)

Sodium Hydroxide 6.00 7.30 (50%)

Limestone 12.00 12.00

Calcium Phosphate 20.00 20.00 dibasic

Animal Fat 10.00 10.00

TOTAL 100 100

PH 5.8 5.8

% soluble 1.34 1.57 phosphorus

% Divalent Cation 0.12 0.11

Sol. P/Divalent 11.0:1 14.3 :1 Cation Ratio

% Dry Matter 69 69

Total Sugar 3.7 3.4

Viscosity (cps) 1800 2000

EXAMPLE III

Table 3 shows that high levels of soluble phosphorus can be provided cheaply by limiting divalent cation levels. Much higher levels (10% calcium and phosphorus) can be supplied by supplementing the soluble phosphorus with insoluble, suspended minerals in a stable gel. All amounts are expressed as weight percent. Table 3

Ingredients #1 #2

Water 23.37 24.07

Corn Steep Liquor 17.24 12.00

Condensed Separator By¬ 7.20 7.25 product

Sodium Phosphate 9.53 9.53 monobasic

Sodium Phosphate 6.35 6.35 dibasic

Limestone 26.31 0

Calcium Phosphate 0 30.80 dibasic

Animal Fat 10.00 10.00

TOTAL 100 100

% calcium 10.00 7.00

% phosphorus 4.2 10.00

% soluble 4.00 4.00 phosphorus

% Divalent Cation 0.14 0.12

Sol . P/Divalent 28.5:1 33.3:1 Cation Ratio

% Dry Matter 65.5 67.5

% Total Sugar 1.6 1.5

Viscosity (cps) 2300 2600

EXAMPLE IV

Table 4 demonstrates the temperature stability of the liquid animal feed. The liquid feed maintains a viscosity within the claims ranges between 10° and 100°F. Table 4.

Ingredients

Water 16.70

Corn Steep Liquor 3.50

Condensed Separator By¬ 25.00 product

Salt 5.00

Phosphoric acid 5.50 (75%)

Sodium Hydroxide 6.30

Limestone 14.00

Calcium Phosphate 18.00 tribasic

Animal Fat 5.00

Clay (25%) 1.00

Viscosity (cps) 8200 10^°F

Viscosity (cps) 5200 40"F

Viscosity (cps) 2100 70°F

Viscosity (cps) 1600 100°F

EXAMPLE V

Table 5 shows the effect of the solubility of phosphate added via the dry phase. A thixotropic base is formed by soluble phosphorus and divalent cations within a soluble carbohydrate (corn steep, condensed separator by-product) . The thixotropic base is used to suspend the dry phase. In #1 and #2, the phosphates are insoluble and suspend easily without excessive thickening. The soluble phosphates in #3 - #5 partially dissolve, interfering with the liquid phase, reducing its flowability. The ionized phosphates can also react with any remaining divalent cation. Amounts are expressed as weight percent. Table 5

Ingredient #1 #2 #3 #4 #5

Water 17.03 17.03 17.03 17.03 17.03

Corn Steep Liquor 12.00 12.00 12.00 12.00 12.00

Cond. Sep. By-Product 20.67 20.67 20.67 20.67 20.67

Phosphoric Acid (75%) 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.00

Sodium Hydroxide (50%) 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30

Ca Phosphate dibasic 27.00 0 0 0 0

Tetracalcium 0 27.00 0 0 0

10 pyrophosphate

Na Phosphate monobasic 0 0 27.00 0 0

I Na Phosphate dibasic 0 0 0 27.00 0

CO VO

_x m I Ca Phosphate monobasic 0 0 0 0 27.00 rη

3D Limestone 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 c

15 TOTAL 100 100 100 100 100 ro

% dry matter 65 65 65 65 65

Viscosity (cps) at 24. 3550 3000 solid solid solid hours

Numerous modifications and variations in practice of the invention are expected to occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the foregoing detailed description of the invention. Consequently, such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.

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SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26J

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A stable liquid animal feed comprising a soluble phosphorus source, a soluble divalent cation source, a soluble carbohydrate, and water, the liquid feed having a viscosity of from about 1000 cps to about 10,000 cps measured over a temperature range of from about 10 to about 100°F, the soluble phosphorus source, the soluble divalent cation source, and water being mixed in effective amounts to provide the stable feed with at least about 1.1 weight percent phosphorus, based on the weight of the feed, the liquid feed effective for providing up to about 12 weight percent phosphorus, based on the weight of the feed, said viscosity and the liquid feed being effective for suspending up to about 40 weight percent undissolved solids over a pH range of from about 5.0 to about 9.0, and the liquid feed being effective to provide at least about 50 weight percent dry matter, based on the weight of the feed.

2. A stable liquid feed as recited in claim 1 wherein the source of soluble phosphorus is selected from the group consisting of orthophosphate, polyphosphate, pyrophosphate and mixtures thereof .

3. A stable liquid feed as recited in claim 2 wherein the source of soluble phosphorus is selected from the group consisting of sodium phosphate monobasic, sodium phosphate dibasic, sodium phosphate tribasic, potassium phosphate mono, di- or tribasic, ammonium phosphate mono or dibasic, phosphoric acid, ammonium polyphosphate, sodium tripolyphosphate, tetrasodium pyrophosphate, sodium hexametaphosphate, calcium phosphate monobasic and mixtures thereof.

4. A stable liquid feed as recited in claim 1 wherein the source of divalent cation is selected from the group consisting of calcium chloride, calcium phosphate monobasic, molasses, magnesium chloride, magnesium sulfate, bitterns, condensed separator by¬ products and mixtures thereof.

5. A stable liquid feed as recited in claim 1 which includes a source of insoluble phosphorus selected from the group consisting of calcium phosphate dibasic, magnesium phosphate dibasic, calcium pyrophosphate, calcium phosphate tribasic and mixtures thereof.

6. A stable liquid feed as recited in claim 1 wherein the source of soluble carbohydrate is selected from the group consisting of sugar solutions, sugar by¬ products, non sugar carbohydrate and mixtures thereof.

7. A stable liquid feed as recited in claim 6 wherein the source of soluble carbohydrate is selected from the group consisting of glucose, sucrose, fructose, maltose, cane molasses, beet molasses, citrus molasses, hemicellulose extract, condensed separator byproduct, condensed whey, condensed fermented corn extractives, gelatinized starch, delactosed whey, and mixtures thereof.

8. A stable liquid feed as recited in claim 1 wherein the feed further includes calcium carbonate having a particle size such that about 100% of particles pass through a U.S. #100 screen, and in an amount effective to provide a liquid feed with up to about 15 weight percent calcium.

9. A stable liquid animal feed comprising: from about 1.1 to about 12 weight percent phosphorus, wherein from about 1.1 to about 5.0 weight percent of the phosphorus is soluble; from about 0.05 to about 0.3 weight percent soluble divalent cation;

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SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26J from about 3 to about 30 weight percent soluble carbohydrate,- and from about 20 to about 50 weight percent water, the liquid feed having a ratio of soluble phosphorus to divalent cation in the range of from about 5:1 to about 50:1, the liquid feed having a viscosity of from about 1000 cps to about 10,000 cps measured over a temperature range of from about 10 to about 100°F, and said viscosity and the liquid feed being effective for suspending up to about 40 weight percent undissolved solids over a pH range of from about 5.0 to about 9.0, the liquid feed being effective to provide at least about 50 weight percent dry solids, based on the weight of the feed.

10. A stable liquid feed as recited in claim 9 wherein the source of soluble phosphorus is selected from the group consisting of orthophosphate, polyphosphate, pyrophosphate and mixtures thereof.

11. A stable liquid feed as recited in claim 10 wherein the source of soluble phosphorus is selected from the group consisting of sodium phosphate monobasic, sodium phosphate dibasic, sodium phosphate tribasic, potassium phosphate mono, di- or tribasic, ammonium phosphate mono or dibasic, phosphoric acid, ammonium polyphosphate, sodium tripolyphosphate, tetrasodium pyrophosphate, sodium hexametaphosphate, calcium phosphate monobasic and mixtures thereof.

12. A stable liquid feed as recited in claim 9 wherein the source of divalent cation is selected from the group consisting of calcium chloride, calcium phosphate monobasic, molasses, magnesium chloride, magnesium sulfate, bitterns, condensed separator by¬ products and mixtures thereof.

13. A stable liquid feed as recited in claim 9 which includes a source of insoluble phosphorus selected from the group consisting of calcium phosphate dibasic, magnesium phosphate dibasic, calcium pyrophosphate, calcium phosphate tribasic and mixtures thereof.

14. A stable liquid feed as recited in claim 9 wherein the source of soluble carbohydrate is selected from the group consisting of sugar solutions, sugar by¬ products, non sugar carbohydrate and mixtures thereof.

15. A stable liquid feed as recited in claim

14 wherein the source of soluble carbohydrate is selected from the group consisting of glucose, sucrose, fructose, maltose, cane molasses, beet molasses, citrus molasses, hemicellulose extract, condensed separator byproduct, condensed whey, condensed fermented corn extractives, gelatinized starch, delactosed whey, and mixtures thereof.

16. A stable liquid feed as recited in claim 9 wherein the feed further includes calcium carbonate having a particle size such that about 100% of particles pass through a U.S. #100 screen, and in an amount effective to provide a liquid feed with up to about 15 weight percent calcium.

17. A method of preparing a stable flowable liquid feed comprising: providing a source of water to provide about 20 to about 50 weight percent water; adding and mixing from about 0.05 to about 0.3 weight percent soluble divalent cation; adding and mixing a soluble carbohydrate in the amount of from about 3 to about 20 weight percent; and adding and mixing from about 1.1 to about 12 weight percent phosphorous, wherein from about 1.1 to about 5.0 weight percent of the phosphorous is soluble, wherein the liquid feed has a viscosity of from about 1000 cps to about 10,000 cps over a temperature range of from about 10 to about 100 'F.