Method for producing animal hair of animals including mammals, method for raising animals including mammals, and feed or food product for animals including mammals and method for producing same

Abstract

One method of the present invention for producing animal hair of a mammal includes an introduction step for introducing one or more elements selected from the group consisting of (1)-(4) into the body of a mammal.　(1) Fine silicon particles or very fine silicon particles which have the ability to generate hydrogen. (2) A flocculate of fine silicon particles or very fine silicon particles which have the ability to generate hydrogen. (3) A compound containing fine silicon particles or very fine silicon particles which have the ability to generate hydrogen. (4) A compound containing a flocculate of fine silicon particles or very fine silicon particles which have the ability to generate hydrogen.

Description

DESCRIPTION TITLE OF THE INVENTION: METHOD FOR PRODUCING ANIMAL HAIR OF ANIMALS INCLUDING MAMMALS, METHOD FOR RAISING ANIMALS INCLUDING MAMMALS, AND FEED OR FOOD PRODUCT FOR ANIMALS INCLUDING MAMMALS, AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING SAME TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for producing animal hair of an animal including a mammal, a method for raising an animal including a mammal, a feed or food product for an animal including a mammal, and a method for producing the feed or food product. BACKGROUND ART

[0002] In a body of an animal, active oxygen can be present, which can be produced in the body. Active oxygen is necessary for life support. For example, there is disclosed a method for promoting the growth of animals and plants excluding humans in which a plasma oxidation-reduction method for oxidizing or reducing amino acids with active oxygen (hydroxyl radicals or the like) species or active hydrogen in plasma is used for animal / plant cells of either seeds or budding yeast (Patent Document 1).

[0003] Meanwhile, the active oxygen is known to oxidize and damage cells which form a living body. For example, active oxygen, particularly, hydroxyl radicals which have the strongest oxidizing power in the active oxygen are considered to cause various diseases. Therefore, it is desirable that excess active oxygen, particularly hydroxyl radicals, which have not been used in a reaction beneficial for an animal, are prevented from being present in the animal’s body wherever possible.

[0004] Hydroxyl radicals produced in the animal's body can be eliminated by reacting with some substances. Hydrogen is known as an example of substances which eliminate the hydroxyl radicals. Hydrogen reacts with hydroxyl radicals to produce water, and does not produce any substances harmful to the living body. Therefore, for humans, a device for producing hydrogen water containing hydrogen which eliminates hydroxyl radicals in the body has been proposed (e.g., Patent Document 2).

[0005] However, the concentration of hydrogen in hydrogen water is as low as 1.6 ppm (concentration of saturated hydrogen) at a maximum, and in addition, hydrogen in hydrogen water is easily diffused into the air, whereby the concentration of hydrogen significantly decreases with the elapse of time. Therefore, in a method in which hydrogen water is ingested, it is not easy to take hydrogen in the body in an amount sufficient to react the hydrogen with hydroxyl radicals in the body of an animal including a human. Further, even when hydrogen is absorbed in the animal’s body and transported to each organ, the concentration of hydrogen in each organ returns to the original concentration in about 1 hour (Non-Patent Document 2). Meanwhile, hydroxyl radicals are constantly generated in the body by metabolism or the like. Therefore, the effect of ingesting hydrogen water is considered to be extremely limited.

[0006] The present inventor has studied water decomposition due to silicon nanopowder and hydrogen generation, and described the results (Non-Patent Document 1 and Patent Documents 3 and 4). In addition, there is disclosed a part of examples of utilization of silicon nanopowder for an animal or a plant (Patent Document 5). PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS PATENT DOCUMENTS

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-152796 Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent No. 5514140 Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-155118 Patent Document 4: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-104848 Patent Document 5: International Publication WO 2018 / 037819 NON-PATENT DOCUMENTS

[0008] Non-Patent Document 1: Shinsuke MATSUDA et al., Concentration of hydrogen and splitting water using silicon nanoparticle, Extended Abstracts of the 62nd JSAP Spring Meeting, 2015, 11a-A27-6, Non-Patent Document 2: C. Liu, R. Kurokawa, et al., Estimation of the hydrogen concentration in rat tissue using an airtight tube following the administration of hydrogen via various routes., Sci. Rep., 4, 2014, 5485 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0009] As described above, even when a high concentration of hydrogen water is ingested, the amount of hydrogen contained in 1 liter of hydrogen water is only 18 ml at a maximum in terms of gas. In some cases, a sufficient amount of hydrogen is not always taken in the body, resulting in a problem of causing pneumophagia (so-called “burp”).

[0010] In addition, unlike humans, the effect of hydrogen water on animals other than humans (including mammals) that drink water irregularly or randomly or come into contact with water can be said to be more limited. Additionally, a case has been reported in which the ingestion of water by animals other than humans (including mammals) is significantly reduced due to a change in temperature, and it can be said that the effect of hydrogen water is more limited. Needless to say, the amount of water ingested by humans can also vary depending on changes in the environment. Further, the compound described in Patent Document 5, which is disclosed by the present inventor, can be said to be one of effective means capable of generating hydrogen in a living body. However, there are various animals (which include mammals including humans), and the presence or absence of an influence of hydrogen that can be generated in the animal’s body, which is different from the prevention or suppression of aging or problems of the animal’s skin, or what the influence is like, if it exists, is still under research and development. SOLUTIONS TO THE PROBLEMS

[0011] Among various animals or mammals including humans (hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the animals are collectively referred to as "mammals" in the present application), the present invention focuses on the hair of a mammal that has not been considered for the influence of hydrogen so far as the present inventor knows, or the hair (animal hair) of at least one selected from the group consisting of sheep, goats, rabbits, camels, llamas, alpacas, vicunas, guanacos, yaks, cows, musk oxen, chiru, raccoon dogs, minks, sables, raccoons, foxes, horses, chinchillas, dogs, and cats. The present inventor has conducted intensive analysis on utilization or influence of hydrogen generated from a “silicon microscopic particle” or an aggregate of silicon microscopic particles to be described later, or a silicon fine particle that may include “silicon nanopowder” or an aggregate of silicon fine particles, in consideration of the ecology of a specific animal of the animals (including mammals).

[0012] More specifically, the present inventor has brought the silicon microscopic particle or the silicon fine particle into contact with a "water-containing liquid" containing water or body fluid (including sweat) inside or outside the body of the animal (including a mammal). Then, the present inventor has tried that the contact causes hydrogen to be generated in the body, skin and / or mucous membrane of the animal, or causes the body, skin and / or mucous membrane to be partially exposed to hydrogen, via an oral route or a transanal route, or via percutaneous ingestion (also referred to as "percutaneous absorption", and generally referred to as "percutaneous ingestion" hereinafter) or transmucosal absorption. Thereafter, the present inventor has analyzed the influence on the physical properties of the hair obtained from the animal (i.e., animal hair) (e.g., excellent in indices: average fiber diameter, average fiber length, whiteness measurement, the number of colored fibers, single fiber tenacity and elongation, cuticle quality, and / or the amount of animal hair (including mammalian hair) of the whole body per animal).

[0013] As a result, the present inventor has found that the hydrogen generated from a silicon microscopic particle or an aggregate of silicon microscopic particles, or a silicon fine particle or an aggregate of silicon fine particles can influence the physical properties of the animal hair (which includes mammalian hair, and the same applies hereinafter in this paragraph). The present invention has been created based on the above-described viewpoints and findings. In addition to the above-described indices, the alkali solubility, the absolute value of the shrinkage ratio, the strength retention, the elongation retention, the water droplet diffusion time, and / or the amount of animal hair of the whole body per animal can be evaluated in the embodiments to be described later. Further, the length, diameter, softness, and / or gloss of the animal hair can also be indices for evaluation in the embodiments to be described later.

[0014] Further, the present inventor has found that hydrogen is continuously or intermittently supplied into the body of a specific animal of the above-described animals by once giving the above-described silicon microscopic particle or an aggregate of silicon microscopic particles or the above-described silicon fine particle or an aggregate of silicon fine particles to the animal for a long time (24 hours or more, 36 hours or more in a narrower sense, 48 hours or more in a much narrower sense, and 168 hours or more in the narrowest sense) using an oral route or a transanal route, or via percutaneous ingestion or transmucosal absorption, from the outside of the body of the animal, and this can contribute to more accurate improvement of the physical properties of animal hair (including mammalian hair).

[0015] Through repeated research and development, the present inventor has found that, by focusing on the silicon microscopic particles themselves or the silicon fine particles themselves, more specifically, the surfaces of the silicon microscopic particles, the surfaces of the silicon fine particles, the oxidation state and composition of a silicon oxide membrane covering each of the surfaces, the physical and chemical surface configuration state of the surface of the silicon oxide membrane, and more microscopic physical properties or characteristics at the interface between each of the surfaces and the silicon oxide membrane, and actively utilizing the physical properties or characteristics, a hydrogen generation amount from the silicon microscopic particles or the silicon fine particles can be significantly increased, and the hydrogen generating capability can be more strongly or more accurately drawn over a longer time. Further, the present inventor has found that the hydrogen generation amount required depending on the use, the method for forming the silicon microscopic particle or the silicon fine particle, the amount of the silicon microscopic particle or the silicon fine particle used, the size of the particles, or the pH value, or the like can be arbitrarily adjusted.

[0016] The present inventor has analyzed and studied the surface of the silicon microscopic particle, the surface of the silicon fine particle, the silicon oxide membrane covering each of the surfaces, and / or the interface between each of the surfaces and the silicon oxide membrane from various viewpoints. As a result, it has been found that a silicon oxide membrane containing multiple types of oxides which are stoichiometrically different from SiO», and referred to as "silicon suboxide", at least partially covering the surface of the silicon microscopic particle or the surface of the silicon fine particle, is formed on the surface of the silicon microscopic particle or the silicon fine particle, thereby leading to stronger and / or more accurate drawing of a hydrogen generating capability of the silicon microscopic particle or the silicon fine particle for a longer time.

[0017] Note that the "silicon suboxide" contains many silicon dangling bonds. It is considered that the silicon dangling bonds have an energy level in the band gap, and chemical species move in a hopping manner through the energy level. Therefore, the silicon dangling bonds promote the diffusion or migration of chemical species (hydroxide ions (OH ions)) which oxidize the silicon microscopic particle or the silicon fine particle. Further, it is considered that the silicon dangling bonds present at the interface between the silicon and the silicon oxide membrane reduce the activation energy of the hydrogen generation reaction.

[0018] Further, the present inventor has found that the suboxide present in the silicon oxide membrane acts as a chain reaction-mediated active intermediate.

[0019] It has been known that the hydrogen generation due to the reaction between silicon and water can be described by the following chemical reaction formula. In the chemical reaction formula (1), silicon reacts with hydroxide ions (OH’) to produce SiOz, hydrogen, and electrons (e). This reaction is considered to occur at the interface between the silicon and the silicon oxide membrane. The produced electrons move to the surface of the silicon oxide membrane, and water molecules receive the electrons as shown in the chemical reaction formula (2), whereby hydroxide ions and hydrogen are produced. Therefore, after the whole reaction (chemical reaction formula (1) + chemical reaction formula (2) = chemical reaction formula (3)) occurs, the concentration of the hydroxide ion does not change. Meanwhile, the chemical reaction represented by the chemical reaction formula (1) is a rate-limiting reaction, so that the reaction rate remarkably increases as the concentration of the hydroxide ion increases.

[0020] [Chemical Formula 1] Si+20H™ : SiO,+ H, +2e ve(1) 2H,O+2e - 20H + H, vo (2) Si+2H,0- 2H,+ SiO, (3)

[0021] Here, the chemical reaction formula (1) is not a one-step reaction, and is composed of multi-step reactions shown by the following (4) to (7).

[0022] [Chemical Formula 2] 2Si+OH™ H™ Si Si; 0+5H Hite 2¢(4) Si,O+OH™ H™ 2Si0+% 9 Hote »(5) 2Si0O+OH™ H , Qr Si,03+ 5H 5 Hot e ++(6) Si, Os+ 3+OH™ H™ 2Si0,+% 5Hote (7)

[0023] The amount of the silicon suboxide has hardly changed during the hydrogen generation. This is considered to be because the reactions of the chemical reaction formulae (4) to (7) proceed in parallel. The silicon suboxide Si>O, SiO, and Si>O; are present at the interface between the silicon oxide membrane and the silicon and / or in the silicon oxide membrane. It is considered that, as each reaction proceeds, the silicon suboxide is formed, and the silicon suboxide is further oxidized, which causes an increased amount of silicon dioxide (SiO2). Therefore, it can be said that the above “broadly defined” “silicon oxide” is a mixed composition of the silicon suboxide and silicon dioxide.

[0024] In the meantime, the mechanism of hydrogen generation by the reaction of the silicon microscopic particle or an aggregate of silicon microscopic particles, or the silicon fine particle or an aggregate of silicon fine particles, with water molecules is shown in the above-described formulae (1) to (3) in (Chemical Formula 1). However, as described above, the present inventor has found that the reactions represented by the formulae (1) to (3) in (Chemical Formula 1) are limited in the case of contacting with a medium having a low pH value (typically, a pH value of less than 5), but the reactions proceed in the case of contacting with a medium having a pH value of 6 or more. Therefore, very interestingly, it has been found that hydrogen can be effectively generated even in the case of a weakly acidic water-containing liquid having a pH value of 6. As aresult of further investigation, the present inventor has found that the contact with a medium having more preferably a pH value of 7 or more (or more than 7), still more preferably a pH value of more than 7.4, and very preferably a basicity (hereinafter, referred to as "alkaline") of more than 8 is effective to promote the generation of hydrogen.

[0025] Due to the occurrence of the above-described chemical reaction formulae (5) to (7), hydrogen is generated when the silicon suboxide is oxidized and the silicon dioxide (SiO) is formed. Since the reactions of the above-described chemical reaction formulae (4) to (7) occur, OH" ions penetrate into the silicon oxide membrane.

[0026] Therefore, by forming the silicon oxide membrane containing many silicon suboxides, and / or the interface between the silicon oxide membrane and a nano-order silicon crystal layer, the present inventor obtained the following findings (X) and (Y). (X) The reaction between the silicon microscopic particle or the silicon fine particle and moisture (particularly the hydroxide ions (OH ions)) is promoted to provide a stronger hydrogen generating capability of the silicon microscopic particle or the silicon fine particle, that is, lead to the continuous generation or more accurate drawing of a large volume of hydrogen gas for a long time. (Y) As shown by the above-described reaction formulae (1) to (7), the hydrogen generation rate can be arbitrarily controlled by controlling the pH value utilizing the reaction of the OH" ions.

[0027] As described above, a suitable state for generating hydrogen has been clearly formed, in which the hydrogen generating capability of the silicon microscopic particle or the silicon fine particle is stronger, that is, a large volume of hydrogen gas is continuously generated for a long time, or is more accurately drawn.

[0028] The present inventor has realized a silicon microscopic particle or silicon fine particle containing many silicon suboxides by subjecting the above-described silicon microscopic particle or silicon fine particle to an additional treatment, and also succeeded in changing the silicon microscopic particle or silicon fine particle containing a silicon suboxide to hydrophilic silicon microscopic particle or silicon fine particle when macroscopically viewed. Specifically, the bonding of many hydroxyl groups (OH groups) on the surface of the silicon oxide membrane has been realized by removing the hydrogen atoms bonded to the surface of the silicon oxide membrane having a silicon suboxide contained in the silicon microscopic particle or silicon fine particle, and derived from the reaction with silicon atoms. In other words, the realization of many SiOH groups has allowed the silicon microscopic particle or silicon fine particle containing the silicon oxide membrane containing a silicon suboxide to be hydrophilic when macroscopically viewed. As a result, the silicon microscopic particle or the silicon fine particle whose the contact or reaction with moisture is promoted can have a stronger hydrogen generating capability, that is, can continuously generate a large volume of hydrogen gas for a long time, or more accurately exhibit the hydrogen generating capability.

[0029] As described above, the present inventor has found that, by at least partially devising the surface of the silicon microscopic particle or silicon fine particle containing a silicon suboxide, the silicon oxide membrane covering each of the surfaces, and the interface between each of the surfaces and the silicon oxide membrane, the formation of microscopic physical properties leads to a stronger hydrogen generating capability of the silicon microscopic particle or silicon fine particle, that is, the continuous generation for a long time or more accurate drawing of a large volume of hydrogen gas. In addition, as a result of further research and development, the present inventor has found that such a silicon microscopic particle or silicon fine particle containing a silicon suboxide, at least partially including a silicon oxide membrane, can be used to generate hydrogen in the body, the skin and / or the mucous membrane of the animal (including mammalian hair) via an oral route or a transanal route or via percutaneous ingestion or transmucosal absorption, or to cause the body, the skin and / or the mucous membrane to be partially exposed to hydrogen. The present invention has been created based on various findings described above.

[0030] A method for producing animal hair (including mammalian hair) according to the present invention includes an introducing step of introducing, into a body of a mammal or a body of at least one selected from the group consisting of sheep, goats, rabbits, camels, llamas, alpacas, vicunas, guanacos, yaks, cows, musk oxen, chiru, raccoon dogs, minks, sables, raccoons, foxes, horses, chinchillas, dogs, and cats, at least one selected from the group consisting of the following materials (1) to (4): (1) a silicon microscopic particle or silicon fine particle having a hydrogen generating capability; (2) an aggregate of silicon microscopic particles or silicon fine particles having a hydrogen generating capability; (3) a compound containing a silicon microscopic particle or silicon fine particle having a hydrogen generating capability; and (4) a compound containing an aggregate of silicon microscopic particles or silicon fine particles having a hydrogen generating capability.

[0031] According to this method for producing animal hair (which includes mammalian hair, and the same applies hereinafter in this paragraph), at least one selected from the group consisting of the materials (1) to (4) is introduced into the body of the animal (including a mammal), and thus the water-containing liquid (particularly, a water-containing liquid having a pH value of 6 or more) in the body is brought into contact with at least one selected from the group consisting of the materials (1) to (4). This contact generates hydrogen in the body, so that it is possible to appropriately eliminate, remove, or reduce excess active oxygen (particularly, hydroxyl radicals) in the body. As a result, the hair obtained from the animal (also referred to as "animal hair" hereinafter) can exhibit excellent physical properties (e.g., excellent in indices: average fiber diameter, average fiber length, whiteness measurement, the number of colored fibers, single fiber tenacity and elongation, cuticle quality, and / or the amount of animal hair of the whole body per animal). Further, according to the method for producing animal hair, it is possible to produce animal hair excellent in length, diameter, softness, and / or gloss.

[0032] Another method for producing animal hair (including mammalian hair) according to the present invention includes: a hydrogen generating step of generating hydrogen in a water-containing liquid by allowing at least one selected from the group consisting of the following materials (5) to (8) to be present in the water-containing liquid; and a contact step of bringing a mammal or at least one selected from the group consisting of sheep, goats, rabbits, camels, llamas, alpacas, vicunas, guanacos, yaks, cows, musk oxen, chiru, raccoon dogs, minks, sables, raccoons, foxes, horses, chinchillas, dogs, and cats, into contact with the water-containing liquid, (5) a silicon microscopic particle or silicon fine particle having a hydrogen generating capability; (6) an aggregate of silicon microscopic particles or silicon fine particles having a hydrogen generating capability; (7) a compound containing a silicon microscopic particle or silicon fine particle having a hydrogen generating capability; and (8) a compound containing an aggregate of silicon microscopic particles or silicon fine particles having a hydrogen generating capability.

[0033] According to this method for producing animal hair (which includes mammalian hair, and the same applies hereinafter in this paragraph), the hydrogen generating step allows at least one selected from the group consisting of the materials (5) to (8) to be present in a water-containing liquid, whereby hydrogen is generated in the water-containing liquid, and thus the skin or mucous membrane of the animal is contacted with or exposed to hydrogen. This contact or exposure can appropriately eliminate, remove, or reduce excess active oxygen (particularly, hydroxyl radicals) in the body through the skin or mucous membrane of the animal. As a result, the hair of the animal can exhibit excellent physical properties (e.g., excellent in indices: average fiber diameter, average fiber length, whiteness measurement, the number of colored fibers, single fiber tenacity and elongation, cuticle quality, and / or the amount of animal hair of the whole body per animal). Further, according to the method for producing animal hair, it is possible to produce animal hair excellent in length, diameter, softness, and / or gloss.

[0034] Further, a method for raising an animal (including a mammal excluding a human) according to the present invention includes an introducing step of introducing, into a body of a mammal excluding a human, or a body of at least one selected from the group consisting of sheep, goats, rabbits, camels, llamas, alpacas, vicunas, guanacos, yaks, cows, musk oxen, chiru, raccoon dogs, minks, sables, raccoons, foxes, horses, chinchillas, dogs, and cats, at least one selected from the group consisting of the following materials (1) to (4): (1) a silicon microscopic particle or silicon fine particle having a hydrogen generating capability; (2) an aggregate of silicon microscopic particles or silicon fine particles having a hydrogen generating capability; (3) a compound containing a silicon microscopic particle or silicon fine particle having a hydrogen generating capability; and (4) a compound containing an aggregate of silicon microscopic particles or silicon fine particles having a hydrogen generating capability.

[0035] According to this method for raising an animal (which includes a mammal excluding a human, and the same applies hereinafter in this paragraph), at least one selected from the group consisting of the materials (1) to (4) is introduced into the body of the animal, and thus the water-containing liquid (particularly, a water-containing liquid having a pH value of 6 or more) in the body is brought into contact with at least one selected from the group consisting of the materials (1) to (4). This contact generates hydrogen in the body, so that it is possible to appropriately eliminate, remove, or reduce excess active oxygen (particularly, hydroxyl radicals) in the body. Asa result, it is possible to raise an animal having hair which can exhibit excellent physical properties (e.g., excellent in indices: average fiber diameter, average fiber length, whiteness measurement, the number of colored fibers, single fiber tenacity and elongation, cuticle quality, and / or the amount of animal hair (including mammalian hair) of the whole body per animal). Further, according to the method for raising an animal, it is possible to raise an animal having hair excellent in length, diameter, softness, and / or gloss.

[0036] A method for raising an animal (including a mammal excluding a human) according to the present invention includes: a hydrogen generating step of generating hydrogen in a water-containing liquid by allowing at least one selected from the group consisting of the following materials (5) to (8) to be present in the water-containing liquid; and a contact step of bringing a mammal excluding a human, or a mammal or at least one selected from the group consisting of sheep, goats, rabbits, camels, llamas, alpacas, vicunas, guanacos, yaks, cows, musk oxen, chiru, raccoon dogs, minks, sables, raccoons, foxes, horses, chinchillas, dogs, and cats, into contact with the water-containing liquid, (5) a silicon microscopic particle or silicon fine particle having a hydrogen generating capability; (6) an aggregate of silicon microscopic particles or silicon fine particles having a hydrogen generating capability; (7) a compound containing a silicon microscopic particle or silicon fine particle having a hydrogen generating capability; and (8) a compound containing an aggregate of silicon microscopic particles or silicon fine particles having a hydrogen generating capability.

[0037] According to this method for raising an animal (which includes a mammal excluding a human, and the same applies hereinafter in this paragraph), the hydrogen generating step allows at least one selected from the group consisting of the materials (5) to (8) to be present in a water-containing liquid, whereby hydrogen is generated in the water-containing liquid, and thus the skin or mucous membrane of the animal is contacted with or exposed to hydrogen. This contact or exposure can appropriately eliminate, remove, or reduce excess active oxygen (particularly, hydroxyl radicals) in the body through the skin or mucous membrane of the animal. As a result, it is possible to raise an animal having hair which can exhibit excellent physical properties (e.g., excellent in indices: average fiber diameter, average fiber length, whiteness measurement, the number of colored fibers, single fiber tenacity and elongation, cuticle quality, and / or the amount of animal hair (including mammalian hair) of the whole body per animal). Further, according to the method for raising an animal, it is possible to raise an animal having hair excellent in length, diameter, softness, and / or gloss.

[0038] One feed or food product of the present invention contains: at least one selected from the group consisting of meats, fish and shellfish, cereals, bean, vegetable, milk, bran, fats and oils, nuts and seeds, fruits, starch, algae, and mushrooms; and at least one selected from the group consisting of the following materials (1) to (4): (1) a silicon microscopic particle or silicon fine particle having a hydrogen generating capability; (2) an aggregate of silicon microscopic particles or silicon fine particles having a hydrogen generating capability; (3) a compound containing a silicon microscopic particle or silicon fine particle having a hydrogen generating capability; and (4) a compound containing an aggregate of silicon microscopic particles or silicon fine particles having a hydrogen generating capability. Further, the above-described feed or food product can be a feed or food product for a mammal, or a feed product for at least one selected from the group consisting of dogs and cats.

[0039] Another feed product of the present invention contains: a concentrated feed product and / or coarse feed product; and at least one selected from the group consisting of the following materials (1) to (4): (1) a silicon microscopic particle or silicon fine particle having a hydrogen generating capability; (2) an aggregate of silicon microscopic particles or silicon fine particles having a hydrogen generating capability; (3) a compound containing a silicon microscopic particle or silicon fine particle having a hydrogen generating capability; and (4) a compound containing an aggregate of silicon microscopic particles or silicon fine particles having a hydrogen generating capability. Further, the feed product can also be a feed product for at least one selected from the group consisting of sheep, goats, rabbits, camels, llamas, alpacas, vicunas, guanacos, yaks, cows, musk oxen, chiru, raccoon dogs, minks, sables, raccoons, foxes, horses, and chinchillas.

[0040] According to the above-described feed or food product, when the feed or food product is ingested by or administered to an animal, including the above-described mammals, at least one selected from the group consisting of the materials (1) to (4) is introduced into the body of the animal. Thus, the water-containing liquid (particularly, a water-containing liquid having a pH value of 6 or more) in the body is brought into contact with at least one selected from the group consisting of the materials (1) to (4). This contact generates hydrogen in the body, so that it is possible to appropriately eliminate, remove, or reduce excess active oxygen (particularly, hydroxyl radicals) in the body. As a result, it is possible to produce animal hair which can exhibit excellent physical properties (e.g., excellent in indices: average fiber diameter, average fiber length, whiteness measurement, the number of colored fibers, single fiber tenacity and elongation, cuticle quality, and / or the amount of animal hair (including mammalian hair) of the whole body per animal), or it is possible to raise an animal having the hair. Further, according to the feed or food product, it is possible to contribute to the producing of animal hair excellent in length, diameter, softness, and / or gloss, or to the raising of an animal having the animal hair.

[0041] A method for producing a feed or food product of the present invention includes a mixing step of mixing at least one selected from the group consisting of meats, fish and shellfish, vegetables, cereals, milk, beans, bran, fats and oils, nuts and seeds, fruits, starch, algae, and mushrooms with at least one selected from the group consisting of the following materials (1) to 4): (1) a silicon microscopic particle or silicon fine particle having a hydrogen generating capability; (2) an aggregate of silicon microscopic particles or silicon fine particles having a hydrogen generating capability; (3) a compound containing a silicon microscopic particle or silicon fine particle having a hydrogen generating capability; and (4) a compound containing an aggregate of silicon microscopic particles or silicon fine particles having a hydrogen generating capability. Further, the above-described feed or food product can be applied to a method for producing a feed or food product for a mammal, or a method for producing a feed product for at least one selected from the group consisting of dogs and cats.

[0042] Another method for producing a feed product of the present invention includes a mixing step of mixing at least one main material selected from the group consisting of a concentrated feed product and a coarse feed product with at least one selected from the group consisting of the following materials (1) to (4): (1) a silicon microscopic particle or silicon fine particle having a hydrogen generating capability; (2) an aggregate of silicon microscopic particles or silicon fine particles having a hydrogen generating capability; (3) a compound containing a silicon microscopic particle or silicon fine particle having a hydrogen generating capability; and (4) a compound containing an aggregate of silicon microscopic particles or silicon fine particles having a hydrogen generating capability. Further, the method for producing a feed product is a method for producing a feed product for at least one selected from the group consisting of sheep, goats, rabbits, camels, llamas, alpacas, vicunas, guanacos, yaks, cows, musk oxen, chiru, raccoon dogs, minks, sables, raccoons, foxes, horses, and chinchillas.

[0043] According to the above-described method for producing each feed or food product, the feed or food product produced by the producing method is ingested by or administered to an animal, including the above-described mammals, whereby at least one selected from the group consisting of the materials (1) to (4) is introduced into the body of the animal. Thus, the water-containing liquid (particularly, a water-containing liquid having a pH value of 6 or more) in the body is brought into contact with at least one selected from the group consisting of the materials (1) to (4). This contact generates hydrogen in the body, so that it is possible to appropriately eliminate, remove, or reduce excess active oxygen (particularly, hydroxyl radicals) in the body. Asa result, in the producing method, it is possible to produce animal hair which can exhibit excellent physical properties (e.g., excellent in indices: average fiber diameter, average fiber length, whiteness measurement, the number of colored fibers, single fiber tenacity and elongation, cuticle quality, and / or the amount of animal hair (including mammalian hair) of the whole body per animal), or it is possible to raise an animal having the hair, based on the feed or food product. Further, according to the feed or food product, it is possible to contribute to the producing of animal hair excellent in length, diameter, softness, and / or gloss, or to the raising of an animal having the animal hair.

[0044] In the meantime, since the above-described silicon microscopic particle or silicon fine particle or an aggregate of silicon fine particles has a hydrogen generating capability, for example, hydrogen can be generated in the body of an animal, including the above-described mammals by introducing any one of the materials (1) to (4) into the animal. The term "introducing" described above includes, for example, oral ingestion, oral administration, and insertion into the body through the anus. Further, when hydrogen is generated outside the animal body, hydrogen can be taken into the body of the animal via percutaneous ingestion or transmucosal absorption. As a result, the hair obtained from the animal (i.e., animal hair) can exhibit excellent physical properties (e.g., excellent in indices: average fiber diameter, average fiber length, whiteness measurement, the number of colored fibers, single fiber tenacity and elongation, cuticle quality, and / or the amount of animal hair (including mammalian hair) of the whole body per animal), in order to appropriately eliminate, remove, or reduce excess active oxygen (particularly, hydroxyl radicals) in the body. In addition to the above-described indices, physical properties regarding the alkali solubility, the absolute value of the shrinkage ratio, the strength retention, the elongation retention, the water droplet diffusion time, and / or the amount of animal hair of the whole body per animal can be evaluated in the embodiments to be described later can also be improved as compared with the related art. It is also possible to produce animal hair excellent in length, diameter, softness and / or gloss, or to raise an animal having such excellent animal hair.

[0045] Taking hydrogen through the skin or mucous membrane of an animal, including the above-described mammals, in the body can be employed. For example, when the animal bathes using a puddle (water-containing liquid) or the like, hydrogen (Hz) or hydrogen atoms are generated in the puddle by allowing at least one selected from the group consisting of the materials (5) to (8) to be present in the puddle. This makes it possible to bring the skin or mucous membrane of the animal into contact with the hydrogen. As a result, the hair obtained from the animal (i.e., animal hair) can exhibit excellent physical properties (e.g., excellent in indices: average fiber diameter, average fiber length, whiteness measurement, the number of colored fibers, single fiber tenacity and elongation, cuticle quality, and / or the amount of animal hair (including mammalian hair) of the whole body per animal). In addition to the above-described indices, physical properties regarding the alkali solubility, the absolute value of the shrinkage ratio, the strength retention, the elongation retention, the water droplet diffusion time, and / or the amount of animal hair of the whole body per animal can be evaluated in the embodiments to be described later can also be improved as compared with the related art. It is also possible to produce animal hair excellent in length, diameter, softness and / or gloss, or to raise an animal having such excellent animal hair.

[0046] In the meantime, in each of the above-described inventions, for example, one suitable aspect is to provide an impermeable membrane covering the above-described compound, the above-described silicon microscopic particle or an aggregate of silicon microscopic particles, or the silicon fine particle or an aggregate of silicon fine particles. For example, the compound, the silicon microscopic particle or an aggregate of silicon microscopic particles, or the silicon fine particle or an aggregate of silicon fine particles is brought into contact with a water-containing liquid having a pH value of 6 or more or a medium containing the water-containing liquid when the membrane is at least partially removed or dissolved. This makes it possible to select the scene where generation of hydrogen is necessary with a high degree of freedom.

[0047] In the present application, when the size of the diameter of the crystal is in "nm order", the expression "crystallite" is employed instead of the expression "crystal grain (or crystal particle)". Meanwhile, when the size of the diameter of the crystal is in "um order", the expression "crystal grain (or crystal particle)" is employed.

[0048] Here, the "silicon fine particle" in the present application may include "silicon nanopowder" having an average crystallite diameter of nm order, specifically, a crystallite diameter of 1 nm or more and 100 nm or less. Here, main silicon nanopowder having a crystallite diameter of 1 nm or more and less than 10 nm is a "silicon fine particle" that is refined considerably as one aspect which can be employed. In the present application, the silicon fine particle includes not only one in which each silicon nanopowder is dispersed, but also one in which a plurality of silicon nanopowder naturally gathers to form aggregates having a size close to pm (generally, 0.1 pm or more and 1 um or less). The “silicon microscopic particle” in the present application is a silicon particle having an average particle diameter of 0.1 um or more and 500 um or less (1 pm or more and 100 um or less in a narrower sense). Note that the "silicon microscopic particle" in the present application may also include "silicon nanopowder" having a crystallite diameter of 1 nm or more and 100 nm or less.

[0049] As described above, the “silicon fine particles” in the present application can aggregate in a natural state to form aggregates having a diameter size at um level (e.g., about 1 pm). In the present application, in order to distinguish from this "aggregates", a lump solid preparation which is obtained by the aggregate or artificially assembling the silicon fine particles through addition of a binding agent, compression, or the like and has such a size to be picked up by human fingers may be referred to as a "solid formulation". Typical examples of the "solid formulation" include a tablet, and a granule or powder that does not exhibit a lump but exhibits a powdery form. Further, the “silicon fine particle” or the “aggregate of silicon fine particles” of the present application can be in a layer form or a membrane form (hereinafter, generally referred to as "layer form"). EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0050] According to one method for producing animal hair of the present invention, it is possible to produce animal hair which can exhibit excellent physical properties (e.g., excellent in indices: average fiber diameter, average fiber length, whiteness measurement, the number of colored fibers, single fiber tenacity and elongation, cuticle quality, and / or the amount of animal hair (including mammalian hair) of the whole body per animal). Further, according to the method for producing animal hair, it is possible to produce animal hair excellent in length, diameter, softness, and / or gloss.

[0051] According to one method for raising an animal of the present invention, it is possible to raise an animal having hair which can exhibit excellent physical properties (e.g., excellent in indices: average fiber diameter, average fiber length, whiteness measurement, the number of colored fibers, single fiber tenacity and elongation, cuticle quality, and / or the amount of animal hair (including mammalian hair) of the whole body per animal), Further, according to the method for raising an animal, it is possible to raise an animal having hair excellent in length, diameter, softness, and / or gloss. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0052] Fig. 1A is a front perspective photograph of a solid formulation (pellet) of a first embodiment. Fig. 1B is a side perspective photograph of the solid formulation (pellet) of the first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing structural models regarding a surface of a silicon fine particle having a silicon suboxide of the first embodiment, a silicon oxide membrane containing a silicon suboxide covering the surface, and / or an interface between the surface and the silicon oxide membrane. Fig. 3A is an SEM photograph of a part of animal hair (hair on the back) of an example. Fig. 3B is an SEM photograph of a part of animal hair (hair on the back) of an example. Fig. 3C is an SEM photograph of a part of animal hair (hair on the back) of an example. Fig. 3D is an SEM photograph of a part of animal hair (hair on the back) of an example. Fig. 3E is an SEM photograph of a part of animal hair (hair on the back) of an example. EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0053] <First Embodiment> A silicon fine particle (or an aggregate of silicon fine particles) of the present embodiment and a compound of the present embodiment have a hydrogen generating capability. Further, the compound of the present embodiment contains the aggregate or the silicon fine particle (typically, the crystallite diameter is 1 nm or more and less than 10 pm, and more typically, the crystallite diameter is 1 nm or more and 1 um or less) having a hydrogen generating capability. Hereinafter, as an example of a solid formulation of the present embodiment, a silicon fine particle (or an aggregate of silicon fine particles) and a pellet containing the silicon fine particle (or the aggregate) will be described in detail. Then, a method for producing hair (animal hair) of an animal including a mammal (hereinafter, collectively referred to as "animal" in the present embodiment and other embodiments), a method for raising an animal, and a feed or food product for an animal in the present embodiment will also be described in detail.

[0054] [Silicon Fine Particle (or Aggregate of Silicon Fine Particles), and Solid Formulation (Pellet), and Method for Producing Solid Formulation] The solid formulation of the present embodiment is produced using, as silicon particles, for example, silicon nanopowder-containing silicon fine particles which are obtained by refining a commercially available high-purity silicon particle powder (manufactured by Kojundo Chemical Lab. Co., Ltd., particle size distribution < ¢ 5 pm (provided that silicon microscopic particles or silicon particles having a crystal grain size of more than 1 um, purity: 99.9%, i-type silicon)) by a bead mill method. In the present embodiment, a pulverizing step of pulverizing a silicon particle in an ethanol solution to form the silicon fine particle or an aggregate of silicon fine particles is employed. The present embodiment is not limited to the size, purity, pulverizing method, or dispersion solvent of the silicon particle powder. The example employed in an embodiment or modified example other than the present embodiment is just exemplary, and is not limited to the aspect of the embodiment or modified example.

[0055] Specifically, a pulverizing step is performed. A bead mill device (manufactured by Imex Co., Ltd., model: RHM-08, horizontal continuous ready mill) is used, and 200 g of high-purity silicon powder (manufactured by Kojundo Chemical Lab. Co., Ltd., particle size distribution <¢ 5 pm, purity: 99.9% or more) is dispersed in a mixed solution of 4000 ml of ethanol of 99% or more and a small amount of water (e.g., 0.1% by weight or more and 10% by weight or less, more preferably more than 1% by weight and 2% by weight or less). Zirconia beads of ¢ 0.5 um (volume: 2900 ml) are added thereto, followed by pulverizing in the air at room temperature for several tens of minutes to 4 hours at a rotation speed of 2500 rpm in the air. As one suitable aspect, the ethanol (e.g., 99.5% by weight) is employed as the alcohols contained in the mixed solution from the viewpoint of improving the accuracy of the safety of the silicon fine particle (or an aggregate of silicon fine particles) to be finally produced and the compound of the present embodiment (e.g., safety to the animal).

[0056] In the present embodiment, the mixed solution is separated into beads and an ethanol solution containing the silicon fine particle by a separation slit provided inside a pulverizing chamber of a bead mill device. The ethanol solution containing the silicon fine particle separated from the beads is heated to 30°C to 35°C using a reduced pressure evaporator. As a result, the ethanol solution is evaporated to obtain a silicon fine particle and / or an aggregate of silicon fine particles.

[0057] The silicon fine particle obtained by the above method mainly includes silicon nanopowder having a crystallite diameter of 1 nm or more and less than 10 pm (in a more typical example, the crystallite diameter is 1 nm or more and 1 um or less). Asa result of measuring the silicon fine particle by an X-ray diffractometer (Smart Lab manufactured by Rigaku Corporation), the following values are obtained as an example. In the volume distribution, the mode diameter, median diameter, and average crystallite diameter were 6.6 nm, 14.0 nm, and 20.3 nm, respectively.

[0058] When the silicon fine particle was observed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), some of the silicon fine particles aggregated to form a slightly large and irregular shape of about 0.5 um or less. Further, when each silicon nanopowder was observed using a transmission electron microscope (TEM), main silicon nanopowder had a crystallite diameter of about 2 nm or more and 20 nm or less.

[0059] In the silicon fine particle produced through the above-described pulverizing step, the silicon oxide membrane at least partially covering the surface of the silicon fine particle is enriched in a silicon suboxide, which makes it possible to more strongly or more accurately draw the hydrogen generating capability of the silicon fine particle. More specifically, by employing the silicon fine particle, for example, a high hydrogen generation rate can be realized over a long time of 24 hours or more from the start of hydrogen generation.

[0060] Further, it has been found that the silicon fine particle of the present embodiment has a silicon dioxide (SiOx, where x is 1 / 2, 1, and 3 / 2) and / or a mixed composition of the silicon suboxide and silicon dioxide, at least partially covering surface of the silicon fine particle. Therefore, as described above, according to the silicon fine particle and an aggregate of silicon fine particles of the present embodiment as well as the compound of the present embodiment, since the silicon oxide membrane at least partially covering the surface of the silicon fine particle includes the above-described silicon suboxide, the hydrogen generating capability of the silicon fine particle is stronger, that is, a large volume of hydrogen gas can be continuously generated for a long time, or can be more accurately drawn.

[0061] In the present embodiment, one suitable aspect of the present embodiment is to perform a reforming step of further bringing the surface of the silicon fine particle produced by the above-described step into contact with, for example, hydrogen peroxide water to reform the surface. By the reforming step, the silicon fine particle including silicon nanopowder can be changed to hydrophilic silicon fine particle when macroscopically viewed.

[0062] Specifically, a hydrogen peroxide water treatment step of mixing the silicon fine particle produced by the above-described step with hydrogen peroxide water in a glass container is then performed. In the present embodiment, the temperature of the hydrogen peroxide water (3.5% by weight in the present embodiment) in the hydrogen peroxide water treatment step is 25°C. The mixing time is 30 minutes. Sufficient stirring treatment in the hydrogen peroxide water treatment step is preferable in order to increase the opportunity of the silicon fine particle brought into contact with the hydrogen peroxide water. Even when the temperature of the hydrogen peroxide water in the hydrogen peroxide water treatment step is, for example, about room temperature, at least some of the effects of the present embodiment can be exhibited.

[0063] By performing the above-described reforming step, the hydrogen atoms adsorbed on the surface of the silicon oxide membrane containing a silicon suboxide contained in the silicon fine particle can be removed, and many hydroxyl groups (OH groups) (that is, SIOH groups) can be caused to be present on the surface of the silicon oxide membrane. This makes it possible to make the silicon fine particle having a silicon suboxide hydrophilic when macroscopically viewed, whereby the hydrogen generating capability of the silicon fine particle having a silicon suboxide in which the contact or reaction with moisture is more accurately promoted can be more strongly exhibited, or the hydrogen generating capability can be more accurately exhibited. As described above, it is also suitable that the reforming step is performed using the hydrogen peroxide water having about room temperature from the viewpoint of realizing a low cost and a safe treatment. In addition, as one suitable aspect, the hydrogen peroxide water is employed in the reforming step of the present embodiment from the viewpoint that hydrogen can be generated by using a safer and more reliable material (e.g., having less influence on the animal) like ethanol.

[0064] Means for bringing the surface of the silicon fine particle into contact with the hydrogen peroxide water is not limited. For example, the reforming step can be performed by immersing the silicon fine particle in 3% by weight of hydrogen peroxide water (e.g., about 10°C to about 80°C, and about 20°C to about 50°C from the viewpoint of realizing a lower cost) accommodated in a known container. Further, the same reforming can also be realized by immersing the silicon fine particle in ozone water and / or sodium percarbonate in place of the hydrogen peroxide water. Alternatively, the same reforming can also be realized by bringing the silicon fine particle into contact with at least one selected from the group consisting of hydrogen peroxide water, ozone water, and sodium percarbonate.

[0065] Here, the present inventor has considered that each of the states of the surfaces of the silicon fine particles, the silicon oxide membrane covering the surfaces, and / or the interface between the surfaces and the silicon oxide membrane changes according to the following structural model in each of the already described chemical reactions.

[0066] Fig. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing structural models regarding the surface of the silicon fine particle having a silicon suboxide at least partially forming the composite composition of the present embodiment, the silicon oxide membrane containing a silicon suboxide covering the surface, and / or the interface between the surface and the silicon oxide membrane. Note that (a) to (d) show the following states: (a) after the pulverizing step; (b) after the reforming step; (c) when the hydrogen generation reaction proceeds by contacting with water having a pH of 7 (reaction time is about 6 hours or more); and (d) when the hydrogen generation reaction is completed.

[0067] As shown in Fig. 2, first, after the pulverizing step, the silicon fine particle is covered with the silicon oxide membrane having a thickness of about 2.5 nm. Further, H-Si03, H-Si0», and H-SiO are present on the surface of the silicon oxide membrane (Fig. 2 (a)). As described above, since H-SiO3, H-SiO,, and H-SiO are present, as it were, the surface of the silicon oxide membrane macroscopically exhibits hydrophobicity, so that the reactivity with water is not so great. Many suboxides are contained in the silicon oxide membrane and / or at the interface between the silicon fine particle and the silicon oxide membrane, as shown in Fig. 2(a).

[0068] Thereafter, the surface of the silicon oxide membrane is dramatically changed by performing a reforming step. Since many H-SiOs, H-SiO2, and H-SiO are removed by the reforming step, the surface of the silicon oxide membrane is hydrophilic, which provides significantly improved reactivity with water (Fig. 2(b)). As shown in Fig. 2(b), many hydroxyl groups (OH groups) are present on the surface of the silicon oxide membrane. Also at this stage, many suboxides are contained in the silicon oxide and / or at the interface between the silicon fine particle and the silicon oxide.

[0069] Furthermore, when the contact with water causes the hydrogen generation reaction to proceed (Fig. 2(c)), the reaction rate of the silicon suboxide produced from the silicon fine particle and the reaction rate of the silicon dioxide produced from the silicon suboxide are substantially equal to each other. As a result, the amount of the silicon dioxide (membrane thickness) increases while the silicon suboxide is substantially constant. For example, when the membrane thickness of the silicon dioxide membrane is about 15 nm, the hydrogen generation reaction stops (Fig. 2 (d)). The thickness of 15 nm described in Fig. 2 is merely an example, and the present embodiment is not limited to the numerical value. According to the analysis by the present inventor, it is found that the membrane thickness of the silicon oxide membrane (including the silicon dioxide and the silicon suboxide) is 3 nm or more and 20 nm or less (typically 15 nm or less) after the elapse of 168 hours (7 days) from the time of hydrogen generation when the silicon fine particle having a silicon suboxide subjected to the pulverizing step and the reforming step of the present embodiment are brought into contact with water. Therefore, in the case where the membrane thickness of the silicon oxide membrane after the elapse of 168 hours (7 days) from the time of hydrogen generation is within the above-described numerical range, the silicon fine particle of the present embodiment can be accurately recognized. The reaction between the silicon fine particle and water is not limited to this condition.

[0070] As described above, by performing the pulverizing step and reforming step of the present embodiment, the hydrogen atoms adsorbed on the surface of the silicon oxide membrane included in the silicon fine particle having a silicon suboxide can be removed, and many hydroxyl groups (OH groups) can be caused to be present on the surface of the silicon oxide membrane containing a silicon suboxide. This makes it possible to make the silicon fine particle hydrophilic when macroscopically viewed, whereby the hydrogen generating capability of the silicon fine particle in which the contact or reaction with moisture is more accurately promoted can be more strongly exhibited, that is, a large volume of hydrogen can be generated in the body for a long time, or the hydrogen generating capability can be more accurately exhibited. As described above, it is also suitable that the reforming step is performed using the hydrogen peroxide water having about room temperature from the viewpoint of realizing a low cost and a safe treatment.

[0071] In the present embodiment, an ethanol treatment step of mixing the silicon fine particle with an ethanol solution is further performed thereafter. Sufficient stirring treatment in the ethanol treatment step is preferable in order to increase the opportunity of the silicon fine particle brought into contact with the ethanol solution (99.5% by weight in the present embodiment). The silicon fine particle mixed with the ethanol solution is sufficiently dried after removing the highly volatile ethanol solution by a solid-liquid separation treatment using a known centrifugal separation device, whereby one final silicon fine particle of the present embodiment is produced.

[0072] In the present embodiment, one aspect which can be employed is a silicon fine particle, as another final silicon fine particle, in which the mixing time of the hydrogen peroxide water and the silicon fine particle in the hydrogen peroxide water treatment step among the above-described steps is 60 minutes.

[0073] In another aspect of the present embodiment, a suitable example of the physically pulverizing method explained using the above-described bead mill pulverizing method as an example is a bead mill pulverizing method, a planetary ball mill pulverizing method, a jet mill pulverizing method, or a pulverizing method in which two or more kinds of these methods are combined.

[0074] Subsequently, the pellet of the present embodiment can be produced by the following steps.

[0075] In one aspect of the present embodiment, a mixing step A of mixing at least one selected from the group consisting of meats, fish and shellfish, vegetables, cereals, milk, beans, bran, fats and oils, nuts and seeds, fruits, starch, algae, and mushrooms with the above-described silicon fine particle and / or an aggregate of silicon fine particles is performed. The feed or food product produced by the producing step including the mixing step A can be a feed or food product for a mammal, or a feed product for at least one selected from the group consisting of dogs and cats.

[0076] Specifically, the above-described "meats" include raw meat, skin, internal organs, and the like of poultry such as chickens and mammals. The above-described "fish and shellfish" includes marine products and processed products thereof. The above-described "vegetables" include vegetables and processed products thereof. The above-described "cereals" include rice, wheat, corn, barley, oat, and flour thereof. The above-described "milk" includes raw milk and processed products thereof. The above-described "beans" include beans and processed products thereof. The above-described "bran" includes rice bran, a wheat skin portion (wheat bran), a barley skin portion (barley bran), and processed products thereof. The above-described "fats and oils" include vegetable oils, animal oils, and processed products thereof. The above-described "nuts and seeds" includes a nut covered with a hard shell of a plant and a seed thereof. The above-described "fruits" include fruits and processed products thereof. The above-described "starch" is a polysaccharide in which 9 or more monosaccharides are combined. The above-described "algae" include seaweeds and processed products thereof. The above-described "mushrooms" are fungi with a fruiting body.

[0077] In another aspect of the present embodiment, a mixing step B of mixing one main material selected from the group consisting of a concentrated feed product and a coarse feed product with the above-described silicon fine particle and / or an aggregate of silicon fine particles is performed.

[0078] Specifically, an example of the concentrated feed product is at least one selected from the group consisting of cereals (e.g., flour or corn), bran (e.g., a wheat skin portion (wheat bran) or a barley skin portion (barley bran)), fats and oils (e.g., soybean oil cake or rapeseed oil cake), potatoes (e.g., a potato or a sweet potato), vegetables (e.g., a carrot or a squash), milk (skimmed milk powder), and a fish meal. The material overlapping with the material employed in the above-described mixing step A can also be employed in the mixing step B. Further, an example of the coarse feed product is at least one selected from the group consisting of gramineous plants (e.g., Italian ryegrass, orchard grass, guinea grass, timothy, hybrid ryegrass, meadow fescue, Bahia grass, rose grass, turf grass), leguminous plants (e.g., white clover, red clover, alfalfa), and wild grasses (e.g., Japanese silver grass or bamboo grass). Note that the feed product produced by the producing step including the mixing step B is a feed product for at least one selected from the group consisting of sheep, goats, rabbits, camels, llamas, alpacas, vicunas, guanacos, yaks, cows, musk oxen, chiru, raccoon dogs, minks, sables, raccoons, foxes, horses, chinchillas, dogs, and cats.

[0079] Further, as one suitable aspect which can be employed, the pellet of the present embodiment contains rice bran, a known animal feed product, vitamins, and / or minerals together with the above-described main material.

[0080] Thereafter, a pellet forming step of tableting the mixture obtained in the mixing step A or the mixing step B using a commercially available pellet producing device or a known tableting device to prepare pellets is performed. Consequently, a pellet as an example of the solid formulation shown in Fig. 1 can be produced, as an example. Fig. 1A is a front perspective photograph of a pellet 100 as an example, and Fig. 1B is a side perspective photograph of the pellet 100 as an example. One aspect which can be employed is an aspect in which a powdery silicon fine particle or an aggregate of powdery silicon fine particles in a state of not being formed into a solid formulation are contained in a "base material" such as a pharmaceutical product for an animal, a livestock or pet food product, a food product for a mammal or various supplements, or a feed product for an animal.

[0081] Therefore, in the method for raising an animal of the present embodiment, there is performed an introducing step of introducing, into a body of an animal as a target in the present embodiment, at least one selected from the group consisting of the materials (1) to (4): (1) assilicon fine particle (or silicon nanopowder) of the present embodiment having a hydrogen generating capability; (2) an aggregate of silicon fine particles (or silicon nanopowder) of the present embodiment having a hydrogen generating capability; (3) a solid formulation (pellet) containing a silicon fine particle (or silicon nanopowder) of the present embodiment having a hydrogen generating capability; and (4) a solid formulation (pellet) containing an aggregate of silicon fine particles (or silicon nanopowder) of the present embodiment having a hydrogen generating capability.

[0082] For example, a typical aspect of the method for raising an animal of the present embodiment is causing the silicon fine particle to be taken via an oral route or a transanal route in the above-described introducing step.

[0083] Further, in the method for producing animal hair of the present embodiment, there is performed an introducing step of introducing, into a body of an animal as a target in the present embodiment, at least one selected from the group consisting of the following materials (1) to (4): (1) assilicon fine particle (or silicon nanopowder) of the present embodiment having a hydrogen generating capability; (2) an aggregate of silicon fine particles (or silicon nanopowder) of the present embodiment having a hydrogen generating capability; (3) a solid formulation (pellet) containing a silicon fine particle (or silicon nanopowder) of the present embodiment having a hydrogen generating capability; and (4) a solid formulation (pellet) containing an aggregate of silicon fine particles (or silicon nanopowder) of the present embodiment having a hydrogen generating capability.

[0084] The animal hair of the present embodiment can be produced by feeding the animal with the pellet of the present embodiment for 1 month to 1 year to grow the hair of the animal. As a result, for example, in the case of a pet such as a dog or a cat, the hair is increased and the quality of hair is improved. Further, when the hair of the animal has economic value, a cutting step of cutting the hair of the animal can be performed. After the cutting step, a known washing method can be employed.

[0085] As the time when the animal orally ingests the pellet of the present embodiment or the time when the pellet is orally administered to the animal, for example, "regular ingestion or administration" in which the pellet is given at a predetermined time zone: once to three times a day, or "irregular ingestion or administration" in which the animal is allowed to freely ingest the pellet can be employed.

[0086] Further, the size of the pellet of the present embodiment can also be appropriately selected in accordance with the size of an animal as a target or the ecology of the animal. A typical example of the pellet is a substantially cylindrical mass having a diameter of about 2 mm to about 15 mm and a height of about 5 cm. Another aspect of the present embodiment is appropriately controlling the shape or structure of the pellet of the present embodiment.

[0087] Thereafter, the animal hair of the present embodiment can be produced by feeding the animal with the pellet of the present embodiment for 1 month to 1 year to grow the hair of the animal. As a result, for example, in the case of a pet such as a dog or a cat, the hair is increased and the quality of hair is improved. Further, when the hair of the animal has economic value, a cutting step of cutting the hair of the animal can be performed. After the cutting step, a known washing method can be employed.

[0088] In the method for producing an animal as a modified example of the present embodiment, it is possible to produce animal hair which can exhibit excellent physical properties (e.g., average fiber diameter, average fiber length, whiteness measurement, the number of colored fibers, single fiber tenacity and elongation, cuticle quality, and / or the amount of animal hair of the whole body per animal), in order to appropriately eliminate, remove, or reduce excess active oxygen (particularly, hydroxyl radicals) in the body of the animal through the above-described introducing step. Further, it is possible to produce animal hair excellent in length, diameter, softness, and / or gloss through the above-described steps.

[0089] Further, in the producing method as a modified example of the present embodiment, it is possible to raise an animal having animal hair which can exhibit excellent physical properties (e.g., average fiber diameter, average fiber length, whiteness measurement, the number of colored fibers, single fiber tenacity and elongation, cuticle quality, and / or the amount of animal hair of the whole body per animal), in order to appropriately eliminate, remove, or reduce excess active oxygen (particularly, hydroxyl radicals) in the body of the animal. Further, it is possible to raise an animal having hair excellent in length, diameter, softness, and / or gloss through the above-described steps.

[0090] Particularly, in wool, the hair of merino type as a representative variety has a length of 5 cm to 10 cm and a diameter of 18 um to 23 um. The wool is a protein having a multilayer structure composed of about 20 kinds of amino acids. Here, since the wool grows from hair follicles of the skin, active oxygen that can give oxidative stress to the hair follicles or the surroundings thereof can be reduced, or generation of the active oxygen can be suppressed by performing the introducing step of the present embodiment or the hydrogen generating step and the contact step to be described later.

[0091] In the meantime, the mass ratio of the above-described silicon fine particle and / or an aggregate of silicon fine particles contained in the pellet of the present embodiment relative to the whole pellet is not particularly limited. However, when the pellet is orally ingested by or orally administered to a target animal of the present embodiment (at least one selected from the group consisting of sheep, goats, rabbits, camels, llamas, alpacas, vicunas, guanacos, yaks, cows, musk oxen, chiru, raccoon dogs, minks, sables, raccoons, foxes, horses, chinchillas, dogs, and cats), the mass ratio of the above-described silicon fine particle or an aggregate of silicon fine particles in the whole pellet as an example of the solid formulation can be set from the viewpoint of ease of ingestion by the animal. As a typical example, the mass ratio of the silicon fine particles or an aggregates of silicon fine particles is 0.0001 or more and 0.7 or less (more preferably 0.0005 or more or 0.6 or less, still more preferably 0.001 or more or 0.5 or less, and most preferably 0.005 or more or 0.2 or less) when the whole pellet is assumed to be 1, and this is one suitable aspect from the above-described viewpoint.

[0092] Meanwhile, in the case of employing the means other than the oral route of performing oral ingestion or administration (e.g., using a transanal route, a percutaneous ingestion method, or a transmucosal absorption method), the upper and lower limit values of the mass ratio are not limited.

[0093] Even when the pellet is given to the animal via oral ingestion or oral administration, or the animal ingests the pellet, it is possible to feed the animal with the pellet having a mass ratio exceeding the range of the above-described suitable mass ratio, or to allow the animal to ingest the pellet. In a typical example, the main material not containing the above-described silicon fine particle and / or an aggregate of silicon fine particles is used as a main feed or food product, and the pellet having a mass ratio exceeding the range of the above-described suitable mass ratio is used as a mixed feed product for a sub-feed or food product, whereby the mixed feed or food product is orally ingested by or orally administered to the animal.

[0094] As a specific example of the above-described oral ingestion or oral administration employing the pellet having a mass ratio exceeding the range of the above-described suitable mass ratio, a suitable mass of the silicon fine particle or an aggregate of silicon fine particles given to the animal per day is about 0.1 to about 4 g (more preferably, about 0.2 to about 3 g) relative to 10 kg of the body weight of the animal. When the mass ratio of the silicon fine particle and / or an aggregate of silicon fine particles in the whole pellet of the present embodiment is more than 30% by weight (more than 20% by weight in a narrower sense, more than 10% by weight in a much narrower sense, and more than 2% by weight in the narrowest sense), a mixed feed or food product in which the mass ratio of the pellet of the present embodiment is 0.1 or less (more preferably, 0.01 or less) when the main feed or food product is assumed to be 1 is employed as one suitable aspect.

[0095] Meanwhile, when the mass ratio of the silicon fine particle and / or an aggregate of silicon fine particles in the whole pellet, which is an example of the solid formulation of the present embodiment, is 2% by weight or less (in a narrower sense, 1% by weight or less), it is also possible to replacing all the known feed products or food products which do not contain the above-described silicon fine particle and / or an aggregate of silicon fine particles with the pellet of the present embodiment. In other words, an aspect in which the mixed feed or food product is not employed can also be employed.

[0096] In the meantime, the ethanol solution and hydrogen peroxide water are used in the process of producing the above-described silicon fine particle and / or an aggregate of silicon fine particles, in the present embodiment. Thus, it is particularly worth mentioning that it is possible to provide a pellet that can serve as a safer and more reliable hydrogen supply material for a living body and a method for producing the pellet. As another suitable aspect, a physiologically acceptable liquid for the animal is used in place of the ethanol solution or the hydrogen peroxide water.

[0097] Instead of the above-described mixing step, a step of mixing the main material, the silicon fine particles and / or an aggregate of silicon fine particles, and a sodium hydrogen carbonate powder (manufactured by Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd., purity: 99.5%) having an action of further increasing the pH value to 7 or more (more preferably, 8 or more) is one of the modified examples of the present embodiment which can be employed. Further, another suitable aspect which can be employed is applying enteric coating to the silicon microscopic particle, the silicon fine particle and / or an aggregate of silicon microscopic particles or silicon fine particles.

[0098] <Modified Example (1) of First Embodiment> [Regarding Medium] Next, one modified example of the present embodiment is to prepare a “medium” for the hydrogen generating step of generating hydrogen in the water-containing liquid by using the above-described silicon fine particle (or an aggregate of silicon fine particles) or the pellet 100 as an example of the solid formulation, and the contact step of bringing the water-containing liquid into contact with the target animal of the first embodiment. Note that the above-described animal is at least one selected from the group consisting of sheep, goats, rabbits, camels, llamas, alpacas, vicunas, guanacos, yaks, cows, musk oxen, chiru, raccoon dogs, minks, sables, raccoons, foxes, horses, chinchillas, dogs, and cats.

[0099] The medium of this modified example (1) does not particularly limit the material or the product. One example of a medium is a water-containing liquid (containing only water) present in the body of the animal. Another example of a medium is a medium in which the animal can take hydrogen in the body via percutaneous ingestion or transmucosal absorption and which is physiologically acceptable. With such a medium, the effects of this modified example (1) can be at least partially obtained. An example of the site for taking hydrogen in the body of the animal is the skin itself or the mucous membrane itself.

[0100] A suitable example of the medium is at least one selected from the group consisting of a liquid form, a gel form, a cream form, a paste form, an emulsion form, and a mousse form, from the viewpoint of increasing the opportunity of the site of the animal brought into contact with a water-containing liquid or a medium containing the water-containing liquid (hereinafter, also referred to collectively as a "medium". Further, another suitable example of the medium is soil containing rainwater or artificial water, an artificial shower that sprays water, an artificial pond, an artificial pool, or a puddle (including a naturally formed puddle). Therefore, in an example of this modified example (1), the producing of the medium using known means, artificially utilizing the soil, the shower, the pond, the pool, or the puddle, or utilizing the nature is a method for producing a medium. In any of the examples, the medium is preferably alkaline from the viewpoint of promoting the generation of hydrogen.

[0101] As one example, another aspect of this modified example (1) which can be employed is introducing or charging the pellet 100 of the first embodiment, the pellet of each modified example to be described later, or the silicon fine particle and / or an aggregate of silicon fine particles of this modified example (1) into a naturally occurring or artificial paddle (medium), thereby bringing the pellet, the silicon fine particle, or the aggregate of silicon fine particles into contact with the water-containing liquid. The solid formulation (pellet) 100 is brought into contact with the water-containing liquid to generate hydrogen (Hz) or hydrogen atoms. In this aspect, the animal is brought into contact with or immersed in the above-described puddle, so that it is possible to cause the animal to take hydrogen in the body through the water-containing liquid. Asa result, regarding the hydrogen taken into the body directly, or via percutaneous ingestion or transmucosal absorption, in the method for producing animal hair as this modified example (1), it is possible to produce animal hair which can exhibit excellent physical properties (e.g., average fiber diameter, average fiber length, whiteness measurement, the number of colored fibers, single fiber tenacity and elongation, cuticle quality, and / or the amount of animal hair of the whole body per animal), in order to appropriately eliminate, remove, or reduce excess active oxygen (particularly, hydroxyl radicals) in the body of the animal. Further, according to the method for producing animal hair of the modified example, it is possible to produce animal hair excellent in length, diameter, softness, and / or gloss.

[0102] Further, in the method for raising an animal as this modified example, it is possible to raise an animal having animal hair which can exhibit excellent physical properties (e.g., average fiber diameter, average fiber length, whiteness measurement, the number of colored fibers, single fiber tenacity and elongation, cuticle quality, and / or the amount of animal hair of the whole body per animal), in order to appropriately eliminate, remove, or reduce excess active oxygen (particularly, hydroxyl radicals) in the body of the animal or in the vicinity of the skin or mucous membrane. Further, according to the method for raising an animal of the modified example, it is possible to raise an animal having hair excellent in length, diameter, softness, and / or gloss.

[0103] Further, in the case where the above-described puddle has a pH value (e.g., a pH value of less than 5) lower than weak acidity (typically, a pH value of 5 to 6), it is possible to employ the pellet of this modified example containing sodium hydrogen carbonate, sodium carbonate, or the like. Specifically, the pellet of this modified example is brought into contact with the water-containing liquid, whereby the puddle has a pH value of 6 or more (more preferably 7 or more, still more preferably 8 or more). This can satisfy the condition as the medium allowing easy generation of hydrogen (Hz) or hydrogen atoms. In other words, another aspect which can be employed is introducing the pellet of this modified example containing an alkali agent such as sodium hydrogen carbonate or sodium carbonate into the water-containing liquid such as a puddle in order to realize the medium allowing easy generation of hydrogen (Hz) or hydrogen atoms, when the water-containing liquid such as a puddle is acidic.

[0104] As described above, the method for raising an animal as this modified example (1) includes: a hydrogen generating step of generating hydrogen in a water-containing liquid by allowing at least one selected from the group consisting of the following materials (5) to (8) to be present in the water-containing liquid; and a contact step of bringing an animal as a target in the first embodiment, into contact with the water-containing liquid, (5) assilicon fine particle (or silicon nanopowder) of the first embodiment having a hydrogen generating capability; (6) an aggregate of silicon fine particles (or silicon nanopowder) of the first embodiment having a hydrogen generating capability; (7) a solid formulation (pellet) containing a silicon fine particle (or silicon nanopowder) of the first embodiment having a hydrogen generating capability; and (8) a solid formulation (pellet) containing an aggregate of silicon fine particles (or silicon nanopowder) of the first embodiment having a hydrogen generating capability.

[0105] A typical aspect of the method for raising an animal as this modified example (1) is, for example, taking hydrogen into the body of a specific animal of the above-described animals via percutaneous ingestion or transmucosal absorption. Further, one suitable aspect is increasing the duration and frequency per day in which the skin of the animal is directly brought into contact with the water-containing liquid after cutting animal hair in order to prevent the contact between the skin of the animal and the water-containing liquid.

[0106] Further, in the method for raising an animal of this modified example (1), it is possible to produce animal hair which can exhibit excellent physical properties (e.g., average fiber diameter, average fiber length, whiteness measurement, the number of colored fibers, single fiber tenacity and elongation, cuticle quality, and / or the amount of animal hair of the whole body per animal) through the above-described contact step. Further, according to the method for raising an animal of this modified example (1), it is possible to raise an animal having hair excellent in length, diameter, softness, and / or gloss.

[0107] Further, the method for producing an animal as this modified example (1) includes: a hydrogen generating step of generating hydrogen in a water-containing liquid by allowing at least one selected from the group consisting of the following materials (5) to (8) to be present in the water-containing liquid; and a contact step of bringing an animal as a target in the first embodiment, into contact with the water-containing liquid, (5) a silicon fine particle (or silicon nanopowder) of the first embodiment having a hydrogen generating capability; (6) an aggregate of silicon fine particles (or silicon nanopowder) of the first embodiment having a hydrogen generating capability; (7) a solid formulation (pellet) containing a silicon fine particle (or silicon nanopowder) of the first embodiment having a hydrogen generating capability; and (8) a solid formulation (pellet) containing an aggregate of silicon fine particles (or silicon nanopowder) of the first embodiment having a hydrogen generating capability.

[0108] As the contact step in this modified example (1), the animal hair in this modified example (1) can be produced by regularly or irregularly bringing the animal into contact with the water-containing liquid for 1 month to 1 year to grow the hair of the animal. As a result, for example, in the case of a pet such as a dog or a cat, the hair is increased and the quality of hair is improved. Further, when the hair of the animal has economic value, a cutting step of cutting the hair of the animal can be performed. After the cutting step, a known washing method can be employed.

[0109] In the method for raising and producing an animal as this modified example (1), it is possible to produce animal hair which can exhibit excellent physical properties (e.g., average fiber diameter, average fiber length, whiteness measurement, the number of colored fibers, single fiber tenacity and elongation, cuticle quality, and / or the amount of animal hair of the whole body per animal), in order to appropriately eliminate, remove, or reduce excess active oxygen (particularly, hydroxyl radicals) in the body of the animal through the above-described steps. Further, it is possible to produce animal hair excellent in length, diameter, softness, and / or gloss through the above-described steps.

[0110] <Modified Example (2) of First Embodiment> The pellet of the modified example (2) of the present embodiment contains an alkali agent such as sodium hydrogen carbonate or sodium carbonate. Therefore, even when the water-containing liquid such as a puddle as the medium is neutral, weakly acidic, or acidic, the pellet of the modified example is introduced or charged into the water-containing liquid as the medium to undergo a contact step of bringing the silicon fine particle or an aggregate of silicon fine particles of the first embodiment into contact with the medium. As a result, since the water-containing liquid can be changed to a weakly acidic medium having a pH value of 6 or more, more preferably a medium having a basicity of more than 7, the generation of hydrogen (Hz) or hydrogen atoms can be promoted.

[0111] Therefore, it is possible to bring hydrogen (Hz) or hydrogen atoms generated by the above-described contact step into contact with the skin and / or mucous membrane of an animal through the water-containing liquid such as the puddle as the medium. As a result, since it is possible to take hydrogen (Hz) or hydrogen atoms in the body of an animal, in the method for raising an animal as this modified example (2), it is possible to raise an animal having hair which can exhibit excellent physical properties (e.g., average fiber diameter, average fiber length, whiteness measurement, the number of colored fibers, single fiber tenacity and elongation, cuticle quality, and / or the amount of animal hair of the whole body per animal). Further, according to the method for producing animal hair of the modified example (2), it is possible to produce animal hair excellent in length, diameter, softness, and / or gloss.

[0112] In addition, in the producing method as this modified example (2), it is possible to produce animal hair which can exhibit excellent physical properties (e.g., average fiber diameter, average fiber length, whiteness measurement, the number of colored fibers, single fiber tenacity and elongation, cuticle quality, and / or the amount of animal hair of the whole body per animal). Further, according to the method for raising an animal of the modified example (2), it is possible to raise an animal having hair excellent in length, diameter, softness, and / or gloss.

[0113] <Modified Example (3) of First Embodiment> Further, this modified example (3) is not limited to the case where the pellet 100, the pellet of the modified example, or the silicon fine particle and / or an aggregate of silicon fine particles of the present embodiment are used as they are. An aspect in which the pellet 100, the pellet of the modified example (3), or the silicon fine particle and / or an aggregate of the silicon fine particles are contained in, for example, a "base material" such as a pharmaceutical product for an animal, a livestock or pet food product, a food product for a mammal or various supplements, or a feed product, food product or beverage for an animal is also one suitable aspect which can be employed.

[0114] For example, a typical example is that, for example, 0.0001% by weight to 50% by weight of the pellet 100, the pellet of the modified example, or the silicon fine particle and / or an aggregate of the silicon fine particles is mixed or kneaded as an additive in the base material. Therefore, the above-described "base material" including the pellet 100, the pellet of the modified example, or the silicon fine particle and / or an aggregate of the silicon fine particles is also a "solid formulation" in a broad sense in this modified example (3). Accordingly, one suitable means for the animal to take hydrogen in the body via, for example, percutaneous ingestion or transmucosal absorption can employ the contact of such a base material with the medium.

[0115] In addition, even when the pellet of this modified example (3) does not contain an alkali agent such as sodium hydrogen carbonate or sodium carbonate of the above-described modified example (2), for example, when the pH value of the water-containing liquid such as the paddle is 5 or more, it is possible to satisfy the condition as the medium allowing easy generation of hydrogen (Hz) or hydrogen atoms. From the viewpoint of more accurately realizing the medium allowing easy generation of hydrogen (Hz) or hydrogen atoms, the pH value is more preferably 6 or more (or more than 6), and still more preferably 7 or more (or more than 7). The pH value is yet still more preferably more than 7.4 and very preferably more than 8.

[0116] <Modified Example (4) of First Embodiment> In each of the modified examples (1) and (2) of the first embodiment, one suitable aspect is to further include an introducing step of introducing a "pH adjusting agent" for adjusting the pH value of the water-containing liquid such as the paddle in the first embodiment so as to satisfy the condition allowing easy generation of hydrogen, in other words, so as to fall within the numerical range of the pH value allowing easy generation of hydrogen, into a medium or a "base material" such as a pharmaceutical product for an animal, a livestock or pet food product, a food product for a mammal or various supplements, or a feed product, food product or beverage for an animal.

[0117] Sodium hydrogen carbonate and sodium carbonate described in the modified example (2) of the first embodiment are examples of the "pH adjusting agent", but the "pH adjusting agent" is not limited to sodium hydrogen carbonate and sodium carbonate. Therefore, the material of the “pH adjusting agent” is not limited as long as the material can be adjusted to a weak acidity with a pH value of 5 or more or 6 or more (or more than 6) (hereinafter, also referred to as "weakly acidic agent"), or more preferably, the material can be adjusted to an alkalinity with a pH value of 7 or more (or more than 7) (more preferably more than 7.4, still more preferably more than 8) (hereinafter, also referred to as an "alkali agent").

[0118] A typical example of the weakly acidic agent is at least one selected from the group consisting of citric acid, gluconic acid, phthalic acid, fumaric acid, and lactic acid, or their salts. Further, a typical example of the alkali agent is at least one selected from the group consisting of potassium carbonate, sodium carbonate, sodium hydrogen carbonate, sodium hydroxide, and potassium hydroxide. From the physiological viewpoint, the most suitable alkali agent is sodium hydrogen carbonate. This is because sodium hydrogen carbonate is widely used as a food additive, and has a plurality of advantages such as an excellent pH value adjusting function, safety, and versatility required by the present embodiment.

[0119] <Modified Example (5) of First Embodiment> In the meantime, an example of the solid formulation of the first embodiment or each of the above-described modified examples (1) to (4) is a pellet, but the example of the solid formulation is not limited to the pellet. For example, in addition to the pellet, a solid formulation in a mash form, a crumble form, a flake form, a bulky form, or a fine powder form in place of the pellet may also be an example of the solid formulation of the present embodiment.

[0120] <Second Embodiment> The present embodiment is the same as the first embodiment or the modified examples (1) to (5) thereof except that a silicon microscopic particle and an aggregate of silicon microscopic particles are obtained by a pulverizing step only by a jet mill pulverizing method, instead of obtaining a silicon fine particle or an aggregate of silicon fine particles by the pulverizing step of the first embodiment, and a silicon microscopic particle and an aggregate of silicon microscopic particles are employed, instead of a silicon fine particle and an aggregate of silicon fine particles in each step of the first embodiment. Therefore, the description overlapping with that of the first embodiment or those of the modified examples (1) to (5) thereof may be omitted.

[0121] In the present embodiment, for example, a commercially available polycrystalline silicon powder (6 N to 7 N) for producing a silicon wafer for a solar cell or a commercially available polycrystalline silicon powder (11 N) for producing a silicon wafer for a semiconductor can be used as a starting material. In this regard, other crystalline silicon (e.g., monocrystalline silicon or polycrystalline silicon) may be employed.

[0122] The pulverizing step of pulverizing the above-described starting material using a pulverizer in accordance with a known jet mill pulverizing method is performed.

[0123] Thereafter, a classifying step of classifying only a silicon microscopic particle having an average particle diameter of 40 pm or less using a jet stream method is performed. This results in formation of a silicon microscopic particle and / or an aggregate of silicon microscopic particles having an average particle diameter of 40 um or less (typically, 20 um or less). In the classifying step of the present embodiment, the silicon fine particle and / or an aggregate of silicon fine particles of the first embodiment can coexist with the silicon microscopic particle and / or an aggregate of silicon microscopic particles of the present embodiment.

[0124] Thereafter, as one modified example of the present embodiment, another aspect which can be employed is performing a reforming step of further bringing the surface of the silicon microscopic particle produced in the present embodiment into contact with hydrogen peroxide water to reform the surface. By the reforming step, the silicon microscopic particle can be changed to a hydrophilic silicon microscopic particle when macroscopically viewed, similarly to the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, the same reforming can also be realized by immersing the silicon microscopic particle in ozone water and / or sodium percarbonate in place of the hydrogen peroxide water. Alternatively, the same reforming can also be realized by bringing the silicon microscopic particle into contact with at least one selected from the group consisting of hydrogen peroxide water, ozone water, and sodium percarbonate.

[0125] As a result, the silicon microscopic particle of the modified example can contain a silicon dioxide (SiOx, where x is 1 / 2, 1, and 3 / 2) and / or a mixed composition of the silicon suboxide and silicon dioxide, at least partially covering the surface of the silicon microscopic particle.

[0126] The silicon microscopic particle or an aggregate of silicon microscopic particles of the present embodiment or the modified example, or the compound similar to that of the first embodiment, containing the silicon microscopic particle or the aggregate, can also be applied to the “method for producing animal hair”, the “method for raising an animal”, the “feed product”, the “food product”, the “method for producing a feed product”, or the “method for producing a food product” described in the first embodiment.

[0127] As a result, the use of the silicon microscopic particle or an aggregate of silicon microscopic particles or the compound, of the present embodiment or the modified example, causes at least one selected from the group consisting of sheep, goats, rabbits, camels, llamas, alpacas, vicunas, guanacos, yaks, cows, musk oxen, chiru, raccoon dogs, minks, sables, raccoons, foxes, horses, chinchillas, dogs, and cats to take hydrogen (Hz) or hydrogen atoms in the body. Therefore, in the method for producing an animal of the present embodiment or the modified example, it is possible to produce animal hair which can exhibit excellent physical properties (e.g., average fiber diameter, average fiber length, whiteness measurement, the number of colored fibers, single fiber tenacity and elongation, cuticle quality, and / or the amount of animal hair of the whole body per animal). Further, according to the method for producing animal hair as the present embodiment or the modified example, it is possible to produce animal hair excellent in length, diameter, softness, and / or gloss.

[0128] In addition, in the method for raising an animal of the present embodiment or the modified example, it is possible to raise an animal having hair which can exhibit excellent physical properties (e.g., average fiber diameter, average fiber length, whiteness measurement, the number of colored fibers, single fiber tenacity and elongation, cuticle quality, and / or the amount of animal hair of the whole body per animal). Further, according to the method for raising an animal of the present embodiment or the modified example, it is possible to raise an animal having hair excellent in length, diameter, softness, and / or gloss.

[0129] Like the present embodiment or the modified example, even in the case of employing a silicon microscopic particle and / or an aggregate of silicon microscopic particles with a crystal particle diameter (outer diameter) of 500 um or less, the above-described effects are obtained, and it is not necessary to perform the pulverizing step as in the first embodiment for producing a silicon fine particle. This is one suitable aspect from the viewpoint of reducing the producing cost or simplifying the producing process.

[0130] <Example 1> For example, a “dog” (dog species: chihuahua, 13 years old, male) as an example of a pet as a test animal was orally ingested with the silicon microscopic particle or the silicon fine particle of each of the above-described embodiments or modified examples thereof under the following conditions (a). (a) A total amount of 1 g (0.5 g in the morning and 0.5 g in the evening) per day is given by forced ingestion for 1 month.

[0131] After 1 month from the start of feeding the silicon microscopic particle or the silicon fine particle under the conditions (a) described above, the hair on the back of the test animal was observed using an electron microscope (SEM). Fig. 3A is an SEM photograph of a part of animal hair (hair on the back) of this example. Fig. 3B is an SEM photograph of a part of animal hair (hair on the back) of this example. Fig. 3C is an SEM photograph of a part of animal hair (hair on the back) of this example. Fig. 3D is an SEM photograph of a part of animal hair (hair on the back) of this example. Fig. 3E is an SEM photograph of a part of animal hair (hair on the back) of this example.

[0132] As a result, as shown in Figs. 3A to 3E, a beautiful cuticle was observed, and no damage, peeling, or dropping off was confirmed at any site.

[0133] <Example 2> For example, a “dog” (dog species: toy poodle, male) as an example of a pet as a test animal was orally ingested with the silicon microscopic particle or the silicon fine particle of each of the above-described embodiments or modified examples thereof for 30 days under the following conditions (a). (a) A total amount of 1 g (0.5 g in the morning and 0.5 g in the evening) per day is given by forced ingestion for 30 days.

[0134] Table 1 is a table in which the average strength (mN) of hair collected from the back before ingestion (initial) was compared with the average strength (mN) of hair collected from the back after 30 days of oral ingestion, based on the test method of "JIS L 1081" (Testing Methods For Wool Fibres And Hairs) in Japanese Industrial Standards. In Table 1, the age of a "test animal A" is 16 years old, and the age of a "test animal B" is 14 years old.

[0135] [Table 1] . ... 1 | Average strength [Test animall Average initial | grep 30 days of strength (mN) ingestion (mN) A 164.2 187.9 B 137.3 231.5

[0136] As shown in Table 1, in both the "test animal A" and the "test animal B", it was confirmed that the strength of hair after 30 days of oral ingestion was higher than the strength of initial hair by at least 14% or more (65% or more in the test animal B).

[0137] As described above, the disclosure of each of the above-described embodiments and modified examples is described to explain the embodiments and modified examples, and is not intended to limit the present invention. In addition, other modified examples within the scope of the present invention, including other combinations of the embodiments and the modified examples, are also to be included in the scope of claims. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0138] The method for raising an animal including a mammal, the method for producing animal hair of an animal including a mammal, the feed product, the food product, the method for producing a feed product, and the method for producing a food product according to the present invention can be widely utilized in various industries for handling animal hair of animals including mammals, for example.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A method for producing animal hair of a mammal, comprising an introducing step of introducing, into a body of a mammal, at least one selected from the group consisting of the following materials (1) to (4): (1) a silicon microscopic particle or silicon fine particle having a hydrogen generating capability; (2) an aggregate of silicon microscopic particles or silicon fine particles having a hydrogen generating capability; (3) a compound containing a silicon microscopic particle or silicon fine particle having a hydrogen generating capability; and (4) a compound containing an aggregate of silicon microscopic particles or silicon fine particles having a hydrogen generating capability. 2 A method for producing animal hair, comprising an introducing step of introducing, into a body of at least one selected from the group consisting of sheep, goats, rabbits, camels, llamas, alpacas, vicunas, guanacos, yaks, cows, musk oxen, chiru, raccoon dogs, minks, sables, raccoons, foxes, horses, chinchillas, dogs, and cats, at least one selected from the group consisting of the following materials (1) to (4): (1) a silicon microscopic particle or silicon fine particle having a hydrogen generating capability; (2) an aggregate of silicon microscopic particles or silicon fine particles having a hydrogen generating capability; (3) a compound containing a silicon microscopic particle or silicon fine particle having a hydrogen generating capability; and (4) a compound containing an aggregate of silicon microscopic particles or silicon fine particles having a hydrogen generating capability.

3. A method for producing animal hair comprising: a hydrogen generating step of generating hydrogen in a water-containing liquid by allowing at least one selected from the group consisting of the following materials (5) to (8) to be present in the water-containing liquid; and a contact step of bringing at least one selected from the group consisting of sheep, goats, rabbits, camels, llamas, alpacas, vicunas, guanacos, yaks, cows, musk oxen, chiru, raccoon dogs, minks, sables, raccoons, foxes, horses, chinchillas, dogs, and cats, into contact with the water-containing liquid, (5) a silicon microscopic particle or silicon fine particle having a hydrogen generating capability; (6) an aggregate of silicon microscopic particles or silicon fine particles having a hydrogen generating capability; (7) a compound containing a silicon microscopic particle or silicon fine particle having a hydrogen generating capability; and (8) a compound containing an aggregate of silicon microscopic particles or silicon fine particles having a hydrogen generating capability.

4. The method for producing animal hair according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one selected from the group consisting of the materials (1) to (4) is introduced into the body of the animal via an oral route in the introducing step. s The method for producing animal hair according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one selected from the group consisting of the materials (1) to (4) is introduced into the body of the animal via a transanal route in the introducing step.

6. A method for raising a mammal excluding a human, comprising an introducing step of introducing, into a body of a mammal excluding a human, at least one selected from the group consisting of the following materials (1) to (4): (1) a silicon microscopic particle or silicon fine particle having a hydrogen generating capability; (2) an aggregate of silicon microscopic particles or silicon fine particles having a hydrogen generating capability; (3) a compound containing a silicon microscopic particle or silicon fine particle having a hydrogen generating capability; and (4) a compound containing an aggregate of silicon microscopic particles or silicon fine particles having a hydrogen generating capability.

7. A method for raising an animal, comprising an introducing step of introducing, into a body of at least one selected from the group consisting of sheep, goats, rabbits, camels, llamas, alpacas, vicunas, guanacos, yaks, cows, musk oxen, chiru, raccoon dogs, minks, sables, raccoons, foxes, horses, chinchillas, dogs, and cats, at least one selected from the group consisting of the following materials (1) to (4): (1) a silicon microscopic particle or silicon fine particle having a hydrogen generating capability; (2) an aggregate of silicon microscopic particles or silicon fine particles having a hydrogen generating capability; (3) a compound containing a silicon microscopic particle or silicon fine particle having a hydrogen generating capability; and (4) a compound containing an aggregate of silicon microscopic particles or silicon fine particles having a hydrogen generating capability.

8. A method for raising an animal, comprising: a hydrogen generating step of generating hydrogen in a water-containing liquid by allowing at least one selected from the group consisting of the following materials (5) to (8) to be present in the water-containing liquid; and a contact step of bringing at least one selected from the group consisting of sheep, goats, rabbits, camels, llamas, alpacas, vicunas, guanacos, yaks, cows, musk oxen, chiru, raccoon dogs, minks, sables, raccoons, foxes, horses, chinchillas, dogs, and cats, into contact with the water-containing liquid, (5) a silicon microscopic particle or silicon fine particle having a hydrogen generating capability; (6) an aggregate of silicon microscopic particles or silicon fine particles having a hydrogen generating capability; (7) a compound containing a silicon microscopic particle or silicon fine particle having a hydrogen generating capability; and (8) a compound containing an aggregate of silicon microscopic particles or silicon fine particles having a hydrogen generating capability.

9. The method for raising an animal according to claim 6 or 7, wherein at least one selected from the group consisting of the materials (1) to (4) is introduced into the body of the animal via an oral route in the introducing step.

10. The method for raising an animal according to claim 6 or 7, wherein at least one selected from the group consisting of the materials (1) to (4) is introduced into the body of the animal via a transanal route in the introducing step.

11. A food or feed product for a mammal comprising: at least one selected from the group consisting of meats, fish and shellfish, vegetables, cereals, milk, beans, bran, fats and oils, nuts and seeds, fruits, starch, algae, and mushrooms; and at least one selected from the group consisting of the following materials (1) to (4): (1) a silicon microscopic particle or silicon fine particle having a hydrogen generating capability; (2) an aggregate of silicon microscopic particles or silicon fine particles having a hydrogen generating capability; (3) a compound containing a silicon microscopic particle or silicon fine particle having a hydrogen generating capability; and (4) a compound containing an aggregate of silicon microscopic particles or silicon fine particles having a hydrogen generating capability.

12. A feed product for at least one selected from the group consisting of dogs and cats, comprising: at least one selected from the group consisting of meats, fish and shellfish, vegetables, cereals, milk, beans, bran, fats and oils, nuts and seeds, fruits, starch, algae, and mushrooms; and at least one selected from the group consisting of the following materials (1) to 4): (1) a silicon microscopic particle or silicon fine particle having a hydrogen generating capability; (2) an aggregate of silicon microscopic particles or silicon fine particles having a hydrogen generating capability; (3) a compound containing a silicon microscopic particle or silicon fine particle having a hydrogen generating capability; and (4) a compound containing an aggregate of silicon microscopic particles or silicon fine particles having a hydrogen generating capability.

13. A feed product for at least one selected from the group consisting of sheep, goats, rabbits, camels, llamas, alpacas, vicunas, guanacos, yaks, cows, musk oxen, chiru, raccoon dogs, minks, sables, raccoons, foxes, horses, and chinchillas, the feed product comprising: a concentrated feed product and / or coarse feed product; and at least one selected from the group consisting of the following materials (1) to (4): (1) a silicon microscopic particle or silicon fine particle having a hydrogen generating capability; (2) an aggregate of silicon microscopic particles or silicon fine particles having a hydrogen generating capability; (3) a compound containing a silicon microscopic particle or silicon fine particle having a hydrogen generating capability; and (4) a compound containing an aggregate of silicon microscopic particles or silicon fine particles having a hydrogen generating capability.

14. The feed product according to claim 12 or 13, wherein a mass ratio of the silicon fine particle or the aggregate is 0.0001 or more and 0.7 or less when the compound is assumed to be 1.

15. The feed product according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the silicon microscopic particle or the silicon fine particle includes a silicon suboxide (SiOx, where x is 1 / 2, 1, and 3 / 2) and / or a mixed composition of the silicon suboxide and silicon dioxide, at least partially covering a surface of the silicon microscopic particle or a surface of the silicon fine particle.

16. A method for producing a feed product for at least one selected from the group consisting of dogs and cats, the method comprising a mixing step of mixing at least one selected from the group consisting of meats, fish and shellfish, vegetables, cereals, milk, beans, bran, fats and oils, nuts and seeds, fruits, starch, algae, and mushrooms with at least one selected from the group consisting of the following materials (1) to (4): (1) a silicon microscopic particle or silicon fine particle having a hydrogen generating capability; (2) an aggregate of silicon microscopic particles or silicon fine particles having a hydrogen generating capability; (3) a compound containing a silicon microscopic particle or silicon fine particle having a hydrogen generating capability; and (4) a compound containing an aggregate of silicon microscopic particles or silicon fine particles having a hydrogen generating capability.

17. A method for producing a feed or food product for a mammal, comprising a mixing step of mixing at least one selected from the group consisting of meats, fish and shellfish, vegetables, cereals, milk, beans, bran, fats and oils, nuts and seeds, fruits, starch, algae, and mushrooms with at least one selected from the group consisting of the following materials (1) to 4): (1) a silicon microscopic particle or silicon fine particle having a hydrogen generating capability; (2) an aggregate of silicon microscopic particles or silicon fine particles having a hydrogen generating capability; (3) a compound containing a silicon microscopic particle or silicon fine particle having a hydrogen generating capability; and (4) a compound containing an aggregate of silicon microscopic particles or silicon fine particles having a hydrogen generating capability.

18. A method for producing a feed product for at least one selected from the group consisting of sheep, goats, rabbits, camels, llamas, alpacas, vicunas, guanacos, yaks, cows, musk oxen, chiru, raccoon dogs, minks, sables, raccoons, foxes, horses, and chinchillas, the method comprising a mixing step of mixing one main material selected from the group consisting of a concentrated feed product and a coarse feed product with at least one selected from the group consisting of the following materials (1) to (4): (1) a silicon microscopic particle or silicon fine particle having a hydrogen generating capability; (2) an aggregate of silicon microscopic particles or silicon fine particles having a hydrogen generating capability; (3) a compound containing a silicon microscopic particle or silicon fine particle having a hydrogen generating capability; and (4) a compound containing an aggregate of silicon microscopic particles or silicon fine particles having a hydrogen generating capability.

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