WO2010014038A1

WO2010014038A1 - Feed for poultry and swine

Info

Publication number: WO2010014038A1
Application number: PCT/SG2008/000283
Authority: WO
Inventors: Nuanchan Paraska; Taweesak Songsaem; Ompraphan Songsaem; Sirinporn Sindhuvanich; Sakchai Wittaya-Areekul; Noppawan Phumala Morales; Tasana Pitaksuteepong; Anan Ounarun; Anothai Tangsumranjit; Uthai Wichai
Original assignee: The Thailand Research Fund; Kasetsart University; Better Pharma Co., Ltd.; Axis Ip Holding Pte Ltd
Priority date: 2008-07-31
Filing date: 2008-07-31
Publication date: 2010-02-04
Also published as: EP2317871A1; CN102202520B; CN102202520A; EP2317871B1; CN104839452A; CN104839476A; CN104839452B; EP2317871A4

Abstract

Feed and feed supplement for swine and poultry. The feed comprises the feed supplement. The feed supplement consists essentially of at least one of a predetermined concentration of Capsaicin, a predetermined concentration of essential oil of Ocimum sanctum L., a predetermined concentration of fructo-oligosaccharide and a pre-determined concentration of Curcumin. Process or method for manufacturing the feed supplement is also provided. The feed supplement produces physiological effects in poultry and swine when consumed thereby. In poultry, the feed reduces cholesterol content of eggs produced, enhances immunity against Newcastle disease, reduces stress effects and increases excretion of digestive enzymes when consumed by the poultry. In swine, the feed enhances immunity against Swine fever disease, increases growth rate and feed conversion ratio and enhances carcass characteristics thereof.

Description

FEED FOR POULTRY AND SWINE Field of Invention

The present invention relates generally to animal feed. More specifically, the present invention relates to feed for poultry and swine supplemented with at least one of Capsaicin, essential oil of Ocimum sanctum L., fructo-oligosaccharide and Curcumin.

Background

Food security is an essential basis of human welfare and of economic and political stability. Urbanization, rising income levels and population growth have changed the pattern of global food consumption considerably. There has been an increasing global demand for food of animal origin. Increasing affluence has contributed to increasing global demand for meat originating from poultry and other livestock such as swine. The increasing global demand for meat thereby increases pressure on meat producing countries to increase production and supply of meat to meet this increasing demand.

The increasing global demand for meat originating from poultry and swine has caused massive changes in rearing or breeding practice of poultry and swine. The 20^lh century has seen the emergence of large-scale farming operations aimed at securing a high- throughput rearing or breeding of animals, such as poultry and swine, for food. In such large-scale farming operations, the animals are typically reared in confinement or cages and fed defined feeds that are specifically formulated to increase growth rate and feed- conversion efficiency of the animals.

Feeds given to animals can influence the growth rate, feed-conversion efficiency and other characteristics of the animals being reared. Present day animal feeds typically comprise a wide variety of feed supplements (also known as feed additives) for enhancing the characteristics of the animal being reared. The feed supplements or additives are generally selected for their advantageous or beneficial effects on the animals to which they are given. For example, feed supplements that help increase or enhance the growth rate, feed-conversion efficiency and immunity of animals are generally welcomed by animal breeders. It should be noted that animal producers have to purchase the feed supplements, and hence the feed supplements should enable tangible or monetary returns (i.e. be cost effective) to the animal breeders. The market for feed supplements with advantageous or beneficial effects is already significant, and is set to grow rapidly with the rising demand for meat and other foods of animal-origin.

However,, inclusion of certain chemicals or etiologic agents in animal feeds or feed supplements can potentially adversely affect quality and safety of animal-based food products, which in may in turn pose risks to human health. For example, previous introduction of Tetrachlorvinphos in poultry feed used for controlling poultry mites has been linked to toxicity in humans. In addition, introduction of rendered animals in feed for livestock, such as cattle, has been shown to cause the bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) disease. It is apparent that selection of specific feeds or feed supplements is a challenging task. Feed supplements, and concentrations thereof, need to be carefully selected for enabling optimal benefits to the animals being reared while minimizing potential threats to animal or human well-being.

It will therefore be appreciated that improvements or enhancements to feeds and feed supplements for animals, for example poultry and swine, are increasingly important in light of the mounting pressure for their increased production and supply. Such improvements to animal feeds or feed supplements should not pose any significant health to human health.

Summary

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is disclosed a feed for poultry comprising a supplement. The supplement is selected from a group consisting essentially of a predetermined concentration of Capsaicin and a predetermined concentration of essential oil from Ocimum sanctum L.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is disclosed a feed for swine comprising a supplement. The supplement is selected from a group consisting essentially of a predetermined concentration of Capsaicin, a predetermined concentration of essential oil from Ocimum sanctum L. , a predetermined concentration of fructo-oligosaccharide, and a predetermined concentration of Curcumin.

In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, there is disclosed a feed supplement composition selected from a group consisting essentially of a predetermined concentration of Capsaicin, a predetermined concentration of essential oil from Ocimum sanctum L. , a predetermined concentration of fructo-oligosaccharide, and a predetermined concentration of Curcumin.

In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is disclosed a feed supplement for poultry comprising at least one of a predetermined concentration of Capsaicin and a predetermined concentration of essential oil of Ocimum sanctum L.. The predetermined concentration of Capsaicin is substantially between and including 5ppm and 40ppm and the predetermined concentration of Ocimum sanctum L. is substantially 20ppm.

In accordance with a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is disclosed a feed supplement for swine comprising at least one of a predetermined concentration of Capsaicin, a predetermined concentration of fructo-oligosaccharide and a predetermined concentration of Curcumin. The predetermined concentration of Capsaicin is substantially between and including 2.5ppm and 20ppm, the predetermined concentration of fructo-oligosaccharide is substantially between and including 0.05% and 0.1% and the predetermined concentration of Curcumin is substantially 25ppm.

In accordance with a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is disclosed a method for manufacturing a feed supplement. The method comprises mixing a quantity of Capsicum extract with a quantity of starch at a predetermined ratio. The quantity of Capsicum extract provides a predetermined concentration of Capsaicin. The method further comprises adding a binding agent for forming granules of the mixture of Capsicum extract and starch. The binding agent comprises a predetermined concentration of Polyvinylpyrrolidone K 90 and a predetermined concentration of starch paste. The method also comprises coating formed granules with substantially between and including 5% and 10% of hydroxy propyl methylcellulose. The feed supplement manufactured has enhanced palatability with at least one of poultry and swine.

In accordance with a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is disclosed a method for non-therapeutic treatment of poultry for reducing cholesterol content of eggs produced thereby. The method comprises orally administering a feed supplement, the feed supplement consisting essentially of a predetermined concentration of Capsaicin of substantially between and including 20ppm and 40ppm.

In accordance with an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is disclosed a method for non-therapeutic treatment of poultry for reducing effects resulting from stress in poultry. The method comprises orally administering a feed supplement, the feed supplement consisting essentially of at least one of a predetermined concentration of Capsaicin and a predetermined concentration of essential oil of Ocimum sanctum L..

In accordance with a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is disclosed a method for non-therapeutic treatment of poultry for enhancing immunity of poultry against Newcastle disease. The method comprises orally administering a feed supplement, the feed supplement consisting essentially of at least one of a predetermined concentration of Capsaicin and a predetermined concentration of essential oil of Ocimum sanctum L..

In accordance with a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is disclosed a method for non-therapeutic treatment of poultry for increasing excretion of digestive enzymes. The method comprises orally administering a feed supplement, the feed supplement consisting essentially at least one of a predetermined concentration of Capsaicin and a predetermined concentration of Ocimum sanctum L.. In accordance with an eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is disclosed a method for non-therapeutic treatment of swine for increasing immunity against Swine fever disease. The method comprises orally administering a feed supplement consisting essentially of at least one of a predetermined concentration of Capsaicin and a predetermined concentration of essential oil oϊOcimum sanctum L..

In accordance with a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is disclosed a method for non-therapeutic treatment of swine for improving carcass characteristics. The method comprises orally administering a feed supplement consisting essentially of at least one of a predetermined concentration of Capsaicin, a predetermined concentration of fructo-oligosaccharide and a predetermined concentration of Curcumin.

In accordance with a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, there is disclosed a method for non-therapeutic treatment of swine for increasing at least one of growth rate and feed conversion ratio. The method comprises orally administering a feed supplement consisting essentially of at least one of a predetermined concentration of Capsaicin, a predetermined concentration of fructo-oligosaccharide and a predetermined concentration of Curcumin.

Detailed Description

There is an increasing worldwide demand for meat and other food of animal origin such as eggs. With mounting pressure due to rapidly increasing demand for meat and other food of animal origin, feeds and feed supplements for animals have become increasingly important for enhancing productivity and quality of animals reared. However, feeds and feed supplements comprising certain chemicals or etiologic agents have been known to adversely affect quality and health safety of animal-based food products. It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that improvements to feeds and feed supplements for animals, more specifically to composition of animal feeds and feed supplements, are important for enhancing the rearing or breeding productivity of such animals. This is to meet the increasing demand for meat and other food of animal origin. In addition, the improved animal feed and feed supplements should not pose any health risks to human.

For purposes of brevity and clarity, the description of the present invention is limited hereinafter to feeds and feed supplements for poultry and swine, processes of manufacture of such feeds and feed supplements, as well as the physiological effects of such feeds and feed supplements on the animals to which they are given. This however, does not preclude various embodiments of the invention from other applications where fundamental principles prevalent among the various embodiments of the invention such as operational, functional or performance characteristics are required.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention include feeds and feed supplements for poultry and swine. The feed supplements of the present invention are preferably added into the feeds prior to consumption by the poultry and swine. Preferably, the feed supplements for poultry and swine comprise natural substances. The expression "natural substances" in this patent application can be understood as substances or compounds occurring in nature, obtained at least in part from natural products or synthesized through natural or non-artificial processes. Such "natural substances" have been said to be less likely to trigger adverse or allergic reactions when consumed as compared with artificial chemicals. Alternatively, at least one of the feed and the feed supplements comprises substances or components not classified as "natural substances".

Each of the feeds for poultry and swine provided by the present invention comprises at least one of Capsaicin, essential oil of Ocimum sanctum L., fructo-oligosaccharide

(FOS) and Curcumin. Preferably, the feed supplements provided by the present invention comprise at least one of Capsaicin, essential oil of Ocimum sanctum L., fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS) and Curcumin. More specifically, each of the feeds and feed supplements for poultry and swine provided by the present invention comprises a predetermined concentration of at least one of Capsaicin, essential oil of Ocimum sanctum L., FOS and Curcumin. Alternatively, the feed supplements provided by the present invention consist essentially of predetermined concentration of at least one of Capsaicin, essential oil of Ocimum sanctum L., FOS and Curcumin. It will be understood by a person skilled in the art that Capsaicin, essential oil of Ocimum sanctum L., FOS and Curcumin are generally considered to be "natural substances".

Capsaicin

Capsaicin is alternatively known as 8-methyl-N-vanillyl-trans-6-nonenamide, a name assigned by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC). Capsaicin is the active ingredient or component of plants belonging to the genus Capsicum. Generally, Capsaicin is present in large quantities in placental tissue, internal membranes and, to a lesser extent, other fleshy parts of fruits of the plants in the genus Capsicum. Capsaicin comprises cis/trans isomerism as presence of double bonds in Capsaicin's chemical structure prevent internal rotation. Generally, Capsaicin naturally exists as a trans isomer due to steric hindrance of the cis isomeric configuration. When consumed, Capsaicin has been known to stimulate sensory neurons, thereby producing a 'hot' or 'burning' sensation.

Generally, predetermined concentrations of Capsaicin can be added in into feeds or feed supplements as a crude extract of Capsicum or as purified Capsaicin.

Ocimum sanctum L.

Ocimum sanctum L. (also commonly known as Ocimum tenuiflorum) is a well-known aromatic plant in the family Lamiaceae (Mint family). The essential oil of Ocimum sanctum L. is obtained from leaves of Ocimum sanctum L.. Typically, the leaves of Ocimum sanctum L. further comprise tannins, for example gallic acid and chorogenic acid, alkaloids, glycosides and saponins along with the essential oil of Ocimum sanctum L.. The main constituents of the essential oil of Ocimum sanctum L. are β- bisabolene (at a concentration of 13-20%) 1,8-cineole (at a concentration of 9-33%) and methyl chavicol (at a concentration of 2-12%), specific concentrations of each constituent varying during development of the plant. Exact chemical composition of the essential oil of Ocimum sanctum L. also depends on geographical region in which the plant is grown. The essential oil produced from Ocimum sanctum L. grown in Thailand typically comprises Eugenol, more specifically methyl Eugenol, as one of the main constituents.

Fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS)

Fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS) is also known as oligofructose or oligofructan. Oligosaccharides are short chain of sugar molecules, and in the case of FOS, fructose molecules. FOS is generally extracted from fruits and vegetables including, but not limited to, bananas, onion, garlic, asparagus, barley, wheat and tomatoes. FOS is a class of oligosaccharides, which is generally used as an artificial or alternative sweetener. Generally, there are two different classes of FOS produced commercially, the first class of FOS produced by an inulin degradation or transfructoslation process, and the second class of FOS produced by transfructosylation of a β-fructosidase of Aspergillus niger on saccharose. Configuration of the osidic bonds of FOS enables FOS to resist hydrolysis by salivary and intestinal digestive enzymes. FOS is typically fermented by anaerobic bacteria located in the colon.

Turmeric Turmeric {Curcuma longa) is a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial plant of the ginger family, Zingiberaceae. Turmeric is native to South Asia. Generally, growth of Turmeric requires temperatures between 20⁰C and 30⁰C and considerable amount of annual rainfall. When used as a food additive, Turmeric is coded as ElOO. Turmeric can exist in two tautomeric forms, namely keto and enol. The keto form of Turmeric is preferably in solid phase while the enol form is preferably in solution or liquid phase. Turmeric was traditionally known as Indian saffron because of its deep yellow-orange coloration. Turmeric has been historically used as a condiment, healing remedy and textile dye. Curcumin

Curcumin is alternatively known as (IE, 6E)-l,7-bis (4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl) - 1 ,6-heptadiene 3,5-dione under the IPUAC. Curcumin is a principal curcuminoid of turmeric. Curcumin is considered the active ingredient of Turmeric. Curcuminoids are polyphenols and are responsible for the yellow color of turmeric. Curcumin is brightly colored and is typically used as a food coloring. When used as a food additive, Curcumin is coded as Ε10.

Curcumin can exist in at least two tautomeric forms, namely a keto and an enol. The enol form of Curcumin is energetically more stable than the keto form of Curcumin, both in solid phase and in solution. Curcumin incorporates several functional groups.

An important functional group of Curcumin comprises aromatic ring systems or polyphenols that are connected by two α,β-unsaturated carbonyl groups. The two carbonyl groups form a diketone which in turn form stable enols or are deprotonated to form enolates. The α,β-unsaturated carbonyl is a good Michael acceptor and enables

Curcumin to undergo nucleophillic addition reactions.

As previously mentioned, exemplary embodiments of feeds and feed supplements for poultry and swine provided by the present invention comprises predetermined concentrations of at least one of Capsaicin, the essential oil of Ocimum sanctum L., FOS and Curcumin. The predetermined concentration of Capsaicin is preferred provided by Capsicum extract. The Capsicum extract undergoes quantitative analysis to ensure that the feed and feed supplement comprises the predetermined or required concentration of Capsaicin. Alternatively, the predetermined concentration of Capsaicin is provided by a purified form of Capsaicin, which can be either in a liquid or a solid phase.

Preferably, the feed supplement comprising at least one of Capsaicin, the essential oil of Ocimum sanctum L., FOS and Curcumin is manufactured or produced separately from the feed. After manufacture of the feed supplement, the feed supplement is then mixed with the feed in a mixer or using other methods known to a person skilled in the art. At least one of the feeds and the feed supplements are in a granular form. Alternatively, at least one of the feeds and the feed supplements are in a semi-solid or paste form.

An exemplary process or method for manufacture of the feed supplement is provided by the present invention. An embodiment of the feed supplement provided by the present invention comprises granules of Capsicum extract, which provides a predetermined concentration of Capsaicin (Capsaicin functions as the active ingredient). The predetermined concentration of Capsaicin provided by the granules of Capsicum extract is preferably substantially between and including 2.5 ppm and 40 ppm. Further preferably, the concentration of Capsaicin provided by the granules of Capsicum extract can be varied as required.

The feed supplement comprising granules of Capsicum extract can be added into the feed for poultry and swine independently. Alternatively, the feed supplement comprising granules of Capsicum extract can be added into the feed together with one or more of the essential oil of Ocimum sanctum L., FOS and Curcumin. The relative concentrations of the essential oil of Ocimum sanctum L., FOS and Curcumin can be varied as required by methods known to a person skilled in the art.

It will be understood by a person skilled in the art that the predetermined or required concentrations of Curcumin in the feed or feed supplement can be obtained by mixing a corresponding required amount or concentration of Turmeric extract into the feed or feed supplement. Alternatively, the predetermined or required concentrations of Curcumin in the feed or feed supplement can be obtained by mixing purified Curcumin or Curcumin extract into the feed or feed supplement. Preferably, the predetermined concentration of Curcumin in the feed or feed supplement is substantially between and including 25ppm and 125ppm. The predetermined concentration of Curcumin can preferably be varied as required by methods known to a person skilled in the art. A first step in the method for manufacture of the feed supplement is preferably mixing the crude extract of Capsicum with starch in a ratio of 1 to 4 by weight. The starch used preferably originates from corn, and is thereby known as corn starch. Alternatively, starches of other origins including, but not limited to, tapioca can be used. The ratio by weight of the crude extract of Capsicum to starch can be varied as required. Preferably, the ratio by weight of the crude extract of Capsicum to starch determines concentration of the active ingredient of Capsicum, Capsaicin, in the manufactured feed supplement.

The mixing of the crude extract of Capsicum with starch is also known as granulation and preferably results in formation of granules of Capsicum extract. The granules of

Capsicum extract is preferably quantitatively analysed for determining concentration of

Capsaicin provided. Information gathered by the quantitative analysis can be used for altering the ratio by weight of the crude extract of Capsicum to starch. As previously mentioned, adjusting the ratio by weight of the crude extract of Capsicum to starch alters the concentration of Capsaicin provided in the feed supplement.

In a subsequent step of the method for manufacture of the feed supplement, binding agents are added to the granules of Capsicum extract. Preferably, the binding agents comprise Polyvinyl-pyrrolidone K 90 (PVPK 90) and starch paste. Further preferably, the PVPK 90 and the starch paste are suspended in water in concentrations of 10% and 5% weight/volume respectively before their addition to the granules of Capsicum extract. The concentrations of PVPK 90 and starch paste can be varied as required. Alternatively, other binding agents known to a person skilled in the art can also be used. Preferably, the binding agents are selected for generating or obtaining a damp mass of granules of Capsicum extract or feed supplement.

After the addition of binding agents to the granules of Capsicum extract, the granules of Capsicum extract are then coated with hydroxy-propy-methylcellulose. Preferably, the addition and presence of binding agents as described above facilitates the coating of the granules of Capsicum extract with hydroxy-propy-methylcellulose. Further preferably, the addition and presence of the above-specified concentrations of binding agents facilitates the coating of the granules of Capsicum extract with hydroxy-propy- methylcellulose.

Preferably, the granules of Capsicum extract are coated with a concentration of 5% to 10% of hydroxy-propy-methylcellulose. The coating of hydroxy-propy-methylcellulose preferably helps to mask the taste or 'burning' sensation caused by Capsaicin when consumed by the animal. In other words, the coating of hydroxy-propy-methylcellulose preferably enhances palatability of feed supplements, and of feeds comprising the feed supplements, for poultry and swine.

Although the exemplary process or method for manufacture of the feed supplement as described above results in the manufacture of feed supplement comprising granules of Capsicum extract, which are coated with hydroxy-propy-methylcellulose, for providing predetermined concentrations of Capsaicin, it will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that any one or more of the essential oil of Ocimum sanctum L., FOS and Curcumin can be included in the feed supplement and subsequently added into the feed. In addition, the concentrations of the any one or more of the essential oil of Ocimum sanctum L., FOS and Curcumin in the feed supplement can be varied as required by methods known to a person skilled in the art.

Exemplary embodiments of the feeds and feed supplements for poultry and swine provided by the present invention have beneficial or advantageous physiological effects on the poultry and swine when consumed thereby.

Examples of beneficial or advantageous physiological effects when the feeds or feed supplements are consumed by poultry include:

(a) Reduction in egg yolk cholesterol content of eggs produced by layers (also referred to as laying hens)

(b) Enhanced resistance to stress conditions in broilers (i.e. chickens that are specifically bred for meat production)

(c) Increase immunity of broilers against Newcastle disease (d) Increase excretion of digestive enzyme, such as proteases and lipases, in duodenum of broilers

Examples of beneficial or advantageous physiological effects when the feeds or feed supplements are consumed by swine include:

(a) Increase growth rate and feed conversion ratio of swine

(b) Enhanced immunity of Swine against Swine Fever Disease.

Preferably, the beneficial physiological effects on poultry and swine occurs when the feeds or feed supplements comprises a certain predetermined mix or composition and concentration of at least one of Capsaicin, the essential oil of Ocimum sanctum L., FOS and Curcumin.

Experimental data showing the various beneficial physiological effects to poultry and swine caused by the consumption of the feeds and feed supplements provided by the present invention by the poultry and swine is provided below.

Poultry

Example 1 : Exemplary feed for reduction of Cholesterol in eggs produced by layers Cholesterol is vital to ensure the body's normal function. Cholesterol is an essential component of the outer membrane that surrounds each cell in the body and is also used to insulate nerve fibers. In addition, cholesterol is a building block of hormones, which are used to transmit chemical signals around the body. However, high intake of cholesterol has been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as coronary heart disease and disease of arteries.

Eggs, more specifically egg yolks, contain dietary cholesterol. A typical chicken egg has approximately 200mg of cholesterol, depending in part on weight of the egg. It has been shown that high consumption of eggs can lead to high levels of cholesterol in the body, and hence to increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. It should therefore be appreciated that eggs with reduced cholesterol content will potentially command a higher consumer demand and consequently a higher value.

For purposes of the present invention, one hundred and sixty Rohmann Brown breed layers (also known as laying hens) were used. Effect of feeds or feed supplements comprising predetermined concentrations of Capsaicin on egg-yolk cholesterol content of eggs produced by the layers was obtained and studied.

The one hundred and sixty Rohmann Brown breed layers were divided into four groups with four replications of each of the four groups. Each replicate consists of ten layers.

Two layers were kept per cage in an evaporative housing system where feed and water were provided ad libitum. The animals were randomized and fed one of four experimental feeds as listed below:

(a) Control feed (b) Control feed + Coated Capsicum crude extract providing 20ppm Capsaicin

(c) Control feed + Coated Capsicum crude extract providing 30ppm Capsaicin

(d) Control feed + Coated Capsicum crude extract providing 40ppm Capsaicin

Components or composition of the control feed for layers are shown in Table 1 as provided below. It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the precise components or compositions of the control feed, as well as the relative amounts of each component of the control feed, can be varied as required.

Table 1: Feed components of control feed for layers

Four periods (28 days in each period) of egg collection were performed. The eggs were randomized and their egg yolk cholesterol content were analysed using the method described by the teachings in Abell et al. and Will and Greenfield.

It was found that eggs from layers fed with feeds supplemented with predetermined concentrations of Capsaicin (or feeds comprising feed supplements providing the predetermined concentrations of Capsaicin) had significantly reduced egg yolk cholesterol content. Increasing the Capsaicin concentration in the feed or feed supplement also facilitates reduction in egg yolk cholesterol content of layers. A summary of the results obtained is shown in Table 2.

Table 2: Effect of feed comprising Capsaicin on egg yolk cholesterol content

Example 2: Exemplary feed for enhanced prevention of stress effects in broilers

Animal production typically involves stress conditions, which can significantly affect productivity and health of the animals. Reducing the stress conditions or stress levels of animals can help enhance the productivity and health of the animals. For purposes of the prevent invention, 1200 broilers were used to study the effect of Capsaicin, and of Capsaicin together with the essential oil of Ocimum sanctum L. , on specified stress effects in broilers when consumed thereby.

More specifically, the stress effects studied or analysed included:

(a) Amount of free radical production, more specifically amount of serum thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARs)

(b) Ratio of heterophil to lymphocyte (heterophil: lymphocyte ratio)

(c) Villus height and jejunum morphology as an indication of the amount of lipid peroxidation of the intestinal epithelial cell

Free radicals are produced as a result of stress in broilers. Increasing amounts of free readicals in broilers is an indication of increasing stress levels thereof. The production or generation of free radicals is associated with a lower productivity and reduced immunity against diseases in broilers. The ratio of heterophil to lymphocyte serves as a measure of stress level in broilers. A higher heterophil to lymphocyte ratio is an indication of an increased stress level in broilers. Lipid peroxidation is also in direct relationship to level of stress in broilers. Increasing the level of stress in broilers causes increasing lipid peroxidation in the jejunum of broilers, thereby resulting in poorer jejunum morphology and reduced villi height.

The influence of six different experimental feeds (the six different experimental feeds being that listed above) on the stress effects as listed above is obtained and studied for purposes of the present invention.

The 1200 broilers were divided into six groups, each group being replicated five times.

Each replicate group consists of 40 broilers with an equal number of male and female broilers. The broilers were randomized and fed one of the six experimental feeds for 42 days. The six experimental feeds are as listed below: (a) Control feed

(b) Control feed + Coated Capsicum crude extract providing 5ppm Capsaicin (c) Control feed + Coated Capsicum crude extract providing lOppm Capsaicin

(d) Control feed + Coated Capsicum crude extract providing 15ppm Capsaicin

(e) Control feed + Coated Capsicum crude extract providing 20ppm Capsaicin

(f) Control feed + Coated Capsicum crude extract providing 5ppm Capsaicin + 20ppm essential oil of Ocimum sanctum L.

Feed components or composition of the control feed for broilers are shown in Table 3 as provided below. It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the precise components or compositions of the control feed, as well as the relative amounts of each component of the control feed, can be varied as required.

Table 3: Feed components of the control feed for broilers

After 42 days, blood was collected from four randomized broilers from each replicate group. White blood cell count for determining ratio of heterophil to lymphocyte was performed using the method described by Silakij, C. The amount of free radicals (the free radicals being TBARs) was measured using the method described in Asakawa and Matsushita. The amount or extent of lipid peroxidation was determined using the method disclosed by Uchiyama and Mihara.

It was found that feeds comprising predetermined concentrations of Capsaicin as well as feeds comprising predetermined concentrations of Capsaicin together with the essential oil of Ocimum sanctum L. aid prevention of the stress effects, as listed above, in the broilers. More specifically, the above feeds, when consumed by the broilers, resulted in:

(a) Decreased free radical (in terms of serum TBARs)

(b) Reduced heterophil to lymphocyte ratio; and

(c) Increased villus height and enhanced morphology of jejunum.

A summary of the results obtained, the results showing the effects of the feeds on prevention of stress effects of broilers when the feeds are consumed thereby, is shown in Table 4 as provided below.

Table 4: Effect of feeds comprising Capsaicin and Capsaicin + essential oil of Ocimum sanctum L. on prevention of effects due to stress

Example 3 : Exemplary feed for enhanced immunity of broilers against Newcastle disease

Newcastle disease is a highly contagious zoonotic disease that affects the digestive, respiratory and/or nervous systems of domestic poultry, cage and aviary birds, and wild birds. Newcastle disease is caused by a virus of the family Paramyxoviridae, genus Rubulavirus.

Due to a high susceptibility to Newcastle disease of domestic poultry, there is potential for a significant negative impact caused by an epidemic of the disease on poultry industries. Severity of symptoms or effects caused by Newcastle disease depends on strain of virus as well as the age and health of the animal. Symptoms typically include respiratory signs (e.g. gasping), nervous signs (e.g. depression, paralysis), swelling of the eyes and neck diarrhoea, misshapen, rough- or thin-shelled eggs and reduced egg production. Transmission of the Newcastle disease occurs by exposure to faecal and other excretions from infected birds, and through contact with contaminated feed, water, equipment and clothing. No treatment for Newcastle disease is currently known, but use of prophylactic vaccines and sanitary measures is known to reduce the likelihood of outbreaks.

Strains of the virus causing Newcastle disease can be categorized as velogenic, mesogenic or lentogenic. Velogenic strains produce severe nervous and respiratory signs, spread rapidly, and cause up to 90% mortality. Mesogenic strains cause coughing, affect egg quality and production, and result in up to 10% mortality in poultry. Lentogenic strains produce mild signs with negligible mortality in poultry. Exposure of humans to infected birds can cause mild conjunctivitis and influenza- like symptoms in humans.

Exemplary feeds provided by the present invention have been shown to enhance the immune or immune system of broilers against Newcastle disease. Preferably, the exemplary feed comprises a predetermined concentration of Capsaicin. Alternatively, the exemplary feed comprises a predetermined concentration of Capsaicin together with a predetermined concentration of the essential oil oiOcimum sanctum L .

1200 broilers were divided into six groups, each group being replicated five times and each replicate group consisting of 40 broilers with equal numbers of male and female broilers. The broilers were randomized and fed one of six experimental feeds for 42 days. The six experimental feeds are as listed below:

(a) Control feed

(b) Control feed + Coated Capsicum crude extract providing 5ppm Capsaicin (c) Control feed + Coated Capsicum crude extract providing 1 Oppm Capsaicin

(d) Control feed + Coated Capsicum crude extract providing 15ppm Capsaicin

(e) Control feed + Coated Capsicum crude extract providing 20ppm Capsaicin

Effect of the feeds on the immune of the broilers against Newcastle disease, when the feed is consumed by the broilers, is determined using the Haemagglutination Inhibition (HI) Test. The HI test is a test to detect the presence of a specified haemagglutinating virus or other haemagglutinating antigens. The presence of the specified haemagglutinating virus or other haemagglutinating antigens in a sample causes red blood cells in the sample to lose their ability to clump or stick together when an antibody to the specified haemagglutinating virus or haemagglutinating antigen is added.

It was found that the feed provided by the present invention enhances the immune of broiler against Newcastle disease. More specifically, the feed comprising 5 ppm of Capsaicin has been shown to increase the HI titer against the virus for Newcastle disease as compared to the control feed. The increased HI titer against the virus for Newcastle disease indicates an enhanced immune of the broiler against Newcastle disease. A summary of the effects of feeds comprising Capsaicin, or Capsaicin together with the essential oil of Ocimum sanctum L. , on the immune of broilers against the Newcastle disease is provided in Table 5.

Table 5: Effect of feeds comprising Capsaicin and Capsaicin + essential oil of Ocimum sanctum L. on the immune titer against Newcastle disease

Example 4: Exemplary feed for increased digestive enzymes excretion in broilers Increased excretion of digestive enzymes in the duodenum of broilers is generally advantageous or beneficial. This is because digestive enzymes, such as lipases and proteases, are essential for feed conversion and growth of broilers. Therefore, increasing the excretion of such digestive enzymes generally enhances feed conversion rate and growth of broilers.

As with example 2 and example 3, 1200 broilers were divided into six groups, each group being replicated five times and each replicate group consisting of 40 broilers with equal numbers of male and female broilers. The broilers were randomized and fed one of six experimental feeds for 42 days. The six experimental feeds are as listed below: (a) Control feed

(b) Control feed + Coated Capsicum crude extract providing 5ppm Capsaicin

(c) Control feed + Coated Capsicum crude extract providing 1 Oppm Capsaicin (d) Control feed + Coated Capsicum crude extract providing 15ppm Capsaicin

(e) Control feed + Coated Capsicum crude extract providing 20ppm Capsaicin

(f) Control feed + Coated Capsicum crude extract providing 5ppm Capsaicin + 20ppm essential oil of Ociinwn sanctum L.

Duodenal digesta were collected from each of the broilers after 42 days to determine amount of duodenal enzyme excretion or activities, more specifically amount of excretion of lipases and proteases. The amount of duodenal excretion or activity of lipases was determined following the protocol described in Lotrakul and Dharmsthiti and the duodenal excretion or activity of proteases was determined following the protocol described in Anson.

It has been found that consumption of the feeds provided by the present invention by the broilers increases duodenal enzymes excretion (unit/gram of duodenal digesta) of the broilers. More specifically, consumption of the feeds comprising predetermined concentrations of Capsaicin or predetermined concentrations of Capsaicin together with predetermined concentrations of essential oil of Ocimum sanctum L. by the broilers increases duodenal excretion of at least one of lipases and proteases.

A summary of the effects of feeds comprising Capsaicin, and of feeds comprising Capsaicin together with the essential oil of Ocimum sanctum L. , on duodenal enzymes excretion of broilers when consumed thereby is provided in Table 6.

Table 6: Effect of feeds comprising Capsaicin and Capsaicin + essential oil of Ocimum sanctum L. on the duodenal enzyme (lipase and protease) excretion

Swine

Example 5: Exemplary feed for enhanced immunity of swine against Swine fever disease

Swine fever is a highly contagious disease occurring in pigs and wild boar. Swine fever causes fever, skin lesions, convulsions and death in pigs. Swine fever is caused by the virus CSFV from the family Flaviviridae of the genus Pestivirus. Different CSFV strains cause a wide range of effects and symptoms. Highly virulent strains of CSFV typically cause acute symptoms, including neurological symptoms and hemorrhages within the skin, and high mortality. Less virulent strains of CSFV typically cause subacute infections that may escape detection in adult swine, while resulting in death in fetuses or new-borns.

Exemplary feeds provided by the present invention have been found to enhance immune response of swine or pigs against the Swine fever disease.

For purposes of the present invention, 192 commercial cross bred (Landrace x Largewhite x Duroc) piglets aging about 24 days were used to study effects of feeds comprising Capsaicin on swine when consumed thereby. The 192 piglets were divided into six groups, each group being replicated four times and comprising eight piglets each. Each group consists of four castrated male piglets and four female piglets. Each of the 192 piglets was randomly fed one of six experimental feeds for 42 days. The six experimental feeds are as listed below: (a) Control feed (b) Control feed + Coated Capsicum crude extract providing 5ppm Capsaicin (c) Control feed + Coated Capsicum crude extract providing 1 Oppm Capsaicin

(d) Control feed + Coated Capsicum crude extract providing 15ppm Capsaicin

(e) Control feed + Coated Capsicum crude extract providing 20ppm Capsaicin

Feed components of the control feed for swine are shown in Table 7. It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the precise components or compositions of the control feed, as well as the relative amounts of each component of the control feed, can be varied as required.

Table 7: Feed components of the control feed or feed for swine

After 42 days, four piglets were randomly selected or chosen from each replicate group. A sample of blood was collected from the jugular vein of each of the four piglets selected from each replicate group. Neutralizing Peroxidase Linkage Assay (NPLA) as described by Welly et al. was performed on each sample of blood to study or analyze the immune response of each of the four piglets selected from each replicate group to Swine fever disease.

It was found that swine fed with feed comprising Capsicum crude extract providing a predetermined concentration of Capsaicin has an enhanced immune response against Swine fever disease as analyzed by the NPLA. More specifically, swine fed with feeds comprising Capsaicin crude extract providing 5 ppm of Capsaicin has an increased immune titer (i.e. enhance immune response) against the Swine fever disease.

A summary of the effects of feeds comprising predetermined concentrations of Capsaicin, as well as feeds comprising Capsaicin together with the essential oil of Ocimum sanctum L, on the immune response of swine against the Swine fever disease when consumed by the swine as evaluated by the NPLA is provided in Table 8.

Table 8: Effect of Capsaicin and Capsaicin + essential oil of Ocimum sanctum L. on the immune titer against Swine fever disease

Example 6: Exemplary feed for improved carcass characteristics of swine Carcass characteristics of swine determine amount and quality of meat obtained from swine or pigs. Consequently, the amount and quality of meat produced determines revenue and profit of the breeders of the swine. Therefore, feeds and feed supplements contributing positively to the carcass characteristics of swine are beneficial to swine producers.

Exemplary feeds and feed supplements provided by the present invention facilitate improved carcass characteristics of swine.

720 three times cross-bred (Landrace x Largewhite x Duroc) piglets of about 24 days of age were randomly divided into six groups, each of the six groups being replicated four times. Two replicates of each group consist of 30 castrated male swine per replicate and the other two replicates of the same group consist of 30 female swine per replicate.

Each of the 720 piglets were randomly fed one of six experimental feeds or feeds as listed below:

(a) Control

(b) Control feed + Coated Capsicum crude extract providing 2.5 ppm Capsaicin + 0.1% FOS

(c) Control feed + Coated Capsicum crude extract providing 2.5 ppm Capsaicin + 0.05% FOS

(d) Control feed + Coated Capsicum crude extract providing 5 ppm Capsaicin + 0.1% FOS (e) Control feed + Coated Capsicum crude extract providing 5 ppm Capsaicin +

0.05% FOS

(f) Control feed + Coated Capsicum crude extract providing 2.5 ppm Capsaicin + 0.05% FOS + 25 ppm Curcumin

After a predetermined period of time, ten piglets or swine from each replicate of each of the six groups were sent to a standard slaughterhouse to study the effects of the different experimental feeds, as listed above, on the carcass characteristics, namely loin eye area, back fat thickness and meat depth.

Results have shown that the piglets or swine fed with the feed comprising coated Capsaicin crude extract providing 5 ppm Capsaicin and 0.1% FOS have improved carcass characteristics as compared to piglets or swine that were fed solely with the control feed. More specifically, results have shown an increase in the loin eye area, back fat thickness and meat depth of the carcasses of the piglets or swine fed with feed comprising coated Capsaicin crude extract providing 5 ppm of Capsaicin and 0.1% FOS.

A summary of the effects of exemplary feeds comprising predetermined concentrations of Capsaicin and FOS, or predetermined concentrations of Capsaicin, FOS and Curcumin, on the carcass characteristics of swine is provided in Table 9.

Table 9: Effect of Capsaicin, FOS and/or Curcumin on the carcass characteristics of Swine

Example 7: Exemplary feed for improving growth rate and feed conversion ratio of swines

Improving the feed conversion ratio of swines is advantageous for increasing the productivity of swine production. Improved growth rate and feed conversion ratio help to increase productivity of swine production thereby enabling higher profit margins for swine producers.

As with the experiment described in example 6, 720 three times cross-bred (Landrace x Largewhite x Duroc) piglets of about 24 days of age were randomly divided into six groups, each of the six groups being replicated four times. Two replicates of each group consist of 30 castrated male piglets per replicate and the other two replicates of the same group consist of 30 female piglets per replicate.

Each of the six groups of piglets were randomly fed one of six experimental feeds or feeds as listed below:

(a) Control

(d) Control feed + Coated Capsicum crude extract providing 5 ppm Capsaicin + 0.1% FOS

(e) Control feed + Coated Capsicum crude extract providing 5 ppm Capsaicin + 0.05% FOS (f) Control feed + Coated Capsicum crude extract providing 2.5 ppm Capsaicin +

0.05% FOS + 25 ppm Curcumin

Average feed intake and weight gain of each group of piglets were measured to calculate the growth rate and feed conversion ratio of the piglets. Results have shown that feed consisting of 5 ppm of Capsaicin and 0.1% FOS improves growth rate and feed conversion ratio of the piglets when consumed thereby. More specifically, the feed comprising 5ppm of Capsaicin and 0.1% FOS enhances growth rate and feed conversion ratio of the piglets when consumed thereby. Preferably, the growth rate and feed conversion ratio of the piglets are enhanced when the piglets are between 4 to 23 weeks of age.

A summary of the effect of feeds comprising predetermined concentrations of Capsaicin and FOS, or predetermined concentrations of Capsaicin, FOS and Curcumin on the growth performance, more specifically the growth rate and feed conversion ratio, of swine is provided in Table 10.

Table 10: Effect of feeds comprising Capsaicin, FOS and/or Curcumin on the growth performance of swine

The above experimental data shows the various beneficial physiological effects in poultry and swine effected by consumption of the exemplary feeds as described. For each of the examples described above, a person skilled in the art should understand that supplements or additions to the control feeds may be referred to as feed supplements. In addition, the control feeds together with their respective feed supplements can be referred to as feeds.

References

Abell, L.L., B.B. Levy., B.B. Brodie and F.E. Kendall. 1952. A simplified method for the estimate of total cholesterol in serum. J. Biol. Chem. 195: pages 357-366

Anson, M. L. 1938. The estimation of pepsin, trypsin, papain and cathepsin with hemoglobin. J. of General Physiology. 22: pages 79-89

Asakawa, T. and S. Matsushita. 1980. Coloring conditions of thiobarbituric acid test for detecting lipid hydroperoxides. Lipids. 15: pages 137-140

Berfeld, P. 1955. Amylase. In: S.P. Colowick and N.O. Kaplan, (eds.). Methods in Enzymology. Academic Press, New York, pages 149-158.

Lotrakul, P. and S. Dharmsthiti. 1997. Lipase production by Aeromonas sobria LP004 in a medium containing whey and soybean meal. World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology. 13: pages 163-166

Silakij, C. 1997. Veterinary Hematology. Auksornsamai Print, Bangkok. Page 211.

Uchiyama, M. and M. Mihara. 1978. Determination of malonaldehyde precursor in tissues by thiobarbituric acid test. Analytical Biochemistry. 86: pages 271-278

Welly, J.A., P.M. Richalet-Secordel and M.H.V. van Regenmortel. 1994. Immunochemistry of viral antigens, pp. 455-473 In CJ. van Oss and M.H.V. van Regenmortel, eds. Immunochemistry. Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, USA. 753 p.

Will, R.B.H. and H. Greenfild. 1984. Laboratory instruction Manual for Composition Studies. Department of Food Science and Technology, The University of New South Wales.

Claims

1. A feed for poultry comprising a supplement, the supplement selected from a group consisting essentially of: a predetermined concentration of Capsaicin; and a predetermined concentration of essential oil from Ocimum sanctum L.

2. The feed as in claim 1, the supplement consisting essentially of: substantially between and including 20 ppm and 40 ppm of Capsaicin.

3. The feed as in claim 2, wherein the feed facilitates production of eggs with reduced egg yolk cholesterol content when consumed by poultry.

4. The feed as in claim 1, the supplement consisting essentially of: substantially between and including 5 ppm and 20 ppm of Capsaicin; and substantially 20 ppm of the essential oil from Ocimum sanctum L.

5. The feed as in claim 4, wherein the feed facilitates at least one of reduced generation of serum thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, decreased heterophil to lymphocyte ratio and enhanced jejunum villi morphology of poultry when consumed thereby.

6. The feed as in claim 4, wherein the feed facilitates increased excretion of digestive enzymes in duodenum of poultry when consumed thereby.

7. The feed as in claim 6, wherein the digestive enzymes are at least one of lipases and proteases.

8. The feed as in claim 1, the supplement consisting: substantially between and including 5 ppm and 20 ppm of Capsaicin.

9. The feed as in claim 8, wherein the feed facilitates at least one of reduced generation of serum thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, decreased heterophil to lymphocyte ratio and enhanced jejunum villi morphology of poultry when consumed thereby.

10. The feed as in claim 8, wherein the feed facilitates increased excretion of at least one of lipases and proteases in duodenum of poultry when consumed thereby.

11. A feed for swine comprising a supplement, the supplement selected from a group consisting essentially of: a predetermined concentration of Capsaicin; a predetermined concentration of essential oil from Ocimum sanctum L ; a predetermined concentration of fructo-oligosaccharide; and a predetermined concentration of Curcumin.

12. The feed as in claim 1 1 , the supplement consisting essentially of: substantially between and including 5 ppm and 20 ppm of Capsaicin, wherein the feed enhances immune of swine against Swine fever disease when consumed thereby.

13. The feed as in claim 11, the supplement consisting essentially of: substantially between and including 2.5 ppm and 5 ppm of Capsaicin; and substantially between and including 0.05% and 0.1% of fructo- oligosaccharide.

14. The feed as in claim 13, wherein the feed facilitates at least one of decreased backfat thickness, increased loin eye area and increased meat depth of carcass when consumed by the poultry.

15. The feed for swine as in claim 13, wherein the feed facilitates at least one of increased rate of daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio of swine when consumed thereby.

16. The feed for swine as in claim 11, the supplement consisting essentially of: substantially between and including 2.5 ppm and 5 ppm of capsaicin; substantially between and including 0.05% and 0.1% of fructo- oligosaccharide; and substantially between and including 25 ppm and 125 ppm of Curcumin.

17. The feed for swine as in claim 16, wherein the feed facilitates at least one of decreased backfat thickness, increased loin eye area and increased meat depth of carcass when consumed by the poultry.

18. The feed for swine as in claim 16, wherein the feed facilitates at least one of increased rate of daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio of swine when consumed thereby.

19. A feed supplement composition selected from a group consisting essentially of: a predetermined concentration of Capsaicin, a predetermined concentration of essential oil from Ocimum sanctum L. , a predetermined concentration of fructo-oligosaccharide; and a predetermined concentration of Curcumin.

20. The feed supplement of claim 19 consisting essentially of : substantially between and including 20 ppm and 40 ppm of Capsaicin, wherein consumption of the feed supplement by poultry facilitates reduction in egg yolk cholesterol of eggs produced thereby.

21. The feed supplement of claim 19 consisting essentially of: substantially between and including 5 ppm and 20 ppm of Capsaicin; and substantially between and including 20 ppm of essential oil from Ocimum sanctum L..

22. The feed supplement of claim 21, wherein consumption of the feed supplement by poultry facilitates at least one of reduced generation of serum thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, decreased heterophil: lymphocyte ratio and enhanced jejunum villi morphology therein.

23. The feed supplement of claim 21, wherein consumption of the feed supplement by poultry facilitates increased excretion of at least one of lipases and proteases in duodenum thereof.

24. The feed supplement of claim 19 consisting essentially of: substantially between and including 2.5 ppm and 5 ppm of Capsaicin; and substantially between and around 0.05% and 0.1% of fructo- oligosaccharide.

25. The feed supplement of claim 24, wherein consumption of the feed supplement by swine facilitates at least one of decreased backfat thickness, increased loin eye area and increased meat depth of carcass thereof.

26. The feed supplement of claim 24, wherein consumption of the feed supplement by swine facilitates at least one of increased rate of daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio thereof.

27. The feed supplement of claim 19 consisting essentially of: substantially between and including 2.5 ppm and 5 ppm of Capsaicin; substantially between and including 0.05% and 0.1% of fructo- oligosaccharide; and substantially between and including 25 ppm and 125 ppm of Curcumin.

28. The feed supplement of claim 27, wherein consumption of the feed supplement by swine facilitates at least one of decreased backfat thickness, increased loin eye area and increased meat depth of carcass thereof.

29. The feed supplement of claim 27, wherein consumption of the feed supplement by swine facilitates at least one of increased rate of daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio thereof.

30. A feed supplement for poultry comprising: at least one of a predetermined concentration of Capsaicin and a predetermined concentration of essential oil of Ocimum sanctum L., wherein the predetermined concentration of Capsaicin is substantially between and including 5 ppm and 40 ppm and the predetermined concentration of Ocimum sanctum L. is substantially 20 ppm.

31. A feed supplement for swine comprising: at least one of a predetermined concentration of Capsaicin, a predetermined concentration of fructo-oligosaccharide and a predetermined concentration of Curcumin, wherein the predetermined concentration of Capsaicin is substantially between and including 2.5 ppm and 20 ppm, the predetermined concentration of fructo-oligosaccharide is substantially between and including 0.05% and 0.1% and the predetermined concentration of Curcumin is substantially between and including 25 ppm and 125 ppm.

32. A method for manufacturing a feed supplement, the method comprising: mixing a quantity of Capsicum extract with a quantity of starch at a predetermined ratio, the quantity of Capsicum extract for providing a predetermined concentration of Capsaicin; adding a binding agent for forming granules of the mixture of Capsicum extract and starch, the binding agent comprising: a predetermined concentration of Polyvinylpyrrolidone K 90; and a predetermined concentration of starch paste; and coating formed granules with substantially between and including 5% and 10% of hydroxy propyl methylcellulose, wherein the feed supplement manufactured has enhanced palatability with at least one of poultry and swine.

33. The method as in claim 32, wherein the predetermined ratio of the quantity of Capsicum extract to the quantity of starch is substantially 1 to 4.

34. The method as in claim 32, wherein the Capsicum extract provides a Capsaicin concentration of substantially between and including 2.5 ppm and 40 ppm in the manufactured feed supplement.

35. The method as in claim 32, wherein the predetermined concentration of Polyvinylpyrrolidone K 90 is substantially 10% and the predetermined concentration of starch paste is substantially 5%.

36. The method as in claim 32, further comprising: adding substantially 20 ppm of essential oil from Ocimum sanctum L. to the formed granules.

37. The method as in claim 32, further comprising: adding at least one of substantially between and including 0.05% and 0.1% of fructo-oligosaccharide and substantially between and including 25 ppm and 125 ppm of Curcumin to the formed granules.

38. A method for non-therapeutic treatment of poultry for reducing cholesterol content of eggs produced thereby, the method comprising: orally administering a feed supplement, the feed supplement consisting essentially of a predetermined concentration of Capsaicin of substantially between and including 20ppm and 40ppm.

39. A method for non-therapeutic treatment of poultry for reducing effects resulting from stress in poultry, the method comprising: orally administering a feed supplement, the feed supplement consisting essentially of at least one of a predetermined concentration of Capsaicin and a predetermined concentration of essential oil of Ocimum sanctum L..

40. The method as in claim 39, wherein the feed supplement consists essentially of at least one of substantially between and including 5ppm and 20ppm of Capsaicin and substantially 20ppm of essential oil of Ocimum sanctum L..

41. The method as in any one of claim 39 and claim 40, further comprising: decreasing concentration of serum thiobarbituric acid reactive substances; decreasing ratio of heterophil to lymphocyte in blood; and decreasing lipid peroxidation of intestinal epithelial cell.

42. A method for non-therapeutic treatment of poultry for enhancing immunity of poultry against Newcastle disease, the method comprising: orally administering a feed supplement, the feed supplement consisting essentially of at least one of a predetermined concentration of Capsaicin and a predetermined concentration of essential oil of Ocimum sanctum L..

43. The method as in claim 41, wherein the feed supplement consists essentially of at least one of substantially between and including 5ppm and 20ppm of Capsaicin and substantially 20ppm of essential oil of Ocimum sanctum L.

44. A method for non- therapeutic treatment of poultry for increasing excretion of digestive enzymes, the method comprising: orally administering a feed supplement, the feed supplement consisting essentially at least one of a predetermined concentration of Capsaicin and a predetermined concentration of Ocimum sanctum L..

45. The method as in claim 44, wherein the feed supplement consists essentially of substantially between and including 5ppm and 20ppm of Capsaicin and substantially 20ppm of essential oil of Ocimum sanctum L..

46. The method as in any of claim 44 and claim 45, wherein the digestive enzymes comprise at least one of proteases and lipases.

47. A method for non-therapeutic treatment of swine for increasing immunity against Swine fever disease, the method comprising: orally administering a feed supplement consisting essentially of at least one of a predetermined concentration of Capsaicin and a predetermined concentration of essential oil of Ocimum sanctum L..

48. The method as in claim 47, wherein the predetermined concentration of Capsaicin is substantially between and including 5ppm and 20ppm and the predetermined concentration of the essential oil of Ocimum sanctum L. is 20ppm.

49. A method for non-therapeutic treatment of swine for improving carcass characteristics, the method comprising: orally administering a feed supplement consisting essentially of at least one of a predetermined concentration of Capsaicin, a predetermined concentration of fructo-oligosaccharide and a predetermined concentration of Curcumin.

50. The method as in claim 49, the predetermined concentration of Capsaicin being substantially between and including 2.5 ppm and 5 ppm, the predetermined concentration of fructo-oligosaccharide being substantially between and including 0.05% to 0.1%, and the predetermined concentration of Curcumin being substantially between and including 25 ppm and 125 ppm.

51. The method as any of claim 49 and claim 50, wherein the improved carcass characteristics comprises at least one of increase back fat thickness, loin eye area and meat depth.

52. A method for non-therapeutic treatment of swine for increasing at least one of growth rate and feed conversion ratio, the method comprising: orally administering a feed supplement consisting essentially of at least one of a predetermined concentration of Capsaicin, a predetermined concentration of fructo-oligosaccharide and a predetermined concentration of

Curcumin.

53. The method as in claim 52, the predetermined concentration of Capsaicin being substantially between and including 2.5 ppm and 5 ppm, the predetermined concentration of fructo-oligosaccharide being substantially between and including 0.05% to 0.1%, and the predetermined concentration of Curcumin being substantially between and including 25 ppm and 125 ppm.