WO2023192041A1 - Method for improving offspring quality - Google Patents

Abstract

The present technology provides a method for feeding poultry to improve offspring quality. The method includes feeding to poultry having an average age of greater than about 41 weeks a feed diet that includes an effective amount of one or more nitrates and antioxidants that include polyphenols, wherein: the effective amount of the one or more nitrates includes greater than about 30 mg/kg of bodyweight (BW) to about 600 mg/kg BW per day; and the method improves quality of offspring produced by poultry having an average age of greater than about 41 weeks.

Description

METHOD FOR IMPROVING OFFSPRING QUALITY

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/362. 100. filed March 29, 2022, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This application relates to methods for improving offspring quality of poultry, particularly in older hens, by feeding the poultry a feed diet that includes effective amounts of one or more nitrates and polyphenols.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Feeding calcium nitrate and other ingredients to ruminants is one way to mitigate methane production. For example, U.S. Patent No. 8,771,723 titled “Compositions For Reducing Gastro-Intestinal Methanogenesis In Ruminants” issued to Hindrik Bene Perdok et al. discloses one such method. Further, Van Den Bosch et al. (International Patent Application Publication No. WO 2016/090366, published June 9, 2016) describes animal feed compositions containing a nitrate compound and methods for using such a composition in an animal’s gestation phase and/or lactation phase to improve the health of offspring. Ascensao et al. (International Patent Application Publication No. WO 2018/237233) describes methods of improving meat quality (such as meat color and carcass yield (%)) in an animal by feeding an effective amount of nitrate to the animal.

[0004] In humans, dietary nitrate, as presented in beetroot juice, has been shown to reduce blood pressure and the risk of adverse cardiovascular events in healthy individuals after single dose of 500 ml of beetroot juice. It is hypothesized that nitrate might represent a source of vasoprotective nitric oxide (NO) via bioactivation (Webb et al. 2008). A non-enzymatic pathway for the generation of NO has been proposed (nitrate-nitrite-NO pathway) for humans. Dietary inorganic nitrate molecules may be reduced by facultative anaerobic bacteria on the dorsal surface of the tongue to nitrite which can be chemically and enzymatically be further reduced to NO (Lundberg et al. 2009). The endothelial isofonn of the NO synthase uses arginine and molecular oxygen as precursors to Ionically release NO in the endothelium, which is important for the control of vascular tone, smooth muscle growth, platelet aggregation and inflammation (Umans and Levi, 1995; Bruckdorfer 2005). This induces vasodilation and increased blood flow (Siervo et al. 2011: Keim 1999).

SUMMARY

[0005] In one aspect, the present technology provides a method for feeding poultry having an average of greater than about 41 weeks. The method includes: feeding to poultry having an average age of greater than about 41 weeks a feed diet that includes: an effective amount of one or more nitrates; and antioxidants that include polyphenols; wherein: the effective amount of the one or more nitrates includes greater than about 30 mg/kg of body weight (BW) to about 600 mg/kg BW per day; and the method improves quality of offspring produced by poultry having an average age of greater than about 41 weeks.

[0006] In another aspect, the present technology provides a poultry feed diet that includes an amount of one or more nitrates effective for improving the quality of offspring produced by poultry having an average age of greater than about 41 weeks; wherein the improvement in embryo and/or offspring quality comprises an increase in viable chicks, chick quality measured as yolk free body mass (g), or offspring final body weight measured over a growth period of about 14 to about 35 weeks.

[0007] In another aspect, the present technology provides use of the poultry feed diet as described herein to improve the quality of offspring produced by poultry having an average age of greater than about 41 weeks. For example, the use of the poultry feed diet may be to improve the percentage of viable chicks with respect to hatchability (%) when compared to poultry having an average age of 41 weeks not fed the feed diet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 shows a chart of hatchability of eggs collected in week 32 (age) of broiler breeder hens fed 3 dosages of an exemplary feed diet (control (no nitrate/Proviox); 100 mg/kg BW nitrate + Proviox; 300 mg/kg BW nitrate + Proviox).

[0009] FIG. 2 shows a chart of hatchability of eggs collected in week 44 (age) of broiler breeder hens fed 3 dosages of an exemplary feed (control (no nitrate/Proviox); 100 mg/kg BW nitrate + Proviox; 300 mg/kg BW nitrate + Proviox).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] Reference will now be made in detail to certain aspects of the disclosed subject matter. While the disclosed subject matter will be described in conjunction with the enumerated claims, it will be understood that the exemplified subject matter is not intended to limit the claims to the disclosed subject matter. One aspect described in conjunction with a particular aspect is not necessarily limited to that aspect and can be practiced with any other aspect(s).

[0011] Throughout this document, values expressed in a range format should be interpreted in a flexible manner to include not only the numerical values explicitly recited as the limits of the range, but also to include all the individual numerical values or sub-ranges encompassed within that range as if each numerical value and sub-range is explicitly recited. For example, a range of “about 0.1% to about 5%” or “about 0.1% to 5%” should be interpreted to include not just about 0.1% to about 5%, but also the individual values e.g, 1%, 2%, 3%, and 4%) and the sub-ranges (e.g., 0.1% to 0.5%, 1.1% to 2.2%, 3.3% to 4.4%) within the indicated range. The statement “about X to Y” has the same meaning as “about X to about Y,” unless indicated otherwise. Likewise, the statement “about X, Y, or about Z” has the same meaning as “about X, about Y, or about Z,” unless indicated otherwise.

[0012] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" and similar referents in the context of describing the elements (especially in the context of the following claims) include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, reference to "a substituent" encompasses a single substituent as well as two or more substituents, and the like. It is understood that any term in the singular may include its plural counterpart and vice versa, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context.

[0013] Nothing in the cited references teaches or suggests the claimed process. In addition, it is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein, and not otherwise defined, is for the purpose of description only and not of limitation. Any use of section headings is intended to aid reading of the document and is not to be interpreted as limiting; information that is relevant to a section heading may occur within or outside of that particular section.

[0014] As used herein, the terms "for example," "for instance," "such as," or "including" are meant to introduce examples that further clarify more general subject matter. Unless otherwise specified, these examples are provided only as an aid for understanding the applications illustrated in the present disclosure, and are not meant to be limiting in any fashion. [0015] In the methods described herein, the acts can be carried out in a specific order as recited herein. Alternatively, in any aspect disclosed herein, specific acts may be earned out any order without departing from the principles of the disclosure, except when a temporal or operational sequence is explicitly recited. Furthermore, specified acts can be carried out concurrently unless explicit claim language recites that they be earned out separately. For example, a claimed act of doing X and a claimed act of doing Y can be conducted simultaneously within a single operation, and the resulting process will fall within the literal scope of the claimed process.

[0016] The term “about” as used herein can allow for a degree of variability in a value or range, for example, plus or minus within 10%, within 5%, or within 1% of a stated value or of a stated limit of a range, and includes the exact stated value or range.

[0017] The term “substantially” as used herein refers to a majority of, or mostly, as in at least about 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5%, 99.9%, 99.99%, or at least about 99.999% or more, or 100%.

[0018] As used herein, the following terms have the following meanings unless expressly stated to the contrary.

[0019] The term “animals” as used in this disclosure includes monogastric and ruminant animals. As used in this disclosure, the term “monogastnc” means any organism having a simple single-chambered stomach. Such monogastric animals include, but are not limited to, porcine, equine, caprine, ovine, avian animals, seafood (aquaculture) animals.

[0020] As used herein, avian monogastric animals, include but are not limited to, poultry . The term “poultry” as used herein refers to domestic fowls, including chickens, turkeys, geese, ducks, ostriches, quails, and pheasants raised for the production of meat or eggs. Chickens include “layers” reared for laying eggs, and “broilers” for meat production. Chickens also include “breeders,” i.e., birds that have reached the age of sexual maturity and may lay eggs. Typically , the poultry may be selected from chicken, a turkey, a duck, and a goose, and preferably, the poultry animal is a chicken. While the present technology is suitable for use in any chicken breed, typically , the present technology may be suitable for chicken breeds, including but not limited to, Ross, Cobb, Isa Brown, Hubbard, Shaver, Abor Acres, Indian River, Peterson, and Dekalb white chickens, preferably the chicken may be a Ross and/or Cobb chicken.

[0021 ] As used herein, the term “one or more nitrates” refers to any material including one or more nitrate-containing compounds suitable for use in poultry feed (e.g, a poultry feed). [0022] The one or more nitrates as described in any aspect herein may be any suitable nitrate-containing compound. As would be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art, a suitable nitrate-containing compound may be defined as any physiologically acceptable or tolerated nitrate compound. For example, the nitrate compound may be well-soluble in water, i.e., the compound has sufficient solubility for bioavailabihty after administration to the poultry. In some aspects, the nitrate compound may be an ionic nitrate compound, preferably an inorganic nitrate salt. Typically, the ionic nitrate salts may include, but are not limited to, sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate, calcium nitrate, magnesium nitrate, ammonium nitrate, or mixtures thereof, all of which are readily soluble in water at standard temperature (e.g, 0°C (32°F)) and pressure (e.g, 1 bar). Preferably, the ionic nitrate salt may be calcium nitrate. The ionic nitrate salts may include different hydrated forms. For example, the ionic nitrate salts may also include double salts (e.g, calcium nitrate and ammonium nitrate). In any aspect described herein, a mixture of two or more different ionic nitrate salts or salt forms may be used in the method.

[0023] While not intending to be limited by any particular theory, it is believed that nitrate is a source for the biological messenger nitric oxide (NO) according to a non-enzymatic pathway for the generation of NO (nitrate-nitrite-NO pathway). Unlike arginine conversion to nitric oxide, nitrate conversion to nitric oxide via the mtrate-mtrite-NO pathway is not dependent upon oxy gen levels. It is believed that the release of NO in the animal is important for the control of vascular tone, smooth muscle growth, platelet aggregation and inflammation. The release of NO in the animal is believed to induce vasodilation and increased blood flow and exchange of oxy gen. While vasodilation is one biological pathway affected by nitrate supplementation, vasodilation does not account for all improvements observed following nitrate supplementation and can vary based on a number of factors (e.g., species, age, feed diets, etc.). Accordingly, outcomes can vary across species (or within a species) fed a feed diet containing nitrates.

[0024] In any aspect described herein, the one or more nitrates may be provided as calcium nitrate having the formula Ca(NO3)2. Calcium nitrate is also referred to as calcium dmitrate, Kalksalpeter, nitrocalcite, Norwegian saltpeter, and lime nitrate. Calcium nitrate may be produced by treating limestone with nitric acid, followed by neutralization with ammonia according to the reaction: CaCCh + 2HNO3 Ca(NO3)2 + CO2 + H2O. Additionally or alternatively, in some aspects, the one or more nitrates may be provided as an inorganic salt of magnesium nitrate hexahydrate having the formula (Mg(NO3)2*6H2O). This product contains 10.8% N from nitrate and 9.5% Mg.

[0025] A variety of related complex inorganic salts of calcium nitrate include calcium ammonium nitrate decahydrate and calcium potassium nitrate decahydrate. Calcium ammonium nitrate is a double salt (calcium nitrate and ammonium nitrate) having the formula 5Ca(NO3)2^,NH4NO3«10H2O. For example, the calcium ammonium nitrate may be pentacalcium ammonium nitrate decahydrate commercially available from Bn-Chem Supply Limited with the following specification: Ammonium-N (NHi-N): 1.1%; Nitrate-N (NOs-N): 14.4%; Total N: 15.5%; Calcium (Ca): 18.8%. In another example, the calcium nitrate may be BOLIFOR CNF calcium nitrate feed grade having the formula 5Ca(NO3)2’NH4NO3’10H2O commercially available from Yara Phosphates Oy of Helsingborg Sweden. In yet another example the calcium nitrate may have the following specification: Calcium (Ca): 18.9%; Nitrogen (N) 15.5%; pH (10% solution): 6; bulk density (kg/m³): 1050; appearance: prilled; size: <1.0 mm: 2%; 1.0-2.0 mm: 78%; >2 mm: 20%. Exemplary formulations of calcium nitrate lacking ammonia include Ca(NO3)2*4H2O. An exemplary anhydrous air-stable derivative of calcium nitrate may include urea complex Ca(NO3)2*4[OC(NH2)2],

[0026] Antioxidants, when included in poultry diets, are known to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals and peroxides. There are different types of antioxidants available for feeding poultry, including natural dietary antioxidants. For example, natural antioxidants may include, but are not limited to, vitamins, minerals, carotenoids, and polyphenols.

[0027] In any aspect described herein, the antioxidant preferably includes polyphenols. Suitable polyphenol sources may include, but are not limited to, fruits (such as apples, apricots, currants, blackberries, blueberries, cherries, chokeberries, cranberries, dates, elderberries, gooseberries, grapes, kiwis, lemons, lingonberries, limes, mangoes, marionberries, nectarines, olives, oranges, peaches, pears, plums, pomegranates, quinces, raspberries, rhubarb, strawberries, tomatoes, or mixtures thereol), vegetables (such as artichokes, broccoli, celery, com, eggplant, fennel, garlic, greens, kohlrabi, leeks, lovage, onions, parsnips, peppers, spinach, red cabbage, rutabagas, scallions, shallots, sweet potatoes, watercress, or mixtures thereol), legumes (such as chick peas, beans, lentils, snap beans, English peas, green peas, fava beans, or mixtures thereol), nuts (such as almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, pecans, peanuts, pistachios, walnuts, or mixtures thereol), seeds (such as fruit seeds, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or mixtures thereol), teas (such as green tea, black tea, oolong tea, Earl Gray tea, Ceylon tea, Darjeeling tea, or mixtures thereof), herbs and spices (such as basil, chives, capers, cinnamon, curry, dill weed, horseradish, oregano, parsley, rosemary, sage, tarragon, thyme, or mixtures thereol), tree barks (such as arjuna bark, aspen bark, birch bark, conifer bark, eucalyptus bark, maple bark, or mixtures thereol), or mixtures thereof Preferably, the antioxidant may include polyphenols from polyphenol sources including onion extract, grape seed extract, rosemary extract, or mixtures thereof. L0028J A polyphenol source suitable for use in any aspect of the present technology may include commercially available sources. For example, a polyphenol source is commercially available under the trade name PROVIOX 50, available from Cargill, Incorporated, Wayzata, MN, USA. The formulation of PROVIOX 50 includes a blend of polyphenol grape seed and skin extracts, onion extracts, and rosemary' extracts. PROVIOX 50 is a standardized product for its total polyphenol content. PROVIOX 50 contains sources of polyphenols with antioxidant properties. In any aspect, the antioxidant that includes polyphenols is PROVIOX 50. [0029] In any aspect described herein, the term “poultry feed” refers to a feed ration produced for consumption by poultry (z.e., a feed ration produced for consumption by poultry). The term “compound feed” as used in any aspect described herein refers to a poultry feed blended to include two or more ingredients which assist in meeting certain daily nutritional requirements of a poultry, preferably poultry. The poultry feed may be a complete poultry feed according to any aspect described herein. The term “complete feed” as used in any aspect described herein refers to a poultry' feed having a nutntionally balanced blend of ingredients designed as the sole ration to provide all the daily nutritional requirements of a poultry to maintain life and promote production without any additional substances being consumed except for water. The poultry feed may also be a concentrate poultry feed according to any aspect described herein. The term “concentrate feed” or “concentrate poultry feed” as used herein in any aspect described herein refers to a poultry feed that typically includes a protein source blended with supplements or additives or vitamins, trace minerals, other micro ingredients, macro minerals, etc. to provide a part of the ration for the poultry. The concentrate feed may be fed along with other ingredients. The poultry feed may include a premix according to any aspect described herein. The term “premix” as used in any aspect described herein refers to a blend of primarily vitamins and/or minerals along with appropriate carriers. The poultry feed may also include a base mix according to any aspect described herein. The term “base mix” as used in any aspect described herein refers to a blend containing vitamins, trace minerals and/or other micro ingredients plus macro minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, sodium, magnesium, and potassium, vitamins, or combinations thereof. The poultry' feed may be a feed “supplement.” As used herein in any aspect, the terms “feed supplement” or “poultry feed supplement” refers to a concentrated additive premix that includes the active ingredients, which premix or supplement may be added to a poultry’s feed or ration to forma supplemented feed in accordance with the present technology. As used herein in any aspect, the term “additive” or “feed additive” refers to an ingredient such as a protein source, salt, mineral, additive, or buffer that is added to a poultry feed. For example, an additive may include, but is not limited to, calcium, zinc, manganese, copper, iodine, cobalt, selenium, other trace ingredients, or mixtures thereof.

[0030] The nitrate compound may also be provided by a variety of plant ingredients according to alternative aspects. For example, such plant ingredients may include, but are not limited to, leafy greens such as spinach, arugula, beetroot, or mixtures thereof. Preferably, the plant ingredient is beetroot. Beetroot has an inorganic nitrate content typically ranging from 1 10 to 3670 mg nitrate/kg.

[0031] The term “vasodilation” (or vasodilatation) as used in this disclosure refers to widening of blood vessels in the animal. Vasodilation results from relaxation of smooth muscle cells within the vessel walls, in particular in the large veins, large arteries, and smaller arterioles. When blood vessels dilate in the animal, the flow of blood is increased due to a decrease in vascular resistance. Vasodilation may be localized to a specific organ (depending on the metabolic needs of a particular tissue, as during stress), or it may be systemic (seen throughout the entire systemic circulation). The primary function of vasodilation is to increase blood flow in the body to tissues that need it most. This is often in response to a localized need of oxygen, but can occur when the tissue in question is not receiving enough glucose or lipids or other nutrients. [0032] Broiler breeder eggs are collected and incubated to supply broiler chickens that are subsequently raised for meat production. During the incubation process, up to 25% of the eggs are lost due to embryonic mortality. Embryonic mortality during incubation results in reduced number of viable chicks per broiler breeder hen, where this reduction in the number of viable chicks contributes to significant economic losses. Such reductions in the number of viable chicks per broiler breeder hen are compounded for hens that are in second phase of production or older (for example, hens that are greater than 41 weeks old). Penuela, A. et al., Revista MVZ Cordoba, (2018), 23(1), 6500-6 13. As used herein, the term “viable chicks” refers to offspring (e.g, embryos) obtained from fertilized eggs having the ability to develop into chicks through incubation and hatching process, that have a high potential of survival and growth at time of hatch; for example, chick viability can be indicated by (yolk free) body weight.

Method for Improving Offspring Quality

[0033] Described herein are methods for feeding poultry, particularly older hens, to improve offspring quality by feeding poultry having an average age of greater than about 41 weeks a feed diet that includes a suitable quantity of one or more nitrate compounds and antioxidants that include polyphenols. L0034J In one aspect, the present technology provides a method for feeding poultry having an average of greater than about 41 weeks. The method includes: feeding to poultry having an average age of greater than about 41 weeks a feed diet that includes: an effective amount of one or more nitrates; and antioxidants that include polyphenols; wherein: the effective amount of the one or more nitrates includes greater than about 30 mg/kg of body weight (BW) to about 600 mg/kg BW per day; and the method improves quality of offspring produced by poultry having an average age of greater than about 41 weeks.

[0035] In any aspect, the method may further include collecting a fertilized egg produced by the poultry, wherein the collecting occurs after feeding the feed diet to the poultry.

[0036] In any aspect, the method may further include incubating the fertilized egg until it hatches to provide the offspring. Additionally, the method may further include growing out the offspring.

[0037] The one or more nitrates comprises an ionic nitrate salt. For example, in any aspect described herein, the one or more nitrates may be selected from sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate, calcium nitrate, magnesium nitrate, ammonium nitrate, or mixtures thereof. In any aspect, the one or more nitrates may include calcium nitrate, complex inorganic salts of calcium nitrate, or mixtures thereof. In any aspect, the one or more nitrates may be calcium ammonium nitrate.

[0038] The conversion% of the one or more nitrates into the egg yolk and albumen is greater than 0.05%. For example, the conversion% may be in the range of 0.05% to about 0.5%.

Suitable conversion% values may include, but are not limited to, 0.05%, about 0.06%, about 0.07%, about 0.08%, about 0.09%, about 0.10%, about 0.11%, about 0.12%, about 0.13%, about 0.14%, about 0.15%, about 0.16%, about 0.17%, about 0.18%, about 0.19%, about 0.20%, about 0.21 %, about 0.22%, about 0.23%, about 0.24%, about 0.25%, about 0.26%,aboutu 0.27%, about 0.28%, about 0.29%, about 0.30%, about 0.31%, about 0.31%, about 0.32%, about 0.33%, about 0.34%, about 0.35%, about 0.36%, about 0.37%, about 0.38%, about 0.39%, about 0.40%, about 0.41%, about 0.42%, about 0.43%, about 0.44%, about 0.45%, about 0.46%, about 0.47%, about 0.48%, about 0.49%, about 0.50%, or any range including and/or in between any two of the preceding ranges. In any aspect, the conversion% may be in the range of about 0.05% to about 0.3%.

[0039] The method includes feeding to poultry a feed diet that includes an effective amount of one or more nitrates. For example, the effective amount of the one or more nitrates may be greater than about 30 mg/kg of bodyweight (BW) to about 600 mg/kg BW per day. Suitable amounts of the one or more nitrates in the feed diet may include about 30 mg/kg BW per day, about 40 mg/kg BW per day, about 50 mg/kg BW per day, about 60 mg/kg BW per day, about 70 mg/kg BW per day, about 80 mg/kg BW per day, about 90 mg/kg BW per day, about 100 mg/kg BW per day, about 125 mg/kg BW per day, about 150 mg/kg BW per day, about 175 mg/kg BW per day, about 200 mg/kg BW per day, about 225 mg/kg BW per day, about 250 mg/kg BW per day, about 275 mg/kg BW per day, about 300 mg/kg BW per day, about 325 mg/kg BW per day, about 350 mg/kg BW per day, about 375 mg/kg BW per day, about 400 mg/kg BW per day, about 425 mg/kg BW per day, about 450 mg/kg BW per day, about 475 mg/kg BW per day, about 500 mg/kg BW per day, about 525 mg/kg BW per day, about 550 mg/kg BW per day, about 575 mg/kg BW per day, about 600 mg/kg BW per day, or any range including and/or in between any two of the preceding values.

[0040] In any aspect, the effective amount of the one or more nitrates may be about 50 mg/kg BW to about 500 mg/kg BW per day, or preferably about 75 mg/kg BW to about 350 mg/kg BW per day.

[0041] The method includes feeding the poultry having an average age of greater than about 41 weeks the effective amount of one or more nitrates and antioxidants that include polyphenols. Polyphenols are known to those of skill in the art for their free radical scavenging function. Suitable sources of polyphenols, as described herein, may include polyphenols extracted from fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, tea, herbs, spices, tree barks, or mixtures thereof. In any aspect, the polyphenols may be from polyphenol sources including onion extract, grape seed extract, grape skin extract, rosemary extract, or mixtures thereof. For example, the polyphenols may be PROVIOX 50 (Cargill, Incorporated).

[0042] The polyphenols as described herein may be fed to the poultry' as part of the feed diet in an amount of about 10 ppm to about 500 ppm per day. Suitable amounts of the polyphenols may include about 10 ppm to about 500 ppm, about 50 ppm to about 300 ppm, about 75 ppm to about 250 ppm, about 90 ppm to about 150 ppm, or any range including and/or in between any two of the preceding values. 100431 In any aspect, the method may include feeding the poultry having an average age of greater than 41 weeks a feed diet that may further include antioxidants, preferably natural antioxidants, other than polyphenols. For example, the antioxidants may further include vitamins, minerals, carotenoids, or mixtures thereof.

[0044] Vitamins may include, but are not limited to, vitamin A (including vitamin A sources such as vitamin A supplement, vitamin A oil, etc.) vitamin Bl , vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B4, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, vitamin B7, vitamin B8, vitamin B9, vitamin B12, vitamin C, Vitamin D, (including vitamin D sources such as vitamin D supplement, etc.), vitamin E (including vitamin E sources such as Vitamin E supplement), vitamin K, and other vitamin product ingredients (including riboflavin, vitamin D3 supplement, niacin, betaine, choline chloride, tocopherol, inositol, etc.). In any aspect, the vitamins may preferably be vitamins E, vitamins C, or combinations thereof.

[0045] Minerals may include, for example and without limitation, calcium, chlorine (as chlonde ions), magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, sulfur, cobalt, copper, chromium, iodine, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, selenium vanadium, zinc, or mixtures thereof. In any aspect, the minerals may preferably be selenium, zinc, manganese, copper, or mixtures thereof. [0046] In any aspect, the method may further include feeding the poultry a feed diet that further includes anti-inflammatories, probiotics, prebiotics, amino acids, vasodilators, carbohydrases, phospholipase A2 inhibitors (PLA2), phytases, binders, proteases, postbiotics, or mixtures thereof.

[0047] In any aspect, the poultry may have an average age of greater than about 41 weeks to about 64 weeks. For example, the poultry may have an average age about about 41 weeks to about 64 weeks, greater than about 41 weeks to about 60 weeks, about 44 weeks to about 54 weeks, or any range including and/or in between any two of these values.

[0048] The method as described herein in any aspect improves offspring quality for poultry having an average age of greater than about 41 weeks fed a feed diet that includes an effective amount of the one or more nitrates and antioxidants that include polyphenols when compared to poultry not fed a feed diet according to the methods described herein. For example, in any aspect, the method may increase the percentage of viable chicks in terms of hatchability.

Feed Diet Composition

[0049] In another aspect, the present technology provides a poultry feed diet that includes an amount of one or more nitrates effective for improving the quality of offspring produced by poultry having an average age of greater than about 41 weeks; wherein the improvement in embryo and/or offspring quality comprises an increase in viable chicks, chick quality measured as yolk free body mass (g), or offspring final body weight measured over a growth period of about 14 to about 35 weeks.

[0050] In any aspect, the feed diet may include at least about 0.05 wt% of the one or more nitrates. In any aspect, the diet may include about 0.05 wt% to about 1 .5 wt% of the one or more nitrates. For example, the diet may include about 0.05 wt%, about 0.1 wt%, about 0.2 wt%, about 0.3 wt%, about 0.4 wt%, about 0.5 wt%, about 0.6 wt%, about 0.7 wt%, about 0.8 wt%, about 0.9 wt%, about 1.0 wt%, about 1.1 wt%, about 1.2 wt%, about 1.3 wt%, about 1.4 wt%, about 1.5 wt%, or any range including and/or in between any two of the preceding values.

[0051] In any aspect, the one or more nitrates may include an ionic nitrate salt as described herein. For example, the one more nitrates may include an ionic nitrate salt selected from sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate, calcium nitrate, magnesium nitrate ammonium nitrate, or mixtures thereof. In any aspect, the one or more nitrates may be calcium nitrate, complex inorganic salts of calcium nitrate, hydrates thereof (e.g., calcium nitrate dihydrate, calcium nitrate tetrahydrate, calcium nitrate decahydrate), or mixtures thereof. Preferably, the one or more nitrates may include calcium ammonium nitrates, or hydrates thereof (e.g. , 5 Ca(NO₃)₂*NH₄NO₃« 10H₂O).

[0052] In addition to the effective amount of one or more nitrates, the feed diet includes antioxidants that include polyphenols. Suitable sources of polyphenols, as described herein, may include polyphenols extracted from fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, tea, herbs, spices, tree barks, or mixtures thereof. In any aspect, the polyphenols may be from polyphenol sources including onion extract, grape seed extract, grape skin extract, rosemary extract, or mixtures thereof. For example, the polyphenols may be PROVIOX 50 (Cargill, Incorporated).

[0053] The polyphenols as described herein may be fed to the poultry as part of the feed diet in an amount of about 10 ppm to about 500 ppm. Suitable amounts of the polyphenols may include about 10 ppm to about 500 ppm, about 50 ppm to about 300 ppm, about 75 ppm to about 250 ppm, about 90 ppm to about 150 ppm, or any range including and/or in between any two of the preceding values.

[0054] In any aspect, the poultry feed diet may be a composition that includes an amount of the one or more nitrates and polyphenols fed to the poultry before, during, or after providing the poultry a poultry feed that does not include nitrates and polyphenols. For example, the combination of one or more nitrates and polyphenols may be provided in a supplement separately from the feed diet or is provided in a supplement that is mixed with the feed diet. As would be understood by a person skilled in the art, the amount of nitrate and polyphenols in the supplement would typically be different from the final feed diet, i. e. , the supplement may include a higher concentration of the one or more nitrates and polyphenols compared to the final feed diet itself.

[0055] The poultry feed diet is the vehicle to deliver nutrients to the poultry. Accordingly, the feed diet composition may include other nutrients. There are six major classes of nutrients: carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and water. These nutrient classes can be categorized as either macronutrients (needed in relatively large amounts) or micronutrients (needed in smaller quantities). The macronutrients are carbohydrates, fats, fiber, proteins, and water. The micronutrients are minerals and vitamins. As described herein, other natural antioxidants include minerals and vitamins. The macronutrients (excluding water) provide structural material (amino acids from which proteins are built, and lipids from which cell membranes and some signaling molecules are built) and energy but are required for other reasons. Micronutrients include antioxidants and phytochemicals. Nutrients are delivered by sources of ingredients.

[0056] In any aspect, the feed diet may further include antioxidants other than polyphenols. For example, the antioxidants may further include vitamins, minerals, carotenoids, or mixtures thereof.

[0057] Vitamins may include, but are not limited to, vitamin A (including vitamin A sources such as vitamin A supplement, vitamin A oil, etc.) vitamin Bl, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B4, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, vitamin B7, vitamin B8, vitamin B9, vitamin B12, vitamin C, Vitamin D, (including vitamin D sources such as vitamin D supplement, etc.), vitamin E (including vitamin E sources such as Vitamin E supplement), vitamin K, and other vitamin product ingredients (including riboflavin, vitamin D3 supplement, niacin, betaine, choline chloride, tocopherol, inositol, etc.). In any aspect, the vitamins may preferably be vitamins E, vitamins C, or combinations thereof.

[0058] Minerals may include, for example and without limitation, calcium, chlorine (as chloride ions), magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, sulfur, cobalt, copper, chromium, iodine, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, selenium vanadium, zinc, or mixtures thereof. In any aspect, the minerals may preferably be selenium, zinc, manganese, copper, or mixtures thereof. [0059] In another aspect, the present technology provides use of the poultry feed diet as described herein to improve the quality of offspring produced by poultry having an average age of greater than about 41 weeks. For example, the use of the poultry feed diet may be to improve the percentage of viable chicks with respect to hatchability (%) when compared to poultry having an average age of 41 weeks not fed the feed diet.

[0060] The present invention, thus generally described, will be understood more readily by reference to the following examples, which are provided by way of illustration and are not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

EXAMPLES

Base Poultry Feed

[0061] Standard com, wheat SBM diets were formulated following the breeder guidelines. Calcium nitrate and PROVIOX 50 were included at the expense of fdler (filler consisting of fiber) for treatments 2 and 3to end up with an expected intake of 100 mg/kg BW CaNi and 100 ppm PROVIOX 50 per day, and 300 mg/kg BW CaNi and 100 ppm PROVIOX 50 per day, respectively.

[0062] Table 1 below provides a base diet composition used throughout the study.

Table 1.

Ingredients 1 2 3

Maize 40.000 40.000 40.000

Wheat 18.435 18.435 18.435

Sunflower seed meal (SFM) 13.327 13.327 13.327

Soybean meal (SBM) 8.000 8.000 8.000

Wheat middlings 5.000 5.000 5.000

Fat/oil, Soybean oil 3.586 3.586 3.586

Limestone 8.514 8.514 8.514

Monocalciumphosphate 0.502 0.502 0.502

Salt 0.221 0.221 0.221

Sodiumbicarbonate 0.451 0.451 0.451

DL-Methionine 0.084 0.084 0.084

L-Threonine 0.010 0.010 0.010

ENZ C Hostx D 100 P - CORN 0.010 0.010 0.010

Phyzyme XP 10000 TPT - 500 FTU 0.005 0.005 0.005

Danisco Premix broiler breeders layer phase 0.500 0.500 0.500

Filler 1.353 0.902 0.000

Calcium Nitrate 0.439 1.318

PROVIOX 50 0.01 0.01

100.00 100.00 100.00

Nutrients

Crude fat % 5.89 5.89 5.89

<cFIBER % 4.15 4.15 4.15

Crude protein % 15.14 15.14 15.14

Dry matter % 87.83 87.83 87.83

Calcium % 3.400 3.400 3.400

Chloride % 0.180 0.180 0.180

Phosphorous P % 0.492 0.492 0.492

Potassium % 0.629 0.629 0.629

Av. P (at low Ca) % 0.310 0.310 0.310

ME layer kcal 2850 2850 2850

Total Lysine % 0.645 0.645 0.645

Total Methionine % 0.361 0.361 0.361

Total Met + Cys % 0.619 0.619 0.619

Total Threonine % 0.537 0.537 0.537

Total Tryptophan % 0.178 0.178 0.178

Total Isoleucine % 0.607 0.607 0.607

Total Valine % 0.738 0.738 0.738

Total Arginine % 0.965 0.965 0.965

Lysine % 0.601 0.601 0.601

AFD Lysine (poultry) % 0.490 0.490 0.490

AFD Methionine (poultry) % 0.330 0.330 0.330

AFD Meth.+Cyst. (poultry) % 0.558 0.558 0.558

AFD Threonine (poultry ) % 0.450 0.450 0.450

AFD Tryptophan (poultry) % 0.144 0.144 0.144

AFD Valine (poultry) % 0.612 0.612 0.612 Example 1: Broiler Breeder Trial.

[0063] Example 1 evaluates the effect of calcium nitrate (CaNi) and Proviox in the diet of Cobb 500 hens.

Experimental Design'.

• Cobb 500 Hens

• 27 per experimental unit

• 6 replicates per treatment

• Expenmental Design:

[0064] The trial was conducted in the experimental units of Cargill Innovation Center Veldriel, The Netherlands. Broiler breeders received a dose response of CaNi with PROVIOX 50 from week twenty (20) onwards. The effect of three different levels of nitrate were tested. Animals arrived at 20 weeks of age and were raised into peak production before the experimental period started; from 30 to 64 weeks of age. Treatments were randomly distnbuted per block to 18 pens, resulting in 6 replicates per treatment with a maximum of 27 females and 3 males each.

Diets:

[0065] In advance of diet formulation, batches of com, wheat, sunflower seed meal, wheat middlings and soybean meal were reserved and analyzed as defined in Autocalc Package by ingredient. Diet formulation was based on the analyzed nutrient content of the reserved ingredients. Composition of the experimental basal diets is given below:

Hens Roosters

Ingredients

Maize 46.304 46.349 4.460 55.431

Wheat 10.000 10.000 10.000 10.000 SFM 15.000 15.000 15.000 15.000

SBM HP 11.555 11.876 12.518 2.094

Wheat middlings 5.000

Fat/ oil, Soybean oil 3.692 3.699 3.713 0.500

Limestone 7.195 7.017 6.662 1.755

Monocalciumphosphate 0.881 0.885 0.893 0.943

Salt 0.221 0.221 0.221 0.214

Sodium bicarbonate 0.154 0.157 0.162 0.188

DL-Methionine 0.041 0.042 0.045

ENZ C Hostx D 100 P - CORN 0.010 0.010 0.010 0.010

Phyzyme XP 10000 TPT - 500 FTU 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005

Premix broiler breeders layer phase 0.500 0.500 0.500 0.500 PROVIOX50 0.010 0.010

Calcium Nitrate 0.360 1.080

100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00

[0066] Diets were produced by Research Diet Services (RDS, Wijk bij Duurstede, the Netherlands) and produced as a mash. Calcium nitrate and PROV1OX50 were added to the basal diet as described above.

[0067] One diet phase (three different treatments) was fed to the hens during the experimental period in line with breed nutrient recommendations. Males were fed separately, also based on breed nutrient recommendations. Based on growth and egg production, feed amounts per pen were determined after every animal weighing and if needed, the amount was adjusted for upcoming week(s). Feed allocation was determined without taking treatment into consideration. Feed samples were collected after producing and were analyzed for crude protein, crude fat, crude ash, dry matter, calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P) content and particle size.

Animals, Environment, and Sample Management:

[0068] Seven hundred and forty eight 20-week-old Cobb 500 broiler breeder hens were randomly allocated across the 18 pens.

[0069] The feed was supplied via two feeder bowls with access for hens only, and one feeder with access for males only. Both feed and water were provided restricted throughout the study Laying nests were opened per pen, based upon finding the first eggs in these pens. Mortality was checked daily.

Data Collection:

[0070] Individual body weights of all broiler breeders were recorded weekly during the period week 20 to 38 and at biweekly during the period of 38 till 60 weeks of age, by a hanging bird scale (AgroMax, the Netherlands).

[0071] Eggs were collected three times a day and registered per pen. The total number of eggs was recorded and in addition, the eggs were classified according to the following classes: first class eggs, second class eggs (including differentiation between broken eggs, dirty eggs, shell less eggs, double yolk eggs, other second class eggs), or floor eggs. The laying percentage was calculated according to the following formula:

Laying% = # of eggs produced per pen / (# of hens x # of days of the experimental period) All eggs collected on one day per week were weighed to calculate egg mass, according to the following formula:

Egg Mass = laying% x average egg weight (at start and end of the week/ period) of the pen

Egg Measuring:

[0072] At 29 and 59 weeks of age two average weight first class eggs per pen. Yolk and albumen were split and weighed separately and afterwards freeze dried to measure dry matter content. Freeze dried samples were sent for nitrate analysis (Nutricontrol, the Netherlands).

[0073] The statistical model used in this study was:

Yij = p + oii + Bj + Eijk

Where:

Yijk = a specific trait per experimental unit (replicate of 27 females). p = overall mean ai = treatment effect (i = I - III)

Bi = block effect (1 = 1 - 6)

Sijk = error term

Results'.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 1, lower hatchabihty in offspring was observed for broiler breeder hens at 32 weeks of age fed the combination of CaNi and PROVIOX 50 compared to broiler breeder hens fed a control diet (Treatment A). This indicates that the combination of CaNi and PROVIOX 50 has no observable improvement in offspring hatchability for young broiler breeder hens. Surprisingly, older broiler breeder hens at 44 weeks of age showed improved hatchability for eggs when fed the combination of CaNi and PROVIOX 50 (FIG. 2).

[0075] Exemplary Aspects

[0076] The following exemplary aspects are provided, the numbering of which is not to be construed as designating levels of importance:

[0077] Para. A: A method for feeding poultry to improve offspring quality, the method comprising: feeding poultry having an average age of greater than about 41 weeks a diet comprising: an effective amount of one or more nitrates; and antioxidants comprising polyphenols; wherein: the effective amount of the one or more nitrates comprises greater than about 30 mg/kg of body weight (BW) to about 600 mg/kg BW per day; and the method improves quality of offspring produced by poultry having an average age of greater than about 41 weeks. [0078] Para. B: The method of Para. A, wherein the one or more nitrates comprises an ionic nitrate salt.

[0079] Para. C: The method of Para. A or B, wherein the one or more nitrates is selected from the group consisting of sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate, calcium nitrate, magnesium nitrate, ammonium nitrate, or mixtures thereof.

[0080] Para. D: The method of any one of Paras. A-C, wherein the one or more nitrates comprises calcium nitrate, complex inorganic salts of calcium nitrate, or mixtures thereof. [0081] Para. E: The method of any one of Paras. A-D, wherein the one or more nitrates comprises calcium ammonium nitrate.

[0082] Para. F: The method of any one of Paras. A-E, wherein the effective amount of the one or more nitrates comprises about 50 mg/kg BW to about 500 mg/kg BW per day.

[0083] Para. G: The method of any one of Paras. A-F, wherein the effective amount of the one or more nitrates comprises about 75 mg/kg BW to about 350 mg/kg BW per day.

[0084] Para. H: The method of any one of Paras. A-G, wherein the one or more polyphenols are present in the feed diet in an amount of about 10 ppm to about 500 ppm.

[0085] Para. I: The method of any one of Paras. A-H, wherein the polyphenols comprise polyphenol sources selected from onion extract, grape seed extract, grape skin extract, rosemary extract, or mixtures thereof.

[0086] Para. J: The method of any one of Paras. A-I, wherein the antioxidant further comprises vitamins, minerals, carotenoids, or mixtures thereof. 100871 Para. K: The method of any one of Paras. A- J, wherein the feed diet further comprises anti-inflammatories, probiotics, prebiotics, amino acids, vasodilators, carbohydrases, phospholipase A2 inhibitors (PLA2), phytases, binders, proteases, postbiotics, or mixtures thereof.

[0088] Para. L: The method of any one of Paras. A-K, wherein the diet comprises at least about 0.05 weight percent (wt%) of the one or more nitrates.

[0089] Para. M: The method of any one of Paras. A-L, wherein the diet comprises about 0.05 wt% to about 1.5 wt% of the one or more nitrates.

[0090] Para. N: The method of any one of Paras. A-M, wherein the method improves egg weights.

[0091] Para. O: The method of any one of Paras. A-N, wherein the poultry has an age from about 41 weeks to about 64 weeks.

[0092] Para. P: The method of any one of Paras. A-O, wherein the method improves hatchabihty of eggs produced by poultry having an average age of about 44 weeks to about 64 weeks.

[0093] Para. Q: A poultry feed diet comprising: an amount of one more nitrates effective for improving offspring quality in poultry having an average age of greater than about 41 weeks; and antioxidants comprising polyphenols.

[0094] Para. R: The feed diet of Para. Q, wherein the diet comprises at least about 0.05 wt% of the one or more nitrates.

[0095] Para. S: The feed diet of Para. Q or R, wherein the diet comprises about 0.05 wt% to about 1.5 wt% of the one or more nitrates.

[0096] Para. T: The feed diet of any one of Paras. Q-S, wherein the one or more nitrates comprise an ionic nitrate salt.

[0097] Para. U: The feed diet of any one of Paras. Q-T, wherein the one or more nitrates are selected from the group consisting of sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate, calcium nitrate, magnesium nitrate, ammonium nitrate, or mixtures thereof.

[0098] Para. V: The feed diet of any one of Paras. Q-U, wherein the one or more nitrates comprise calcium nitrate, complex inorganic salts of calcium nitrate, or mixtures thereof.

[0099] Para. W: The feed diet of any one of Paras. Q-V, wherein the one or more nitrates comprise calcium ammonium nitrate.

[0100] Para. X: The feed diet of any one of Paras. Q-W, wherein the feed diet comprises about 10 ppm to about 500 ppm of the polyphenols. [0101 J Para. Z: The feed diet of any one of Paras. Q-X, wherein the polyphenols comprise polyphenol sources selected from onion extract, grape seed extract, rosemary extract, or mixtures thereof.

[0102] Para. AA: The feed diet of any one of Paras. Q-Z, wherein the antioxidant further comprises vitamins, minerals, carotenoids, or mixtures thereof.

[0103] Para. AB: The feed diet of any one of Paras. Q-AA, wherein the feed diet further comprises anti-inflammatories, probiotics, prebiotics, amino acids, vasodilators, phospholipase A2 inhibitors (PLA2), phytases, or mixtures thereof.

[0104] Para. AC: Use of a feed diet comprising an effective amount of one or more nitrates and antioxidants comprising polyphenols to improve the quality of offspring produced by poultry having an average age of greater than about 41 weeks.

[0105] Each of the non-limiting aspects above can stand on its own or can be combined in various permutations or combinations with one or more of the other aspects or other subject matter described in this document. While certain aspects have been illustrated and described a person with ordinary skill in the art, after reading the foregoing specification can effect changes, substitutions of equivalents and other types of alterations to the present technology as set forth herein. Each aspect and aspect described above can also have included or incorporated therewith such variations or aspects as disclosed in regard to any or all of the other aspects and aspects. [0106] The present technology is also not to be limited in terms of the particular aspects described herein, which are intended as single illustrations. Many modifications and variations of this present technology can be made without departing from its spirit and scope, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing descriptions. Such modifications and variations are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims. It is to be understood that this present technology' is not limited to particular methods, reagents, compounds, or compositions, which can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only, and is not intended to be limiting. Thus, it is intended that the specification be considered as exemplary only with the breadth, scope and spirit of the present technology indicated only by the appended claims, definitions therein and any equivalents thereof.

[0107] The aspects, illustratively described herein may suitably be practiced in the absence of any element or elements, limitation or limitations, not specifically disclosed herein. Thus, for example, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” etc. shall be read expansively and without limitations. Additionally, the terms and expressions employed herein have been used as terms of descn ption and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, but it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the claimed technology. Additionally, the phrase “consisting essentially of’ will be understood to include those elements specifically recited and those additional elements that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed technology. The phrase “consisting of’ excludes any element not specified.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A method for feeding poultry to improve offspring quality, the method comprising: feeding poultry having an average age of greater than about 41 weeks a diet comprising: an effective amount of one or more nitrates; and antioxidants comprising polyphenols; wherein: the effective amount of the one or more nitrates comprises greater than about 30 mg/kg of body weight (BW) to about 600 mg/kg BW per day; and the method improves quality of offspring produced by poultry having an average age of greater than about 41 weeks.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more nitrates is selected from the group consisting of sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate, calcium nitrate, magnesium nitrate, ammonium nitrate, or mixtures thereof; or wherein the one or more nitrates comprises calcium nitrate, complex inorganic salts of calcium nitrate, or mixtures thereof, preferably wherein the one or more nitrates comprise calcium ammonium nitrate.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the effective amount of the one or more nitrates comprises about 50 mg/kg BW to about 500 mg/kg BW per day, preferably about 75 mg/kg BW per day to about 350 mg/kg BW per day.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more polyphenols are present in the feed diet in an amount of about 10 ppm to about 500 ppm.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the poly phenols comprise polyphenol sources selected from onion extract, grape seed extract, grape skin extract, rosemary extract, or mixtures thereof. The method of claim 1, wherein the diet comprises at least about 0.05 weight percent (wt%) of the one or more nitrates, preferably about 0.05 wt% to about 1.5 wt%. The method of claim 1, wherein the method improves egg weights. The method of claim 1 , wherein the poultry has an age from about 41 weeks to about 64 weeks. The method of claim 1, wherein the method improves hatchability of eggs produced by poultry having an average age of about 44 weeks to about 64 weeks. A poultry feed diet comprising: an amount of one more nitrates effective for improving offspring quality in poultry having an average age of greater than about 41 weeks; and antioxidants comprising polyphenols. The feed diet of claim 10, wherein the diet comprises at least about 0.05 wt% of the one or more nitrates, preferably about 0.05 wt% to about 1.5 wt%. The feed diet of claim 10, wherein the one or more nitrates are selected from the group consisting of sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate, calcium nitrate, magnesium nitrate, ammonium nitrate, or mixtures thereof; or wherein the one or more nitrates comprise calcium nitrate, complex inorganic salts of calcium nitrate, or mixtures thereof, preferably wherein the one or more nitrates comprise calcium ammonium nitrate. The feed diet of claim 10, wherein the feed diet comprises about 10 ppm to about 500 ppm of the polyphenols. The feed diet of claim 10, wherein the polyphenols comprise polyphenol sources selected from onion extract, grape seed extract, rosemary extract, or mixtures thereof. Use of a feed diet comprising an effective amount of one or more nitrates and antioxidants comprising polyphenols to improve the quality of offspring produced by poultry having an average age of greater than about 41 weeks.