High-hydraulic insoluble fiber raw material, its preparation method and application

Abstract

The application provides a high water-retention insoluble fiber and a preparation method and application thereof. The high water-retention insoluble fiber used in the application is derived from wood and wood chip processing by-products, and is obtained through a technical process of removing bark and cambium, cutting, crushing, high-temperature vaporization, pickling and drying, has a water-retention of 634-789%, an insoluble fiber component content of 84.32-88.24%, and a soluble fiber component content of 1.23-1.62%, and can be added into the feed of pregnant sows as a functional fiber raw material, so as to improve the constipation and empty chewing ratio of the pregnant sows, increase the number of live piglets and weaning litter weight of the sows and the mating rate in the next reproduction cycle, reduce the empty chewing ratio in the late pregnancy (100-102d) of the sows and the elimination rate in the next reproduction cycle, and has a wide application prospect in the daily feed of the pregnant sows.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the fields of livestock and poultry breeding and biotechnology, and more specifically, to a high water-holding capacity insoluble fiber raw material, its preparation method, and its application. Background Technology

[0002] The gestation period of sows is one of the core stages in large-scale pig production management that requires the most optimization. In actual production, pregnant sows are usually subject to feed restriction to prevent excessive fat deposition and subsequent decline in reproductive performance. While this feed restriction can meet the nutritional needs of pregnant sows for maintenance and reproduction, it still causes them to feel hungry, leading to empty chewing behavior. On the other hand, feed restriction increases the incidence of constipation in pregnant sows. Constipation is a common production problem in pregnant sows. Prolonged constipation directly causes a decrease in feed intake and disordered digestion and absorption. Indirectly, it can cause fetal growth retardation, prolong the farrowing process, and result in weak piglets, deformed piglets, or even stillbirth, seriously hindering the development of the pig industry.

[0003] Adding high-fiber ingredients to the diets of pregnant sows can solve the satiety problem of low-energy restricted feeding and reduce stereotyped chewing behavior and constipation in pregnant sows. Fiber was previously considered an anti-nutritional factor because it cannot be degraded by enzymes secreted by the pig's digestive system and reduces the pig's utilization of other nutrients. However, recent studies have shown that dietary fiber can be degraded by microorganisms in the hindgut to produce short-chain fatty acids, thus exerting beneficial effects such as energy supply, anti-inflammation, antioxidant activity, hormone regulation, and reproductive physiology. Furthermore, the physical characteristics of fiber are mainly reflected in indicators such as solubility, water-holding capacity, swelling power, and viscosity. Previous research by our team has confirmed that higher water-holding capacity of dietary fiber increases daily water intake and improves fecal softening, thereby reducing the incidence of constipation. Therefore, fiber ingredients with special physical characteristics such as high water absorption have broad application prospects in the diets of pregnant sows. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a high water-holding capacity insoluble fiber raw material, its preparation method, and its application.

[0005] To achieve the objective of this invention, in a first aspect, this invention provides a high water-holding capacity insoluble fiber raw material, which is obtained by using wood, wood chips and other processing by-products as raw materials, and sequentially undergoing processes such as removing bark and cambium, cutting, crushing, organic solvent pretreatment, acid catalysis, alkali treatment and drying.

[0006] The insoluble fiber raw material has a water-holding capacity of 634-789% and a total dietary fiber content of 85.55-89.86%, of which insoluble dietary fiber accounts for 84.32-88.24% and soluble dietary fiber accounts for 1.23-1.62%.

[0007] Secondly, the present invention provides a method for preparing the aforementioned high water-holding capacity insoluble fiber raw material, comprising the following steps:

[0008] S1. Remove the bark and cambium from the wood, cut the wood and wood chips into small pieces, and then crush them with a pulverizer to obtain wood powder with a particle size of 100-200 mesh.

[0009] S2. Add S1 wood powder to water, ensuring complete immersion, and react at 65-75℃. Then separate the solid and liquid, discard the liquid, and remove water-soluble substances.

[0010] S3. Dissolve the material obtained in S2 with 65% ethanol, preferably until completely submerged, react at 65-75°C, and then wash to remove alcohol-soluble substances.

[0011] S4. Add 1% H2SO4 (to catalyze the pretreatment of the material by ethanol solvent) to the material obtained in S3. The amount of H2SO4 added is 1g:(10-15)mL, and the catalytic pretreatment time is 60min.

[0012] S5. Add an alkaline solution to the material treated in S4. The ratio of material to alkaline solution is 1g:(10-15)mL. Treat the reaction system at 65℃ for 120min, and then wash.

[0013] The alkaline solution is a solution of one or more of sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, and sodium bicarbonate, and the mass concentration of the alkaline solution is 10-15%.

[0014] S6. After the reaction is complete, wash repeatedly with water to remove the reaction liquid and obtain the material. Finally, dry with hot air.

[0015] Thirdly, the present invention provides a feed (feed for pregnant sows) containing the aforementioned high water-holding capacity insoluble fiber raw material.

[0016] Fourthly, the present invention provides the application of the insoluble fiber raw material of claim 1 in the preparation of feed.

[0017] Fifthly, the present invention provides the application of the high water-holding capacity insoluble fiber raw material or feed containing the insoluble fiber raw material in livestock and poultry farming.

[0018] Sixthly, the present invention provides the application of the high water-holding capacity insoluble fiber raw material or feed containing the insoluble fiber raw material in reducing the constipation rate in pregnant sows (including non-disease treatment purposes).

[0019] In a seventh aspect, the present invention provides the application of the high water-holding capacity insoluble fiber raw material or feed containing the insoluble fiber raw material in reducing the proportion of empty chewing in pregnant sows.

[0020] Eighthly, the present invention provides the application of the high water-holding capacity insoluble fiber raw material or feed containing the insoluble fiber raw material in increasing the litter weight at weaning of pregnant sows and the number of live piglets at weaning of pregnant sows.

[0021] In a ninth aspect, the present invention provides the application of the high water-holding capacity insoluble fiber raw material or feed containing the insoluble fiber raw material in improving the mating rate of breeding sows.

[0022] In a tenth aspect, the present invention provides the application of the high water-holding capacity insoluble fiber raw material or feed containing the insoluble fiber raw material in reducing the culling rate of breeding sows in the next reproductive cycle.

[0023] More specifically, the high water-holding capacity insoluble fiber raw material increases the number of live piglets at weaning and the weaning litter weight of breeding sows, as well as the mating rate in the next reproductive cycle, and reduces the proportion of sows chewing without food in late gestation (100-102 days) and the culling rate in the next reproductive cycle.

[0024] This invention provides a high water-holding capacity insoluble fiber raw material and its application in pregnant sows. After being used in the diet of pregnant sows, it can improve constipation, increase weaning litter weight and breeding rate in the next reproductive cycle, and reduce the proportion of sows chewing food without food in late pregnancy (100-102 days) and the culling rate in the next reproductive cycle. It has broad application prospects in the diet of pregnant sows. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The following examples are used to illustrate the present invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Unless otherwise specified, the technical means used in the examples are conventional means well known to those skilled in the art, and the raw materials used are all commercially available products.

[0026] Example 1: A high water-holding capacity insoluble fiber raw material and its preparation method

[0027] I. Preparation and Chemical Analysis of High Water-Holding Capacity Insoluble Fiber Raw Materials

[0028] The material is obtained by using poplar wood, sawdust, and other processing byproducts as raw materials, and undergoing a series of processes including bark and cambium removal, cutting, crushing, organic solvent pretreatment, acid catalysis, alkali treatment, and drying. The specific steps are as follows:

[0029] S1. Remove the bark and cambium from the wood, cut the wood and wood chips into small pieces, and then crush them with a pulverizer to obtain wood powder with a particle size of 100-200 mesh.

[0030] S2. Add S1 wood powder to water, ensuring complete immersion, and react at 65-75℃. Then separate the solid and liquid, discard the liquid, and remove water-soluble substances.

[0031] S3. Dissolve the material obtained in S2 with 65% ethanol, preferably until completely submerged, react at 65-75°C, and then wash to remove alcohol-soluble substances.

[0032] S4. Add 1% H2SO4 to the material obtained in S3. The purpose is to catalyze the pretreatment of the material with ethanol solvent. The amount of H2SO4 added is 1g:12mL, and the catalytic pretreatment time is 60min.

[0033] S5. Add an alkaline solution containing sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide to the material treated in S4. The mass concentration of sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide in the alkaline solution is 12% each. The ratio of material to alkaline solution is 1g:15mL. Treat the reaction system at 65℃ for 120min and then wash it.

[0034] S6. After the reaction is complete, wash repeatedly with water to remove the reaction liquid and obtain the material. Finally, dry with hot air at 75°C.

[0035] The insoluble fiber, soluble fiber, and total dietary fiber content of the high water-holding capacity insoluble fiber raw materials were determined using a dietary fiber analyzer (ANKOM, Total Dietry Fiber Analyzer, USA). The water-holding capacity of the insoluble fiber raw materials was determined using the weight difference method. The insoluble fiber and total dietary fiber content of the high water-holding capacity insoluble fiber raw materials are shown in Table 1.

[0036] Table 1. Insoluble fiber and total dietary fiber content of high water-holding capacity insoluble fiber raw materials

[0037]

[0038] Example 2: Effects of high water-holding capacity insoluble fiber on reproductive performance and constipation in pregnant sows

[0039] I. Experimental Methods

[0040] Fifty healthy PIC breed sows, 65 days gestation and with 2-3 parities, were randomly divided into two groups, with 25 replicates per group and one sow per replicate. The control group was fed the farm's normal gestation sow diet (i.e., gestation sow feed, as shown in Table 2) and lactating sow diet (i.e., lactating sow feed, as shown in Table 3). The experimental groups had gestation sow and lactating sow diets supplemented with 2% and 1% high water-holding capacity insoluble fiber (prepared in Example 1), respectively, to replace wheat bran and soybean hulls. The feed formulation was adjusted to maintain consistent net energy and digestible amino acid levels. Pregnant sows were provided with a mixed premix of trace minerals and vitamins according to the national standard "Chinese Swine Nutrition Requirements" (2020) to meet the recommended nutritional needs of pigs. The sow feeding trial lasted from 65 days of gestation to weaning. During the trial, sows were managed according to the farm's feeding and immunization programs. The estrus interval, mating rate, and culling rate of sows entering the next reproductive cycle were tracked and recorded for each diet treatment group.

[0041] Table 2. Composition of feed formula for pregnant sows (%)

[0042]

[0043] 1 Fortified per kg of complete diet: Iron 160mg; Zinc 160mg; Manganese 55mg; Copper 30mg; Iodine 0.5mg; Selenium 0.5mg; Chromium 0.2mg; Vitamin A 14000IU; Vitamin D3 2900IU; Vitamin E 120mg; Vitamin K3 6mg; Vitamin B1 2.4mg; Vitamin B2 8.5mg; Vitamin B6 4.5mg; Vitamin B... 12 0.03mg; Pantothenic acid 30mg; Folic acid 5mg; Nicotinamide 50mg.

[0044] Table 3. Composition of feed formulation for lactating sows (%)

[0045]

[0046]

[0047] 1 Each kilogram of feed provides: Iron 80mg; Zinc 100mg; Copper 20mg; Manganese 25mg; Iodine 0.14mg; Selenium 0.15mg; Vitamin A 4000IU; Vitamin E 441IU; Vitamin D3 800IU; Vitamin K3 0.5mg; Vitamin B1 1.0mg; Vitamin B2 3.75mg; Vitamin B6 1.0mg; Vitamin B... 12 15μg; pantothenic acid 12mg; niacin 10mg; folic acid 1.3mg; biotin 200μg.

[0048] II. Feeding and Management

[0049] The experimental sows were housed in semi-slatted floor gestation crates during gestation and transferred to the farrowing house one week before their expected farrowing date. Suckling piglets were kept warm in incubators. Sows were fed four times daily at 6:00, 12:00, 18:00, and 24:00. Sow behavior and fecal condition were observed before feeding. Sows entered the farrowing crate at 108 days of gestation, and all sows were switched to the same lactation feed. The sow lactation feeding program was as follows: 2.00 kg was fed on the first day after farrowing, increasing by 1.00 kg daily until peak feed intake was reached. Sufficient feed was provided to the experimental sows from peak feed intake until weaning, ensuring free access to food. Piglets were weaned at 25 days of age.

[0050] III. Detection Indicators and Methods

[0051] 1. Feed intake of sows during lactation: Weigh the daily ration of each sow during lactation, observe the sows' feeding behavior and feed spillage and waste, dry the spilled feed and weigh it to calculate the actual feed intake of each sow.

[0052] 2. Constipation rate: On days 85 and 100 of gestation, the shape of each sow's feces was carefully observed and recorded to determine whether each sow was constipated. The criteria for determination were: loose feces with a diameter ≥5cm were considered as not constipated; slightly hard feces with a granular shape were considered as constipated. The formula for calculating the proportion of sows with constipation in each group was as follows:

[0053] Percentage of sows with constipation = (Number of sows with constipation observed during the trial period / Total number of sows observed × Total number of observation days) × 100%

[0054] 3. Reproductive performance of pregnant sows and growth performance of piglets: The time required from the birth of the first piglet to the expulsion of the placenta is called the sow's labor process. Record the labor process for each sow. Record the total number of piglets born, the number of live piglets, the number of stillborn piglets, and the number of weak piglets for each sow, and calculate the lactation survival rate, weak piglet rate, and stillbirth rate. Record the number of live piglets at weaning, the litter weight at weaning, and calculate the average weaning weight of piglets.

[0055] 4. Empty Chewing Proportion: Sows' chewing behavior was continuously observed for two days, at two time points: day 85 and day 100 of gestation. Empty chewing behavior was observed 1.5 hours after feeding in the morning to assess the sows' satiety status. The formula for calculating the proportion of sows exhibiting empty chewing in each group is as follows:

[0056] Empty chewing rate = (Total number of sows exhibiting empty chewing behavior during the observation period) / (Number of sows × Total number of observation days) × 100%

[0057] 5. Estrus interval, mating rate, and culling rate: Estrus interval refers to the time from weaning of piglets to the onset of estrus in sows; sow mating rate refers to the ratio of the number of sows that actually participated in mating during the experimental period to the number of mating sows in the treatment, and its calculation formula is as follows:

[0058] Sow mating rate = (Number of sows actually mated / (Number of sows in the experimental treatment - Number of culled sows)) × 100%

[0059] Sow culling rate refers to the ratio of the number of sows culled in a pig farm to the total number of sows in the experimental treatment during the trial period. The sow culling rate is calculated as follows:

[0060] Sow culling rate = (Number of culled sows / Number of sows in the experimental treatment) × 100%

[0061] IV. Data Analysis

[0062] Data from this study were analyzed using the Student's T-test procedure in SAS software (SAS 9.4, Inst., Inc., Cary, NC, USA). All data are presented as mean ± standard error (SEM). A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

[0063] V. Test Results

[0064] 1. Feed intake during lactation: As shown in Table 4, there was no significant difference in feed intake during lactation between the control group and the high water-holding capacity insoluble fiber raw material treatment group in Example 1.

[0065] Table 4. Effects of high water-holding capacity insoluble fiber on constipation rate in pregnant sows.

[0066]

[0067] 2. Constipation rate: As shown in Table 5, the constipation rate of pregnant sows in the high water-holding capacity insoluble fiber raw material treatment group in Example 1 was significantly lower than that of the control group at 85 days and 100 days (P<0.05).

[0068] Table 5. Effects of high water-holding capacity insoluble fiber on constipation rate in pregnant sows.

[0069]

[0070] Note: Different lowercase letters indicate significant differences.

[0071] 3. Sow reproductive performance and piglet growth performance: As shown in Table 6, compared with the control group, the number of live piglets and the weaning litter weight of pregnant sows in the high water-holding capacity insoluble fiber raw material group of Example 1 were significantly increased (P<0.05). This result indicates that adding high water-holding capacity insoluble fiber raw material to the diet of pregnant sows can improve sow reproductive performance and piglet growth performance to a certain extent.

[0072] Table 6. Effects of high water-holding capacity insoluble fiber on reproductive performance of pregnant sows and growth performance of piglets.

[0073]

[0074] Note: Different lowercase letters indicate significant differences.

[0075] 4. Empty chewing ratio: As shown in Table 7, compared with the control group, the addition of the high water-holding capacity insoluble fiber raw material of Example 1 to the diet can reduce the empty chewing ratio of pregnant sows (100-102 days). This result indicates that the high water-holding capacity insoluble fiber raw material of Example 1 has a stronger feeling of satiety and can reduce the stereotyped empty chewing behavior of pregnant sows to a certain extent.

[0076] Table 7. Effects of high water-holding capacity insoluble fiber on the proportion of pregnant sows chewing food dry.

[0077]

[0078] 5. Estrus interval, mating rate, and culling rate: As shown in Table 8, adding the high water-holding insoluble fiber feedstock of Example 1 to the diet significantly improved the mating rate of breeding sows in the next reproductive cycle, thus increasing the reproductive performance of sows. Simultaneously, the high water-holding insoluble fiber feedstock treatment group significantly reduced the culling rate of breeding sows in the next reproductive cycle, extending the productive lifespan of sows.

[0079] Table 8. Effects of high water-holding capacity insoluble fiber on estrus interval, mating rate, and culling rate in the next reproductive cycle of breeding sows.

[0080]

[0081] Pregnant sows are prone to metabolic syndromes such as constipation and insulin resistance during the peripartum period, leading to reduced reproductive performance. Water-holding capacity is one of the most important physical properties of dietary fiber, and high water-holding capacity feeds are beneficial in alleviating practical production problems such as constipation in sows. This invention provides a high water-holding capacity insoluble fiber raw material that can improve constipation and the proportion of sows chewing food without food in pregnant sows, increase the number of live piglets at weaning and the weaning litter weight, and improve the breeding rate in the next reproductive cycle, while reducing the proportion of sows chewing food without food in late pregnancy and the culling rate in the next reproductive cycle. In summary, the results of this invention provide potential technical support and application methods for improving sow reproductive efficiency. However, it should be noted that compared with soluble fiber components, insoluble fiber components have characteristics such as accelerating the intestinal digesta flow rate of sows and being less readily utilized by intestinal microorganisms. Therefore, excessive addition of the high water-holding capacity insoluble fiber raw material of this invention may reduce the efficiency of sows in utilizing feed nutrients, resulting in a loss of nutritional value. Therefore, based on this invention, new preparation technologies need to be developed to improve the efficiency of degradation of high water-holding capacity insoluble fiber raw materials by sow intestinal microorganisms, thereby further leveraging the dual nutritional and functional value of high water-holding capacity insoluble fiber raw materials.

[0082] Although the present invention has been described in detail above with general descriptions and specific embodiments, modifications or improvements can be made to it, which will be obvious to those skilled in the art. Therefore, all such modifications or improvements made without departing from the spirit of the present invention fall within the scope of protection claimed by the present invention.

Claims

1. A high water-holding capacity insoluble fiber raw material, characterized in that, It is made from wood and wood chips as raw materials, and is obtained by sequentially removing bark and cambium, cutting, crushing, pretreatment with 65% ethanol, acid catalysis, alkali treatment and drying. The insoluble fiber raw material has a water-holding capacity of 634-789% and a total dietary fiber content of 85.55-89.86%, of which insoluble dietary fiber accounts for 84.32-88.24% and soluble dietary fiber accounts for 1.23-1.62%. The preparation method of the high water-holding capacity insoluble fiber raw material includes the following steps: S1. Remove the bark and cambium from the wood, cut the wood and wood chips into small pieces, and then crush them with a pulverizer to obtain wood powder with a particle size of 100-200 mesh. S2. Add S1 wood powder to water, ensuring complete immersion, and react at 65-75℃. Then separate the solid and liquid, discard the liquid, and remove water-soluble substances. S3. Dissolve the material obtained in S2 with 65% ethanol, preferably until completely submerged, react at 65-75°C, and then wash to remove alcohol-soluble substances. S4. Add 1% H2SO4 to the material obtained in S3. The amount of H2SO4 added is 1g:(10-15)mL in the material-to-liquid ratio. The treatment time is 60 min. S5. Add an alkaline solution to the material treated in S4. The ratio of material to alkaline solution is 1 g: (10-15) mL. Treat the reaction system at 65℃ for 120 min, and then wash. The alkaline solution is a solution of one or more of sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, and sodium bicarbonate, and the mass concentration of the alkaline solution is 10-15%. S6. After the reaction is complete, wash repeatedly with water to remove the reaction liquid and obtain the material. Finally, dry with hot air.

2. The method for preparing the high water-holding capacity insoluble fiber raw material according to claim 1, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1. Remove the bark and cambium from the wood, cut the wood and wood chips into small pieces, and then crush them with a pulverizer to obtain wood powder with a particle size of 100-200 mesh. S2. Add S1 wood powder to water, ensuring complete immersion, and react at 65-75℃. Then separate the solid and liquid, discard the liquid, and remove water-soluble substances. S3. Dissolve the material obtained in S2 with 65% ethanol, preferably until completely submerged, react at 65-75°C, and then wash to remove alcohol-soluble substances. S4. Add 1% H2SO4 to the material obtained in S3. The amount of H2SO4 added is 1g:(10-15)mL in the material-to-liquid ratio. The treatment time is 60 min. S5. Add an alkaline solution to the material treated in S4. The ratio of material to alkaline solution is 1 g: (10-15) mL. Treat the reaction system at 65℃ for 120 min, and then wash. The alkaline solution is a solution of one or more of sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, and sodium bicarbonate, and the mass concentration of the alkaline solution is 10-15%. S6. After the reaction is complete, wash repeatedly with water to remove the reaction liquid and obtain the material. Finally, dry with hot air.

3. A feed, characterized in that, It contains the insoluble fiber raw material as described in claim 1.

4. The use of the insoluble fiber raw material according to claim 1 in the preparation of feed.

5. The application of the insoluble fiber raw material according to claim 1 in the preparation of livestock and poultry feed.

6. The use of the insoluble fiber raw material of claim 1 or the feed of claim 3 in reducing the constipation rate in pregnant sows; the use is for non-disease treatment purposes.

7. The use of the insoluble fiber raw material of claim 1 or the feed of claim 3 in reducing the proportion of empty chewing in pregnant sows.

8. The use of the insoluble fiber raw material according to claim 1 in the preparation of feed to increase the litter weight at weaning and the number of live piglets at weaning in pregnant sows.

9. The application of the insoluble fiber raw material of claim 1 or the feed of claim 3 in improving the mating rate of breeding sows.

10. The application of the insoluble fiber raw material of claim 1 or the feed of claim 3 in reducing the culling rate of breeding sows in the next reproductive cycle.

Images