WO2019016284A1

WO2019016284A1 - Trace mineral composition

Info

Publication number: WO2019016284A1
Application number: PCT/EP2018/069546
Authority: WO
Inventors: Scott FRY; James USHRY; Nick LEISURE; Mingsheng Huang; Fred Steward
Original assignee: Nutreco Nederland B.V.
Priority date: 2017-07-20
Filing date: 2018-07-18
Publication date: 2019-01-24

Abstract

The present invention pertains to a composition comprising iron (II) carbonate and a digestible binder, wherein the composition comprises crystals of iron(II) carbonate, which are agglomerated with the digestible binder to form digestible agglomerated particles. Also disclosed is a method of preparation of such composition, as well as uses of such composition.

Description

TRACE MINERAL COMPOSITION The present invention pertains to trace mineral compositions. The invention further pertains to animal feed comprising such trace mineral compositions.

Trace minerals are generally added to animal feed to ensure that the animal receives the necessary trace mineral in the required amounts. Examples of such trace minerals include metal sources from copper, zinc and manganese, but also iron, cobalt, magnesium, etc. Commonly used trace mineral sources are metal salts or oxides such as copper sulphate, zinc oxide and iron sulphate, for example.

In the last years, basic metal salts have been introduced. Basic metal salts can be defined by the formula M(OH)_yX(2-_y)/2 , wherein M is a metal cation, X is an anion or anionic complex and y is 1 -3 depending on the valency of the anion X. Further details of such basic metal salts can be gleaned from WO 00/32206 and US 5,451 ,414. Such basic metal salts generally have a higher bioavailability than the commonly used trace mineral salts. Recently, micronutrient supplements comprising agglomerates of a single basic metal salt and a digestible binder have been described in US 8,802,180.

Iron sulphate is commonly used as the iron source in animal nutrition. This iron source has a relatively high faecal excretion level. Another disadvantage is that an excess of iron sulphate can cause oxidative stress at the gut level. It is an object of the invention to provide for an improved trace mineral composition.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect, the present disclosure relates to a composition comprising iron(ll) carbonate and a digestible binder.

In an embodiment, the composition as taught herein may further comprise a basic metal salt. In an embodiment relating to the composition as taught herein, the composition may comprise crystals of iron(ll) carbonate, which are agglomerated with the digestible binder to form digestible agglomerated particles. In an embodiment relating to the composition as taught herein, the size of the crystals may be from 0.1 μηη to 20 μηη and the size of the digestible agglomerate particles may be from 50 μηη to 300 μηι. In a further aspect, the present invention relates to an animal feed comprising the composition as taught herein.

In an embodiment relating to the animal feed as taught herein, the iron(ll) carbonate may be present in an amount of at most 100 ppm, preferably between 10 to 80 ppm.

In a further aspect, the present invention relates to a premix of animal feed comprising the composition as taught herein.

In a further aspect, the present invention relates to a feed additive comprising the composition as taught herein.

In a further aspect, the present invention relates to a method of preparing the composition as taught herein, comprising the steps of:

(a) optionally milling iron(ll) carbonate;

(b) contacting iron(ll) carbonate, a digestible binder and a solvent to form a dispersion; and

(c) spray drying the dispersion to obtain the digestible agglomerated particles.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The disclosure pertains to a composition comprising iron(ll) carbonate and a digestible binder. This composition can be particularly suitably used in feed for monogastric animals, e.g. swine and poultry as well as feed for ruminants. The composition of the invention has a low dust level which reduces the safety risk for both the animal as well as the farmer. Moreover, the iron(ll) carbonate as presented to the animal in the composition of the invention enables a good bioavailability, which in turn leads to an improved hemoglobin level. The increase of the hemoglobin level is generally larger than with the conventional iron sulphate. Additionally, the faecal excretion of the iron source is reduced compared to conventional iron sulphate. In addition, the iron(ll) carbonate exhibits a reduced effect on oxidative stress in the gut, especially in pigs, compared to conventional iron sulphate. A further advantage is the improved palatability of iron(ll) carbonate in comparison to conventional iron sulphate. In fact, animal feed comprising the iron(ll) carbonate of the invention is more easily and readily consumed than iron(ll) sulphate-containing animal feed.

The composition may comprise iron(ll) carbonate in an amount of at least 1 percent by weight (wt%), preferably at least 5 wt%, more preferably at least 10 wt%, even more preferably at least 15 wt%, and most preferably at least 20 wt%, and preferably at most 99 wt%, more preferably at most 95 wt%, even more preferably at most 90 wt%, and most preferably at most 80 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition. The iron(ll) carbonate in the composition of the invention may be present as a physical mixture, or be present in agglomerated particles comprising the digestible binder. In one embodiment, the composition of the invention comprises crystals of the iron(ll) carbonate, which are agglomerated with the digestible binder to form digestible agglomerated particles. Preferably, wherein the size of the crystals is from 0.1 μηη to 20 μπΊ and the size of the digestible agglomerated particles is from 50 μηη to 300 μηη. The advantage of these agglomerated particles is the low dust and free flowing properties. In fact, it has been found that together with the low dust levels of the agglomerated particles, the dust particles have a much lower content of the iron(ll) carbonate than observed in conventional trace mineral powders. This has a clear safety benefit for both animal and person processing the composition of the invention.

The size of the crystals or crystallites of iron(ll) carbonate is generally at least 0.01 μηη, preferably at least 0.1 μηι, even more preferably at least 0.2 μηη and most preferably at least 0.5 μηη, and generally at most 20 μηη, preferably at most 15 μηη, even more preferably at most 10 μηη and most preferably at most 5 μηη. In one embodiment, the d90 value of the iron(ll) carbonate particles is generally at least 0.01 μηη, preferably at least 0.1 μηι, even more preferably at least 0.2 μηη and most preferably at least 0.5 μηι, and generally at most 20 μηη, preferably at most 15 μηη, even more preferably at most 10 μπΊ and most preferably at most 5 μηη. Such particle sizes of iron(ll) carbonate can be obtained by milling conventional iron(ll) carbonate particles, in particular siderite.

The size of the digestible agglomerated particles is generally at least 50 μηη, preferably at least 60 μηι, even more preferably at least 70 μηη and most preferably at least 80 μηι, and generally at most 400 μηη, preferably at most 300 μηη, even more preferably at most 250 μπΊ and most preferably at most 200 μηη. In one embodiment, the d90 value of the digestible agglomerated particles is generally at least 50 μηι, preferably at least 60 μηι, even more preferably at least 70 μηη and most preferably at least 80 μηη, and generally at most 400 μηη, preferably at most 300 μηη, even more preferably at most 250 μηη and most preferably at most 200 μηη. The preferred iron(ll) carbonate in the composition of the invention is naturally occurring siderite. Also iron(ll) carbonate that is synthetically produced is contemplated.

The composition of the invention further comprises a digestible binder. The digestible binder can be any suitable digestible binder known in the art and capable of binding the iron(ll)carbonate and/or basic metal salt particles to form an agglomerated particle.

Examples of such digestible binders include starches such as corn starch, potato starch, rice starch and modified derivatives thereof.

The composition may comprise the digestible binders in an amount of at least 1 percent by weight (wt%), preferably at least 2 wt%, more preferably at least 5 wt%, even more preferably at least 8 wt%, and most preferably at least 10 wt%, and preferably at most 40 wt%, more preferably at most 30 wt%, even more preferably at most 25 wt%, and most preferably at most 20 wt%, based on the total weight of the composition. The composition of the invention may further comprise other trace minerals such as metal salts including basic metal salts based on copper, zinc, manganese, magnesium, calcium, iron and cobalt, as well as metal chelates, iodine and selenium sources. The composition may further comprise vitamins. The iron(ll) carbonate, the digestible binder and any other component add up to 100 wt% of the total weight of the composition.

The composition of the invention includes animal feed, a premix of animal feed and a feed additive. Consequently, the invention further pertains to a feed additive comprising the composition of the invention, preferably the agglomerated particles of the invention. Such a feed additive may comprise further ingredients commonly used in feed additives. The feed additive of the invention may be applied and/or added to a premix of animal feed, to animal feed and/or to drinking water. It may be applied to preserve the premix and/or the feed. The feed additive may further be used to improve the gut health of the animal. The invention further pertains to a premix of animal feed comprising the composition of the invention, preferably the agglomerated particles of the invention. The premix of the invention may comprise further ingredients commonly used in premixes of animal feed. The premixes of the invention generally are further processed and further ingredients are added to form animal feed. Hence, the invention also pertains to an animal feed comprising the composition of the invention, preferably the agglomerated particles of the invention. The animal feed is generally fed to the animals. Animal feed generally comprises animal nutrients such as fats and/or proteins and/or carbohydrates that are fed to an animal to provide in its metabolic requirements. Animal feed can be a nutritionally complete feed (i.e. providing all required nutrients to support a normal metabolism of the animal). Similar ingredients are also contained in a premix of animal feed, which however contains only part of the required nutrients, and need to be mixed with other nutrients or fed separately from these other nutrients. The amount of the iron(ll) carbonate in the animal feed is generally at most 300 ppm, preferably at most 250 ppm, and most preferably at most 200 ppm, and preferably at least 80 ppm, more preferably at least 100 ppm and most preferably at least 125 ppm.

The iron(ll) carbonate used in the composition of the invention can be prepared using any process known in the art. In one embodiment, the iron(ll) carbonate is ground to the desired particle size distribution prior to blending into the composition of the invention.

The agglomerated particles of iron(ll) carbonate in accordance with the invention can be prepared using techniques disclosed in US 8,802,180. For example, the agglomerated particles comprising iron(ll) carbonate may be prepared by spray drying dispersions comprising iron(ll) carbonate, the digestible binder and a solvent (generally water). In one embodiment, the invention pertains to a method of preparing the composition as taught herein comprising the steps of:

(a) optionally milling iron(ll) carbonate;

(b) contacting iron(ll) carbonate, a digestible binder and a solvent to form a

dispersion; and

In one embodiment of the invention, the composition of the invention further comprises a basic metal salt. Basic metal salts can be defined by the formula M(OH)_yX(2-_y)/2, wherein M is a metal cation, X is an anion or anionic group and y is 1 -3 depending on the valency of the anion X. The metal cation M can be any metal ion known in the art. Examples of such metal ions include copper, zinc, manganese, iron, cobalt and magnesium. Examples of anion X include chloride, carbonate, phosphate and sulphate, preferably the anion X is chloride. The preferred basic copper salt in the composition of the invention is basic copper chloride, in particular atacamite and clinoatacamite. Most preferred is a mixture of atacamite and clinoatacamite. The preferred basic zinc salt is basic zinc chloride, in particular Simonkoellite. The preferred basic manganese salt is basic manganese chloride, in particular Kempite. Processes to prepare the

aforementioned basic metal salts can be found in US 8,802,180, WO 00/32206 and US 5,451 ,414, which are herewith included by reference. Exemplary basic metal salts that may be used in the composition as taught herein include, without limitation, dicopper chloride trihydroxide (Cu2(OH)3CI), manganese hydroxychloride (Mn2(OH)3CI), and zinc hydroxychloride ('Zinc chloride hydroxide monohydrate'; Zns Dh eC - H O).

The (total) amount of the basic metal salt in the animal feed is generally at most 1000 ppm, preferably at most 700 ppm, and most preferably at most 500 ppm, and preferably at least 1 ppm, more preferably at least 5 ppm and most preferably at least 10 ppm.

When the basic metal salt is a basic copper salt, such as dicopper chloride trihydroxide (Cu2(OH)3CI), the amount of the basic copper salt in the animal feed is generally at most 300 ppm, preferably at most 250 ppm, and most preferably at most 200 ppm, and preferably at least 80 ppm, more preferably at least 100 ppm and most preferably at least 125 ppm.

When the basic metal salt is a basic zinc salt, such as zinc hydroxychloride ('Zinc chloride hydroxide monohydrate'; Zns Dh eC - H O), the amount of the basic zinc salt in the animal feed is generally at most 100 ppm, preferably at most 90 ppm, and most preferably at most 80 ppm, and preferably at least 1 ppm, more preferably at least 5 ppm and most preferably at least 10 ppm.

When the basic metal salt is a basic manganese salt, such as manganese

hydroxychloride (Mn2(OH)3CI), the amount of the basic manganese salt in the animal feed is generally at most 100 ppm, preferably at most 90 ppm, and most preferably at most 80 ppm, and preferably at least 1 ppm, more preferably at least 5 ppm and most preferably at least 10 ppm. The invention further pertains to the use of the composition of the invention in feeding of monogastric animals, in particular of poultry and swine. In one aspect, the invention pertains to a method of feeding a monogastric animal, in particular poultry and/or swine, by providing to the animal animal feed comprising the composition of the invention.

The invention further pertains to the use of the composition of the invention in feeding of challenged monogastric animals, in particular of poultry and swine. In one aspect, the invention pertains to a method of feeding a challenged monogastric animal, in particular poultry and/or swine, by providing to the animal animal feed comprising the composition of the invention. With the term "challenged" or "challenged animal" is meant an animal suffering from a disease or an animal having a compromised health, haemoglobin level or haematocrit level.

The invention further pertains to the use of the composition of the invention in feeding of ruminant animals, in particular of cows. In one aspect, the invention pertains to a method of feeding a ruminant animal, in particular a cow, by providing to the animal animal feed comprising the composition of the invention.

The invention further pertains to the use of the composition of the invention in feeding of challenged ruminant animals, in particular of cows. In one aspect, the invention pertains to a method of feeding a challenged ruminant animal, in particular cows, by providing to the animal animal feed comprising the composition of the invention.

The compositions of the invention are generally suitable for feeding monogastric animals during most part of their lives or throughout their lives. The level of the trace mineral composition may vary with the age of the animal. The animals may be fed for a certain period, e.g. in the first 20 to 28 weeks after birth, with a trace mineral composition with a higher amount of iron than at greater age. Accordingly, the disclosure also pertains to a second composition comprising iron(ll) carbonate and a digestible binder, wherein the iron(ll) carbonate level is at a higher level compared to a composition suitable for older animals. This composition can be particularly suitably used in feed for monogastric animals, e.g. swine and poultry.

The invention is illustrated with the following examples. EXAMPLES Example 1

Experiments were conducted to determine the effect of trace mineral level and source on hemoglobin, hematocrit and performance of broiler chickens. Bioavailability of iron was determined by the common-intercept multiple linear regression (slope-ratio) method (Aoyagi S & Baker DH. Nutritional evaluation of a copper-methionine complex for chicks. Poult Sci. 1993; 72:2309-15). For the first 7 days, chicks were fed a semi- purified diet based on dextrose, corn starch and casein (see Table 1 ), but with a low level of corn in order to encourage food intake. The calculated iron concentration was 25 ppm and the adaptation period was done in order to deplete iron stores received via the egg.

Beginning on day 7, chicks were provided experimental diets containing the three iron sources added to the basal diet as tabulated below. The three iron sources are commercial grade iron sulphate (FeS0₄) (Comparative Example A), siderite

(Comparative Example B) and agglomerated particles of starch and crystallites of iron(ll) carbonate (Example 1 ; in accordance with the invention) (see Table 2). The agglomerated particles were prepared by grinding siderite to a d90 value below 5 μηη, subsequently mixing the ground iron(ll) carbonate, starch and water, and spray drying the dispersion. The resulting agglomerated particles have a mean particle size of 190 mm; the content of iron(ll) carbonate is 36.94 wt%, based on the total weight of the agglomerated particles. Table 1 : Basal diet

Birds were raised in Petersime batteries and all metal (feeders, waterers, raised floors) in contact with the birds was stainless steel. Water was deionized. Statistical Analysis: Hemoglobin, hematocrit and performance data were regressed against dietary iron level for each source to obtain linear dose response relationships and bioavailability was calculated from the ratio of the slopes to that of FeS0₄. Data (excluding the basal treatment) was also analyzed as a 4 source x 4 level factorial arrangement of treatments. Slope ratios were calculated using the 0, 15, and 25 ppm added levels.

Table 2: Results of the iron source treatments

When comparing the bioavailability of commercial iron sulphate (Comparative Example A) and the iron(ll) carbonate-containing agglomerated particles (Example 1 ) reveals a higher bioavailability (136%) for the particles of Example 1 (See Table 2).

Claims

1 . Composition comprising iron(ll) carbonate and a digestible binder, wherein the composition comprises crystals of iron(ll) carbonate, which are agglomerated with the digestible binder to form digestible agglomerated particles.

2. Composition according to claim 1 , further comprising a basic metal salt.

3. Composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the size of the crystals is from 0.1 μπΊ to 20 μπΊ and the size of the digestible agglomerate particles is from 50 μηη to

300 μηι.

4. Animal feed comprising the composition of any one of the preceding claims.

5. Animal feed according to claim 4, wherein the iron(ll) carbonate is present in an amount of at most 100 ppm, preferably between 10 to 80 ppm.

6. Premix of animal feed comprising the composition of any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. Feed additive comprising the composition of any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. Method of preparing the composition according to any one of claims 1 -3comprising the steps of:

(a) optionally milling iron(ll) carbonate;

(b) contacting iron(ll) carbonate, a digestible binder and a solvent to form a

dispersion; and