Fucosylated mammalian milk oligosaccharides for use in prevention or treatment of pneumonia

Abstract

The present invention relates to fucosylated mammalian milk oligosaccharides (MMO) for use in a method for the prevention and / or treatment of pneumonia in farm-bred animals or domesticated animals.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to fucoidylated mammalian lactooligosaccharides (MMOs) used in methods for the prevention and / or treatment of pneumonia in farmed or domesticated animals. Background Technology

[0002] The health of farm-raised animals (i.e., animals raised in agricultural settings to produce various commodities such as food, wool, or plush) has a significant impact on the economic resilience of farms due to medical expenses, animal losses, and long-term effects on performance. Unlike in natural environments, farm-raised animals (e.g., cattle) are separated from their mothers shortly after birth (hours or very few days) for commercial and practical reasons. This results in a high chance of ingesting pathogens after separation. One disease that significantly affects farm-raised animals but also domesticated animals is pneumonia, which causes inflammation of the lung tissue and airways. Unfortunately, pneumonia is the most common cause of death and poor performance in these animals (Poulsen and McGuirk, 2009, Vet. Clin. North. Am. Food anim. Pract. 25(1): p.121-137; Arné et al., 2011, Int J. Microbiol., article 746356). Pneumonia can be caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites, and protozoa.

[0003] In addition, farm-raised animals are typically transported to feeding facilities. This transport not only brings animals together in close proximity (sometimes from different farms), but such stressful transport is known to have negative effects on immune, infectious, and inflammatory responses. In these animals, shipping fever can occur, which can eventually lead to pneumonia, as well as in cattle and horses, for example, well documented (Earley et al., 2017, Animal 11(3): p. 486-492; VivekJoshi et al., 2016, J. Immunol. And Immunopath. 18(2)).

[0004] The development of effective therapies for the prevention and / or treatment of pneumonia is a medical and economic priority. Invention Overview

[0006] Surprisingly, the fucosylated MMO according to the invention has been found to be an effective agent for the prevention and / or treatment of pneumonia in farmed or domesticated animals, particularly in animals bred in large groups. The fucosylated MMO is not associated with adverse effects and is safe for use in animals.

[0007] In a first aspect, the present application provides a fucosylated MMO for use in a method for the prevention and / or treatment of pneumonia in an animal, wherein the animal is a farm-raised animal or a domestic animal.

[0008] In a second aspect, the present application provides a method for the prevention and / or treatment of pneumonia in a farm-raised animal or a domestic animal, wherein a fucosylated MMO according to the first aspect is administered to the animal.

[0009] In a third aspect, the present application provides the use of a fucosylated MMO according to the first aspect for the manufacture of a medicament for the prevention and / or treatment of pneumonia in a farm-raised animal or a domestic animal. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] Fucosylated MMO for use in the prevention / treatment of pneumonia

[0012] In a first aspect, the present application provides a fucosylated mammalian milk oligosaccharide (MMO) for use in a method for the prevention and / or treatment of pneumonia in an animal, wherein the animal is a farm-raised animal or a domestic animal, preferably a farm-raised animal.

[0013] Preferably, the present application provides a composition comprising a fucosylated MMO, wherein the composition is for use in a method for the prevention and / or treatment of pneumonia in an animal, wherein the animal is a farm-raised animal or a domestic animal, preferably a farm-raised animal. Throughout the application and claims, the term "fucosylated MMO" is preferably replaced by "a composition comprising a fucosylated MMO", more preferably by "a composition consisting essentially of a fucosylated MMO", even more preferably by "a composition consisting of a fucosylated MMO".

[0014] Pneumonia

[0015] In one embodiment of the first aspect of the present application, the fucosylated MMO is for use in a method for the prevention and / or treatment of pneumonia in an animal, wherein the animal is a farm-raised animal or a domestic animal, preferably a farm-raised animal.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the pneumonia is acute pneumonia. As understood by the skilled person, acute pneumonia necessarily causes inflammation of the alveolar and interstitial tissue of the lung, resulting in acute respiratory symptoms and signs, including cough, panting, chest pain, and production of sputum (Torres et al., 2021, Nature Reviews Disease primers 7(25); Ames, 2016, Vet. Clin. North Am. Food Anim. Pract. 13(3): p. 379-391). The alveoli are filled with pus and fluid (as opposed to healthy subjects in which the alveoli are filled with air when breathing), which makes breathing painful and limits oxygen uptake. Pneumonia is caused by many infectious agents, including viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Chronic pneumonia is pneumonia that persists for at least 6 weeks; radiographs of the chest often show diffuse or focal opacities.

[0017] In a further and / or alternative preferred embodiment, the pneumonia is shipping fever pneumonia. Shipping fever is a well-described lung condition that occurs in animals that are transported over long distances. Shipping fever has a multifactorial etiology of infectious agents (viral and / or bacterial; often, a primary viral infection is followed by a secondary bacterial superinfection), environmental stressors, and host factors (Earley et al., 2017, Animal 11(3): p. 486-492; Gaudino et al., 2022, Vet. Res. 53(1); Maeda and Oikawa, 2019, Front. Vet. Sci. 6(27)).

[0018] In this context of the application, the animal is preferably a horse or a cow, more preferably a cow. When the animal is a cow, “shipping fever” is also referred to as “bovine respiratory disease (BRD)” or “bovine respiratory disease complex” (Vivek Joshi et al., 2016, J. Immunol. And Immunopath. 18(2); Earley et al., 2017, Animal 11(3): p. 486-492). Thus, when the animal is a cow, the terms “shipping fever”, “bovine respiratory disease”, “BRD”, and “bovine respiratory disease complex” can be used interchangeably in the context of the present application.

[0019] In a further and / or alternative preferred embodiment, the pneumonia is broiler chicken pneumonia. As understood by the skilled person, broiler chicken pneumonia is a disease causing pneumonia in poultry, especially in chickens. "Broiler chicken pneumonia" is also known as "aspergillosis", and thus these terms are used interchangeably in the context of the present application. Clinical signs include respiratory distress (dyspnea and panting), central nervous dysfunction (tremors, ataxia and torticollis), lethargy (drowsiness), anorexia and emaciation. Pathogenic agents include Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus niger.

[0020] In the context of the present application, the animal is preferably poultry, more preferably chicken, quail, turkey, duck, pigeon and goose, even more preferably chicken, quail or turkey, even more preferably chicken or quail, most preferably chicken. It is preferred that the animal is a young animal, more preferably a chicken. Throughout the application and claims, the term "chicken" is preferably replaced by broiler.

[0021] In the context of the present application, the pneumonia is preferably not caused by SARS-CoV-2, more preferably not caused by a virus leading to a coronavirus disease (e.g. covid-19).

[0022] The inventors surprisingly found that the fucosylated mammalian milk oligosaccharide (MMO) according to the present application enhances the immune response in the treated subject, preferably enhances T lymphocyte immunity in the treated subject, more preferably enhances T lymphocyte activation in the treated subject.

[0023] Thus, the technical effect of treating a subject with the fucosylated MMO according to the present application encompasses an indirect protection mechanism by stimulating the immune response in the treated subject described herein to protect against and / or repel a pathogen, rather than a direct mechanism in which the fucosylated MMO would act directly on the pathogen and / or would block the entry of the pathogen by binding to receptors essential for the pathogen.

[0024] The technical effect can be assessed in a subject by the skilled person using techniques routinely available in the art. One particularly useful and preferred method is flow cytometry (preferably, fluorescence-activated cell sorting, i.e. FACS), which is used to assess the activation of T cells in a subject. In this context, peripheral blood mononuclear cells can be isolated from a blood sample of a subject by using standard techniques such as density gradient centrifugation. To identify activated T lymphocytes, a suitable panel of activated T cell markers can be used during flow cytometry (preferably, FACS) analysis. This includes classical T cell standards such as CD3, CD4 and CD8, in combination with one or more known activation markers such as CD69, CD25 and HLA-DR. An alternative method for assessing the technical effect is exemplified in the examples below (differential expression analysis of the whole transcriptome).

[0025] Subject

[0026] In one embodiment of the first aspect of the application, the fucosylated MMO is used in a method for preventing and / or treating pneumonia in an animal, wherein the animal is a farm-raised animal or a domesticated animal, preferably a farm-raised animal.

[0027] As understood by the skilled person, "farm-raised animal" refers to an animal that is raised in an agricultural setting for the production of various commodities such as food (meat, organs, eggs, dairy products) and / or fur or fleece. The farm-raised animal is preferably selected from the list consisting of cattle, swine, sheep, goat, horse, donkey, mule, hinny, camelid (preferably, llama or alpaca), rabbit and poultry; more preferably from the list consisting of cattle, swine, sheep, goat, horse, camelid (preferably, llama or alpaca), rabbit and poultry; even more preferably from the list consisting of cattle, swine, sheep, goat, horse, camelid (preferably, llama or alpaca) and poultry; even more preferably from the list consisting of cattle, swine, sheep, goat, camelid (preferably, llama or alpaca) and poultry; even more preferably from the list consisting of cattle, swine, sheep, goat and poultry; even more preferably from the list consisting of cattle, swine, sheep and goat; even more preferably from the list consisting of cattle, sheep and goat; most preferably, the farm-raised animal is cattle.

[0028] Alternatively, the farm-raised animal is preferably selected from the list consisting of cattle and swine, most preferably the farm-raised animal is cattle.

[0029] As understood by the skilled person, "domesticated animal" refers to an animal that has been selectively bred and adapted over several generations to live in company with humans. In the context of the present invention, the domesticated animal is preferably a companion animal, a horse, a donkey, a mule or a hinny; more preferably, the domesticated animal is selected from the list consisting of a dog, a cat, a horse, a donkey, a mule and a hinny; even more preferably, the domesticated animal is selected from the list consisting of a dog, a cat and a horse; most preferably, the domesticated animal is a horse.

[0030] In the context of the present invention, the term "poultry" refers to birds that are bred by humans for their eggs, meat and / or feathers. Throughout the application and claims, the poultry is preferably a chicken, a quail, a turkey, a duck, a pigeon and a goose, more preferably a chicken, a quail or a turkey, even more preferably a chicken or a quail, most preferably a chicken. Throughout the application and claims, the term "chicken" is preferably replaced by broiler chick.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the farm-raised animal or the domesticated animal is selected from the list consisting of a bovine, a porcine, an ovine, a caprine, a horse, a donkey, a mule, a hinny, a camelid (preferably, a llama or an alpaca), a dog, a cat, a rabbit and a poultry; more preferably from the list consisting of a bovine, a porcine, an ovine, a caprine, a horse, a donkey, a mule, a hinny, a camelid (preferably, a llama or an alpaca) and a poultry; even more preferably from the list consisting of a bovine, an ovine, a caprine, a horse, a donkey, a mule, a hinny, a camelid (preferably, a llama or an alpaca) and a poultry; even more preferably from the list consisting of a bovine, a horse, a donkey, a mule, a hinny and a poultry; even more preferably from the list consisting of a bovine, a horse, a donkey, a mule and a hinny; even more preferably from the list consisting of a bovine and a horse; most preferably, the animal is a bovine.

[0032] In a further and / or alternative preferred embodiment, the animal is a multi-stomached animal, preferably a ruminant or a camelid, more preferably a ruminant.

[0033] Preferably, the camelid is a llama or an alpaca, more preferably the camelid is an alpaca.

[0034] Preferably, the ruminant is selected from the list consisting of a bovine, an ovine and a caprine, more preferably the ruminant is a bovine.

[0035] In an alternative preferred embodiment, the animal is a mono-stomached animal, which is preferably selected from the list consisting of a porcine, a horse, a donkey, a mule, a hinny, a rabbit and a poultry, more preferably from the list consisting of a porcine, a horse, a donkey, a mule, a hinny and a poultry, even more preferably from the list consisting of a porcine, a horse, a donkey, a mule and a hinny, even more preferably a porcine or a horse, most preferably a porcine.

[0036] Throughout the specification and claims, the terms "subject" and "animal" can be replaced by "subject in need thereof" and "animal in need thereof", respectively, unless otherwise specifically indicated.

[0037] In a more preferred embodiment, said animal according to the application is a young animal. In a further and / or alternative more preferred embodiment, said animal according to the application is a youngling. Throughout the application and claims, unless otherwise specifically indicated, "young animal" can be replaced by "youngling" or "youngling animal".

[0038] As the skilled person understands:

[0039] - young bovine is a calf;

[0040] - young porcine is a piglet;

[0041] - young ovine is a lamb;

[0042] - young caprine is a kid;

[0043] - young equine is a foal;

[0044] - young llama is a cria;

[0045] - young alpaca is a cria;

[0046] - young canine is a puppy;

[0047] - young feline is a kitten;

[0048] - young lagomorph is a leveret;

[0049] - young poultry / chicken is a chick.

[0050] In a further and / or alternative more preferred embodiment, said animal according to the application is an animal prior to weaning.

[0051] In a further and / or alternative more preferred embodiment, said animal according to the application is an animal after weaning.

[0052] As the skilled person understands, weaning refers to the process of withdrawing young animals from access to milk and gradually habituating young animals to adult diets.

[0053] Throughout the application and claims, each of the embodiments disclosed therein, in the context wherein the subject is a horse, is also disclosed for a subject that is a donkey, a male horse, or a male donkey.

[0054] Method for preventing and / or treating pneumonia

[0055] In one embodiment of the first aspect of the application, the fucosylated MMO is for use in a method for preventing and / or treating pneumonia in an animal, wherein the animal is a farm-raised animal or a domestic animal, preferably a farm-raised animal.

[0056] The animal is as described in the section "subject".

[0057] In the context of the present application, the term "preventing" pneumonia preferably means avoiding the occurrence of the pneumonia and / or reducing the incidence of the pneumonia. In other words, "preventing" preferably refers to improving the risk of contracting the pneumonia. The terms "preventing" and "prevention" are used interchangeably in the context of the present application. The term "treating" pneumonia preferably means inhibiting the pneumonia, e.g. arresting the development of the pneumonia; relieving the pneumonia, e.g. causing the regression of the pneumonia; and / or relieving conditions caused by or resulting from the pneumonia, e.g. relieving, preventing or treating symptoms of the pneumonia. In other words, "treating" preferably refers to reducing the duration (number of days / weeks / months the subject will contract the pneumonia), risk, complications and / or severity of the pneumonia; this also encompasses the relief of symptoms caused by the pneumonia.

[0058] In one preferred embodiment, the method according to the application comprises administering to the animal (see section "subject") an effective amount of the fucosylated MMO according to the application (see section "oligosaccharide"). As understood by the skilled person, an "effective amount" is the amount of the oligosaccharide required to impart a therapeutic effect to the animal described in the present application. As recognized by the skilled person, the effective amount varies depending on, among other known factors, the subject, the route of administration, the use of excipients.

[0059] In a further and / or alternative preferred embodiment, the fucosylated MMO is administered to the animal at least once, preferably at least twice, between birth (0 weeks) and 5 weeks of age, preferably between birth and 4 weeks of age, more preferably between birth and 3 weeks of age.

[0060] In a further and / or alternative preferred embodiment, the fucosylated MMO is administered to the animal at least once, preferably at least twice, more preferably daily:

[0061] - within three weeks, preferably two weeks, more preferably one week, prior to the day of transporting the animal; and / or

[0062] - on the day of transporting the animal; and / or

[0063] - within three weeks, preferably two weeks, more preferably one week, after the day of transport of the animal.

[0064] More preferably, the animal is administered the fucosylated MMO at least once, preferably at least twice, more preferably daily:

[0065] (i)

[0066] - within three weeks, preferably two weeks, more preferably one week, before the day of transport of the animal; and / or

[0067] - on the day of transport of the animal;

[0068] or

[0069] (ii)

[0070] - on the day of transport of the animal; and / or

[0071] - within three weeks, preferably two weeks, more preferably one week, after the day of transport of the animal.

[0072] In a more preferred embodiment, the fucosylated MMO is administered in a daily dose of 0.0001-15.0 g, preferably 0.0001-10.0 g, more preferably 0.0001-5.0 g, even more preferably 0.0001-2.0 g, even more preferably 0.0001-1.0 g, even more preferably 0.0005-1.0 g, most preferably 0.0010-1.0 g. More preferably, the fucosylated MMO is administered in a daily dose of 0.001-15.0 g, preferably 0.001-10.0 g, more preferably 0.001-5.0 g, even more preferably 0.001-2.0 g, even more preferably 0.001-1.0 g, even more preferably 0.005-1.0 g, most preferably 0.010-1.0 g. Even more preferably, the fucosylated MMO is administered in a daily dose of 0.01-15.0 g, preferably 0.01-10.0 g, more preferably 0.01-5.0 g, even more preferably 0.01-2.0 g, even more preferably 0.01-1.0 g, even more preferably 0.015-1.0 g, most preferably 0.02-1.0 g. In the context of the present invention, the amount of oligosaccharide according to the invention expressed in "grams or milligrams per daily dose" as used herein means that the amount of oligosaccharide is such that when the daily amount is administered to a subject, the subject will be administered the oligosaccharide in the amount of grams or milligrams. In other words, if the daily amount is for example 50 mg, the subject receives a total of 50 mg per day. This can be in one or more portions. Thus, if the daily amount is 50 mg split into 2 portions, a single portion consists of 25 mg and a daily administration consists of 2 such single portions.

[0073] In a further and / or alternative more preferred embodiment, the fucosylated MMO is administered in a daily dose of 0.01-150.0 mg, preferably 0.01-125.0 mg, more preferably 0.01-100.0 mg, even more preferably 0.05-100.0 mg, even more preferably 0.1-100.0 mg, most preferably 0.1-80.0 mg per kg body weight of the animal.

[0074] In a more preferred embodiment, the fucosylated MMO is administered in a daily dose of 0.01-1.0 g, preferably 0.01-0.75 g, more preferably 0.01-0.65 g, even more preferably 0.01-0.60 g, even more preferably 0.01-0.50 g, even more preferably 0.015-0.50 g, even more preferably 0.015-0.40 g, even more preferably 0.015-0.30 g, even more preferably 0.015-0.20 g, most preferably 0.015-0.10 g. This embodiment is for example particularly preferred if the animal is a bovine or equine animal, more preferably wherein the animal is a calf or a foal, most preferably wherein the animal is a calf.

[0075] In a further and / or alternative more preferred embodiment, the fucosylated MMO is administered in a daily dose of 0.1-50.0 mg, preferably 0.1-30.0 mg, more preferably 0.1-25.0 mg, even more preferably 0.1-20.0 mg, even more preferably 0.1-15.0 mg, even more preferably 0.1-10.0 mg, even more preferably 0.25-10.0 mg, most preferably 0.5-10.0 mg per kg body weight of the animal. This embodiment is for example particularly preferred if the animal is a bovine or equine animal, more preferably wherein the animal is a calf or a foal, most preferably wherein the animal is a calf.

[0076] In an alternative more preferred embodiment, the fucosylated MMO is administered in a daily dose of 0.01-5.0 g, preferably 0.1-2.5 g, more preferably 0.1-1.5 g, even more preferably 0.1-1.2 g, even more preferably 0.2-1.2 g, even more preferably 0.3-1.2 g, even more preferably 0.4-1.2 g, most preferably 0.5-1.2 g. This embodiment is for example particularly preferred if the animal is a porcine, ovine, caprine or camelid animal (preferably, a llama or alpaca), more preferably wherein the animal is a piglet, lamb, kid or llama / alpaca foal, even more preferably wherein the animal is a piglet, lamb or kid, most preferably wherein the animal is a piglet.

[0077] In a further and / or alternative more preferred embodiment, the fucosylated MMO is administered to the animal in a daily dose of 0.1 - 150.0 mg, preferably 0.1 - 125.0 mg, more preferably 1.0 - 125.0 mg, even more preferably 5.0 - 125.0 mg, even more preferably 5.0 - 100.0 mg, even more preferably 5.0 - 80.0 mg, most preferably 10.0 - 80.0 mg per kg body weight of the animal. This embodiment is e.g. particularly preferred if the animal is a pig, sheep, goat or camelid (preferably, a llama or alpaca), more preferably wherein the animal is a piglet, a small sheep, a small goat or a young llama / alpaca, even more preferably wherein the animal is a piglet, a small sheep or a small goat, most preferably wherein the animal is a piglet.

[0078] In a more preferred embodiment, the fucosylated MMO is administered to the animal for at least 1 week, preferably at least 2 weeks, more preferably at least 3 weeks, even more preferably at least 4 weeks, most preferably at least 6 weeks.

[0079] In a further and / or alternative more preferred embodiment, the fucosylated MMO is administered to the animal for ≤ 32 weeks, preferably ≤ 28 weeks, more preferably ≤ 24 weeks, even more preferably ≤ 20 weeks, even more preferably ≤ 16 weeks, even more preferably ≤ 12 weeks, most preferably ≤ 6 weeks.

[0080] In a more preferred embodiment, the fucosylated MMO is administered to the animal for 1 - 36, preferably 1 - 30, even more preferably 1 - 28, even more preferably 1 - 24, even more preferably 1 - 18, even more preferably 1 - 12, even more preferably 1 - 8, even more preferably 1 - 6, even more preferably 1 - 4, most preferably 2 - 4 consecutive weeks.

[0081] In a more preferred embodiment, the fucosylated MMO is administered to the animal:

[0082] - if the subject is a bovine: for 1 - 36, preferably 1 - 32, more preferably 1 - 30, even more preferably 1 - 28, even more preferably 1 - 24, even more preferably 1 - 18, even more preferably 1 - 12, even more preferably 2 - 12, most preferably 3 - 12 consecutive weeks;

[0083] - if the subject is a pig: for 1 - 18, preferably 1 - 12, more preferably 1 - 8, even more preferably 1 - 6, even more preferably 1 - 4, most preferably 2 - 4 consecutive weeks;

[0084] - if the subject is a sheep: for 1-36, preferably 1-32, more preferably 1-30, even more preferably 1-28, even more preferably 1-24, even more preferably 1-18, even more preferably 1-12, even more preferably 1-8, even more preferably 1-6, even more preferably 1-4, most preferably 2-4 consecutive weeks;

[0085] - if the subject is a goat: for 1-36, preferably 1-32, more preferably 1-30, even more preferably 1-28, even more preferably 1-24, even more preferably 1-18, even more preferably 1-12, even more preferably 1-8, even more preferably 1-6, even more preferably 1-4, most preferably 2-4 consecutive weeks;

[0086] - if the subject is a horse: for 1-18, preferably 1-12, more preferably 1-8, even more preferably 1-6, even more preferably 1-4, most preferably 2-4 consecutive weeks;

[0087] - if the subject is a camelid: for 1-18, preferably 1-12, more preferably 1-8, even more preferably 1-6, even more preferably 1-4, most preferably 2-4 consecutive weeks;

[0088] - if the subject is a rabbit: for 1-12, preferably 1-8, more preferably 1-6, even more preferably 1-4, most preferably 2-4 consecutive weeks;

[0089] - if the subject is a dog: for 1-12, preferably 1-8, more preferably 1-6, even more preferably 1-4, most preferably 2-4 consecutive weeks;

[0090] - if the subject is a cat: for 1-12, preferably 1-8, more preferably 1-6, even more preferably 1-4, most preferably 2-4 consecutive weeks;

[0091] - if the subject is poultry: for 1-8, preferably 1-6, more preferably 1-4, most preferably 2-4 consecutive weeks.

[0092] Preferably, the fucosylated MMO according to the application is administered at least once a week (i.e. at least one daily dose is administered in a week), more preferably at least once every 3 days, even more preferably at least once every 2 days, most preferably at least once a day (i.e. a daily dose is administered every day).

[0093] The inventors have surprisingly found that the fucosylated MMO according to the application is sufficient to obtain an effective therapy for the prevention and treatment of pneumonia as described herein. No other (oligo)saccharide needs to be administered for obtaining said therapeutic effect.

[0094] In the context of the present application, the present application provides a fucosylated MMO and a sialylated MMO, preferably a fucosylated MMO and two or more sialylated MMOs (i.e. a first sialylated MMO and a second sialylated MMO, optionally a further sialylated MMO), more preferably a fucosylated MMO and two sialylated MMOs (i.e. a first sialylated MMO and a second sialylated MMO), for use in a method for preventing and / or treating pneumonia in an animal, wherein the animal is a farm-raised animal or a domesticated animal, preferably a farm-raised animal. For the sake of clarity, in the context of the present application, the expression "more preferably two sialylated MMOs" means that no further sialylated MMO is administered to the subject. In other words, the method for preventing and / or treating pneumonia in an animal described herein comprises administering a fucosylated MMO and a sialylated MMO described herein, preferably a fucosylated MMO and two or more sialylated MMOs (i.e. a first sialylated MMO and a second sialylated MMO, optionally a further sialylated MMO), more preferably a fucosylated MMO and two sialylated MMOs (i.e. a first sialylated MMO and a second sialylated MMO).

[0095] It is preferred that the administered MMO is administered as a mixture, more preferably as part of a composition, even more preferably as part of a composition according to the "composition" section. The fucosylated MMO is as described herein (see "oligosaccharide" section). In a preferred embodiment, the sialylated MMO comprises a sialic acid, preferably Neu5Ac, which is linked to a monosaccharide in an a-2,3-linkage, an a-2,6-linkage or an a-2,8-linkage, preferably an a-2,3-linkage or an a-2,6-linkage, and wherein the monosaccharide is preferably selected from the group consisting of galactose, N-acetylglucosamine and Neu5Ac, more preferably the monosaccharide is galactose or N-acetylglucosamine, even more preferably the monosaccharide is galactose. The skilled person will understand that the expression "sialic acid linked to a monosaccharide" refers to the situation wherein the sialic acid is bound to a monosaccharide through a glycosidic bond and wherein the sialic acid and monosaccharide are part of an oligosaccharide of the present application (which can comprise additional monosaccharides in addition to the sialic acid and the monosaccharide). In a further and / or alternative preferred embodiment, the sialylated MMO consists of 3-8, more preferably 3-7, even more preferably 3-6, most preferably 3-5 monosaccharides. In a further and / or alternative preferred embodiment, the sialylated MMO comprises lactose, lacto-N-biose (LNB) or N-acetyl lactosamine (LacNAc) at its reducing end, preferably the sialylated MMO comprises lactose or LacNAc at its reducing end, most preferably the sialylated MMO comprises lactose at its reducing end.

[0096] The sialylated MMO comprising lactose at its reducing end is preferably selected from the list consisting of 3'-sialyllactose (3'SL), 6'-sialyllactose (6'SL), 3,6-disialyllactose, 6,6'-disialyllactose, 8,3-disialyllactose, 3'S-2'FL, 6'S-2'FL, 3'S-3-FL, 6'S-3-FL, LST a, LST b, LST c and LST d; more preferably selected from the list consisting of 3'SL, 6'SL, 3,6-disialyllactose, 6,6'-disialyllactose, 8,3-disialyllactose, LST a, LST b, LST c and LST d; even more preferably selected from the list consisting of 3'SL, 6'SL, LST a, LST b, LST c and LST d; most preferably wherein the sialylated MMO is 3'-sialyllactose (3'SL) or 6'-sialyllactose (6'SL). The sialylated MMO comprising lacto-N-biose (LNB) at its reducing end is preferably selected from the list consisting of 3'-sialyllacto-N-biose (3'SLNB), 6'-sialyllacto-N-biose (6'SLNB) and monofucosyl monosialyllacto-N-octaose (sialyl Lewis a); more preferably the sialylated MMO is 3'SLNB or 6'SLNB. The sialylated MMO comprising N-acetyl lactosamine (LacNac) at its reducing end is preferably selected from the list consisting of 3'-sialyllactosamine (3'SLacNAc), 6'-sialyllactosamine (6'SLacNAc) and sialyl Lewis x; more preferably the sialylated MMO is 3'SLacNAc or 6'SLacNAc. In a more preferred embodiment, the sialylated MMO according to the present application is selected from the list consisting of 3'-sialyllactose (3'SL), 6'-sialyllactose (6'SL), 3,6-disialyllactose, 6,6'-disialyllactose, 8,3-disialyllactose, 3'S-2'FL, 6'S-2'FL, 3'S-3-FL, 6'S-3-FL, LST a, LST b, LST c, LST d, 3'-sialyllacto-N-biose (3'SLNB), 6'-sialyllacto-N-biose (6'SLNB), sialyl Lewis a, 3'-sialyllactosamine (3'SLacNAc), 6'-sialyllactosamine (6'SLacNAc) and sialyl Lewis x.More preferably, the sialylated MMO is selected from the list consisting of 3'SL, 6'SL, 3'SLNB, 6'SLNB, 3'SLacNAc and 6'SLacNAc. More preferably, the first sialylated MMO is selected from the list consisting of 3'-sialyllactose (3'SL), 6'-sialyllactose (6'SL), 3,6-disialyllactose, 6,6'-disialyllactose, 8,3-disialyllactose, 3'S-2'FL, 6'S-2'FL, 3'S-3-FL, 6'S-3-FL, LST a, LST b, LST c, LST d, 3'-sialyl-lactosamine (3'SLacNAc), 6'-sialyl-lactosamine (6'SLacNAc) and sialyl Lewis x. More preferably, the first sialylated MMO is selected from the list consisting of 3'SL, 6'SL, 3'S-2'FL, 6'S-2'FL, 3'S-3-FL, 6'S-3-FL, LST a, LST b, LST c, LST d, 3'SLNB, 6'SLNB, sialyl Lewis a, 3'SLacNAc, 6'SLacNAc and sialyl Lewis x. More preferably, the first sialylated MMO is selected from the list consisting of 3'SL, 6'SL, LST a, LST b, LST c, LST d, 3'SLNB, 6'SLNB, sialyl Lewis a, 3'SLacNAc, 6'SLacNAc and sialyl Lewis x. More preferably, the first sialylated MMO is selected from the list consisting of 3'SL, 6'SL, 3'SLNB, 6'SLNB, 3'SLacNAc and 6'SLacNAc. More preferably, the first sialylated MMO is 3'-sialyllactose (3'SL) or 6'-sialyllactose (6'SL), most preferably the first sialylated MMO is 3'SL.In a further and / or alternative more preferred embodiment, said second sialylated MMO according to the present application is selected from the list consisting of 3'-sialyllactose (3'SL), 6'-sialyllactose (6'SL), 3,6-disialyllactose, 6,6'-disialyllactose, 8,3-disialyllactose, 3'S-2'FL, 6'S-2'FL, 3'S-3-FL, 6'S-3-FL, LST a, LST b, LST c, LST d, 3'-sialyllacto-N-biose (3'SLNB), 6'-sialyllacto-N-biose (6'SLNB), monofucosyl monosialyllacto-N-octaose (sialyl Lewis a), 3'-sialyllactosamine (3'SLacNAc), 6'-sialyllactosamine (6'SLacNAc) and sialyl Lewis x. More preferably, said second sialylated MMO is selected from the list consisting of 3'SL, 6'SL, LST a, LST b, LST c, LST d, 3'SLNB, 6'SLNB, sialyl Lewis a, 3'SLacNAc, 6'SLacNAc and sialyl Lewis x. More preferably, said second sialylated MMO is selected from the list consisting of 3'SL, 6'SL, LST a, LST b, LST c, LST d, 3'SLNB, 6'SLNB, sialyl Lewis a, 3'SLacNAc, 6'SLacNAc and sialyl Lewis x. More preferably, said second sialylated MMO is selected from the list consisting of 3'SL, 6'SL, 3'SLNB, 6'SLNB, 3'SLacNAc and 6'SLacNAc. More preferably, said second sialylated MMO is 6'-sialyllactose (6'SL) or 3'-sialyllactose (3'SL), most preferably said second sialylated MMO is 6'SL.

[0097] When the animal is administered a fucosylated MMO and a first sialylated MMO, the fucosylated MMO and the first sialylated MMO are preferably administered on the same day, more preferably simultaneously. Further, one preferred embodiment is that the amount of the first sialylated MMO administered to the animal is 0.1-30.0, preferably 0.1-25.0, more preferably 0.1-20.0, even more preferably 0.1-15.0, even more preferably 0.2-15.0, even more preferably 0.3-15.0, even more preferably 0.4-15.0, most preferably 0.5-15.0 times the amount of the fucosylated MMO administered to the animal. Further, one more preferred embodiment is that the amount of the fucosylated MMO administered to the animal is less than the amount of the first sialylated MMO, preferably the amount of the fucosylated MMO is less than the amount of the first sialylated MMO to the extent of 1.1 to 10.0, preferably 1.5-7.5, more preferably 2.5-7.5, most preferably 4.0-7.0 times.

[0098] When the fucosylated MMO, the first sialylated MMO and the second sialylated MMO according to the application are administered to the animal, the fucosylated MMO, the first sialylated MMO and the second sialylated MMO are preferably administered on the same day, more preferably simultaneously. Further, one preferred embodiment is that the ratio between the amount of the first sialylated MMO administered to the animal and the amount of the second sialylated MMO administered to the animal is similar to the ratio found in the breast milk of the same species (preferably as described in the section "Compositions"). More preferably, the amount of the first sialylated MMO administered to the animal is higher than the amount of the second sialylated MMO, preferably the amount of the first sialylated MMO is higher than the amount of the second sialylated MMO by a factor of 1.1 to 40.0, more preferably 1.1 to 35.0, most preferably 1.5 to 35.0. Even more preferably, the amount of the first sialylated MMO administered to the animal is higher than the amount of the second sialylated MMO, preferably the amount of the first sialylated MMO is higher than the amount of the second sialylated MMO by a factor of 1.1 to 6.0, more preferably 1.1 to 5.0, even more preferably 1.25 to 4.0, even more preferably 1.25-3.0, even more preferably 1.5 to 3.0, most preferably 1.5-2.5. One further and / or alternative preferred embodiment is that the amount of the first sialylated MMO administered to the animal is 0.1-30.0, preferably 0.1-25.0, more preferably 0.1-20.0, even more preferably 0.1-15.0, even more preferably 0.2-15.0, even more preferably 0.3-15.0, even more preferably 0.4-15.0, most preferably 0.5-15.0 times the amount of the fucosylated MMO administered to the animal. Preferably, the amount of the fucosylated MMO administered to the animal is lower than the amount of the first sialylated MMO, preferably the amount of the fucosylated MMO is lower than the amount of the first sialylated MMO by a factor of 1.1 to 10.0, preferably 1.5-7.5, more preferably 2.5-7.5, most preferably 4.0-7.0. One further and / or alternative preferred embodiment is that the amount of the second sialylated MMO administered to the animal is 0.1-30.0, preferably 0.1-25.0, more preferably 0.1-20.0, even more preferably 0.1-15.0, even more preferably 0.2-15.0, even more preferably 0.3-15.0, even more preferably 0.4-15.0, most preferably 0.5-15.0 times the amount of the fucosylated MMO administered to the animal.Preferably, the amount of the fucosylated MMO administered to the animal is lower than the amount of the second sialylated MMO, preferably the amount of the fucosylated MMO is lower than the amount of the second sialylated MMO to the extent of 1.1 to 10.0, preferably 1.5-7.5, more preferably 1.5-5.0, most preferably 2.5-5.0 fold.

[0099] One more preferred embodiment is that the total amount of both the first sialylated MMO and the second sialylated MMO is 0.1-30.0, preferably 0.1-25.0, more preferably 0.1-20.0, even more preferably 0.1-15.0, even more preferably 0.2-15.0, even more preferably 0.3-15.0, even more preferably 0.4-15.0, most preferably 0.5-15.0 fold of the amount of the fucosylated MMO administered to the animal. Preferably, the amount of the fucosylated MMO administered to the animal is lower than the total amount of both the first sialylated MMO and the second sialylated MMO, preferably the amount of the fucosylated MMO is lower than the total amount of both the first sialylated MMO and the second sialylated MMO to the extent of 1.1 to 15.0, preferably 1.5 to 15.0, more preferably 2.5 to 15.0, even more preferably 5.0 to 15.0, even more preferably 5.0 to 12.5, most preferably 5.0 to 10.0 fold. One even more preferred embodiment is that the amount of all sialylated MMOs administered to the animal is 0.1-30.0, preferably 0.1-25.0, more preferably 0.1-20.0, even more preferably 0.1-15.0, even more preferably 0.2-15.0, even more preferably 0.3-15.0, even more preferably 0.4-15.0, most preferably 0.5-15.0 fold of the amount of the fucosylated MMO administered to the animal. Preferably, the amount of the fucosylated MMO administered to the animal is lower than, preferably to the extent of 1.1 to 15.0 fold lower, more preferably to the extent of 1.5 to 15.0 fold lower, even more preferably to the extent of 2.5 to 15.0 fold lower, even more preferably to the extent of 5.0 to 15.0 fold lower, even more preferably to the extent of 5.0 to 12.5 fold lower, most preferably to the extent of 5.0 to 10.0 fold lower than the amount of all sialylated MMOs administered to the animal.

[0100] In this scenario of the application, the sialylated MMO / first sialylated MMO / second sialylated MMO is administered in a daily dose of 0.0001-15.0 g, preferably 0.0001-10.0 g, more preferably 0.0001-5.0 g, even more preferably 0.0001-2.0 g, even more preferably 0.0001-1.0 g, even more preferably 0.0005-1.0 g, most preferably 0.0010-1.0 g. More preferably, the sialylated MMO / first sialylated MMO / second sialylated MMO is administered in a daily dose of 0.001-15.0 g, preferably 0.001-10.0 g, more preferably 0.001-5.0 g, even more preferably 0.001-2.0 g, even more preferably 0.001-1.0 g, even more preferably 0.005-1.0 g, most preferably 0.010-1.0 g. Even more preferably, the sialylated MMO / first sialylated MMO / second sialylated MMO is administered in a daily dose of 0.01-15.0 g, preferably 0.01-10.0 g, more preferably 0.01-5.0 g, even more preferably 0.01-2.0 g, even more preferably 0.01-1.0 g, even more preferably 0.015-1.0 g, most preferably 0.02-1.0 g.

[0101] In a further and / or alternative more preferred embodiment, the sialylated MMO / first sialylated MMO / second sialylated MMO is administered in a daily dose of 0.01-150.0 mg, preferably 0.01-125.0 mg, more preferably 0.01-100.0 mg, even more preferably 0.05-100.0 mg, even more preferably 0.1-100.0 mg, most preferably 0.1-80.0 mg per kg body weight of the animal.

[0102] In a more preferred embodiment, the sialylated MMO / first sialylated MMO is administered in a daily dose of 0.01-1.0 g, preferably 0.01-0.75 g, more preferably 0.025-0.75 g, even more preferably 0.05-0.75 g, most preferably 0.05-0.50 g. This embodiment is for example particularly preferred if the animal is a bovine or equine animal, more preferably wherein the animal is a calf or a foal, most preferably wherein the animal is a calf. In a further and / or alternative more preferred embodiment, the sialylated MMO / first sialylated MMO is administered in a daily dose of 0.1-100.0 mg, preferably 0.1-75.0 mg, more preferably 0.5-75.0 mg, even more preferably 1.0-75.0 mg, even more preferably 2.5-75.0 mg, most preferably 2.5-50.0 mg per kg body weight of the animal. This embodiment is for example particularly preferred if the animal is a bovine or equine animal, more preferably wherein the animal is a calf or a foal, most preferably wherein the animal is a calf.

[0103] In an alternative and / or preferred embodiment, the sialylated MMO / first sialylated MMO is administered in a daily dosage of 0.01-5.0 g, preferably 0.1-2.5 g, more preferably 0.1-2.0 g, even more preferably 0.1-1.5 g, even more preferably 0.2-1.5 g, even more preferably 0.3-1.5 g, even more preferably 0.4-1.5 g, most preferably 0.5-1.5 g. This embodiment is for example particularly preferred if the animal is a pig, a sheep, a goat or a camelid (preferably, a llama or an alpaca), more preferably wherein the animal is a piglet, a lamb, a kid or a baby llama / alpaca, even more preferably wherein the animal is a piglet, a lamb or a kid, most preferably wherein the animal is a piglet. In an alternative and / or preferred embodiment, the sialylated MMO / first sialylated MMO is administered in a daily dosage of 0.1-150.0 mg, preferably 0.5-150.0 mg, more preferably 1.0-150.0 mg, even more preferably 1.0-125.0 mg, even more preferably 2.5-125.0 mg, even more preferably 5.0-125.0 mg, even more preferably 10.0-125.0 mg, even more preferably 25.0-125.0 mg, even more preferably 50.0-125.0 mg, most preferably 75.0-125.0 mg per kg body weight of the animal. This embodiment is for example particularly preferred if the animal is a pig, a sheep, a goat or a camelid (preferably, a llama or an alpaca), more preferably wherein the animal is a piglet, a lamb, a kid or a baby llama / alpaca, even more preferably wherein the animal is a piglet, a lamb or a kid, most preferably wherein the animal is a piglet.

[0104] In an additional and / or alternative more preferred embodiment, the second sialylated MMO is administered in a daily dosage of 0.01-1.0 g, preferably 0.01-0.75 g, more preferably 0.025-0.75 g, even more preferably 0.025-0.50 g, most preferably 0.025-0.25 g. This embodiment is for example particularly preferred if the animal is a bovine or equine, more preferably wherein the animal is a calf or a colt, most preferably wherein the animal is a calf.

[0105] In an alternative more preferred embodiment, the second sialylated MMO is administered in a daily dosage of 0.01-5.0 g, preferably 0.1-2.5 g, more preferably 0.1-2.0 g, even more preferably 0.1-1.5 g, even more preferably 0.1-1.2 g, even more preferably 0.15-1.2 g, even more preferably 0.2-1.2 g, most preferably 0.25-1.2 g. This embodiment is for example particularly preferred if the animal is a porcine, ovine or caprine, more preferably wherein the animal is a piglet, a lamb or a kid, most preferably wherein the animal is a piglet. In an additional and / or alternative more preferred embodiment, the second sialylated MMO is administered in a daily dosage of 0.1-150.0 mg, preferably 1.0-150.0 mg, more preferably 1.0-125.0 mg, even more preferably 2.5-125.0 mg, even more preferably 5.0-125.0 mg, even more preferably 10.0-125.0 mg, even more preferably 25.0-125.0 mg, even more preferably 25.0-100.0 mg, most preferably 25.0-80.0 mg per kg body weight of the animal. This embodiment is for example particularly preferred if the animal is a porcine, ovine, caprine or a camelid (preferably, a llama or an alpaca), more preferably wherein the animal is a piglet, a lamb, a kid or a baby llama / alpaca, even more preferably wherein the animal is a piglet, a lamb or a kid, most preferably wherein the animal is a piglet.

[0106] While additional (oligo)saccharides can be administered according to the present application, the present application relates to the fact that for achieving the effective therapeutic effect described herein, only the fucosylated MMO according to the present application is required.

[0107] Therefore, it is particularly preferred that the method for preventing and / or treating pneumonia in an animal described herein does not comprise the administration of lacto-N-tetraose (LNT). In a further and / or alternative preferred embodiment, the method for preventing and / or treating pneumonia in an animal described herein does not comprise the administration of lacto-N-neotetraose (LNnT). In a further and / or alternative preferred embodiment, the method for preventing and / or treating pneumonia in an animal described herein does not comprise the administration of N-acetyl lactosamine.

[0108] In a further and / or alternative preferred embodiment, the method for preventing and / or treating pneumonia in an animal described herein does not comprise the administration of an oligosaccharide comprising N-acetyl lactosamine, preferably does not comprise the administration of a sugar comprising N-acetyl lactosamine. In a further and / or alternative preferred embodiment, the method for preventing and / or treating pneumonia in an animal described herein does not comprise the administration of 3' sialyllactose. In a further and / or alternative preferred embodiment, the method for preventing and / or treating pneumonia in an animal described herein does not comprise the administration of 6' sialyllactose. More preferably, the method for preventing and / or treating pneumonia in an animal described herein does not comprise the administration of a sialylated mammalian milk oligosaccharide, even more preferably does not comprise the administration of a sialylated oligosaccharide, most preferably does not comprise the administration of a sialylated sugar. In a further and / or alternative preferred embodiment, the method for preventing and / or treating pneumonia in an animal described herein does not comprise the administration of fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS). In a further and / or alternative preferred embodiment, the method for preventing and / or treating pneumonia in an animal described herein does not comprise the administration of galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS). In a further and / or alternative preferred embodiment, the method for preventing and / or treating pneumonia in an animal described herein does not comprise the administration of isomalto-oligosaccharides.

[0109] In a more preferred embodiment, the methods for preventing and / or treating pneumonia in an animal described herein do not comprise the administration of neutral non-fucosylated MMO. In a more preferred embodiment, the methods for preventing and / or treating pneumonia in an animal described herein comprise the administration of a fucosylated MMO according to the present application and no additional MMO (preferably no additional oligosaccharide, more preferably no additional sugar). In a more preferred embodiment, the methods for preventing and / or treating pneumonia in an animal described herein comprise the administration of a fucosylated MMO described herein only.

[0110] In another preferred embodiment, the methods for preventing and / or treating pneumonia in an animal described herein further comprise the administration of a microbial strain that does not use, preferably is not able to use, the fucosylated MMO as a carbon source. In an alternative preferred embodiment, the methods for preventing and / or treating pneumonia in an animal described herein do not comprise the administration of a microbial strain.

[0111] oligosaccharide

[0112] The fucosylated mammalian milk oligosaccharide (MMO) according to the present application is an MMO comprising fucose.

[0113] As understood by the skilled person, mammalian milk oligosaccharides (MMOs) include oligosaccharides found in milk (including colostrum) from humans (i.e. human milk oligosaccharides or HMOs) and mammals including but not limited to Bos taurus, Ovis aries, Capra aegagrus hircus, Camelus bactrianus, Equus ferus caballus, Sus scropha, Canis lupus familiaris, Ursus arctos yesoensis, Ursus maritimus, Ursus thibetanus japonicus, Mephitis mephitis, Cystophora cristata, Elephas maximus, Loxodonta africana, Myrmecophaga tridactyla, Tursiops truncates, Balaenoptera acutorostrata, Macropus eugenii, Macropus rufus, Trichosurus vulpecula, Phascolarctos cinereus, Dasyurus viverrinus, Ornithorhynchus anatinus at any stage during lactation (Urashima T. et al., 2011, Milk Oligosaccharides, Nova Biomedical Books, New York ISBN 978-1-61122-831-1; Coppa et al., 2013, Ital. J. Pediatr. 2013, 39(2)). The structures of a large number of milk sugars have been elucidated to date. Most of the milk oligosaccharides found in animals such as mammals and humans contain lactose at the reducing end (Urashima et al., 2011).Other milk oligosaccharides comprise N-acetyl lactosamine (Gal-β1,4-GlcNAc) or lacto-N-biose (Gal-β1,3-GlcNAc) at the reducing end (Urashima et al., 2011; Wrigglesworth et al., 2020, PLoS ONE 15(12); Urashima et al., 2013, Biosci. Biotechnol. Biochem 77(3): p. 455-466; Wei et al., 2018, Sci. Rep. 8:4688). Examples for this are 3-FLN (Gal-β1,4-(Fuc-α1,3-)GlcNAc; also known as Lewis x antigen), 3’-SLN (Neu5Ac-α2,3-Gal-β1,4-GlcNAc), 6’-SLN (Neu5Ac-α2,6-Gal-β1,4-GlcNAc) (Urashima et al., 2011; Wrigglesworth et al., 2020; Wei et al., 2018). Further, sugars in milk comprise galactosaminoglycans (GAGs; Coppa et al., 2013; Rai et al., 2021, Int. J. Biol. Macromolecules, 193(A): p. 137-144). Antigens of the human ABO blood group system such as the A determinant (GalNAc-α1,3(Fuc-α1,2)-Gal), the B determinant (Gal-α1,3(Fuc-α1,2)-Gal) and the H-determinant (Fuc-α1,2-Gal) have been shown to be present in the sugars of mammalian milks (e.g., A tetrasaccharide in lions and cheetahs; Wrigglesworth et al., 2020).

[0114] Throughout the application and claims, “mammalian milk oligosaccharide (MMO)” is preferably “human milk oligosaccharide (HMO)”.

[0115] In the context of the present application, the term “oligosaccharide” preferably refers to a saccharide comprising 2 up to and including 20 monosaccharides, i.e. a degree of polymerization (DP) of 2-20, more preferably to a saccharide comprising 3 up to and including 20 monosaccharides, i.e. a degree of polymerization (DP) of 3-20. In other words, the term “oligosaccharide” preferably refers to a saccharide consisting of 2-20, more preferably 3-20 monosaccharide units, which are interconnected to each other in a linear or branched structure via glycosidic bonds. A bond (i.e. a glycosidic bond) between two saccharide units, i.e. two monosaccharides, can be denoted as e.g. 1,4, 1->4 or (1-4), which are used interchangeably herein.

[0116] More preferably, the oligosaccharide described herein consists of 3-8, more preferably 3-7, more preferably 3-6, most preferably 3-5 monosaccharides. For the sake of clarity, the expression "x-y" refers to the range from x (inclusive) to y (inclusive). For example, 3-5 monosaccharides means that there are 3, 4 or 5 monosaccharides.

[0117] Preferably, the fucosylated MMO according to the present application comprises only one fucose, i.e. the MMO consists of two or more monosaccharides and only one of the monosaccharides is fucose.

[0118] In a preferred embodiment of the present application, the fucosylated MMO is a neutral oligosaccharide. As used herein and as generally understood in the art, a "neutral" oligosaccharide is an oligosaccharide that does not have a negative charge from a carboxylic acid group.

[0119] In a further and / or alternative preferred embodiment, the fucosylated MMO comprises a fucose linked to a monosaccharide in an a-1,2-linkage, an a-1,3-linkage or an a-1,4-linkage, preferably an a-1,2-linkage or an a-1,3-linkage, more preferably an a-1,2-linkage, and wherein the monosaccharide is preferably selected from the group consisting of glucose, N-acetylglucosamine and galactose, more preferably the monosaccharide is glucose or galactose, more preferably the monosaccharide is galactose. The skilled person will understand that the expression "fucose linked to a monosaccharide" refers to the situation wherein the fucose is bound to a monosaccharide through a glycosidic bond and wherein the fucose and the monosaccharide are part of the oligosaccharide of the present application which can comprise further monosaccharides in addition to the fucose and the monosaccharide.

[0120] In a further and / or alternative preferred embodiment, the fucosylated mammalian milk oligosaccharide comprises lactose, lacto-N-biose (LNB) or N-acetyl lactosamine (LacNAc) at its reducing end, preferably the fucosylated oligosaccharide comprises lactose or LacNAc at its reducing end, more preferably the fucosylated oligosaccharide comprises lactose at its reducing end.

[0121] The fucosylated oligosaccharides comprising lactose at their reducing end are preferably selected from the list consisting of 2'-fucosyllactose (2'FL), 3-fucosyllactose (3-FL), difucosyllactose (diFL), lacto-N-fucopen-taose I (LNFP I), A blood group antigen hexasaccharide type 1 (GalNAc-LNFP I), B blood group antigen hexasaccharide type 1 (Gal-LNFP I), lacto-N-fucopen-taose II (LNFP II), lacto-N-fucopen-taose III (LNFP III), lacto-N-fucopen-taose V (LNFP V), lacto-N-difuco-hexaose I (LNDFH I), lacto-N-difuco-hexaose II (LNDFH II), Lewis b-Lewis x, monofucosyllacto-N-hexaose III (MFLNH III), difucosyllacto-N-hexaose (a) (DFLNH (a)), difucosyllacto-N-hexaose (DFLNH), trifucosyllacto-N-hexaose (TFLNH), lacto-N-neofucopen-taose I (LNnFP I), lacto-N-neofucopen-taose V (LNnFP V, LNFP VI) and lacto-N-neodifuco-hexaose (LNnDFH), more preferably selected from the list consisting of 2'FL, diFL, LNFP I, GalNAc-LNFP I, Gal-LNFP I, LNDFH I, Lewis b-Lewis x, DFLNH(a), TFLNH and LNnFP I, even more preferably selected from the list consisting of 2'FL, diFL, LNFP I and LNnFPI, even more preferably wherein the fucosylated mammalian milk oligosaccharide is 2'FL or diFL, most preferably wherein the fucosylated mammalian milk oligosaccharide is 2'FL.

[0122] The fucosylated oligosaccharides comprising lacto-N-biose (LNB) at their reducing end are preferably selected from the list consisting of 2'-fucosyllacto-N-biose (2'FLNB), 4-fucosyllacto-N-biose (4FLNB) and difucosyllacto-N-biose (diFLNB), more preferably wherein the fucosylated mammalian milk oligosaccharide is 2'FLNB or diFLNB, most preferably wherein the fucosylated mammalian milk oligosaccharide is 2'FLNB.

[0123] The fucosylated oligosaccharide comprising N-acetyl lactosamine (LacNac) at its reducing end is preferably selected from the list consisting of 2'-fucosyl-N- acetyl lactosamine (2'FlacNAc), di-fucosyl-N-acetyl lactosamine (diFLacNAc) and 3- fucosyl-N-acetyl lactosamine (3FlacNAc), more preferably wherein the fucosylated mammalian milk oligosaccharide is 2'FlacNAc or diFLacNAc, most preferably wherein the fucosylated mammalian milk oligosaccharide is 2'FlacNAc.

[0124] In a more preferred embodiment, the fucosylated MMO according to the application is selected from the list consisting of: 2'-fucosyllactose (2'FL), 3-fucosyllactose (3-FL), difucosyllactose (diFL), 2'-fucosyl-N-acetyl lactosamine (2'FlacNAc), difucosyl-N-acetyl lactosamine (diFLacNAc), 3-fucosyl-N-acetyl lactosamine (3FlacNAc), 2'-fucosyllacto-N-biose (2'FLNB), 4-fucosyllacto-N-biose (4FLNB), difucosyllacto-N-biose (diFLNB), lacto-N-fucopentaose I (LNFP I), blood group A antigen hexasaccharide type 1 (GalNAc-LNFP I), blood group B antigen hexasaccharide type 1 (Gal-LNFP I), lacto-N-fucopentaose II (LNFP II), lacto-N-fucopentaose III (LNFP III), lacto-N-fucopentaose V (LNFP V), lacto-N-difucohexaose I (LNDFH I), lacto-N-difucohexaose II (LNDFH II), Lewis b-Lewis x, monofucosyllacto-N-hexaose III (MFLNHIII), difucosyllacto-N-hexaose (a) (DFLNH (a)), difucosyllacto-N-hexaose (DFLNH), trifucosyllacto-N-hexaose (TFLNH), lacto-N-neofucopentaose I (LNnFP I), lacto-N-neofucopentaose V (LNnFP V, LNFP VI) and lacto-N-neodifucohexaose (LNnDFH). More preferably, the fucosylated MMO according to the application is selected from the list consisting of: 2'FL, diFL, LNFP I, GalNAc-LNFP I, Gal-LNFP I, LNDFH I, Lewis b-Lewis x, DFLNH (a), TFLNH, LNnFP I, 2'FLNB, diFLNB, 2'FlacNAc and diFLacNAc, even more preferably from the list consisting of: 2'FL, diFL, LNFP I, LNnFP I, 2'FLNB, diFLNB, 2'FlacNAc and diFLacNAc, even more preferably from the list consisting of: 2'FL, diFL, 2'FLNB, diFLNB, 2'FlacNAc and diFLacNAc, even more preferably from the list consisting of: 2'FL, 2'FLNB and 2'FlacNAc, even more preferably wherein the fucosylated mammalian milk oligosaccharide is 2'FL or diFL, most preferably wherein the fucosylated mammalian milk oligosaccharide is 2'FL.

[0125] The above mentioned fucosylated mammalian milk oligosaccharides are commercially available and / or the production / purification of these oligosaccharides has been described and thus allows the skilled person to produce / obtain any of said fucosylated oligosaccharides accordingly. For example (each reference is incorporated by reference):

[0126] - 2’FL: Zhou et al., 2021, ACS Synth. Biol. 10(3): p. 447-458; Lu et al., 2021, ACS Synth. Biol. 10(5): p. 923-938; WO 2022 / 034073; Carbosynth (OF06739)

[0127] - 3-FL: Zhou et al., 2021; ACS Synth. Biol. 10(3): p. 447-458; Lu et al., 2021, ACS Synth. Biol. 10(5): p. 923-938; WO 2022 / 034073; Carbosynth (OF05673)

[0128] - diFL: WO 2022 / 034073

[0129] - 2’FlacNAc: WO 2022 / 034075

[0130] - 3FlacNAc: WO 2022 / 034075

[0131] - diFLacNAc: WO 2022 / 034075

[0132] - 2’FLNB: WO 2022 / 034075

[0133] - 4FLNB: WO 2022 / 034075

[0134] - diFLNB: WO 2022 / 034075

[0135] - LNFP I: Derya et al., 2020, J. biotech. 319: p. 31-38; Carbosynth (OL05676)

[0136] - GalNAc-LNFP I: WO 2022 / 034077

[0137] - Gal-LNFP I: WO 2022 / 034077

[0138] - LNFP II: Zeuner et al., 2018, ACS Synth. Biol. 10(3): p. 447-458

[0139] - LNFP III: Zeuner et al., 2018, ACS Synth. Biol. 10(3): p. 447-458; Carbosynth (OL04212)

[0140] - LNFP V: WO2020 / 115671; Carbosynth (OL06817)

[0141] - LNDFH I: Huang et al., 2021, ACS Catal. 11(5): p. 2631-2643; Carbosynth (OL01664)

[0142] - LNDFH II: Yu et al., 2017, chem. Comm. 53(80): p. 11012-11015; Huang et al., 2021, ACS Catal. 11(5): p. 2631-2643; Carbosynth (OL06826)

[0143] - MFLNH III: Carbosynth (OM05898)

[0144] - DFLNH (a): Carbosynth (OD05375)

[0145] - DFLNH: Carbosynth (OD06532)

[0146] - TFLNH: Isosep (57 / 18-0010)

[0147] - LNnFP I: Elicityl (GLY033-2-90%)

[0148] - LNnFP V: Dumon et al., 2001, Glyconj. J. 18(6): p. 465-474

[0149] - LNnDFH: Dumon et al., 2001, Glyconj. J. 18(6): p. 465-474.

[0150] In a further and / or alternative more preferred embodiment, the fucosylated MMO according to the present application (and optionally, any, preferably all further mammalian milk oligosaccharides, if also administered to the animal (see also "Composition" section)) has been isolated from a microbial culture or fermentation, a cell culture, an enzymatic reaction or a chemical reaction. Alternatively, the fucosylated MMO according to the present application (and optionally, any, preferably all further mammalian milk oligosaccharides, if also administered to the animal (see also "Composition" section)) has been isolated from a natural source (e.g., human or animal milk, preferably animal milk) by, e.g., chromatography or filtration techniques. Isolation of the fucosylated MMO typically results in a solution comprising the oligosaccharide. Such a solution can be obtained, e.g., by a method comprising the following steps:

[0151] (a) culturing at least one cell, preferably a single cell, as defined herein, which is capable of producing the fucosylated MMO in a suitable culture medium to form a culture broth, preferably wherein the cell is metabolically engineered for the production of the fucosylated MMO, and

[0152] (b) purifying the fucosylated MMO from the culture broth by:

[0153] (i) clarifying the culture broth, and

[0154] (ii) removing salts and / or culture medium components from the clarified culture broth, and / or

[0155] (iii) concentrating the fucosylated oligosaccharide in the clarified culture broth,

[0156] thereby providing a solution comprising the purified oligosaccharide.

[0157] In the context of the present application, "clarifying the culture broth" means removing suspended particles and contaminants, in particular cells, cell components, insoluble metabolites and debris produced by culturing the cells according to the present application. Clarification is preferably one or more of centrifugation, flocculation, decanting and / or filtration.

[0158] In the context of the present application, "removing salts and / or medium components from the clarified broth" means removing substantially all proteins, as well as peptides, amino acids, RNA and DNA and any endotoxins and glycolipids from the clarified broth, preferably after it has been clarified. In this step, proteins and associated impurities can be removed from the sugar in conventional ways. Preferably, proteins, salts, by-products, color, endotoxins and other associated impurities are removed from the oligosaccharide by chromatography, in particular by chromatography, more particularly by ion exchange chromatography or hydrophobic interaction chromatography or ligand exchange chromatography, in particular through chromatography, more particularly through ion exchange chromatography or hydrophobic interaction chromatography or ligand exchange chromatography. In addition to size exclusion chromatography, proteins and associated impurities are retained by the chromatography media or the selected membrane, and the oligosaccharide is retained in the clarified broth comprising the oligosaccharide.

[0159] Further purification of the oligosaccharide can be accomplished, for example, by using (active) charcoal or carbon, nanofiltration, ultrafiltration, electrophoresis, enzymatic treatment or ion exchange to remove any remaining DNA, proteins, LPS, endotoxins or other impurities. Alcohols, such as ethanol, and aqueous alcohol mixtures can also be used. Another purification step is accomplished by crystallization, evaporation or precipitation of the product.

[0160] Several drying techniques are known to the skilled person, which can be used to obtain a powder from a solution comprising the oligosaccharide. The powder is preferably obtained by spray drying, freeze drying, spray freeze drying, crystallization, lyophilization, belt or band drying, drum or roller drying and / or agitated thin film drying of a solution comprising the sugar, preferably by spray drying, drum or roller drying or agitated thin film drying of a solution comprising the sugar, more preferably by spray drying or agitated thin film drying of a solution comprising the sugar, most preferably by spray drying of a solution comprising the sugar. Preferably, the sugar according to the present application constitutes > 70.0%, preferably > 75.0%, more preferably > 80.0% (w / w) of the powder. Preferably, the powder comprises < 15 wt.%, preferably < 10 wt.%, more preferably < 9 wt.%, more preferably < 8 wt.%, more preferably < 7 wt.%, more preferably < 5 wt.%, more preferably < 4 wt.%, more preferably < 3 wt.%, more preferably < 2 wt.%, most preferably < 1 wt.% of a liquid, preferably wherein the liquid is water.

[0161] In a further and / or alternative more preferred embodiment, the fucosylated MMO according to the present application (and optionally, any, preferably all further mammalian milk oligosaccharides, if also administered to the animal (see also "composition" section)) is provided in the composition according to the present application as a powder. Preferably, the powder is as defined before in this section.

[0162] In a further and / or alternative more preferred embodiment, the fucosylated MMO according to the present application (and optionally, any, preferably all further mammalian milk oligosaccharides, if also administered to the animal (see also "composition" section)) has been produced by a cell (preferably, a single cell), preferably in vitro and / or ex vivo, wherein the cell is preferably selected from the list consisting of a microorganism, a plant cell, an animal cell and a protozoan cell. In other words, the sugar of the present application has been produced by in vitro and / or ex vivo cultivation of a cell, wherein the cell is preferably selected from the list consisting of a microorganism, a plant cell, an animal cell or a protozoan cell.

[0163] Preferably, the cell is a microorganism. Preferably, the microorganism is selected from the list consisting of a bacterium, a yeast and a fungus. Further, it is preferred that the cell is genetically engineered for the production of the fucosylated MMO according to the present application. Throughout the specification and claims, the terms "isolated" and "obtained" are used interchangeably, unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0164] The latter bacterium preferably belongs to the phylum Proteobacteria or Firmicutes or Cyanobacteria or Deinococcus-Thermus, preferably to the phylum Proteobacteria. The latter bacterium belonging to the phylum Proteobacteria preferably belongs to the family Enterobacteriaceae, preferably to the species Escherichia coli. The latter bacterium preferably relates to any strain belonging to the species Escherichia coli, such as but not limited to E. coli B, E. coli C, E. coli W, E. coli K12, E. coli Nissle. More particularly, the latter term relates to a cultured E. coli strain - designated E. coli K12 strain - which is well adapted to the laboratory environment and which, unlike the wild-type strain, has lost its ability to thrive in the gut. Well-known examples of E. coli K12 strains are K12 wild-type, W3110, MG1655, M182, MC1000, MC1060, MC1061, MC4100, JM101, NZN111 and AA200. Thus, preferably, the present application particularly relates to a mutated and / or transformed E. coli strain as indicated above, wherein the E. coli strain is a K12 strain. More particularly, the present application relates to a mutated and / or transformed E. coli strain as indicated above, wherein the K12 strain is E. coli MG1655. The latter bacterium belonging to the phylum Firmicutes preferably belongs to the genus Bacillus, preferably from a Bacillus species, such as B. subtilis or B. amyloliquefaciens. The latter bacterium belonging to the phylum Actinobacteria preferably belongs to the family Corynebacteriaceae, which has as members Corynebacterium glutamicum or C. afermentans, or to the family Streptomycetaceae, which has as members Streptomyces griseus or S. fradiae. The latter yeast preferably belongs to the phylum Ascomycota or Basidiomycota or Deuteromycota or Zygomycetes.The latter yeast is preferably of the genus Saccharomyces (with members such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, S. bayanus, S. boulardii), Pichia (with members such as Pichia pastoris, P. anomala, P. kluyveri), Komagataella, Hansenula, Kluyveromyces (with members such as Kluyveromyces lactis, K. marxianus, K. thermotolerans), Yarrowia (e.g., Yarrowia lipolytica), Eremothecium, Zygosaccharomyces, Starmerella (e.g., Starmerella bombicola), or Debaromyces. The latter yeast is preferably selected from Pichia pastoris, Yarrowia lipolytica, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Kluyveromyces lactis. The latter fungus is preferably of the genus Rhizopus, Dictyostelium, Penicillium, Mucor, or Aspergillus. "Plant cells" include cells of flowering plants and non-flowering plants, as well as algal cells, such as Chlamydomonas, Chlorella, and the like. Preferably, the plant cells are tobacco, alfalfa, rice, cotton, oilseed rape, tomato, corn, maize, or soybean cells. The latter animal cell is preferably derived from a non-human mammal (e.g., a cow, a bison, a pig, a sheep, a mouse, a rat), a bird (e.g., a chicken, a duck, an ostrich, a turkey, a pheasant), a fish (e.g., a marlin, a salmon, a tuna, a sea bass, a trout, a catfish), an invertebrate (e.g., a lobster, a crab, a shrimp, a clam, an oyster, a mussel, a sea urchin), a reptile (e.g., a snake, an alligator, a turtle), an amphibian (e.g., a frog), or an insect (e.g., a fly, a nematode), or is a genetically modified cell line derived from a human cell (excluding embryonic stem cells).Both human and non-human mammalian cells are preferably selected from the list comprising epithelial cells, such as mammary epithelial cells, mammary myoepithelial cells, mammary progenitor cells, embryonic kidney cells (e.g. HEK293 or HEK 293T cells), fibroblasts, COS cells, Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, murine myeloma cells, such as N20, SP2 / 0 or YB2 / 0 cells, NIH-3T3 cells, non-mammary adult stem cells or derivatives thereof, such as described in WO21067641, preferably mesenchymal stem cells or derivatives thereof, such as described in WO21067641. The insect cells are preferably derived from Spodoptera frugiperda (e.g. Sf9 or Sf21 cells), Bombyx mori, Mamestra brassicae, Trichoplusia ni (e.g. BTI-TN-5B1-4 cells), or Drosophila melanogaster (e.g. Drosophila S2 cells). The latter protist cell is preferably a Leishmania tarentolae cell.

[0165] In a further and / or alternative more preferred embodiment, said fucosylated MMO of the application has been produced by mammary epithelial cells, mammary myoepithelial cells and / or mammary progenitor cells, preferably in vitro and / or ex vivo, preferably wherein said cells are generated from non-mammary adult stem cells, more preferably wherein said cells are generated from mesenchymal stem cells. Such cells are well known to the skilled person, in this regard reference is made to e.g. WO2021 / 067641 and WO2021 / 242866 (mammary epithelial cells derived from non-mammary adult stem cells, preferably from mesenchymal stem cells) and WO2021 / 142241 (mammary epithelial cells, mammary myoepithelial cells, mammary progenitor cells).

[0166] In a more preferred embodiment, said fucosylated MMO of the application (and optionally, any, preferably all, further mammalian milk oligosaccharides, if also administered to said animal (see also “Composition” section)) has been produced by a microbial cell, preferably in vitro and / or ex vivo, preferably said microorganism is a bacterium, a yeast or a fungus, more preferably said microorganism is a bacterium or a yeast, even more preferably said microorganism is a bacterium, most preferably said microorganism is Escherichia coli.

[0167] In the context of the present application, it is also within the scope of the present application that two or more different cells, preferably as defined herein, produce the fucosylated MMO according to the present application. However, it is preferred that a single cell produces the oligosaccharide, i.e. a single culture of the cell produces the oligosaccharide of the present application.

[0168] In a further and / or alternative embodiment, the fucosylated MMO according to the present application (and optionally, any, preferably all further mammalian milk oligosaccharides, if also administered to the animal (see also "Composition" section)) is linked, preferably chemically linked, to a carrier for delivery of the MMO. Preferably, the carrier is a ceramide-based carrier or a polypeptide-based carrier, more preferably the carrier is a ceramide-based carrier. Preferably, the polypeptide-based carrier is ε-polylysine, a-polylysine, polyaspartic acid, polyglutamic acid or polyornithine. These carriers are commercially available (e.g. Sigma-Aldrich, Carbosynth). The ceramide-based carrier is preferably selected from the list consisting of d18: l / 16:0, t18:0-16:0, t18:0-h16:0, t18:0-h22:0 and t18:0-h24:0. These ceramide carriers are commercially available and well known to the skilled person and are, for example, described in WO2010 / 037785, which is incorporated by reference. d18: l / 16:0 is also known as C16 ceramide and N-palmitoylsphingosine and is therefore used interchangeably herein. t18:0-16:0 is also known as C16 phytoceramide and N-hexadecanoyl phytosphingosine and is therefore used interchangeably herein. t18:0-h16:0, t18:0-h22:0 and t18:0-h24:0 are glycosylinositolphosphoceramides (GIPCs). As known to the skilled person, "d" and "t" refer to the state of hydroxylation of the entire ceramide or long-chain base moiety (d is two groups, t is three groups), while "h" indicates the hydroxylation of the fatty acyl group.

[0169] The fucosylated mammalian milk oligosaccharide and optionally any (preferably all) further mammalian milk oligosaccharide (if also administered to the animal) is preferably encapsulated (i.e. forms a capsule). This is particularly advantageous for protecting the oligosaccharide from conditions associated with the preparation or storage of the composition according to the application, especially when the composition is a nutritional composition (see also "composition" section). Such conditions typically necessarily require high pressure (e.g. pressures above 10 bar during extrusion), high temperature (e.g. temperatures above 100°C during extrusion and baking), a pH below 5, a pH above 8 and / or a high moisture content (e.g. wet extrusion). Furthermore, other molecules within the composition, especially a nutritional composition, such as proteins, can chemically interact with the fucosylated MMO (and any other further MMO, if present), especially under harsh conditions during the preparation of the nutritional composition. Therefore, throughout the application and claims, the "fucosylated MMO" is preferably replaced by "encapsulated fucosylated MMO". If any further MMO is present (see also "composition" section), it is preferred that all MMOs are encapsulated, preferably all MMOs are co-encapsulated.

[0170] The encapsulation is particularly advantageous when the composition according to the application is a nutritional composition prepared by extrusion (dry extrusion or wet extrusion, preferably wet extrusion) (see "composition" section).

[0171] It is preferred that the capsule has a core-shell type, i.e. the carrier material forms a shell around the active agent (i.e. the MMO according to the application), preferably wherein the core has a median diameter (D(v,0.5)) of 125-250 pm, preferably 150-250 pm, more preferably 165-250 pm, most preferably 165-225 pm, and wherein the capsule has a median diameter (D(v,0.5)) of 20-100 pm, preferably 20-75 pm, more preferably 35-75 pm, which is longer than the median diameter of the core.

[0172] The carrier material preferably comprises a hot-melt material, more preferably an oil and / or a wax, even more preferably a hydrogenated oil and / or a wax, optionally further comprising starch, preferably wherein the starch comprises less than 15% (w / w) of the carrier material, more preferably the starch comprises less than 10% (w / w) of the carrier material.

[0173] The oil is preferably selected from the list consisting of palm oil, sunflower oil, soybean oil, rapeseed oil, coconut oil, babassu oil, palm kernel oil, corn oil, sesame oil and cottonseed oil; more preferably, the oil is selected from the list consisting of palm oil, sunflower oil, soybean oil and rapeseed oil; even more preferably, the oil is palm oil; most preferably, the oil is hydrogenated palm oil.

[0174] The wax is preferably selected from the list consisting of candelilla wax, carnauba wax, beeswax, rice wax, paraffin wax, jojoba wax, microcrystalline wax and urushi wax; more preferably, the wax is candelilla wax or carnauba wax; most preferably, the wax is candelilla wax.

[0175] It is further preferred that the fucosylated MMO or all MMO present in the microcapsules is 5-50% (w / w), preferably 10-40% (w / w), more preferably 20-40% (w / w), even more preferably 20-35% (w / w) of the total weight of the microcapsules.

[0176] Throughout the application and claims, it is particularly preferred that the fucosylated MMO according to the present application and optionally any (preferably all) further mammalian milk oligosaccharide (if also administered to the animal) is part of a composition (preferably a composition according to the "composition" section).

[0177] Composition

[0178] In a preferred embodiment of the first aspect, the present application provides a composition comprising a fucosylated mammalian milk oligosaccharide (MMO), wherein the composition is for use in a method for preventing and / or treating pneumonia in a farm-raised animal or a domesticated animal, preferably a farm-raised animal.

[0179] The fucosylated MMO is as described in the "oligosaccharide" section. The pneumonia is as described in the "pneumonia" section. The method for preventing and / or treating is as described in the "method for preventing and / or treating". The animal is as described in the "subject" section.

[0180] In a preferred embodiment, the fucosylated mammalian milk oligosaccharide (MMO) is present in 0.001-1.000 wt.%, preferably 0.001-0.750 wt.%, more preferably 0.001-0.500 wt.%, even more preferably 0.001-0.400 wt.%, even more preferably 0.005-0.400 wt.%, even more preferably 0.005-0.300 wt.%, even more preferably 0.005-0.250 wt.%, most preferably 0.005-0.100 wt.% of the total weight of the composition. Throughout the application and claims, the term "wt.%" means weight / weight (i.e. w / w), unless specifically stated otherwise. If the composition is for example a solid composition, 1.0 wt.% means 1.0 g fucosylated MMO per 100.0 gram of the solid composition. If the composition is for example a liquid composition, 1.0 wt.% means 1.0 g fucosylated MMO per 100.0 gram of the liquid composition.

[0181] Throughout the application and claims, if the composition is a milk replacer (e.g. a calf milk replacer), the wt.% as recited throughout the application and claims refers to dry weight %. If the composition is a (calf) milk replacer, the above mentioned paragraph for example should be interpreted as: "In a preferred embodiment, the fucosylated mammalian milk oligosaccharide (MMO) is present in 0.001-1.000 dry weight %, preferably 0.001-0.750 dry weight %, more preferably 0.001-0.500 dry weight %, even more preferably 0.001-0.400 dry weight %, even more preferably 0.005-0.400 dry weight %, even more preferably 0.005-0.300 dry weight %, even more preferably 0.005-0.250 dry weight %, most preferably 0.005-0.100 dry weight %".

[0182] Further, milk replacers (e.g. calf milk replacers) are often administered in liquid form to e.g. calves. Therefore, in this context it is preferred that the liquid milk replacer comprises 10.0-30.0% (w / v), more preferably 12.0-28.0% (w / v) of milk replacer powder. It is therefore preferred that the milk replacer powder is reconstituted in water to obtain the liquid milk replacer. Throughout the application and claims the term "% (w / v)" means the weight of the dissolved substance (e.g. milk replacer powder) in grams per 100 milliliters of the final solution (e.g. liquid milk replacer). If the milk replacer is a calf milk replacer, it is particularly preferred that the liquid calf milk replacer comprises 10.0-20.0% (w / v), more preferably 12.0-20.0% (w / v), even more preferably 12.0-18.0% (w / v), even more preferably 14.0-18.0% (w / v), most preferably 15.0% (w / v) of calf milk replacer powder. It is preferred that the calf milk replacer powder is reconstituted in water to obtain the liquid calf milk replacer. If the milk replacer is a milk replacer for piglets, it is particularly preferred that the liquid milk replacer comprises 10.0-30.0% (w / v), more preferably 15.0-30.0% (w / v), even more preferably 20.0-30.0% (w / v), even more preferably 22.0-28.0% (w / v), most preferably 25.0% (w / v) of milk replacer powder. It is preferred that the milk replacer powder is reconstituted in water to obtain the liquid milk replacer.

[0183] In a more preferred embodiment, the fucosylated MMO is present in 0.001-0.250 wt.%, preferably 0.001-0.200 wt.%, more preferably 0.001-0.100 wt.%, even more preferably 0.001-0.020 wt.%, even more preferably 0.001-0.010 wt.%, even more preferably 0.002-0.010 wt.%, even more preferably 0.003-0.010 wt.%, even more preferably 0.003-0.0075 wt.%, most preferably 0.003-0.006 wt.% of the total weight of the composition. This embodiment is for example particularly preferred if the animal is a bovine or equine, more preferably wherein the animal is a calf or a colt, most preferably wherein the animal is a calf.

[0184] In an alternative, more preferred embodiment, the fucosylated MMO is present in 0.010-1.000 wt.%, preferably 0.010-0.750 wt.%, more preferably 0.010-0.500 wt.%, even more preferably 0.010-0.400 wt.%, yet more preferably 0.050-0.400 wt.%, yet more preferably 0.100-0.400 wt.%, most preferably 0.100-0.300 wt.% of the total weight of the composition. This embodiment is for example particularly preferred if the animal is a pig, sheep, goat or camelid (preferably, a llama or alpaca), more preferably wherein the animal is a piglet, lamb, kid or baby llama / alpaca, even more preferably wherein the animal is a piglet, lamb or kid, most preferably wherein the animal is a piglet.

[0185] In a preferred embodiment of the application, the composition further comprises a second mammalian milk oligosaccharide (MMO), preferably wherein the second mammalian milk oligosaccharide is a sialylated MMO, more preferably wherein the second mammalian milk oligosaccharide is a sialylated MMO comprising lactose, lacto-N-biose (LNB) or N-acetyl lactosamine (LacNAc) at its reducing end, even more preferably the sialylated MMO comprises lactose or LacNAc at its reducing end, most preferably the sialylated MMO comprises lactose at its reducing end.

[0186] Preferably, the second MMO consists of 3-8, more preferably 3-7, even more preferably 3-6, most preferably 3-5 monosaccharides.

[0187] The sialylated MMO comprising lactose at its reducing end is preferably selected from the list consisting of 3'-sialyllactose (3'SL), 6'-sialyllactose (6'SL), 3,6-disialyllactose, 6,6'-disialyllactose, 8,3-disialyllactose, 3'S-2'FL, 6'S-2'FL, 3'S-3-FL, 6'S-3-FL, LST a, LST b, LST c and LST d; more preferably selected from the list consisting of 3'SL, 6'SL, 3,6-disialyllactose, 6,6'-disialyllactose, 8,3-disialyllactose, LST a, LST b, LST c and LST d; even more preferably selected from the list consisting of 3'SL, 6'SL, LST a, LST b, LST c and LST d; most preferably wherein the sialylated MMO is 3'-sialyllactose (3'SL) or 6'-sialyllactose (6'SL).

[0188] Sialylated MMOs comprising lacto-N-biose (LNB) at their reducing end are preferably selected from the list consisting of 3'-sialyl-lacto-N-biose (3'SLNB), 6'-sialyl-lacto-N-biose (6'SLNB) and monofucosyl monosialyl-lacto-N-octaose (sialyl Lewis a); more preferably, the sialylated MMO is 3'SLNB or 6'SLNB.

[0189] Sialylated MMOs comprising N-acetyl lactosamine (LacNac) at their reducing end are preferably selected from the list consisting of 3'-sialyl-lactosamine (3'SLacNAc), 6'-sialyl-lactosamine (6'SLacNAc) and sialyl Lewis x; more preferably, the sialylated MMO is 3'SLacNAc or 6'SLacNAc.

[0190] When a second MMO, preferably a sialylated MMO, is present in the composition, one preferred embodiment is that the amount of the second MMO in the composition is 0.1-30.0, preferably 0.1-25.0, more preferably 0.1-20.0, even more preferably 0.1-15.0, even more preferably 0.2-15.0, even more preferably 0.3-15.0, even more preferably 0.4-15.0, most preferably 0.5-15.0 times the amount of the fucosylated MMO in the composition. One more preferred embodiment is that the amount of the fucosylated MMO in the composition is less than the amount of the second MMO, preferably the amount of the fucosylated MMO is less than the amount of the second MMO in the composition to the extent of 1.1 to 15.0, more preferably 1.5 to 15.0, even more preferably 2.5 to 15.0, even more preferably 5.0 to 15.0, even more preferably 5.0 to 12.5, most preferably 5.0 to 10.0 times. One even more preferred embodiment is that when the second MMO is a sialylated MMO, the amount of the fucosylated MMO in the composition is less than the amount of the second MMO, preferably the amount of the fucosylated MMO is less than the amount of the second MMO in the composition to the extent of 1.1 to 10.0, preferably 1.5-7.5, more preferably 2.5-7.5, most preferably 4.0-7.0 times.

[0191] In a further preferred embodiment, the composition further comprises a third mammalian milk oligosaccharide (MMO), preferably wherein the third mammalian milk oligosaccharide is a sialylated MMO, more preferably wherein the third mammalian milk oligosaccharide is a sialylated MMO comprising lactose, lacto-N-biose (LNB) or N-acetyl lactosamine (LacNAc) at its reducing end, even more preferably the sialylated MMO comprises lactose or LacNAc at its reducing end, most preferably the sialylated MMO comprises lactose at its reducing end.

[0192] Preferably, the third MMO consists of 3-8, more preferably 3-7, even more preferably 3-6, most preferably 3-5 monosaccharides.

[0193] The sialylated MMO comprising lactose at its reducing end is preferably selected from the list consisting of 3'-sialyllactose (3'SL), 6'-sialyllactose (6'SL), 3,6-disialyllactose, 6,6'-disialyllactose, 8,3-disialyllactose, 3'S-2'FL, 6'S-2'FL, 3'S-3-FL, 6'S-3-FL, LST a, LST b, LST c and LST d; more preferably selected from the list consisting of 3'SL, 6'SL, 3,6-disialyllactose, 6,6'-disialyllactose, 8,3-disialyllactose, LST a, LST b, LST c and LST d; even more preferably selected from the list consisting of 3'SL, 6'SL, LST a, LST b, LST c and LST d; most preferably wherein the sialylated MMO is 6'-sialyllactose (6'SL) or 3'-sialyllactose (3'SL).

[0194] The sialylated MMO comprising lacto-N-biose (LNB) at its reducing end is preferably selected from the list consisting of 3'-sialyllacto-N-biose (3'SLNB), 6'-sialyllacto-N-biose (6'SLNB) and monofucosyl monosialyllacto-N-octaose (sialyl Lewis a); more preferably the sialylated MMO is 3'SLNB or 6'SLNB.

[0195] The sialylated MMO comprising N-acetyl lactosamine (LacNac) at its reducing end is preferably selected from the list consisting of 3'-sialyllactosamine (3'SLacNAc), 6'-sialyllactosamine (6'SLacNAc) and sialyl Lewis x; more preferably the sialylated MMO is 3'SLacNAc or 6'SLacNAc.

[0196] When a third MMO, preferably a sialylated MMO, is present in the composition, then one preferred embodiment is that the amount of the third MMO in the composition is 0.1-30.0, preferably 0.1-25.0, more preferably 0.1-20.0, even more preferably 0.1-15.0, even more preferably 0.2-15.0, even more preferably 0.3-15.0, even more preferably 0.4-15.0, most preferably 0.5-15.0 times the amount of the fucosylated MMO in the composition. One more preferred embodiment is that the amount of the fucosylated MMO in the composition is less than the amount of the third MMO, preferably the amount of the fucosylated MMO is less than the amount of the third MMO in the composition by a factor of 1.1 to 15.0, more preferably 1.5 to 15.0, even more preferably 2.5 to 15.0, even more preferably 5.0 to 15.0, even more preferably 5.0 to 12.5, most preferably 5.0 to 10.0. One even more preferred embodiment is that when the third MMO is a sialylated MMO, the amount of the fucosylated MMO in the composition is less than the amount of the third MMO, preferably the amount of the fucosylated MMO is less than the amount of the third MMO in the composition by a factor of 1.1 to 10.0, preferably 1.5-7.5, more preferably 1.5-5.0, most preferably 2.5-5.0.

[0197] When a second MMO (preferably a sialylated MMO, i.e. a first sialylated MMO) and a third MMO (preferably a sialylated MMO, i.e. a second sialylated MMO) are present in the composition, a preferred embodiment is that the ratio between the amount of the second MMO and the amount of the third MMO in the composition is similar to the ratio found in the breast milk of the same species. Throughout the application and claims, unless otherwise specifically indicated, a "similar" ratio preferably means a ratio which is identical, or which falls within the range of the ratio + / - 20% of the ratio, preferably the ratio + / - 10% of the ratio. When the animal is a cow, the second MMO is a sialylated MMO and the third MMO is a sialylated MMO, the ratio is preferably 1.1 to 6.0, more preferably 1.1 to 5.0, even more preferably 1.25 to 4.0, even more preferably 1.25 to 3.0, even more preferably 1.5 to 3.0, most preferably 1.5 to 2.5. When the animal is a horse, the second MMO is a sialylated MMO and the third MMO is a sialylated MMO, the ratio is preferably 1.1 to 15.0, more preferably 1.1 to 12.5, even more preferably 1.1 to 10.0, even more preferably 1.5 to 10.0, even more preferably 2.5 to 10, even more preferably 5.0 to 10.0, even more preferably 7.5 to 10.0, most preferably 8.0 to 10.0. When the animal is a pig, the second MMO is a sialylated MMO and the third MMO is a sialylated MMO, the ratio is preferably 7.5-40.0, more preferably 7.5-35.0, even more preferably 10.0-35.0, even more preferably 15.0-35.0, even more preferably 20.0-35.0, most preferably 25.0-35.0. When the animal is a goat, the second MMO is a sialylated MMO and the third MMO is a sialylated MMO, the ratio is preferably 0.25-5.0, more preferably 0.25-3.0, even more preferably 0.25-2.0, even more preferably 0.25-1.5, most preferably 0.5-1.5. Further, a more preferred embodiment is that the amount of the second MMO in the composition is higher than the amount of the third MMO, preferably the amount of the second MMO is 1.1 to 40.0, more preferably 1.1 to 35.0, most preferably 1.5 to 35.0 times the amount of the third MMO in the composition.Further, a more preferred embodiment is that the amount of the second MMO (when the second MMO is a sialylated MMO) in the composition is higher than the amount of the third MMO (when the third MMO is a sialylated MMO), preferably the amount of the second MMO is higher than the amount of the third MMO in the composition to the extent of 1.1 to 6.0, more preferably 1.1 to 5.0, even more preferably 1.25 to 4.0, even more preferably 1.25-3.0, even more preferably 1.5 to 3.0, most preferably 1.5-2.5 fold.

[0198] In a more preferred embodiment, the composition further comprises a second mammalian milk oligosaccharide (MMO) which is a sialylated MMO selected from the list consisting of 3'-sialyllactose (3'SL), 6'-sialyllactose (6'SL), 3,6-disialyllactose, 6,6'-disialyllactose, 8,3-disialyllactose, 3'S-2'FL, 6'S-2'FL, 3'S-3-FL, 6'S-3-FL, LST a, LST b, LST c, LST d, 3'-sialyllacto-N-biose (3'SLNB), 6'-sialyllacto-N-biose (6'SLNB), sialyl Lewis a, 3'-sialyllactosamine (3'SLacNAc), 6'-sialyllactosamine (6'SLacNAc), and sialyl Lewis x. More preferably, the second MMO is selected from the list consisting of 3'SL, 6'SL, LST a, LST b, LST c, LST d, 3'SLNB, 6'SLNB, sialyl Lewis a, 3'SLacNAc, 6'SLacNAc, and sialyl Lewis x. Even more preferably, the second MMO is selected from the list consisting of 3'SL, 6'SL, 3'SLNB, 6'SLNB, 3'SLacNAc, and 6'SLacNAc. Most preferably, the second MMO is 3'-sialyllactose (3'SL) or 6'-sialyllactose (6'SL).

[0199] In a further more preferred embodiment, the composition further comprises a third mammalian milk oligosaccharide (MMO) which is a sialylated MMO selected from the list consisting of 3'-sialyllactose (3'SL), 6'-sialyllactose (6'SL), 3,6-disialyllactose, 6,6'-disialyllactose, 8,3-disialyllactose, 3'S-2'FL, 6'S-2'FL, 3'S-3-FL, 6'S-3-FL, LST a, LST b, LST c, LST d, 3'-sialyllacto-N-biose (3'SLNB), 6'-sialyllacto-N-biose (6'SLNB), sialyl Lewis a, 3'-sialyllactosamine (3'SLacNAc), 6'-sialyllactosamine (6'SLacNAc) and sialyl Lewis x. More preferably, the third MMO is selected from the list consisting of 3'SL, 6'SL, LST a, LST b, LST c, LST d, 3'SLNB, 6'SLNB, sialyl Lewis a, 3'SLacNAc, 6'SLacNAc and sialyl Lewis x. Even more preferably, the third MMO is selected from the list consisting of 3'SL, 6'SL, 3'SLNB, 6'SLNB, 3'SLacNAc and 6'SLacNAc. Most preferably, the third MMO is 6'-sialyllactose (6'SL) or 3'-sialyllactose (3'SL).

[0200] In the context of the present invention, the second mammalian milk oligosaccharide and the third mammalian milk oligosaccharide preferably do not comprise N-acetyl lactosamine.

[0201] The inventors have surprisingly found that the fucosylated MMO according to the present invention, preferably the composition comprising the fucosylated MMO according to the present invention, is sufficient to obtain an effective treatment for the prevention and / or treatment of pneumonia as described herein. The presence of other (oligo)saccharides is not required for obtaining said therapeutic effect. While the composition according to the present invention can comprise additional (oligo)saccharides, the present invention relates to the fact that only the fucosylated MMO according to the present invention is required for achieving the effective therapeutic effect as described herein.

[0202] Thus, in this context, a preferred embodiment is that the composition according to the present invention does not comprise lacto-N-tetraose (LNT).

[0203] In a further and / or alternative preferred embodiment, the composition according to the present invention does not comprise lacto-N-neotetraose (LNnT).

[0204] In a further and / or alternative preferred embodiment, the composition according to the present application does not comprise N-acetyl lactosamine.

[0205] In a further and / or alternative preferred embodiment, the composition according to the present application does not comprise an oligosaccharide comprising N-acetyl lactosamine, preferably does not comprise a sugar comprising N-acetyl lactosamine.

[0206] In a further and / or alternative preferred embodiment, the composition according to the present application does not comprise 3' sialyllactose.

[0207] In a further and / or alternative preferred embodiment, the composition according to the present application does not comprise 6' sialyllactose.

[0208] More preferably, the composition according to the present application does not comprise a sialylated mammalian milk oligosaccharide, even more preferably does not comprise a sialylated oligosaccharide, most preferably does not comprise a sialylated sugar.

[0209] In a further and / or alternative preferred embodiment, the composition according to the present application does not comprise fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS).

[0210] In a further and / or alternative preferred embodiment, the composition according to the present application does not comprise galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS).

[0211] In a further and / or alternative preferred embodiment, the composition according to the present application does not comprise isomalto-oligosaccharides.

[0212] In a more preferred embodiment, the composition according to the present application comprises the fucosylated MMO described herein, optionally a second MMO described herein and optionally a third MMO described herein, and does not comprise a further MMO (preferably does not comprise a further oligosaccharide, more preferably does not comprise a further sugar).

[0213] In a more preferred embodiment, the composition according to the present application comprises the fucosylated MMO described herein, and does not comprise a further MMO (preferably does not comprise a further oligosaccharide, more preferably does not comprise a further sugar).

[0214] In a more preferred embodiment, the composition according to the present application does not comprise a neutral non-fucosylated MMO.

[0215] In a more preferred embodiment, the composition according to the present application comprises only one mammalian milk oligosaccharide, namely the fucosylated MMO described herein.

[0216] In a preferred embodiment, the composition according to the present application is not breast milk.

[0217] In a further and / or alternative preferred embodiment, the composition according to the present application is a synthetic composition.

[0218] In the context of the present application, "synthetic composition" or "synthetic nutritional composition" refers to a composition that is artificially prepared and preferably refers to a composition comprising at least one component that is produced ex vivo (chemically and / or biologically, e.g. by chemical reactions, enzymatic reactions or recombinantly) or purified by man. Preferably, the synthetic composition of the present application is not identical to a naturally occurring composition.

[0219] In this context, it is preferred that the fucosylated MMO described herein has been isolated from a microbial culture or fermentation, a cell culture, an enzymatic reaction or a chemical reaction. Alternatively, it has been isolated from a natural source (see "oligosaccharides" section). More preferably, the fucosylated MMO described herein has been produced in vitro and / or ex vivo by a cell (see "oligosaccharides" section).

[0220] In a further and / or alternative preferred embodiment, the composition according to the present application further comprises a microbial strain that does not use, preferably cannot use, the fucosylated MMO as a carbon source.

[0221] In an alternative preferred embodiment, the composition according to the present application does not comprise a microbial strain. Examples of such strains are Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus and Saccharomyces boulardii.

[0222] In a preferred embodiment, the composition according to the present application is a pharmaceutical composition, which optionally further comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, filler, preservative, solubilizer, diluent, excipient, salt, adjuvant and / or solvent.

[0223] In a further and / or alternative preferred embodiment, the composition is a nutritional composition, which optionally further comprises a feed ingredient and / or a food ingredient, wherein the feed / food ingredient is preferably selected from the list consisting of:

[0224] - lipids, preferably one or more selected from the list consisting of oils, fats, esters, monoglycerides, diglycerides, triglycerides and free fatty acids;

[0225] - vitamins, preferably one or more selected from the list consisting of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E and vitamin H or derivatives thereof;

[0226] - amino acid compounds;

[0227] - trace elements;

[0228] - minerals, preferably one or more selected from the list consisting of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, zinc, manganese, copper, sodium, potassium, molybdenum, chromium, selenium and chlorine;

[0229] - antioxidants;

[0230] - prebiotic agents, preferably one or more selected from the list consisting of GOS (galacto-oligosaccharides), FOS (fructo-oligosaccharides), inulin and resistant starch;

[0231] - carbohydrates;

[0232] - antimicrobial agents, and / or

[0233] - proteins.

[0234] In general, any protein source can be used so long as it is suitable for use in the nutritional composition and is otherwise compatible with any other selected ingredients or features in the nutritional composition. Non-limiting examples of suitable proteins (and sources thereof) suitable for use in the nutritional compositions according to the present application include, but are not limited to: intact, hydrolyzed, or partially hydrolyzed proteins, which can be derived from any known or suitable source, such as milk (e.g., casein, whey), animal (e.g., meat, fish), grain (e.g., rice, corn, wheat), vegetable (e.g., soy, pea, potato, bean), and combinations thereof. The proteins can also include mixtures of amino acids (often described as free amino acids) known for use in nutritional products, or combinations of such amino acids with intact, hydrolyzed, or partially hydrolyzed proteins as described herein. The amino acids can be naturally occurring or synthetic amino acids. More particular examples of suitable proteins (or sources thereof) for use in the nutritional compositions according to the present application include, but are not limited to: whole cow milk, partially or completely defatted milk, milk protein concentrate, milk protein isolate, nonfat dry milk, nonfat condensed milk, whey protein concentrate, whey protein isolate, acid casein, sodium caseinate, calcium caseinate, potassium caseinate, legume protein, soy protein concentrate, soy protein isolate, pea protein concentrate, pea protein isolate, collagen protein, potato protein, rice protein, wheat protein, canola protein, quinoa, insect protein, worm protein, fungal (e.g., mushroom) protein, hydrolyzed yeast, gelatin, bovine colostrum, human colostrum, glyco-macropeptide, fungal protein, proteins expressed by microorganisms (e.g., bacteria and algae), and combinations thereof. The nutritional compositions according to the present application can comprise any individual protein source, or combinations of the various protein sources listed above. In addition, the proteins for use herein can also include or be entirely or partially replaced by free amino acids known for use in nutritional products, non-limiting examples of which include L-tryptophan, L-glutamine, L-tyrosine, L-methionine, L-cysteine, taurine, L-arginine, L-carnitine, and combinations thereof.

[0235] Carbohydrates or carbohydrate sources suitable for use in the nutritional compositions according to the present application can be simple, complex, or variations or combinations thereof. Generally, the carbohydrates can include any carbohydrate or carbohydrate source suitable for use in a nutritional composition and otherwise compatible with any other selected ingredients or properties in the nutritional composition. Non-limiting examples of carbohydrates suitable for use in the nutritional compositions according to the present application include, but are not limited to: polydextrose, maltodextrin; hydrolyzed or modified starch or cornstarch; glucose polymers; corn syrup; corn syrup solids; sucrose; glucose; fructose; lactose; high fructose corn syrup; honey; sugar alcohols (e.g., maltitol, erythritol, sorbitol); isomaltulose; sucromalt; pullulan; potato starch; and other slowly digestible carbohydrates; dietary fiber, including but not limited to fructooligosaccharides (FOS), galactooligosaccharides (GOS), oat fiber, soy fiber, gum arabic, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, methylcellulose, guar gum, gellan gum, locust bean gum, konjac flour, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, tragacanth gum, karaya gum, acacia gum, chitosan, arabinogalactan, glucomannan, xanthan gum, alginate, pectin, low methoxyl pectin, high methoxyl pectin, cereal beta-glucans (e.g., oat beta-glucan, barley beta-glucan), carrageenan, and psyllium, soluble and insoluble fiber derived from fruits or vegetables; other resistant starches; and combinations thereof. The nutritional compositions according to the present application can comprise any individual carbohydrate source, or combinations of the various carbohydrate sources listed above.

[0236] Fats or fat sources suitable for use in the nutritional compositions according to the present application can be derived from a variety of sources, including but not limited to plants, animals, and combinations thereof. In general, the fats can include any fat or fat source suitable for use in the nutritional compositions according to the present application and otherwise compatible with any other selected ingredients or features in the nutritional compositions. Non-limiting examples of suitable fats (or sources thereof) for use in the nutritional compositions according to the present application include: coconut oil, fractionated coconut oil, soy oil, high oleic soy oil, corn oil, olive oil, safflower oil, high oleic safflower oil, medium chain triglyceride oil (MCT oil), high gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) safflower oil, sunflower oil, high oleic sunflower oil, palm oil, palm kernel oil, palm olein, rapeseed oil, high oleic rapeseed oil, marine illuminating oil, fish oil, algal oil, borage oil, cottonseed oil, fungal oil, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), arachidonic acid (ARA), conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), alpha-linolenic acid, rice bran oil, wheat germ oil, interesterified oil, interesterified oil, structured lipids, and combinations thereof. In general, fats used in nutritional compositions for formulating infant formulas and pediatric formulas provide a source of energy and fatty acids that are needed for the healthy development of infants, toddlers, or children. These fats typically comprise triglycerides, although the fats can also comprise diglycerides, monoglycerides, and free fatty acids. The fatty acids provided by the fats in the nutritional compositions include, but are not limited to: decanoic acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, ARA, EPA, and DHA. The nutritional compositions can comprise any individual fat source, or a combination of various fat sources listed above. Preferably, the fats are a mixture of vegetable fats and milk fat, such as obtained from milk from mammals (e.g., cows, sheep, goats, mares, or camels). More preferably, the milk fat is cow milk fat. Mixtures of different types of fats are preferred because they help to provide different fatty acids and better mimic the types of linkages between the glycerol moiety and the fatty acid moiety in fats when compared to human breast milk.

[0237] When one or more prebiotics are present, it is preferred that the weight ratio between the oligosaccharides according to the present application and the prebiotics is in the range of 0.5:10 to 10:0.5.

[0238] Preferably, the pharmaceutical or nutritional composition according to the present application comprises one or more probiotics, as it has a beneficial effect on the gut microbiome of the subject. Examples of probiotics include Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Saccharomyces boulardii.

[0239] In a more preferred embodiment, the nutritional composition is a synthetic nutritional composition.

[0240] In a further and / or alternative more preferred embodiment, the nutritional composition is selected from the list consisting of a milk replacer, a creep feed, a pre-starter diet, a starter diet, a pre-weaning feed, a weaning feed and a post-weaning feed, preferably from the list consisting of a milk replacer, a starter diet, a creep feed and a post-weaning feed, more preferably the nutritional composition is a milk replacer or a starter diet, most preferably a milk replacer.

[0241] In the context of the present invention, the term "creep feed" refers to a nutritional composition which is used to supplement an animal before weaning with a solid diet while at the same time the animal is a milk beast. For example, piglets receive a creep feed to facilitate the transition from sow milk to solid pig starter feed. The creep feed stimulates the digestive system of the piglet to produce e.g. amylase which digests carbohydrates in the dry feed. If the pig is able to digest the dry feed better, it can start eating rapidly after weaning to obtain better performance.

[0242] In the context of the present invention, the term "milk replacer" refers to a nutritional composition which acts as a substitute for breast milk. A milk replacer comprises milk proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. Preferably, the milk replacer comprises 10 to 28 dry weight % of at least one protein, 13 to 28 dry weight % (preferably 20 to 25 dry weight %) of at least one fat, and < 55 dry weight % of lactose. More preferably, the milk replacer comprises 18 to 24 dry weight % of at least one protein, 15 to 28 dry weight % (preferably 20 to 25 dry weight %) of at least one fat, and < 50 dry weight % of lactose. In this context, "dry weight %" refers to the ratio between the weight of the recited component (e.g. 2'FL) and the dry weight of the milk replacer (w / v %). Throughout the application and claims, the milk replacer is preferably a calf milk replacer.

[0243] Method for preventing and / or treating pneumonia

[0244] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a method for preventing and / or treating pneumonia in an animal, wherein the animal is a farm-raised animal or a domestic animal, preferably a farm-raised animal. The method comprises administering a fucosylated mammalian milk oligosaccharide (MMO), preferably a composition comprising a fucosylated mammalian milk oligosaccharide (MMO). The fucosylated MMO and the composition are as described in the first aspect of the present invention.

[0245] In the context of the present invention, the "method for prevention and / or treatment", "pneumonia", "animal", "composition" and "fucosylated mammalian milk oligosaccharide" described throughout the second aspect of the invention and claims are as described in the first aspect of the invention.

[0246] Use

[0247] In a third aspect, the present invention provides the use of a fucosylated mammalian milk oligosaccharide (MMO), preferably a composition comprising a fucosylated mammalian milk oligosaccharide (MMO) (composition described in the first aspect of the invention) in the manufacture of a medicament for the prevention and / or treatment of pneumonia in an animal, wherein the animal is a farm-raised animal or a domestic animal, preferably a farm-raised animal.

[0248] In the context of the present invention, the "method for prevention and / or treatment", "pneumonia", "animal", "composition" and "fucosylated mammalian milk oligosaccharide" described throughout the third aspect of the invention and claims are as described in the first aspect of the invention.

[0249] Particular embodiments

[0250] The present invention preferably relates to the following particular embodiments:

[0251] 1. A fucosylated mammalian milk oligosaccharide (MMO) for use in a method for the prevention and / or treatment of pneumonia in a farm-raised animal or a domestic animal, preferably a farm-raised animal.

[0252] 2. The fucosylated MMO for the use according to embodiment 1, wherein the pneumonia is acute pneumonia.

[0253] 3. The fucosylated MMO for the use according to embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the pneumonia is shipping fever pneumonia.

[0254] 4. The fucosylated MMO for the use according to embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the pneumonia is broiler pneumonia.

[0255] 5. The fucosylated MMO for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the farm-raised or domesticated animal is selected from the list consisting of cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, horses, camelids (preferably, llamas or alpacas), dogs, cats, rabbits, and poultry; more preferably selected from the list consisting of cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, horses, camelids (preferably, llamas or alpacas), and poultry; even more preferably selected from the list consisting of cattle, sheep, goats, horses, camelids (preferably, llamas or alpacas), and poultry; even more preferably selected from the list consisting of cattle, horses, and poultry; most preferably, the animal is cattle.

[0256] 6. The fucosylated MMO for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the animal is a young animal.

[0257] 7. The fucosylated MMO for use according to embodiment 6, wherein the farm-raised or domesticated animal is selected from the list consisting of young calves, young pigs, young sheep, young goats, foals, young llamas / alpacas, young dogs, young cats, young rabbits, and young birds; more preferably selected from the list consisting of young calves, young pigs, young sheep, young goats, foals, young llamas / alpacas, and young birds; even more preferably selected from the list consisting of young calves, young sheep, young goats, foals, young llamas / alpacas, and young birds; even more preferably selected from the list consisting of young calves, foals, and young birds; most preferably, the animal is a young calf.

[0258] 8. The fucosylated MMO for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the fucosylated MMO consists of 3-8, preferably 3-7, more preferably 3-6, even more preferably 3-5 monosaccharides.

[0259] 9. The fucosylated MMO for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 8, wherein the fucosylated MMO is a neutral oligosaccharide.

[0260] 10. The fucosylated MMO for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 9, wherein the fucosylated MMO comprises fucose linked to a monosaccharide in an a-1,2-linkage, an a-1,3-linkage, or an a-1,4-linkage, preferably an a-1,2-linkage or an a-1,3-linkage, more preferably an a-1,2-linkage, and wherein the monosaccharide is preferably selected from glucose, N-acetylglucosamine, and galactose, more preferably the monosaccharide is glucose or galactose, even more preferably the monosaccharide is galactose.

[0261] 11. The fucosylated MMO for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 10, wherein the fucosylated MMO comprises lactose, lacto-N-biose (LNB) or N-acetyl lactosamine (LacNAc) at its reducing end, preferably the fucosylated oligosaccharide comprises lactose or LacNAc at its reducing end, more preferably the fucosylated oligosaccharide comprises lactose at its reducing end.

[0262] 12. The fucosylated MMO for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 11, wherein the fucosylated MMO is selected from the list consisting of: 2’-fucosyllactose (2’FL), 3-fucosyllactose (3-FL), difucosyllactose (diFL), 2’-fucosyl-N-acetyl lactosamine (2’FlacNAc), difucosyl-N-acetyl lactosamine (diFLacNAc), 3-fucosyl-N-acetyl lactosamine (3FlacNAc), 2’-fucosyllacto-N-biose (2’FLNB), 4-fucosyllacto-N-biose (4FLNB), difucosyllacto-N-biose (diFLNB), lacto-N-fucopentaose I (LNFP I), blood group A antigen hexasaccharide type 1 (GalNAc-LNFP I), blood group B antigen hexasaccharide type 1 (Gal-LNFP I), lacto-N-fucopentaose II (LNFP II), lacto-N-fucopentaose III (LNFP III), lacto-N-fucopentaose V (LNFP V), lacto-N-difucohexaose I (LNDFH I), lacto-N-difucohexaose II (LNDFH II), Lewis b-Lewis x, monofucosyllacto-N-hexaose III (MFLNH III), difucosyllacto-N-hexaose (a) (DFLNH (a)), difucosyllacto-N-hexaose (DFLNH), trifucosyllacto-N-hexaose (TFLNH), lacto-N-neofucopentaose I (LNnFP I), lacto-N-neofucopentaose V (LNnFP V, LNFP VI), and lacto-N-neodifucohexaose (LNnDFH); more preferably selected from the list consisting of: 2’FL, diFL, LNFP I, GalNAc-LNFP I, Gal-LNFP I, LNDFH I, Lewis b-Lewis x, DFLNH (a), TFLNH, LNnFP I, 2’FLNB, diFLNB, 2’FlacNAc and diFLacNAc; even more preferably selected from the list consisting of: 2’FL, diFL, LNFP I, LNnFP I, 2’FLNB, diFLNB, 2’FlacNAc and diFLacNAc; even more preferably selected from the list consisting of: 2’FL, diFL, 2’FLNB, diFLNB, 2’FlacNAc and diFLacNAc; even more preferably selected from the list consisting of: 2’FL, 2’FLNB and 2’FlacNAc; even more preferably wherein the fucosylated MMO is 2’FL or diFL; most preferably wherein the fucosylated MMO is 2’FL.

[0263] 13. The fucosylated MMO for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 12, wherein the fucosylated MMO is selected from the list consisting of: 2’FL, diFL, LNFP I, LNnFP I, 2’FLNB, diFLNB, 2’FlacNAc and diFLacNAc.

[0264] 14. The fucosylated MMO for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 13, wherein the fucosylated MMO is 2’-fucosyllactose (2’FL).

[0265] 15. The fucosylated MMO for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 14, wherein the fucosylated MMO is part of a composition.

[0266] 16. The fucosylated MMO for use according to embodiment 15, wherein the fucosylated MMO is present in 0.001-1.000 wt.%, preferably 0.001-0.750 wt.%, more preferably 0.001-0.500 wt.%, even more preferably 0.001-0.400 wt.%, even more preferably 0.005-0.400 wt.%, even more preferably 0.005-0.300 wt.%, even more preferably 0.005-0.250 wt.%, most preferably 0.005-0.100 wt.% of the total weight of the composition.

[0267] 17. The fucosylated MMO for use according to embodiment 15 or 16, wherein the fucosylated MMO is present in 0.001-0.250 wt.%, preferably 0.001-0.200 wt.%, more preferably 0.001-0.100 wt.%, even more preferably 0.001-0.020 wt.%, even more preferably 0.001-0.010 wt.%, even more preferably 0.002-0.010 wt.%, even more preferably 0.003-0.010 wt.%, even more preferably 0.003-0.0075 wt.%, most preferably 0.003-0.006 wt.% of the total weight of the composition; preferably wherein the animal is a bovine or equine, more preferably a calf or a colt, even more preferably a calf.

[0268] 18. The fucosylated MMO for use according to embodiment 15 or 16, wherein the fucosylated MMO is present at 0.010-1.000 wt.%, preferably 0.010-0.750 wt.%, more preferably 0.010-0.500 wt.%, even more preferably 0.010-0.400 wt.%, even more preferably 0.050-0.400 wt.%, even more preferably 0.100-0.400 wt.%, most preferably 0.100-0.300 wt.% of the total weight of the composition; preferably wherein the animal is a pig, a sheep, a goat or a camelid (preferably, a llama or an alpaca), more preferably wherein the animal is a piglet, a lamb, a kid or a baby llama / alpaca, even more preferably wherein the animal is a piglet, a lamb or a kid, most preferably wherein the animal is a piglet.

[0269] 19. The fucosylated MMO for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 18, wherein the method comprises administering an effective amount of the fucosylated MMO.

[0270] 20. The fucosylated MMO for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 19, wherein the animal is administered the fucosylated MMO at least once, preferably at least twice, between birth (0 weeks) and 5 weeks of age, preferably between birth and 4 weeks of age, more preferably between birth and 3 weeks of age.

[0271] 21. The fucosylated MMO for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 20, wherein the animal is administered the fucosylated MMO at least once, preferably at least twice, more preferably daily:

[0272] - within three weeks, preferably two weeks, more preferably one week, prior to the day the animal is transported; and / or

[0273] - on the day the animal is transported; and / or

[0274] - within three weeks, preferably two weeks, more preferably one week, after the day the animal is transported.

[0275] 22. The fucosylated MMO for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 21, wherein the animal is administered the fucosylated MMO for at least 1 week, preferably at least 2 weeks, more preferably at least 3 weeks, even more preferably at least 4 weeks, most preferably at least 6 weeks.

[0276] 23. The fucosylated MMO for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 22, wherein the fucosylated MMO is administered to the animal for < 32 weeks, preferably < 28 weeks, more preferably < 24 weeks, even more preferably < 20 weeks, even more preferably < 16 weeks, even more preferably < 12 weeks, most preferably < 6 weeks.

[0277] 24. The fucosylated MMO for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 23, wherein the fucosylated MMO is administered to the animal for 1-36, preferably 1-30, even more preferably 1-28, even more preferably 1-24, even more preferably 1-18, even more preferably 1-12, even more preferably 1-8, even more preferably 1-6, even more preferably 1-4, most preferably 2-4 consecutive weeks.

[0278] 25. The fucosylated MMO for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 24, wherein the fucosylated MMO is administered to the animal:

[0279] - if the subject is a cow: for 1-36, preferably 1-32, more preferably 1-30, even more preferably 1-28, even more preferably 1-24, even more preferably 1-18, even more preferably 1-12, even more preferably 2-12, most preferably 3-12 consecutive weeks;

[0280] - if the subject is a pig: for 1-18, preferably 1-12, more preferably 1-8, even more preferably 1-6, even more preferably 1-4, most preferably 2-4 consecutive weeks;

[0281] - if the subject is a sheep: for 1-36, preferably 1-32, more preferably 1-30, even more preferably 1-28, even more preferably 1-24, even more preferably 1-18, even more preferably 1-12, even more preferably 1-8, even more preferably 1-6, even more preferably 1-4, most preferably 2-4 consecutive weeks;

[0282] - if the subject is a goat: for 1-36, preferably 1-32, more preferably 1-30, even more preferably 1-28, even more preferably 1-24, even more preferably 1-18, even more preferably 1-12, even more preferably 1-8, even more preferably 1-6, even more preferably 1-4, most preferably 2-4 consecutive weeks;

[0283] - if the subject is a horse: for 1-18, preferably 1-12, more preferably 1-8, even more preferably 1-6, even more preferably 1-4, most preferably 2-4 consecutive weeks;

[0284] - if the subject is a camelid: for 1-18, preferably 1-12, more preferably 1-8, even more preferably 1-6, even more preferably 1-4, most preferably 2-4 consecutive weeks;

[0285] - if the subject is a rabbit: for 1-12, preferably 1-8, more preferably 1-6, even more preferably 1-4, most preferably 2-4 consecutive weeks;

[0286] - if the subject is a dog: for 1-12, preferably 1-8, more preferably 1-6, even more preferably 1-4, most preferably 2-4 consecutive weeks;

[0287] - if the subject is a cat: for 1-12, preferably 1-8, more preferably 1-6, even more preferably 1-4, most preferably 2-4 consecutive weeks;

[0288] - if the subject is poultry: for 1-8, preferably 1-6, more preferably 1-4, most preferably 2-4 consecutive weeks.

[0289] 26. The fucosylated MMO for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 25, wherein the fucosylated MMO is administered at least once a week, preferably at least once every 3 days, more preferably at least once every 2 days, most preferably at least once a day.

[0290] 27. The fucosylated MMO for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 26, wherein the fucosylated MMO is administered in a daily dose of 0.0001-15.0 g, preferably 0.0001-10.0 g, more preferably 0.0001-5.0 g, even more preferably 0.0001-2.0 g, even more preferably 0.0001-1.0 g, even more preferably 0.0005-1.0 g, most preferably 0.0010-1.0 g.

[0291] 28. The fucosylated MMO for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 26, wherein the fucosylated MMO is administered in a daily dose of 0.01-15.0 g, preferably 0.01-10.0 g, more preferably 0.01-5.0 g, even more preferably 0.01-2.0 g, even more preferably 0.01-1.0 g, even more preferably 0.015-1.0 g, most preferably 0.02-1.0 g.

[0292] 29. The fucosylated MMO for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 26, wherein the fucosylated MMO is administered in a daily dose of 0.01-1.0 g, preferably 0.01-0.75 g, more preferably 0.01-0.65 g, even more preferably 0.01-0.60 g, even more preferably 0.01-0.50 g, even more preferably 0.015-0.50 g, even more preferably 0.015-0.40 g, even more preferably 0.015-0.30 g, even more preferably 0.015-0.20 g, most preferably 0.015-0.10 g; preferably wherein the animal is a bovine or equine, more preferably a calf or a colt, even more preferably a calf.

[0293] 30. The fucosylated MMO for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 26, wherein the fucosylated MMO is administered in a daily dose of 0.01-5.0 g, preferably 0.1-2.5 g, more preferably 0.1-1.5 g, even more preferably 0.1-1.2 g, even more preferably 0.2-1.2 g, even more preferably 0.3-1.2 g, even more preferably 0.4-1.2 g, most preferably 0.5-1.2 g; preferably wherein the animal is a porcine, ovine, caprine or camelid (preferably, a llama or alpaca), more preferably wherein the animal is a piglet, lamb, kid or baby llama / alpaca, even more preferably wherein the animal is a piglet, lamb or kid, most preferably wherein the animal is a piglet.

[0294] 31. The fucosylated MMO for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 30, wherein the fucosylated MMO is administered in a daily dose of 0.01-150.0 mg, preferably 0.01-125.0 mg, more preferably 0.01-100.0 mg, even more preferably 0.05-100.0 mg, even more preferably 0.1-100.0 mg, most preferably 0.1-80.0 mg per kg body weight of the animal.

[0295] 32. The fucosylated MMO for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 30, wherein the fucosylated MMO is administered in a daily dose of 0.1 - 50.0 mg, preferably 0.1 - 30.0 mg, more preferably 0.1 - 25.0 mg, even more preferably 0.1 - 20.0 mg, even more preferably 0.1 - 15.0 mg, even more preferably 0.1 - 10.0 mg, even more preferably 0.25 - 10.0 mg, most preferably 0.5 - 10.0 mg per kg body weight of the animal; preferably wherein the animal is a bovine or equine, more preferably a calf or a foal, even more preferably a calf.

[0296] 33. The fucosylated MMO for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 30, wherein the fucosylated MMO is administered in a daily dose of 0.1 - 150.0 mg, preferably 0.1 - 125.0 mg, more preferably 1.0 - 125.0 mg, even more preferably 5.0 - 125.0 mg, even more preferably 5.0 - 100.0 mg, even more preferably 5.0 - 80.0 mg, most preferably 10.0 - 80.0 mg per kg body weight of the animal; preferably wherein the animal is a pig, sheep, goat or camelid (preferably, a llama or alpaca), more preferably wherein the animal is a piglet, a small sheep, a small goat or a young llama / alpaca, even more preferably wherein the animal is a piglet, a small sheep or a small goat, most preferably wherein the animal is a piglet.

[0297] 34. The fucosylated MMO for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 33, wherein the method further comprises administering a second mammalian milk oligosaccharide (MMO), preferably wherein the second mammalian milk oligosaccharide is a sialylated MMO, more preferably wherein the second mammalian milk oligosaccharide is a sialylated MMO comprising lactose, lacto-N-biose (LNB) or N-acetyl lactosamine (LacNAc) at its reducing end, even more preferably the sialylated MMO comprises lactose or LacNAc at its reducing end, most preferably the sialylated MMO comprises lactose at its reducing end.

[0298] 35. The fucosylated MMO for use according to embodiment 34, wherein the second MMO is selected from the list consisting of: 3'-sialyl-lactose (3'SL), 6'-sialyl-lactose (6'SL), 3,6-disialyllactose, 6,6'-disialyllactose, 8,3-disialyllactose, 3'S-2'FL, 6'S-2'FL, 3'S-3-FL, 6'S-3-FL, LST a, LST b, LST c, LST d, 3'-sialyl-lacto-N-biose (3'SLNB), 6'-sialyl-lacto-N-biose (6'SLNB), sialyl Lewis a, 3'-sialyl-lactosamine (3'SLacNAc), 6'-sialyl-lactosamine (6'SLacNAc), and sialyl Lewis x; preferably the second MMO is selected from the list consisting of: 3'SL, 6'SL, LST a, LST b, LST c, LST d, 3'SLNB, 6'SLNB, sialyl Lewis a, 3'SLacNAc, 6'SLacNAc, and sialyl Lewis x; more preferably the second MMO is selected from the list consisting of: 3'SL, 6'SL, 3'SLNB, 6'SLNB, 3'SLacNAc, and 6'SLacNAc; most preferably the second MMO is 3'-sialyl-lactose (3'SL) or 6'-sialyl-lactose (6'SL).

[0299] 36. The fucosylated MMO for use according to embodiment 34 or 35, wherein the second MMO is 3'-sialyl-lactose (3'SL) or 6'-sialyl-lactose (6'SL).

[0300] 37. The fucosylated MMO for use according to any one of embodiments 34 to 36, wherein the fucosylated MMO and the second MMO are part of a composition.

[0301] 38. The fucosylated MMO for use according to any one of embodiments 34 to 37, wherein the amount of the fucosylated MMO administered to the animal is lower than the amount of the second MMO administered to the animal, preferably the amount of the fucosylated MMO is lower than the amount of the second MMO administered to the animal by a factor of 1.1 to 15.0, more preferably 1.5 to 15.0, even more preferably 2.5 to 15.0, even more preferably 5.0 to 15.0, even more preferably 5.0 to 12.5, most preferably 5.0 to 10.0.

[0302] 39. The fucosylated MMO for use according to any one of embodiments 34 to 37, wherein the amount of the fucosylated MMO administered to the animal is lower than the amount of the second MMO administered to the animal, preferably the amount of the fucosylated MMO is lower than the amount of the second MMO administered to the animal by a factor of 1.1 to 10.0, preferably 1.5-7.5, more preferably 2.5-7.5, most preferably 4.0-7.0.

[0303] 40. The fucosylated MMO for use according to any one of embodiments 34 to 37, wherein the amount of the second MMO administered to the animal is 0.1-30.0, preferably 0.1-25.0, more preferably 0.1-20.0, even more preferably 0.1-15.0, even more preferably 0.2-15.0, even more preferably 0.3-15.0, even more preferably 0.4-15.0, most preferably 0.5-15.0 times the amount of the fucosylated MMO administered to the animal.

[0304] 41. The fucosylated MMO for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 40, wherein the method further comprises administering a third mammalian milk oligosaccharide (MMO), preferably wherein the third mammalian milk oligosaccharide is a sialylated MMO, more preferably wherein the third mammalian milk oligosaccharide is a sialylated MMO comprising lactose, lacto-N-biose (LNB) or N-acetyl lactosamine (LacNAc) at its reducing end, even more preferably the sialylated MMO comprises lactose or LacNAc at its reducing end, most preferably the sialylated MMO comprises lactose at its reducing end.

[0305] 42. The fucosylated MMO for use according to embodiment 41, wherein the third MMO is selected from the list consisting of: 3'-sialyl-lactose (3'SL), 6'-sialyl-lactose (6'SL), 3,6-disialyllactose, 6,6'-disialyllactose, 8,3-disialyllactose, 3'S-2'FL, 6'S-2'FL, 3'S-3-FL, 6'S-3-FL, LST a, LST b, LST c, LST d, 3'-sialyl-lacto-N-biose (3'SLNB), 6'-sialyl-lacto-N-biose (6'SLNB), sialyl Lewis a, 3'-sialyllactosamine (3'SLacNAc), 6'-sialyllactosamine (6'SLacNAc), and sialyl Lewis x; preferably, the third MMO is selected from the list consisting of: 3'SL, 6'SL, LST a, LST b, LST c, LST d, 3'SLNB, 6'SLNB, sialyl Lewis a, 3'SLacNAc, 6'SLacNAc, and sialyl Lewis x; more preferably, the third MMO is selected from the list consisting of: 3'SL, 6'SL, 3'SLNB, 6'SLNB, 3'SLacNAc, and 6'SLacNAc; most preferably, the third MMO is 6'-sialyl-lactose (6'SL) or 3'-sialyl-lactose (3'SL).

[0306] 43. The fucosylated MMO for use according to embodiment 41 or 42, wherein the third MMO is 6'-sialyl-lactose (6'SL) or 3'-sialyl-lactose (3'SL).

[0307] 44. The fucosylated MMO for use according to any one of embodiments 41 to 43, wherein the fucosylated MMO, the second MMO, and the third MMO are part of a composition.

[0308] 45. The fucosylated MMO for use according to any one of embodiments 41 to 44, wherein the amount of the fucosylated MMO administered to the animal is lower than the amount of the third MMO administered to the animal, preferably the amount of the fucosylated MMO is lower than the amount of the third MMO administered to the animal to the extent of 1.1 to 15.0, more preferably 1.5 to 15.0, even more preferably 2.5 to 15.0, even more preferably 5.0 to 15.0, even more preferably 5.0 to 12.5, most preferably 5.0 to 10.0.

[0309] 46. The fucosylated MMO for use according to any one of embodiments 41 to 44, wherein the amount of the fucosylated MMO administered to the animal is lower than the amount of the third MMO administered to the animal, preferably the amount of the fucosylated MMO is lower than the amount of the third MMO administered to the animal by a factor of 1.1 to 10.0, preferably 1.5-7.5, more preferably 1.5-5.0, most preferably 2.5-5.0.

[0310] 47. The fucosylated MMO for use according to any one of embodiments 41 to 44, wherein the amount of the third MMO administered to the animal is 0.1-30.0, preferably 0.1-25.0, more preferably 0.1-20.0, even more preferably 0.1-15.0, even more preferably 0.2-15.0, even more preferably 0.3-15.0, even more preferably 0.4-15.0, most preferably 0.5-15.0 times the amount of the fucosylated MMO administered to the animal.

[0311] 48. The fucosylated MMO for use according to any one of embodiments 41 to 47, wherein the ratio between the amount of the second MMO and the amount of the third MMO administered to the animal is similar to the ratio found in the breast milk of the same species.

[0312] 49. The fucosylated MMO for use according to any one of embodiments 41 to 48, wherein the amount of the second MMO administered to the animal is higher than the amount of the third MMO administered to the animal, preferably the amount of the second MMO is 1.1 to 40.0, more preferably 1.1 to 35.0, most preferably 1.5 to 35.0 times the amount of the third MMO administered to the animal.

[0313] 50. The fucosylated MMO for use according to any one of embodiments 41 to 48, wherein the amount of the second MMO administered to the animal is higher than the amount of the third MMO administered to the animal, preferably the amount of the second MMO is higher than the amount of the third MMO administered to the animal by a factor of 1.1 to 6.0, more preferably 1.1 to 5.0, even more preferably 1.25 to 4.0, even more preferably 1.25-3.0, even more preferably 1.5 to 3.0, most preferably 1.5-2.5.

[0314] 51. The fucosylated MMO for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 50, wherein the method does not comprise administering lacto-N-tetraose (LNT).

[0315] 52. The fucosylated MMO for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 51, wherein the method does not comprise administering lacto-N-neotetraose (LNnT).

[0316] 53. The fucosylated MMO for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 52, wherein the method does not comprise administering N-acetyl lactosamine.

[0317] 54. The fucosylated MMO for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 53, wherein the method does not comprise administering an oligosaccharide comprising N-acetyl lactosamine, preferably does not comprise administering a sugar comprising N-acetyl lactosamine.

[0318] 55. The fucosylated MMO for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 54, wherein the method does not comprise administering fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS).

[0319] 56. The fucosylated MMO for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 55, wherein the method does not comprise administering galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS).

[0320] 57. The fucosylated MMO for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 56, wherein the method does not comprise administering isomalto-oligosaccharides.

[0321] 58. The fucosylated MMO for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 57, wherein the method does not comprise administering neutral non-fucosylated MMO.

[0322] 59. The fucosylated MMO for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 33 and 51 to 58, wherein the method does not comprise administering further mammalian milk oligosaccharides.

[0323] 60. The fucosylated MMO for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 59, wherein the method further comprises administering a microbial strain which does not use, preferably is not able to use, the fucosylated MMO as a carbon source.

[0324] 61. The fucosylated MMO for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 59, wherein the method does not comprise administering a microbial strain.

[0325] 62. The fucosylated MMO for use according to any one of embodiments 15 to 18, 37 and 44, wherein the composition is not breast milk.

[0326] 63. The fucosylated MMO for use according to any one of embodiments 15 to 18, 37, 44 and 62, wherein the composition is a synthetic composition.

[0327] 64. The fucosylated MMO for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 63, wherein the fucosylated MMO has been produced in vitro and / or ex vivo by a cell, preferably a single cell, wherein the cell is preferably selected from the list consisting of: a microorganism, a plant cell, an animal cell and a protozoan cell.

[0328] 65. The fucosylated MMO for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 64, wherein the fucosylated MMO is attached, preferably chemically attached, to a carrier for delivering the fucosylated MMO.

[0329] 66. The fucosylated MMO for use according to embodiment 65, wherein the linker is a ceramide-based carrier or a polypeptide-based carrier, preferably a ceramide-based carrier.

[0330] 67. The fucosylated MMO for use according to embodiment 66, wherein the ceramide-based carrier is selected from the list consisting of: d18: l / 16:0, t18:0-16:0, t18:0-h16:0, t18:0-h22:0 and t18:0-h24:0.

[0331] 68. The fucosylated MMO for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 67, wherein the fucosylated MMO is encapsulated.

[0332] 69. A method for preventing and / or treating pneumonia in a farm-raised animal or a domesticated animal, preferably a farm-raised animal, wherein the method comprises administering a fucosylated MMO as defined in any one of embodiments 1 to 68.

[0333] 70. The method according to embodiment 69, wherein the pneumonia is acute pneumonia.

[0334] 71. The method according to embodiment 69 or 70, wherein the pneumonia is shipping fever pneumonia.

[0335] 72. The method according to embodiment 69 or 70, wherein the pneumonia is broiler pneumonia.

[0336] 73. The method according to any one of embodiments 69 to 72, wherein the animal is as defined in any one of embodiments 5 to 7.

[0337] 74. The method according to any one of embodiments 69 to 73, wherein the method comprises administering to the animal an effective amount of the fucosylated MMO, preferably wherein the fucosylated MMO is administered as defined in any one of embodiments 20 to 33.

[0338] 75. Use of a fucosylated MMO as defined in any one of embodiments 1 to 68 in the manufacture of a medicament for the prophylaxis and / or treatment of pneumonia in a farm-raised animal or a domestic animal, preferably a farm-raised animal.

[0339] 76. The use according to embodiment 75, wherein the pneumonia is acute pneumonia.

[0340] 77. The use according to embodiment 75 or 76, wherein the pneumonia is shipping fever pneumonia.

[0341] 78. The use according to embodiment 75 or 76, wherein the pneumonia is brooder pneumonia.

[0342] 79. The use according to any one of embodiments 75 to 78, wherein the animal is as defined in any one of embodiments 5 to 7.

[0343] 80. The use according to any one of embodiments 75 to 79, wherein the method comprises administering to the animal an effective amount of the fucosylated MMO, preferably wherein the fucosylated MMO is administered as defined in any one of embodiments 20 to 33.

[0344] Further, the present application preferably relates to the following particular embodiments:

[0345] 1. A composition comprising a fucosylated mammalian milk oligosaccharide (MMO), wherein the composition is for use in a method for the prophylaxis and / or treatment of pneumonia in a farm-raised animal or a domestic animal, preferably a farm-raised animal.

[0346] 2. The composition for use according to embodiment 1, wherein the pneumonia is acute pneumonia.

[0347] 3. The composition for use according to embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the pneumonia is shipping fever pneumonia.

[0348] 4. The composition for use according to embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the pneumonia is brooder pneumonia.

[0349] 5. The composition for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the farm-raised or domesticated animal is selected from the list consisting of cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, horses, camelids (preferably, llamas or alpacas), dogs, cats, rabbits, and poultry; more preferably selected from the list consisting of cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, horses, camelids (preferably, llamas or alpacas), and poultry; more preferably selected from the list consisting of cattle, sheep, goats, horses, camelids (preferably, llamas or alpacas), and poultry; more preferably selected from the list consisting of cattle, horses, and poultry; most preferably, the animal is cattle.

[0350] 6. The composition for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the animal is an immature animal.

[0351] 7. The composition for use according to embodiment 6, wherein the farm-raised or domesticated animal is selected from the list consisting of calves, piglets, lambs, kids, foals, baby llamas / alpacas, puppies, kittens, bunnies, and chicks; more preferably selected from the list consisting of calves, piglets, lambs, kids, foals, baby llamas / alpacas, and chicks; more preferably selected from the list consisting of calves, lambs, kids, foals, baby llamas / alpacas, and chicks; more preferably selected from the list consisting of calves, foals, and chicks; most preferably, the animal is a calf.

[0352] 8. The composition for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the fucosylated MMO consists of 3-8, preferably 3-7, more preferably 3-6, more preferably 3-5 monosaccharides.

[0353] 9. The composition for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 8, wherein the fucosylated MMO is a neutral oligosaccharide.

[0354] 10. The composition for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 9, wherein the fucosylated MMO comprises a fucose linked to a monosaccharide in an a-1,2-linkage, an a-1,3-linkage, or an a-1,4-linkage, preferably an a-1,2-linkage or an a-1,3-linkage, more preferably an a-1,2-linkage, and wherein the monosaccharide is preferably selected from glucose, N-acetylglucosamine, and galactose, more preferably the monosaccharide is glucose or galactose, more preferably the monosaccharide is galactose.

[0355] 11. The composition for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 10, wherein the fucosylated MMO comprises lactose, lacto-N-biose (LNB) or N-acetyl lactosamine (LacNAc) at its reducing end, preferably the fucosylated oligosaccharide comprises lactose or LacNAc at its reducing end, more preferably the fucosylated oligosaccharide comprises lactose at its reducing end.

[0356] 12. The composition for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 11, wherein the fucosylated MMO is selected from the list consisting of: 2’-fucosyllactose (2’FL), 3-fucosyllactose (3-FL), difucosyllactose (diFL), 2’-fucosyl-N-acetyl lactosamine (2’FlacNAc), difucosyl-N-acetyl lactosamine (diFLacNAc), 3-fucosyl-N-acetyl lactosamine (3FlacNAc), 2’-fucosyllacto-N-biose (2’FLNB), 4-fucosyllacto-N-biose (4FLNB), difucosyllacto-N-biose (diFLNB), lacto-N-fucopentaose I (LNFP I), A blood group antigen hexasaccharide type 1 (GalNAc-LNFP I), B blood group antigen hexasaccharide type 1 (Gal-LNFP I), lacto-N-fucopentaose II (LNFP II), lacto-N-fucopentaose III (LNFP III), lacto-N-fucopentaose V (LNFP V), lacto-N-difucohexaose I (LNDFH I), lacto-N-difucohexaose II (LNDFH II), Lewis b-Lewis x, monofucosyllacto-N-hexaose III (MFLNH III), difucosyllacto-N-hexaose (a) (DFLNH (a)), difucosyllacto-N-hexaose (DFLNH), trifucosyllacto-N-hexaose (TFLNH), lacto-N-neofucopentaose I (LNnFP I), lacto-N-neofucopentaose V (LNnFP V, LNFP VI) and lacto-N-neodifucohexose (LNnDFH); more preferably selected from the list consisting of: 2’FL, diFL, LNFP I, GalNAc-LNFP I, Gal-LNFP I, LNDFH I, Lewis b-Lewis x, DFLNH(a), TFLNH, LNnFP I, 2’FLNB, diFLNB, 2’FlacNAc and diFLacNAc; even more preferably selected from the list consisting of: 2’FL, diFL, LNFP I, LNnFP I, 2’FLNB, diFLNB, 2’FlacNAc and diFLacNAc; even more preferably selected from the list consisting of: 2’FL, diFL, 2’FLNB, diFLNB, 2’FlacNAc and diFLacNAc; even more preferably selected from the list consisting of: 2’FL, 2’FLNB and 2’FlacNAc; even more preferably wherein the fucosylated MMO is 2’FL or diFL; most preferably wherein the fucosylated MMO is 2’FL.

[0357] 13. The composition for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 12, wherein the fucosylated MMO is selected from the list consisting of: 2’FL, diFL, LNFP I, LNnFP I, 2’FLNB, diFLNB, 2’FlacNAc and diFLacNAc.

[0358] 14. The composition for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 13, wherein the fucosylated MMO is 2’-fucosyllactose (2’FL).

[0359] 15. The composition for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 14, wherein the fucosylated MMO is present in 0.001 - 1.000 wt.%, preferably 0.001 - 0.750 wt.%, more preferably 0.001 - 0.500 wt.%, even more preferably 0.001 - 0.400 wt.%, even more preferably 0.005 - 0.400 wt.%, even more preferably 0.005 - 0.300 wt.%, even more preferably 0.005 - 0.250 wt.%, most preferably 0.005 - 0.100 wt.% of the total weight of the composition.

[0360] 16. The composition for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 15, wherein the fucosylated MMO is present in 0.001 - 0.250 wt.%, preferably 0.001 - 0.200 wt.%, more preferably 0.001 - 0.100 wt.%, even more preferably 0.001 - 0.020 wt.%, even more preferably 0.001 - 0.010 wt.%, even more preferably 0.002 - 0.010 wt.%, even more preferably 0.003 - 0.010 wt.%, even more preferably 0.003 - 0.0075 wt.%, most preferably 0.003 - 0.006 wt.% of the total weight of the composition; preferably wherein the animal is a bovine or equine, more preferably a calf or a colt, even more preferably a calf.

[0361] 17. The composition for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 15, wherein the fucosylated MMO is present in 0.010-1.000 wt.%, preferably 0.010-0.750 wt.%, more preferably 0.010-0.500 wt.%, even more preferably 0.010-0.400 wt.%, even more preferably 0.050-0.400 wt.%, even more preferably 0.100-0.400 wt.%, most preferably 0.100-0.300 wt.% of the total weight of the composition; preferably wherein the animal is a pig, a sheep, a goat or a camelid (preferably, a llama or an alpaca), more preferably wherein the animal is a piglet, a lamb, a kid or a baby llama / alpaca, even more preferably wherein the animal is a piglet, a lamb or a kid, most preferably wherein the animal is a piglet.

[0362] 18. The composition for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 17, wherein the method comprises administering an effective amount of the fucosylated MMO.

[0363] 19. The composition for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 18, wherein the fucosylated MMO is administered to the animal at least once, preferably at least twice, between birth (0 weeks) and 5 weeks of age, preferably between birth and 4 weeks of age, more preferably between birth and 3 weeks of age.

[0364] 20. The composition for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 19, wherein the fucosylated MMO is administered to the animal at least once, preferably at least twice, more preferably daily:

[0365] - within three weeks, preferably two weeks, more preferably one week, prior to the day the animal is transported; and / or

[0366] - on the day the animal is transported; and / or

[0367] - within three weeks, preferably two weeks, more preferably one week, after the day the animal is transported.

[0368] 21. The composition for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 20, wherein the fucosylated MMO is administered to the animal for at least 1 week, preferably at least 2 weeks, more preferably at least 3 weeks, even more preferably at least 4 weeks, most preferably at least 6 weeks.

[0369] 22. The composition for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 21, wherein the fucosylated MMO is administered to the animal for < 32 weeks, preferably < 28 weeks, more preferably < 24 weeks, even more preferably < 20 weeks, even more preferably < 16 weeks, even more preferably < 12 weeks, most preferably < 6 weeks.

[0370] 23. The composition for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 22, wherein the fucosylated MMO is administered to the animal for 1-36, preferably 1-30, even more preferably 1-28, even more preferably 1-24, even more preferably 1-18, even more preferably 1-12, even more preferably 1-8, even more preferably 1-6, even more preferably 1-4, most preferably 2-4 consecutive weeks.

[0371] 24. The composition for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 23, wherein the fucosylated MMO is administered to the animal:

[0372] - if the subject is a bovine: for 1-36, preferably 1-32, more preferably 1-30, even more preferably 1-28, even more preferably 1-24, even more preferably 1-18, even more preferably 1-12, even more preferably 2-12, most preferably 3-12 consecutive weeks;

[0373] - if the subject is a porcine: for 1-18, preferably 1-12, more preferably 1-8, even more preferably 1-6, even more preferably 1-4, most preferably 2-4 consecutive weeks;

[0374] - if the subject is a sheep: for 1-36, preferably 1-32, more preferably 1-30, even more preferably 1-28, even more preferably 1-24, even more preferably 1-18, even more preferably 1-12, even more preferably 1-8, even more preferably 1-6, even more preferably 1-4, most preferably 2-4 consecutive weeks;

[0375] - if the subject is a goat: for 1-36, preferably 1-32, more preferably 1-30, even more preferably 1-28, even more preferably 1-24, even more preferably 1-18, even more preferably 1-12, even more preferably 1-8, even more preferably 1-6, even more preferably 1-4, most preferably 2-4 consecutive weeks;

[0376] - if the subject is a horse: for 1-18, preferably 1-12, more preferably 1-8, even more preferably 1-6, even more preferably 1-4, most preferably 2-4 consecutive weeks;

[0377] - if the subject is a camelid: for 1-18, preferably 1-12, more preferably 1-8, even more preferably 1-6, even more preferably 1-4, most preferably 2-4 consecutive weeks;

[0378] - if the subject is a rabbit: for 1-12, preferably 1-8, more preferably 1-6, even more preferably 1-4, most preferably 2-4 consecutive weeks;

[0379] - if the subject is a dog: for 1-12, preferably 1-8, more preferably 1-6, even more preferably 1-4, most preferably 2-4 consecutive weeks;

[0380] - if the subject is a cat: for 1-12, preferably 1-8, more preferably 1-6, even more preferably 1-4, most preferably 2-4 consecutive weeks;

[0381] - if the subject is poultry: for 1-8, preferably 1-6, more preferably 1-4, most preferably 2-4 consecutive weeks.

[0382] 25. The composition for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 24, wherein the fucosylated MMO is administered at least once a week, preferably at least once every 3 days, more preferably at least once every 2 days, most preferably at least once a day.

[0383] 26. The composition for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 25, wherein the fucosylated MMO is administered in a daily dose of 0.0001-15.0 g, preferably 0.0001-10.0 g, more preferably 0.0001-5.0 g, even more preferably 0.0001-2.0 g, even more preferably 0.0001-1.0 g, even more preferably 0.0005-1.0 g, most preferably 0.0010-1.0 g.

[0384] 27. The composition for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 25, wherein the fucosylated MMO is administered in a daily dose of 0.01-15.0 g, preferably 0.01-10.0 g, more preferably 0.01-5.0 g, even more preferably 0.01-2.0 g, even more preferably 0.01-1.0 g, even more preferably 0.015-1.0 g, most preferably 0.02-1.0 g.

[0385] 28. The composition for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 25, wherein the fucosylated MMO is administered in a daily dose of 0.01-1.0 g, preferably 0.01-0.75 g, more preferably 0.01-0.65 g, even more preferably 0.01-0.60 g, even more preferably 0.01-0.50 g, even more preferably 0.015-0.50 g, even more preferably 0.015-0.40 g, even more preferably 0.015-0.30 g, even more preferably 0.015-0.20 g, most preferably 0.015-0.10 g; preferably wherein the animal is a bovine or equine, more preferably a calf or a colt, even more preferably a calf.

[0386] 29. The composition for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 25, wherein the fucosylated MMO is administered in a daily dose of 0.01-5.0 g, preferably 0.1-2.5 g, more preferably 0.1-1.5 g, even more preferably 0.1-1.2 g, even more preferably 0.2-1.2 g, even more preferably 0.3-1.2 g, even more preferably 0.4-1.2 g, most preferably 0.5-1.2 g; preferably wherein the animal is a porcine, ovine, caprine or camelid (preferably, a llama or alpaca), more preferably wherein the animal is a piglet, a lamb, a kid or a baby llama / alpaca, even more preferably wherein the animal is a piglet, a lamb or a kid, most preferably wherein the animal is a piglet.

[0387] 30. The composition for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 29, wherein the fucosylated MMO is administered in a daily dose of 0.01-150.0 mg, preferably 0.01-125.0 mg, more preferably 0.01-100.0 mg, even more preferably 0.05-100.0 mg, even more preferably 0.1-100.0 mg, most preferably 0.1-80.0 mg per kg body weight of the animal.

[0388] 31. The composition for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 29, wherein the fucosylated MMO is administered in a daily dose of 0.1-50.0 mg, preferably 0.1-30.0 mg, more preferably 0.1-25.0 mg, even more preferably 0.1-20.0 mg, even more preferably 0.1-15.0 mg, even more preferably 0.1-10.0 mg, even more preferably 0.25-10.0 mg, most preferably 0.5-10.0 mg per kg body weight of the animal; preferably wherein the animal is a bovine or equine, more preferably a calf or a colt, even more preferably a calf.

[0389] 32. The composition for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 29, wherein the fucosylated MMO is administered in a daily dose of 0.1 - 150.0 mg, preferably 0.1 - 125.0 mg, more preferably 1.0 - 125.0 mg, even more preferably 5.0 - 125.0 mg, even more preferably 5.0 - 100.0 mg, even more preferably 5.0 - 80.0 mg, most preferably 10.0 - 80.0 mg per kg body weight of the animal; preferably wherein the animal is a pig, a sheep, a goat or a camelid (preferably, a llama or an alpaca), more preferably wherein the animal is a piglet, a small sheep, a small goat or a young llama / alpaca, even more preferably wherein the animal is a piglet, a small sheep or a small goat, most preferably wherein the animal is a piglet.

[0390] 33. The composition for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 32, wherein the composition further comprises a second mammalian milk oligosaccharide (MMO), preferably wherein the second mammalian milk oligosaccharide is a sialylated MMO, more preferably wherein the second mammalian milk oligosaccharide is a sialylated MMO comprising lactose, lacto-N-biose (LNB) or N-acetyl lactosamine (LacNAc) at its reducing end, even more preferably the sialylated MMO comprises lactose or LacNAc at its reducing end, most preferably the sialylated MMO comprises lactose at its reducing end.

[0391] 34. The composition for use according to embodiment 33, wherein the second MMO is selected from the list consisting of 3'-sialyllactose (3'SL), 6'-sialyllactose (6'SL), 3,6-disialyllactose, 6,6'-disialyllactose, 8,3-disialyllactose, 3'S-2'FL, 6'S-2'FL, 3'S-3-FL, 6'S-3-FL, LST a, LST b, LST c, LST d, 3'-sialyllactose-N-biose (3'SLNB), 6'-sialyllactose-N-biose (6'SLNB), sialyl Lewis a, 3'-sialyllactosamine (3'SLacNAc), 6'-sialyllactosamine (6'SLacNAc), and sialyl Lewis x; preferably the second MMO is selected from the list consisting of 3'SL, 6'SL, LST a, LST b, LST c, LST d, 3'SLNB, 6'SLNB, sialyl Lewis a, 3'SLacNAc, 6'SLacNAc, and sialyl Lewis x; more preferably the second MMO is selected from the list consisting of 3'SL, 6'SL, 3'SLNB, 6'SLNB, 3'SLacNAc, and 6'SLacNAc; most preferably the second MMO is 3'-sialyllactose (3'SL) or 6'-sialyllactose (6'SL).

[0392] 35. The composition for use according to embodiment 33 or 34, wherein the second MMO is 3'-sialyllactose (3'SL) or 6'-sialyllactose (6'SL).

[0393] 36. The composition for use according to any one of embodiments 33 to 35, wherein the amount of the fucosylated MMO in the composition is lower than the amount of the second MMO, preferably the amount of the fucosylated MMO is lower than the amount of the second MMO in the composition to the extent of 1.1 to 15.0, more preferably 1.5 to 15.0, even more preferably 2.5 to 15.0, even more preferably 5.0 to 15.0, even more preferably 5.0 to 12.5, most preferably 5.0 to 10.0 fold.

[0394] 37. The composition for use according to any one of embodiments 33 to 35, wherein the amount of the fucosylated MMO in the composition is lower than the amount of the second MMO, preferably the amount of the fucosylated MMO is lower than the amount of the second MMO in the composition to the extent of 1.1 to 10.0, preferably 1.5-7.5, more preferably 2.5-7.5, most preferably 4.0-7.0 fold.

[0395] 38. The composition for use according to any one of embodiments 33 to 35, wherein the amount of the second MMO in the composition is 0.1-30.0, preferably 0.1-25.0, more preferably 0.1-20.0, even more preferably 0.1-15.0, even more preferably 0.2-15.0, even more preferably 0.3-15.0, even more preferably 0.4-15.0, most preferably 0.5-15.0 times the amount of the fucosylated MMO in the composition.

[0396] 39. The composition for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 38, wherein the composition further comprises a third mammalian milk oligosaccharide (MMO), preferably wherein the third mammalian milk oligosaccharide is a sialylated MMO, more preferably wherein the third mammalian milk oligosaccharide is a sialylated MMO comprising lactose, lacto-N-biose (LNB) or N-acetyl lactosamine (LacNAc) at its reducing end, even more preferably the sialylated MMO comprises lactose or LacNAc at its reducing end, most preferably the sialylated MMO comprises lactose at its reducing end.

[0397] 40. The composition for use according to embodiment 39, wherein the third MMO is selected from the list consisting of 3’-sialyllactose (3’SL), 6’-sialyllactose (6’SL), 3,6- disialyllactose, 6,6’-disialyllactose, 8,3-disialyllactose, 3’S-2’FL, 6’S-2’FL, 3’S-3-FL, 6’S-3-FL, LST a, LST b, LST c, LST d, 3’-sialyllacto-N-biose (3’SLNB), 6’-sialyllacto-N-biose (6’SLNB), sialyl Lewis a, 3’-sialyllactosamine (3’SLacNAc), 6’-sialyllactosamine (6’SLacNAc) and sialyl Lewis x; preferably, the third MMO is selected from the list consisting of 3’SL, 6’SL, LST a, LST b, LST c, LST d, 3’SLNB, 6’SLNB, sialyl Lewis a, 3’SLacNAc, 6’SLacNAc and sialyl Lewis x; more preferably, the third MMO is selected from the list consisting of 3’SL, 6’SL, 3’SLNB, 6’SLNB, 3’SLacNAc and 6’SLacNAc; most preferably, the third MMO is 6’-sialyllactose (6’SL) or 3’-sialyllactose (3’SL).

[0398] 41. The composition for use according to embodiment 39 or 40, wherein the third MMO is 6'-sialyl lactose (6'SL) or 3'-sialyl lactose (3'SL).

[0399] 42. The composition for use according to any one of embodiments 39 to 41, wherein the amount of the fucosylated MMO in the composition is lower than the amount of the third MMO, preferably the amount of the fucosylated MMO is lower than the amount of the third MMO in the composition to the extent of 1.1 to 15.0, more preferably 1.5 to 15.0, even more preferably 2.5 to 15.0, even more preferably 5.0 to 15.0, even more preferably 5.0 to 12.5, most preferably 5.0 to 10.0 fold.

[0400] 43. The composition for use according to any one of embodiments 39 to 41, wherein the amount of the fucosylated MMO in the composition is lower than the amount of the third MMO, preferably the amount of the fucosylated MMO is lower than the amount of the third MMO in the composition to the extent of 1.1 to 10.0, preferably 1.5-7.5, more preferably 1.5-5.0, most preferably 2.5-5.0 fold.

[0401] 44. The composition for use according to any one of embodiments 39 to 41, wherein the amount of the third MMO in the composition is 0.1-30.0, preferably 0.1-25.0, more preferably 0.1-20.0, even more preferably 0.1-15.0, even more preferably 0.2-15.0, even more preferably 0.3-15.0, even more preferably 0.4-15.0, most preferably 0.5-15.0 fold of the amount of the fucosylated MMO in the composition.

[0402] 45. The composition for use according to any one of embodiments 39 to 44, wherein the ratio between the amount of the second MMO and the amount of the third MMO in the composition is similar to the ratio found in breast milk of the same species.

[0403] 46. The composition for use according to any one of embodiments 39 to 45, wherein the amount of the second MMO in the composition is higher than the amount of the third MMO, preferably the amount of the second MMO is 1.1 to 40.0, more preferably 1.1 to 35.0, most preferably 1.5 to 35.0 fold of the amount of the third MMO in the composition.

[0404] 47. The composition for use according to any one of embodiments 39 to 45, wherein the amount of the second MMO in the composition is higher than the amount of the third MMO, preferably the amount of the second MMO is higher than the amount of the third MMO in the composition to the extent of 1.1 to 6.0, more preferably 1.1 to 5.0, even more preferably 1.25 to 4.0, even more preferably 1.25-3.0, even more preferably 1.5 to 3.0, most preferably 1.5-2.5 fold.

[0405] 48. The composition for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 47, wherein the composition does not comprise lacto-N-tetraose (LNT).

[0406] 49. The composition for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 48, wherein the composition does not comprise lacto-N-neotetraose (LNnT).

[0407] 50. The composition for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 49, wherein the composition does not comprise N-acetyllactosamine.

[0408] 51. The composition for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 50, wherein the composition does not comprise an oligosaccharide comprising N-acetyllactosamine, preferably does not comprise a saccharide comprising N-acetyllactosamine.

[0409] 52. The composition for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 51, wherein the composition does not comprise fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS).

[0410] 53. The composition for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 52, wherein the composition does not comprise galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS).

[0411] 54. The composition for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 53, wherein the composition does not comprise isomalto-oligosaccharides.

[0412] 55. The composition for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 54, wherein the composition does not comprise neutral non-fucosylated MMOs.

[0413] 56. The composition for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 32 and 48 to 55, wherein the composition does not comprise further mammalian milk oligosaccharides.

[0414] 57. The composition for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 56, wherein the composition further comprises a microbial strain which does not use, preferably is not able to use, the fucosylated MMO as a carbon source.

[0415] 58. The composition for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 56, wherein the composition does not comprise a microbial strain.

[0416] 59. The composition for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 58, wherein the composition is not breast milk.

[0417] 60. The composition for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 59, wherein the composition is a synthetic composition.

[0418] 61. The composition for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 60, wherein the fucosylated MMO has been produced in vitro and / or ex vivo by a cell, preferably a single cell, wherein the cell is preferably selected from the list consisting of a microorganism, a plant cell, an animal cell and a protozoan cell.

[0419] 62. The composition for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 61, wherein the fucosylated MMO is attached, preferably chemically attached, to a carrier for delivering the fucosylated MMO.

[0420] 63. The composition for use according to embodiment 62, wherein the linker is a ceramide-based carrier or a polypeptide-based carrier, preferably a ceramide-based carrier.

[0421] 64. The composition for use according to embodiment 63, wherein the ceramide-based carrier is selected from the list consisting of d18: l / 16:0, t18:0-16:0, t18:0-h16:0, t18:0-h22:0 and t18:0-h24:0.

[0422] 65. The composition for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 64, wherein the fucosylated MMO is encapsulated.

[0423] 66. The composition for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 65, wherein the composition is a pharmaceutical composition, which optionally further comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, filler, preservative, solubilizer, diluent, excipient, salt, adjuvant and / or solvent.

[0424] 67. The composition for use according to any one of the embodiments 1 to 66, wherein the composition is a nutritional composition, which optionally further comprises a feed ingredient and / or a food ingredient, wherein the feed / food ingredient is preferably selected from the list consisting of:

[0425] - lipids, preferably one or more selected from the list consisting of oils, fats, esters, monoglycerides, diglycerides, triglycerides and free fatty acids;

[0426] - vitamins, preferably one or more selected from the list consisting of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E and vitamin H or derivatives thereof;

[0427] - amino acid compounds;

[0428] - trace elements;

[0429] - minerals, preferably one or more selected from the list consisting of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, zinc, manganese, copper, sodium, potassium, molybdenum, chromium, selenium and chlorine;

[0430] - antioxidants;

[0431] - prebiotic agents, preferably one or more selected from the list consisting of GOS (galacto- oligosaccharides), FOS (fructo-oligosaccharides), inulin and resistant starch;

[0432] - carbohydrates;

[0433] - antimicrobial agents, and / or

[0434] - proteins.

[0435] 68. The composition for use according to embodiment 67, wherein the nutritional composition is selected from the list consisting of a milk replacer, a creep feed, a pre-weaning diet, a weaning diet, a pre-ruminal feed, a ruminal feed and a post-ruminal feed, preferably from the list consisting of a milk replacer, a weaning diet, a creep feed and a post-ruminal feed, more preferably the nutritional composition is a milk replacer or a weaning diet, most preferably a milk replacer.

[0436] 69. A method for preventing and / or treating pneumonia in a farm-raised animal or a domesticated animal, preferably a farm-raised animal, wherein the method comprises administering a composition as defined in any one of embodiments 1 to 68.

[0437] 70. The method according to embodiment 69, wherein the pneumonia is acute pneumonia.

[0438] 71. The method according to embodiment 69 or 70, wherein the pneumonia is shipping fever pneumonia.

[0439] 72. The method according to embodiment 69 or 70, wherein the pneumonia is brooder pneumonia.

[0440] 73. The method according to any one of embodiments 69 to 72, wherein the animal is as defined in any one of embodiments 5 to 7.

[0441] 74. The method according to any one of embodiments 69 to 73, wherein the method comprises administering to the animal an effective amount of the fucosylated MMO, preferably wherein the fucosylated MMO is administered as defined in any one of embodiments 19 to 32.

[0442] 75. Use of a composition as defined in any one of embodiments 1 to 68 in the manufacture of a medicament for preventing and / or treating pneumonia in an animal, wherein the animal is a farm-raised animal or a domesticated animal, preferably a farm-raised animal.

[0443] 76. The use according to embodiment 75, wherein the pneumonia is acute pneumonia.

[0444] 77. The use according to embodiment 75 or 76, wherein the pneumonia is shipping fever pneumonia.

[0445] 78. The use according to embodiment 75 or 76, wherein the pneumonia is brooder pneumonia.

[0446] 79. The use according to any one of embodiments 75 to 78, wherein the animal is as defined in any one of embodiments 5 to 7.

[0447] 80. The use according to any one of embodiments 75 to 79, wherein the method comprises administering to the animal an effective amount of the fucosylated MMO, preferably wherein the fucosylated MMO is administered as defined in any one of embodiments 19 to 32.

[0448] The present application more preferably relates to the following particular embodiments:

[0449] 1. A fucosylated mammalian milk oligosaccharide (MMO) for use in a method for preventing and / or treating pneumonia in a farm-raised animal or a domesticated animal, preferably a farm-raised animal.

[0450] 2. The fucosylated MMO for use according to embodiment 1, wherein the method is a method for preventing and / or treating pneumonia by enhancing T lymphocyte immunity in the animal.

[0451] 3. The fucosylated MMO for use according to embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the pneumonia is acute pneumonia.

[0452] 4. The fucosylated MMO for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the pneumonia is shipping fever pneumonia or brooder pneumonia, preferably shipping fever pneumonia.

[0453] 5. The fucosylated MMO for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the farm-raised or domesticated animal is selected from the list consisting of cattle, swine, sheep, goats, horses, donkeys, mules, hinneys, burros, camelids, dogs, cats, rabbits, and poultry.

[0454] 6. The fucosylated MMO for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the animal is an immature animal.

[0455] 7. The fucosylated MMO for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the fucosylated MMO comprises fucose linked to a monosaccharide in an a-1,2-linkage, and wherein the monosaccharide is galactose.

[0456] 8. The fucosylated MMO for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the fucosylated MMO is 2’-fucosyllactose (2’FL).

[0457] 9. The fucosylated MMO for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 8, wherein the method does not comprise administering lacto-N-tetraose (LNT) or lacto-N-neotetraose (LNnT).

[0458] 10. The fucosylated MMO for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 9, wherein the method does not comprise administering a further MMO.

[0459] 11. The fucosylated MMO for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 10, wherein the fucosylated MMO is administered to the animal at least once, preferably at least twice, between birth (0 weeks) and 5 weeks of age, preferably between birth and 4 weeks of age, more preferably between birth and 3 weeks of age.

[0460] 12. The fucosylated MMO for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 11, wherein the fucosylated MMO is administered to the animal at least once, preferably at least twice, more preferably daily:

[0461] - within three weeks, preferably two weeks, more preferably one week prior to the day the animal is transported; and / or

[0462] - on the day the animal is transported; and / or

[0463] - within three weeks, preferably two weeks, more preferably one week after the day the animal is transported.

[0464] 13. The fucosylated MMO for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 12, wherein the fucosylated MMO is administered in a daily dose of 0.01-1.0 g, preferably 0.01-0.75 g, more preferably 0.01-0.65 g, even more preferably 0.01-0.60 g, even more preferably 0.01-0.50 g, even more preferably 0.015-0.50 g, even more preferably 0.015-0.40 g, even more preferably 0.015-0.30 g, even more preferably 0.015-0.20 g, most preferably 0.015-0.10 g; preferably wherein the animal is a bovine or equine, more preferably a calf or a colt, even more preferably a calf.

[0465] 14. The fucosylated MMO for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 12, wherein the fucosylated MMO is administered in a daily dose of 0.01-5.0 g, preferably 0.1-2.5 g, more preferably 0.1-1.5 g, even more preferably 0.1-1.2 g, even more preferably 0.2-1.2 g, even more preferably 0.3-1.2 g, even more preferably 0.4-1.2 g, most preferably 0.5-1.2 g; preferably wherein the animal is a pig, sheep, goat or camelid (preferably, a llama or alpaca), more preferably wherein the animal is a piglet, a small sheep, a small goat or a young llama / alpaca, even more preferably wherein the animal is a piglet, a small sheep or a small goat, most preferably wherein the animal is a piglet.

[0466] 15. The fucosylated MMO for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 14, wherein the fucosylated MMO is administered in a daily dose of 0.1 - 50.0 mg, preferably 0.1 - 30.0 mg, more preferably 0.1 - 25.0 mg, even more preferably 0.1 - 20.0 mg, even more preferably 0.1 - 15.0 mg, even more preferably 0.1 - 10.0 mg, even more preferably 0.25 - 10.0 mg, most preferably 0.5 - 10.0 mg per kg body weight of the animal; preferably wherein the animal is a bovine or equine, more preferably a calf or a foal, even more preferably a calf.

[0467] 16. The fucosylated MMO for use according to any one of embodiments 1 to 15, wherein the fucosylated MMO is part of a composition.

[0468] 17. The fucosylated MMO for use according to embodiment 16, wherein the composition is not breast milk.

[0469] 18. The fucosylated MMO for use according to embodiment 16 or 17, wherein the composition is a pharmaceutical composition, which optionally further comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, filler, preservative, solubilizer, diluent, excipient, salt, adjuvant and / or solvent.

[0470] 19. The fucosylated MMO for use according to any one of embodiments 16 to 18, wherein the composition is a nutritional composition and is selected from the list consisting of a milk replacer, a creep feed, a pre-weaning diet, a weaning diet, a pre-milk diet, a milk diet and a post-milk diet, preferably selected from the list consisting of a milk replacer, a weaning diet, a creep feed and a post-milk diet, more preferably the nutritional composition is a milk replacer or a weaning diet, most preferably a milk replacer.

[0471] Definitions

[0472] The use of the words "comprise", "comprises", "comprising", "contain", "contains", "containing", "include", "includes", "including", "have", "has", "having", "maintain", "maintains", "maintaining", "provide", "provides", "providing", "save", "saves", "saving", "use", "uses", "using" and the like are not intended to be limiting, and the word "comprising" is not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps altogether. The use of these and similar words, particularly in the context of describing certain embodiments, is merely to illustrate the inclusion of certain features, steps, components, integers, and so on, and not to exclude the addition of other features, steps, components, integers and so on.

[0473] The various aspects and embodiments of the application disclosed herein should not be construed to be limited only to the order and context in which they are described in this specification, but to include any order and any combination thereof. Each embodiment identified herein can be combined together unless otherwise stated. All publications, patents and patent applications cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Unless otherwise stated, all words used in the singular shall be interpreted to include the plural, and vice versa. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. Generally, the nomenclature used herein and the laboratory procedures in cell culture, molecular genetics, organic chemistry, and nucleic acid chemistry and hybridization described herein are those well-known and commonly used in the art. Standard techniques are used for nucleic acid and peptide synthesis. Generally, enzymatic reactions and purification steps are performed according to the manufacturer's specifications. The specific techniques used to

[0474] In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed embodiments of the application and, although specific terms are employed, they are used in a descriptive sense only and should not be construed as limiting the application. It is to be understood that the illustrative embodiments are merely exemplary and that the application should not be construed as limited to the exemplary embodiments. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that changes, other embodiments, improvements, details and uses can be made to the application without departing from the spirit of the application, which is defined by the following claims, interpreted in accordance with the principles of patent law, including the Doctrine of Equivalents. In the following claims, the reference characters used to designate steps are provided for descriptive convenience only and are not intended to imply any particular order to the steps unless otherwise specifically stated.

[0475] In this document and in its claims, the verbs "comprise", "have" and "contain" and their conjugates mean "including but not limited to", and the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" mean "one or more than one", unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The use of any of these terms in the description is not intended to exclude the presence of additional components or steps. In the entire document and in the claims, the verbs "comprise", "have" and "contain" and their conjugates can preferably be replaced by "consist of" (and conjugates thereof) or "consist essentially of" (and conjugates thereof), and vice versa, unless otherwise stated. In addition, the reference to an element by the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude the possibility that more than one such element is present, unless the context clearly requires only one. Thus, the indefinite article "a" or "an" often means "at least one". When used in association with a numerical value (e.g. about 10), the word "about" or "approximately" or "roughly" preferably means that the value can be the given value (e.g. 10) ± 10%, preferably 5%, more preferably 1% of the value.

[0476] In the entire specification and claims, unless explicitly stated otherwise, the expression "from x to y" (where x and y represent numerical values) refers to a range of values in which both x and y are included and in which x represents the lowest value and y represents the highest value. Thus, both x and y are included in the range.

[0477] The terms "LNT II", "LNT-II", "LN3", "lacto-N-triose II", "lacto-N-triose II", "lacto-N-triose", "lacto-N-triose" and "GlcNAc-β1,3-Gal-β1,4-Glc" are used interchangeably.

[0478] The terms "LNT", "lacto-N-tetrose", "lacto-N-tetrose" and "Gal-β1,3-GlcNAc-β1,3-Gal-β1,4Glc" are used interchangeably.

[0479] The terms "LNnT", "lacto-N-neotetrose", "lacto-N-neotetrose", "neo-LNT" and "Galβ1-4GlcNAcβ1-3Galβ1-4Glc" are used interchangeably.

[0480] The terms “2’ fucosyl lactose,” “2’-fucosyllactose,” “alpha-1,2-fucosyllactose,” “alpha 1,2 fucosyllactose,” “a-1,2-fucosyllactose,” “a 1,2 fucosyllactose,” “Fuc-a1,2-Gal-b1,4-Glc,” “2FL,” and “2’FL” are used interchangeably.

[0481] The terms “3-fucosyl lactose,” “alpha-1,3-fucosyllactose,” “alpha 1,3 fucosyllactose,” “a-1,3-fucosyllactose,” “a 1,3 fucosyllactose,” “Gal-b1,4-(Fuc-a1,3-)Glc,” “3FL,” and “3-FL” are used interchangeably.

[0482] The terms “difucosyllactose,” “di-fucosyllactose,” “lactodifucotetrose,” “2’,3-difucosyllactose,” “2’,3 di-fucosyllactose,” “a-2’,3-fucosyllactose,” “a 2’,3 fucosyllactose,” “Fuc-a1,2-Gal-b1,4-(Fuc-a1,3-)Glc,” “DFLac,” “2’,3 diFL,” “DFL,” “DiFL,” and “diFL” are used interchangeably.

[0483] The terms “LNFP-I,” “lacto-N-fucopentaose I,” “LNFP I,” “LNF I OH I determinant,” “LNF I,” “LNF1,” “LNF 1,” “blood group H antigen pentasaccharide type 1,” and “Fuc-a1,2-Gal-b1,3-GlcNAc-b1,3-Gal-b1,4-Glc” are used interchangeably.

[0484] The terms “GalNAc-LNFP-I,” “blood group A antigen hexasaccharide type 1,” and “GalNAc-a1,3-(Fuc-a1,2)-Gal-b1,3-GlcNAc-b1,3-Gal-b1,4-Glc” are used interchangeably.

[0485] The terms “Gal-LNFP-I,” “blood group B antigen hexasaccharide type 1,” and “Gal-a1,3-(Fuc-a1,2)-Gal-b1,3-GlcNAc-b1,3-Gal-b1,4-Glc” are used interchangeably.

[0486] The terms “LNFP-II,” “lacto-N-fucopentaose II,” and “Gal-b1,3-(Fuc-a1,4)-GlcNAc-b1,3-Gal-b1,4-Glc” are used interchangeably.

[0487] The terms “LNFP-III”, “lacto-N-fucopentaose III”, and “Gal-β1,4-(Fuc-α1,3)- GlcNAc-β1,3-Gal-β1,4-Glc” are used interchangeably.

[0488] The terms “LNFP-V”, “lacto-N-fucopentaose V”, and “Gal-β1,3-GlcNAc-β1,3-Gal-β1,4- (Fuc-α1,3)-Glc” are used interchangeably.

[0489] The terms “LNDFH I”, “lacto-N-difucohexaose I”, “LNDFH-I”, “LDFH I”, “Le b The terms “Lewis-a”, “Lewis-a hexasaccharide”, and “Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β1,3-[Fuc-α1,4]- GlcNAc-β1,3-Gal-β1,4-Glc” are used interchangeably.

[0490] The terms “LNDFH II”, “lacto-N-difucohexaose II”, “Lewis a-Lewis x”, “LDFH II”, and “Fuc-α1,4-(Gal-β1,3)-GlcNAc-β1,3-Gal-β1,4-(Fuc-α1,3)-Glc” are used interchangeably.

[0491] The terms “Lewis b-Lewis x” and “Fucα1,4-[Fuc-α1,2-Galβ1,3]-GlcNAc-β1,3-Gal-β1,4- [Fuc-α1,3]-Glc” are used interchangeably.

[0492] The terms “MFLNH III”, “mono-fucosyl-lacto-N-hexaose-III”, and “Gal-β1,4- [Fuc-α1,3]-GlcNAc-β1,6-[Gal-β1,3-GlcNAc-β1,3]-Gal-β1,4-Glc” are used interchangeably.

[0493] The terms “DFLNH (a)”, “di-fucosyl-lacto-N-hexaose (a)”, and “Gal-β1,4- [Fuc-α1,3]-GlcNAc-β1,6-[Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β1,3-GlcNAc-β1,3]-Gal-β1,4-Glc” are used interchangeably.

[0494] The terms “DFLNH”, “di-fucosyl-lacto-N-hexaose”, and “Gal-β1,4-[Fuc-α1,3]- GlcNAc-β1,6-[Fuc-α1,4-[Gal-β1,3]-GlcNAc-β1,3]-Gal-β1,4-Glc” are used interchangeably.

[0495] The terms “TFLNH,” “tri-fucosyl lacto-N-hexaose,” and “Gal-β1,4- [Fuc-α1,3]-GlcNAc-β1,6-[Fuc-α1,4-[Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β1,3]-GlcNAc-β1,3]-Gal-β1,4-Glc” are used interchangeably.

[0496] The terms “LNnFP I,” “lacto-N-neofucopentaose I,” and “Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β1,4-GlcNAc-β1,3-Gal-β1,4-Glc” are used interchangeably.

[0497] The terms “LNFP-VI,” “LNnFP V,” “lacto-N-neofucopentaose V,” and “Gal-β1,4-GlcNAc-β1,3-Gal-β1,4-(Fuc-α1,3)-Glc” are used interchangeably.

[0498] The terms “LNnDFH,” “lacto-N-neodiffucosylhexaose,” “Lewis x hexaose,” “Gal-β1,4-(Fuc-α1,3)-GlcNAc-β1,3-Gal-β1,4-(Fuc-α1,3)-Glc” are used interchangeably.

[0499] The terms “2’-fucosyllacto-N-biose,” “2’FLNB,” and “Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β1,3-GlcNAc” are used interchangeably.

[0500] The terms “4-fucosyllacto-N-biose,” “4FLNB,” and “Fuc-α1,4-[Gal-β1,3-]GlcNAc” are used interchangeably.

[0501] The terms “di-fucosyllacto-N-biose,” “diFLNB,” and “Fuc-α1,4-[Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β1,3-]GlcNAc” are used interchangeably.

[0502] The terms “2’-fucosyl-N-acetyl lactosamine,” “2’FlacNAc,” and “Fuc-α1,2-Gal-β1,4-GlcNAc” are used interchangeably.

[0503] The terms “3-fucosyl-N-acetyl lactosamine,” “3FlacNAc,” and “Gal-β1,4-(Fuc-α1,3-)GlcNAc” are used interchangeably.

[0504] The terms “diFucosyl-N-acetyl lactosamine,” “diFlacNAc,” and “Fuc-a1,2-Gal- b1,4-[Fuc-a1,3-]GlcNAc” are used interchangeably.

[0505] The terms “3’ sialyl lactose,” “3’-sialyl lactose,” “alpha-2,3-sialyl lactose,” “alpha 2,3 sialyl lactose,” “a-2,3-sialyl lactose,” “a 2,3 sialyl lactose,” “3SL,” “Sia-a2,3-Gal-b1,4-Glc,” and “3’SL” are used interchangeably.

[0506] The terms “6’ sialyl lactose,” “6’-sialyl lactose,” “alpha-2,6-sialyl lactose,” “alpha 2,6 sialyl lactose,” “a-2,6-sialyl lactose,” “a 2,6 sialyl lactose,” “6SL,” “Sia-a2,6-Gal-b1,4-Glc,” and “6’SL” are used interchangeably.

[0507] The terms “3,6-disialyl lactose” and “Neu5Ac-a2,3-Neu5Ac-a2,6-Gal-b1,4-Glc” are used interchangeably.

[0508] The terms “6,6’-disialyl lactose” and “Neu5Ac-a2,6-Neu5Ac-a2,6-Gal-b1,4-Glc” are used interchangeably.

[0509] The terms “8,3-disialyl lactose” and “Neu5Ac-a2,8-Neu5Ac-a2,3-Gal-b1,4-Glc” are used interchangeably.

[0510] The terms “3’S-2’FL” and “Neu5Ac-a2,3-[Fuc-a1,2-]Gal-b1,4-Glc” are used interchangeably.

[0511] The terms “6’S-2’FL” and “Neu5Ac-a2,6-[Fuc-a1,2-]Gal-b1,4-Glc” are used interchangeably.

[0512] The terms “3’S-3-FL” and “Neu5Ac-a2,3-Gal-b1,4-[Fuc-a1,3]Glc” are used interchangeably.

[0513] The terms “6’S-3-FL” and “Neu5Ac-a2,6-Gal-b1,4-[Fuc-a1,3]Glc” are used interchangeably.

[0514] The terms“LSTa,”“LS-tetrasaccharide a,”“sialyl-lacto-N-tetraose a,”“sialyllacto-N-tetraose a,” and“Neu5Ac-a2,3-Gal-b1,3-GlcNAc-b1,3-Gal-b1,4-Glc” are used interchangeably.

[0515] The terms“LSTb,”“LS-tetrasaccharide b,”“sialyl-lacto-N-tetraose b,”“sialyllacto-N-tetraose b,” and“Gal-b1,3-(Neu5Ac-a2,6)-GlcNAc-b1,3-Gal-b1,4-Glc” are used interchangeably.

[0516] The terms“LSTc,”“LS-tetrasaccharide c,”“sialyl-lacto-N-tetraose c,”“sialyllacto-N-tetraose c,”“sialyllacto-N-neotetraose c,” and“Neu5Ac-a2,6-Gal-b1,4-GlcNAc-b1,3-Gal-b1,4-Glc” are used interchangeably.

[0517] The terms“LSTd,”“LS-tetrasaccharide d,”“sialyl-lacto-N-tetraose d,”“sialyllacto-N-tetraose d,”“sialyllacto-N-neotetraose d,” and“Neu5Ac-a2,3-Gal-b1,4-GlcNAc-b1,3-Gal-b1,4-Glc” are used interchangeably.

[0518] The terms“3’-sialyllacto-N-diaccharide,”“3’SLNB,” and“Neu5Ac-a2,3-Gal-b1,3-GlcNAc” are used interchangeably.

[0519] The terms“6’-sialyllacto-N-diaccharide,”“6’SLNB,” and“Neu5Ac-a2,6-Gal-b1,3-GlcNAc” are used interchangeably.

[0520] The terms“monofucosyl monosialyllacto-N-octasaccharide,”“sialyl Lewis a,”“sialyl Lea,”“5-acetylneuraminyl-(2-3)-galactosyl-(1-3)-(pyranosylfucosyl-(1-4))-N-acetylglucosamine,” and“Neu5Ac-a2,3-Gal-b1,3-[Fuc-a1,4]-GlcNAc” are used interchangeably.

[0521] The terms“3’-sialyllactosamine,”“3’SLacNAc,” and“Neu5Ac-a2,3-Gal-b1,4-GlcNAc” are used interchangeably.

[0522] The terms "6'-sialyl lactosamine", "6'SLacNAc", and "Neu5Ac-a2,6-Gal-b1,4-GlcNAc" are used interchangeably.

[0523] The terms "sialyl Lewis x", "sialyl Lex", "5-acetylneuraminyl-(2-3)-galactosyl-(1-4)- (pyranosyl-fucosyl-(1-3))-N-acetylglucosamine", and "Neu5Ac-a2,3-Gal-b1,4-[Fuc-a1,3-]GlcNAc" are used interchangeably.

[0524] The term "culture" refers to the medium in which the cells are cultured or fermented, the cells themselves, and the sugars produced by the cells in the whole broth, both inside the cells (intracellularly) and outside the cells (extracellularly).

[0525] The term "clarification" refers to the act of treating an aqueous solution to remove suspended particles and contaminants, such as cells, cell components, insoluble metabolites, and debris, from the production process, which can interfere with the final purification of the oligosaccharide of interest. Such treatment can be performed in a conventional manner by centrifugation, flocculation, flocculation with optional sonication, gravity filtration, microfiltration, foam separation, or vacuum filtration (e.g., through a ceramic filter, which can include Celite TM filter aid). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0526] The following drawings will serve as a further illustration and clarification of the present application, and are not intended to be limiting in any way.

[0527] Figure 1 . Probability of first incidence of pneumonia over time in control (placebo) and 2'-fucosyllactose (2'FL) treated animals (slaughtered calves) of the first trial.

[0528] Figure 2 . Probability of first incidence of pneumonia over time in control (placebo) and 2'-fucosyllactose (2'FL) treated animals (slaughtered calves) of the first trial. EMBODIMENTS

[0529] The present application will be described in greater detail in the embodiments. The following embodiments will serve as a further illustration and clarification of the present application, and are not intended to be limiting in any way.

[0530] Example 1 : 2'FL

[0531] 2'-fucosyllactose (2'FL) was recombinantly produced in E. coli and purified as described in Examples 10, 13 and 14 of WO 2022 / 034079, followed by spray-drying as described in Example 21 of WO 2022 / 034079 to obtain a 2'FL powder (purity 89.6%).

[0532] Example 2: Trial in veal calves

[0533] Animals and diets

[0534] Holstein Friesian calves (2-3 weeks of age, 95% male) were transported from different farms to the experimental facility at Denkavit (Voorthuizen, The Netherlands), where the animals were housed. The experiment was performed in two trial rounds.

[0535] Round 1 : veal calves

[0536] Based on the experimental calf milk replacer, the calves were randomly and equally divided by gender into two groups: group A (placebo - standard calf milk replacer (CMR) powder from the farm) and group B (standard CMR powder supplemented with 0.005 dry weight % of 2'-fucosyllactose (2'FL, see Example 1)). The calf milk replacer was administered to the calves as a liquid (water was added to the CMR powder to obtain 150 grams CMR powder per liter liquid CMR). Each group involved 290 calves, which were allocated into 12 rows. Each row comprised 4 pens, in which six calves were living.

[0537] The calves were provided with 2'-fucosyllactose via the CMR (main components are presented in Table 1) throughout the trial period for 6 months. From arrival until week 6, Start CMR was given, then switched to Gold Alfa CMR until day 136. The remaining time, the calves were fed Omega CMR. From arrival onwards, solid feed (concentrate) was gradually introduced, starting with Avance Alfa until day 126, then replaced with Avance Omega until the end of the experiment. The feed was offered to the calves ad libitum twice a day (morning and evening) and daily consumption was recorded based on row (concentrate, straw, maize silage) or group (CMR).

[0538] Table 1. Main components of the standard diet of the calves in trial round 1

[0539] Round 2: rearing calves

[0540] Based on experimental calf milk replacer (CMR), calves were randomly and equally gender divided into two groups: group A (placebo - standard CMR powder from the farm), group B (standard CMR powder supplemented with 0.005 dry weight % of 2'FL). The calf milk replacer was administered to the calves as a liquid (water was added to the CMR powder to obtain 150 grams CMR powder per liter liquid CMR). Each group involved 100 calves, which were allocated into four rows (25 calves per row) (with two compartment areas). Each row comprised five stalls, with four to six calves living in one stall.

[0541] From the day of arrival, the calves received standard calf milk replacer (CMR) during a period of 9 weeks. Group A received only CMR, while the CMR provided to group B was supplemented with 0.005 dry weight % of 2'FL. From day 6 onwards starter (concentrate) and straw were gradually introduced to the calves until the end of the experiment (12 weeks), while corn silage was available to the calves at weeks 11 and 12. The feed was provided to the calves ad libitum twice a day (morning and evening), and daily consumption was recorded based on row (concentrate, straw, corn silage) or group (CMR). The main components of the standard CMR and starter diet are presented in Table 2.

[0542] Table 2. Main components of the standard diet of calves in the 2nd round of trial

[0543] Health, safety and performance observations

[0544] Cows were observed by farm staff for the entire duration of the trial from arrival until the end. Fecal consistency was recorded daily for the first ten days from arrival on a scale of 1-4 (Larson et al., 1977, J. Dairy Science, 60(6): p.989-991). The number of deaths and signs of adverse effects were registered daily. Animals were treated prophylactically or defensively (herd treatment) with 1 g Terramycin 100% (on day 4), 0.5 g Doxylin 50% WSP and 0.8 g Broncholyne 2% (on day 13), and 3.1 ml Tilmicosol 250 mg / ml (on day 24) to prevent and / or treat acute lung inflammation. Individual treatments were followed by comments of the farm staff and diagnosis of the farm veterinarian. Disease incidence and medical use based on individual treatments were recorded to compare between treatment groups. Animals were monitored for live weight at arrival (d1), two weeks from arrival (W2), six weeks from arrival (W6), ten weeks from arrival (W10), 12 weeks from arrival (W12), and 17 weeks from arrival (W17). Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was calculated for each period based on input of daily weight gain and daily feed intake.

[0545] Pneumonia assessment

[0546] Acute pneumonia was reported by farm staff and evaluated by the farm veterinarian based on some or all of the following symptoms (Wolfger et al., 2015, Veterinary Clinics of North America Food Animal 31, 351-365): depression; anorexia; nasal discharge; ocular discharge; cough; increased respiratory rate; increased respiratory sounds on chest auscultation; and fever (pyrexia).

[0548] Jejunal sampling, RNA extraction and RNAseq (transcriptomics)

[0549] One healthy and medium weight calf per pen in each group was selected for painless euthanasia at the slaughterhouse on day 71 (W11) (total of 8 calves, 4 per group). A 20 cm segment of the jejunal region without Peyer’s patches was excised and washed three times with physiological serum using a 30 ml syringe. A small segment (2-3 mm) was further excised and stored in 2 ml of RNAprotect Tissue Reagent (Qiagen) containing RNA preservation buffer for transport at room temperature before long-term storage at -80°C.

[0550] Further, jejunum samples stored in RNAprotect tissue reagent were cut to transfer 50 mg tissue into 2 ml tubes. Homogenization was performed by using a stainless steel bead 5 mm in 900 μΐ QIAzol lysis reagent (QIAgen) and Fastprep ® 24 device to disrupt and homogenize the tissue. Further manipulation of the homogenate was performed according to the manufacturer’s instructions of the RNeasy plus universal tissue mini kit (QIAgen). Total purified RNA was eluted in 40 μΐ and a quick check for concentration and quality was performed using a Nanodrop (Implen Nanophotometer ® ) before storage at -80 °C.

[0551] Total RNA was submitted to Azenta (Genewiz, Germany) for RNA sequencing. Total RNA was checked again for quality and concentration using Qubit and Fragment Analyzer before selection of mRNA for polyA library preparation and sequencing by using Illumina ® Novaseq TM 2x150 bp technology platform, ensuring 20 million paired-end reads / sample (40 million reads).

[0552] RNA sequencing reads were quality checked with fastqc (https: / / www.bioinformatics.babraham.ac.uk / projects / fastqc / ) and trimmed with Trimmomatic (Bolger et al., 2014, Bioinformatics 30(15): p. 2114-2120). Reads were aligned to the cow reference (Bos_taurus_UMD_3.1.1) by using the genome alignment method in STAR (Dobin et al., 2013, Bioinformatics 29(1): p. 15-21); gene expression was quantified by featureCounts (Liao et al., 2014, Bioinformatics 30(7): p. 923-930); and differential expression analysis was performed by using DEseq2 (Love et al., 2014, Genome Biol. 15(2): 550). Enrichment analysis of differentially expressed genes was performed in clusterProfiler (Wu et al., 2021, Innovation 2(3): 100141) based on Gene Ontology.

[0553] Statistical analysis

[0554] The odds ratio and risk ratio of the incidence of pneumonia were evaluated with the epitools R package (https: / / cran.r-project.org / web / packages / epitools / epitools.pdf). The incidence of pneumonia was compared between the different treatment groups for both trials by using the Mantel-Haenszel Chi-square test, with test correction using the epitools R package. The survival R package (https: / / cran.r-project.org / web / packages / survival / index.html) was used to create incidence plots. Differences in mortality were evaluated by using the Kaplan-Meier test in the survival package.

[0555] Results

[0556] In terms of safety, there were no adverse effects from the milk oligosaccharides registered by the farm staff, and therefore considered safe for the target animals at present. In the 1st round, there were 21 calf deaths during the 6 months of the trial, of which 12 (4.14%) came from group A and 9 (3.1%) from group B. This proportion is commonly seen in most farms (<5%). There was no significant difference in mortality between the experimental groups. In the 2nd round, 7 / 400 calves died during the 12-week trial, with no significant difference in mortality between the different groups.

[0557] Calfs were mainly affected in the airways, in particular acute pneumonia (Table 3).

[0558] In the 1st round, the number of diagnosed cases with acute pneumonia was lower in the 2’FL-treated group (B; 96 out of 290 calves) compared to the placebo group (A; 111 out of 290 calves). The relative risk of developing acute pneumonia in group B was 0.86 compared to the placebo group. Figure 1 The probability of the first pneumonia occurrence in the two groups of the slaughter calf trial is depicted.

[0559] In the 2nd round, acute pneumonia affected most of the affected calves, with 27 cases in the placebo group (group A; 27%) and 17 cases in the 2’FL-treated group (B; 17%). The relative risk of developing acute pneumonia in group B was 0.63 compared to the placebo group. Figure 2 The probability of the first pneumonia occurrence in the two groups of the feeder calf trial is shown.

[0560] When integrating the trials in both wheels for the evaluation of the efficacy of 2'FL supplementation on the incidence of pneumonia, a common odds ratio was calculated with a value of 1.35 (P-value = 0.064). This means that calves receiving standard CMR had 1.35 times more often acute pneumonia than calves receiving CMR supplemented with 2'FL. This strongly suggests that calves treated with 2'FL have a lower risk of acute pneumonia compared to the control.

[0561] Table 3. Acute pneumonia cases in the trial

[0562] Following the differential expression analysis, an enrichment analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEG) and hierarchical genes was performed. The group treated with 2'FL enhanced the immune response in several ways (T cell activation, cell differentiation, cell-cell adhesion, adaptive immune response) compared to the placebo group (Table 4). Such immune modulation supports the animal to better fight the pathogen, explaining the less acute pneumonia in the group treated with 2'FL.

[0563] Table 4. Top 20 gene ontology biological processes up-regulated in the jejunum of calves supplemented with 2'FL (group B) relative to placebo (group A)

Claims

1. Fucosylated mammalian lactooligosaccharides (MMOs) used in methods for the prevention and / or treatment of pneumonia in farmed or domesticated animals, preferably farmed animals.

2. The fucosylated MMO for the stated purpose according to claim 1, wherein the method is a method for preventing and / or treating pneumonia by enhancing T lymphocyte immunity in the animal.

3. The fucosylated MMO for the stated purpose according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pneumonia is acute pneumonia.

4. Fucosylated MMO for the purpose according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the pneumonia is shipping fever pneumonia or chick pneumonia, preferably shipping fever pneumonia.

5. The fucosylated MMO for the stated purpose according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the farm-raised or domesticated animals are selected from the list consisting of: cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, horses, donkeys, mules, camels, dogs, cats, rabbits, and poultry.

6. Fucosylated MMO for the purpose according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the animal is an immature animal.

7. The fucosylated MMO for the said use according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the fucosylated MMO comprises fucose linked to a monosaccharide by an α-1,2-bond, and wherein the monosaccharide is galactose.

8. The fucosylated MMO for the said use according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the fucosylated MMO is 2'-fucosylated lactose (2'FL).

9. Fucosylated MMO for the purpose according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the method does not include the application of lact-N-tetrasaccharide (LNT) or lact-N-neotetrasaccharide (LNnT).

10. Fucosylated MMO for the purpose according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the method does not include the application of additional MMO.

11. The fucosylated MMO for the purpose according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the fucosylated MMO is administered to the animal at least once, preferably at least twice, between birth (0 weeks) and 5 weeks of age, preferably between birth and 4 weeks of age, more preferably between birth and 3 weeks of age.

12. The fucosylated MMO for said use according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the fucosylated MMO is administered to the animal at least once, preferably at least twice, more preferably daily: - Within three weeks, preferably two weeks, more preferably one week, prior to the day the animal is transported; and / or - On the day the animal is transported; and / or - Within three weeks, preferably two weeks, more preferably one week, after the day the animal is transported.

13. The fucosylated MMO for the stated purpose according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the fucosylated MMO is administered at a daily dose of 0.01-1.0 g, preferably 0.01-0.75 g, more preferably 0.01-0.65 g, even more preferably 0.01-0.60 g, even more preferably 0.01-0.50 g, even more preferably 0.015-0.50 g, even more preferably 0.015-0.40 g, even more preferably 0.015-0.30 g, even more preferably 0.015-0.20 g, and most preferably 0.015-0.10 g; preferably wherein the animal is a cow or horse, more preferably a calf or foal, even more preferably a calf.

14. The fucosylated MMO for the stated purpose according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the fucosylated MMO is administered at a daily dose of 0.01-5.0 g, preferably 0.1-2.5 g, more preferably 0.1-1.5 g, even more preferably 0.1-1.2 g, even more preferably 0.2-1.2 g, even more preferably 0.3-1.2 g, even more preferably 0.4-1.2 g, and most preferably 0.5-1.2 g; preferably wherein the animal is a pig, sheep, goat, or camel (preferably a llama or alpaca), more preferably wherein the animal is a piglet, lamb, goat, or llama / alpaca, even more preferably wherein the animal is a piglet, lamb, or goat, and most preferably wherein the animal is a piglet.

15. The fucosylated MMO for the stated purpose according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the fucosylated MMO is administered at a daily dose of 0.1-50.0 mg, preferably 0.1-30.0 mg, more preferably 0.1-25.0 mg, even more preferably 0.1-20.0 mg, even more preferably 0.1-15.0 mg, even more preferably 0.1-10.0 mg, even more preferably 0.25-10.0 mg, and most preferably 0.5-10.0 mg per kg body weight of the animal; preferably wherein the animal is a cow or horse, more preferably a calf or foal, even more preferably a calf.

16. The fucosylated MMO for the said use according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the fucosylated MMO is part of the composition.

17. The fucosylated MMO for the said use according to claim 16, wherein the composition is not breast milk.

18. The fucosylated MMO for the stated purpose according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the composition is a pharmaceutical composition, optionally further comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, filler, preservative, solubilizer, diluent, excipient, salt, adjuvant and / or solvent.

19. The fucoidylated MMO for the said use according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the composition is a nutritional composition and is selected from a list of dairy replacers, pen feeds, pre-feeding diets, feeding diets, pre-weaning feeds, weaning feeds, and post-weaning feeds, preferably selected from a list of dairy replacers, feeding diets, pen feeds, and post-weaning feeds, more preferably the nutritional composition is a dairy replacer or a feeding diet, and most preferably a dairy replacer.

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