Feed mass having a modified protein structure for carnivorous animals

Abstract

A method for producing feed for forming into pellets, the pellets produced by the method to be used to feed carnivorous animals. The addition of the enzyme transglutaminase to a feed mass specifically intended for carnivorous fish will catalyze a reaction between the amino acids glutamine and lysine which form part of the protein chains and the raw material of the proteins of the feed, such that a covalent chemical bond is formed between them, which results in shape permanence in the formed, dried, finished pellets, such that the finished pellets do not lose their shape before time of use.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for the modification of protein structure in finish shaped feed pellets, balls or the like, among other reasons in order to contribute to strengthening the permanence of the pellet shape in granular feeds of this sort. The invention also relates to feedstuff manufactured according to this method for the formation of a shape-permanent feed in pellet form.[0002] Many types of animals in breeding, e.g. salmon and trout, are carnivorous (meat-eating). Their natural food consists of insects (for salmon and trout in the freshwater phase), fish and crustaceans. For other carnivorous farmed animals, such as mink and foxes, the feed may also contain the mammalian flesh, for example fresh slaughterhouse waste. Insects and crustaceans have an exoskeleton which i.e. consists of chitin. Chitin is a linear polysaccharide of N-acetyl-D-glucosamine linked by .beta.1.fwdarw.4 bonds. Other structural carbohydrates such as cellulose (.beta.[1.fwdarw.4] ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The method results in stronger, more durable feed pellets with increased energy density and reduced carbohydrate content, suitable for carnivorous fish, maintaining shape and strength during processing, storage, and transport.

Problems solved by technology

Nevertheless, salmon, trout and other carnivorous fish and animals have enzymes (for example, amylase) that are capable of breaking down starch in the gut and making it digestible, but they may be less efficient in this respect than herbivorous (plant-eating) fish and animals.

This is an obvious disadvantage for the maintenance of the feed pellet's form and strength, because covalent bonds are stronger than other chemical bonds.

A serious disadvantage of agglomerated feeds is thus that the bonds are weak, and given the lack of a continuous matrix such pellets are friable and fragile.

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