System and method for supplying nutritional supplements to eliminate diffuse odors

Abstract

The present disclosure describes methods for supplying nutrients to ruminants, pigs and poultry. Advantageously, the disclosed methods and systems eliminate diffuse odors specific to nutrients. The methods and systems involve combining isoacids with liquid feed, blended solid animal feed, or total mixed ration (TMR), and delivering supplemental feed to the animal. Preferably, the iso-acid is in liquid form when combined with the feed.

Description

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This international patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 18 / 059,142, filed on November 28, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to methods for supplying nutrients to ruminants, pigs, and poultry that eliminate the pervasive odors characteristic of the nutrients. The methods and systems relate to combining isobutyric acid with liquid feed and delivering a supplemental feed to the animals. Background Art

[0004] The background description provided herein is for the purpose of providing context for the present disclosure. Aspects of the work of the currently named inventors, as well as of the description that may not have been prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor implicitly admitted to be prior art.

[0005] Volatile fatty acids, such as butyric acid, isobutyric acid, 2-methylbutyric acid, isovaleric acid, and valeric acid, are known feed supplements for ruminants, pigs, and poultry. For example, when used as a feed supplement for dairy cows, milk production can be increased. In addition, these fatty acids act as specific nutrients for rumen cellulolytic bacteria that are used to degrade fibrous feed materials during digestion. In addition, fatty acids appear to have a generally positive effect on microbial fermentation. However, these volatile acids have a strong odor. The odor is a serious problem for workers involved in the production, handling, and / or distribution of the acids. Such problems can include nausea and vomiting caused by the strong odor.

[0006] Previous efforts to reduce the odor include U.S. Patent No. 4,376,790, which relates to reducing the odor by preparing ammonium and calcium salts of fatty acids. In addition, U.S. Patent No. 10,034,843 relates to solving the odor problem by producing an odorless feed supplement by reacting a side-chain carboxylic acid on a water-soluble polycarboxylic acid, a polyvalent metal salt, and an odorous volatile fatty acid. The polyvalent metal ion bonds to the side-chain carboxylic acid group of the polycarboxylic acid and the carboxylic acid group of the fatty acid. Another method is to eliminate the odor problem of low-molecular-weight volatile fatty acids as nutritional supplements for livestock and poultry by reacting a calcium ion source with a low-molecular-weight volatile fatty acid in a solid-phase pure reaction and then using the reaction product as a nutritional supplement. These known solutions require processing of the fatty acids, which increases the cost and time for manufacturing and distributing the feed supplement.

[0007] There is a continuing need for a convenient and low-cost method of reducing the odor so that volatile fatty acid-derived fermentation enhancers can be viable feed supplement products. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The following objectives, features, advantages, aspects, and / or embodiments are not exhaustive and do not limit the entire disclosure. No single embodiment is required to provide each and every objective, feature, or advantage. Any objective, feature, advantage, aspect, and / or embodiment disclosed herein may be integrated with one another in whole or in part.

[0009] Disclosed herein is a method for supplying a nutritional supplement to livestock for oral consumption, the method comprising combining an isocarboxylic acid with a liquid to form a supplemented liquid, and then delivering the supplemented liquid to an animal for oral consumption. Another embodiment disclosed herein is the total mixed ration (TMR) of a liquid on a farm. Another embodiment disclosed herein is a method for providing a nutritional supplement to livestock by adding a liquid isocarboxylic acid to animal feed in a feed mill to form a blended animal feed containing the isocarboxylic acid. In an embodiment, the isocarboxylic acid includes isobutyric acid, 2-methylbutyric acid, isovaleric acid, straight-chain valeric acid, butyric acid, or a combination thereof. In an embodiment, the liquid includes liquid animal feed. In an embodiment, the isocarboxylic acid is in liquid form and preferably not in salt form and / or does not contain additional side-chain groups. In an embodiment, the isocarboxylic acid is combined with the liquid in a container, and / or the supplemented liquid is delivered to the animal via a pipeline and / or a pump. In a preferred embodiment, the container is sealed or closed; however, in some embodiments, an open container or tank may be used, which releases a minimal amount of odor based on the size of the container opening. In another embodiment, the isocarboxylic acid is stored in a container and then processed in a feed mill such that it is blended with other feed ingredients into animal feed to form a blended animal feed containing the isocarboxylic acid; then the blended animal feed is delivered to the animal.

[0010] In an embodiment, the supplemented liquid contains from about 0.01% to about 75% by weight of the isocarboxylic acid, and / or the supplemented liquid contains an amount of the isocarboxylic acid sufficient to increase milk production and / or provide improved average daily gain (ADG) for livestock (including ruminants, pigs, and / or poultry). In a more preferred embodiment, the supplemented liquid contains from about 0.1% to about 65% by weight of the isocarboxylic acid. In a most preferred embodiment, the supplemented liquid contains from about 1% to about 50% by weight of the isocarboxylic acid.

[0011] In an embodiment, the blended animal feed contains from about 0.01% to about 75% by weight of the isocarboxylic acid, and / or the blended animal feed contains an amount of the isocarboxylic acid sufficient to increase milk production and / or provide improved average daily gain (ADG) for livestock (including ruminants, pigs, and / or poultry). In a more preferred embodiment, the blended animal feed contains from about 0.1% to about 65% by weight of the isocarboxylic acid. In a most preferred embodiment, the blended animal feed contains from about 1% to about 50% by weight of the isocarboxylic acid.

[0012] In an embodiment, the method reduces the odor associated with isobutyric acid by at least about 50%, preferably at least about 60%, more preferably at least about 70%, even more preferably at least about 80%, or most preferably at least about 90%. In a preferred embodiment, the supplemental liquid is stored in a container before being delivered to the animal; more preferably, the container is closed and / or has a small opening; most preferably, the container is sealed. In a preferred embodiment, isobutyric acid is part of a blended animal feed. Advantageously, the blended animal feed can reduce the odor of isobutyric acid; in a preferred embodiment, the blended animal feed can be stored in a container (more preferably a closed or sealed container).

[0013] A method of feeding a supplemental animal feed to an animal is described herein, the method comprising combining isobutyric acid with a liquid animal feed in a container to form a supplemental animal feed, and then delivering the supplemental animal feed to the animal for oral consumption, and most preferably, the supplemental animal feed remains in the container until delivered to the animal. In an embodiment, the animal is a ruminant, a pig, or a poultry. In an embodiment, the isobutyric acid comprises isobutyric acid, butyric acid, 2-methylbutyric acid, isovaleric acid, straight-chain valeric acid, or a combination thereof. In an embodiment, the supplemental liquid comprises from about 0.01 wt% to about 75 wt% of isobutyric acid, and / or the supplemental liquid comprises an amount of isobutyric acid sufficient to increase milk production and / or provide an improved average daily gain (ADG) for livestock. In an embodiment, when isobutyric acid is added to a liquid feed and / or a blended animal feed, the isobutyric acid is provided in liquid form, preferably the isobutyric acid is not a salt and / or does not contain additional side-chain groups. However, other compounds can also be added to the liquid. If the isobutyric acid reacts with other feeds or components in the feed such that it forms a salt, it is within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0014] A method for reducing the odor of an animal nutritional supplement is described herein, the method comprising combining isobutyric acid, 2-methylbutyric acid, isovaleric acid, straight-chain valeric acid, butyric acid, or a combination thereof with a liquid animal feed in a container to form a supplemental animal feed, wherein the isobutyric acid, 2-methylbutyric acid, isovaleric acid, straight-chain valeric acid, or butyric acid is in liquid form and preferably not in salt form (when mixed with a liquid or solid animal feed) and does not contain additional side-chain groups; and then delivering the supplemental animal feed to the animal, wherein the supplemental animal feed remains until (mixed with a conventional liquid animal feed) delivered to the animal. In an embodiment, the method reduces the odor associated with isobutyric acid by at least about 50%, or at least about 90%.

[0015] After reading the following brief and detailed descriptions of the accompanying drawings, these and / or other objectives, features, advantages, aspects, and / or embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art. In addition, the present disclosure encompasses aspects and / or embodiments that are not explicitly disclosed but can be understood by reading the present disclosure, including at least: (a) combinations of the disclosed aspects and / or embodiments and / or (b) reasonable modifications that are not shown or described. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Several embodiments in which the present disclosure can be practiced are shown and described in detail, where like reference numerals represent like components throughout the detailed description. For Figure 1 exemplary purposes, and do not include all steps or devices that may be employed when practicing the systems and methods disclosed herein.

[0017] Figure 1 A flowchart of the method is shown, where a pure isocyanate is added to a liquid animal feed in a container and then dispensed to animals in the environment.

[0018] A person of ordinary skill in the art does not need to view the nearly infinite number of different feature arrangements described in the following detailed description within isolated drawings to facilitate understanding of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] The present disclosure is not limited to what is described herein. Mechanical, electrical, chemical, procedural, and / or other changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Unless otherwise stated, the features shown or described are not essential for allowing the basic operation of the present disclosure.

[0020] In addition, the present disclosure encompasses aspects and / or embodiments that are not explicitly disclosed but can be understood by reading the present disclosure, including at least: (a) combinations of the disclosed aspects and / or embodiments and / or (b) reasonable modifications that are not shown or described.

[0021] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used above have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments of the present disclosure belong.

[0022] The terms "a / an" and "the" include both singular and plural referents.

[0023] The term "or" is synonymous with "and / or" and represents any one member or combination of members of a particular list.

[0024] The numerical ranges recited in this specification include the values within the defined ranges. Throughout this disclosure, various aspects of the invention are presented in a range format. It should be understood that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as a rigid limitation on the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all possible sub-ranges, fractions, and individual values within the range. For example, a description of a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to have specifically disclosed sub-ranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6, etc., as well as the individual values within the range (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6) and decimal and fractional numbers (e.g., 1.2, 3.8, 1 1 / 2 and 4 3 / 4). This applies regardless of the breadth of the range.

[0025] As used herein, the term "about" refers to variations in dimensions, distances, or any other type of measurement that may be caused by the heterogeneous nature inherent in the object being measured and the imprecision of the measurement itself, including but not limited to temperature, mass, volume, weight, density, hardness, strength, thickness, ratio, concentration, odor, and percentage. The term "about" also encompasses variations in numerical quantities that may occur, for example, through typical measurement or processing procedures in the real world; inadvertent errors in such procedures; differences in the manufacture, source, or purity of the components used to make the device or implement the method, and the like. Whether or not modified by the term "about", the claims include equivalents of the quantities.

[0026] The term "substantially" means to a great or significant degree. Thus, in a given appropriate context, "substantially" may refer to a plurality, majority, and / or vast majority of the quantifiable variable.

[0027] The term "generally" encompasses "about" and "substantially".

[0028] The term "configured" describes a structure that is capable of performing a task or adopting a particular configuration. The term "configured" may be used interchangeably with other similar phrases such as constructed, arranged, adjusted, manufactured, etc.

[0029] Terms characterizing order, position, and / or orientation are not restrictive and are only referenced according to the views presented.

[0030] As used herein, the term "container" includes, but is not limited to, vessels, barrels, tote bags, cans, drums, or sacks. The container can be open; however, if open, it preferably has a small opening to reduce the amount of noxious odors. The container can include vents, openings configured for pouring, pumps, and / or mechanisms for fluid communication. In a preferred embodiment, the container is closed (such as a container that can include an enclosable opening). In a most preferred embodiment, the container is sealed. As used herein, "sealed" is synonymous with airtight, where gas can essentially not escape, enter, or pass through. For example, a sealed container is one in which gas can essentially not escape, enter, or pass through the container. There can be no appreciable exposure unless opened for connecting pipes, connections, etc.

[0031] As used herein, the term "livestock" includes, but is not limited to, ruminants, swine, and poultry. Ruminants include, but are not limited to, cattle, goats, and sheep.

[0032] As used herein, the term "supplemental feed" refers to liquid feeds that have been supplemented with isobutyric acid, dry blended animal feeds, and / or TMR.

[0033] "The present invention" is not intended to refer to any single embodiment of a particular invention, but rather encompasses all possible embodiments described in the specification and claims. The "scope" of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims and the full scope of equivalents authorized by such claims. The scope of the present disclosure is further limited to include any possible modifications to any aspect and / or embodiment disclosed herein that would result in other embodiments, combinations, sub-combinations, etc. that would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0034] The present disclosure relates to methods and / or systems for reducing the odor of volatile fatty acids (also known as isobutyric acid) as a nutritional supplement for animals. Examples of the method are outlined in Figure 1 As Figure 1 shown therein, the method includes obtaining isobutyric acid, combining the isobutyric acid with a liquid (preferably in a closed or sealed environment) to form a supplemented liquid, and storing the supplemented liquid and / or delivering the supplemented liquid to an animal or for oral consumption by an animal via a pumping system.

[0035] Additional embodiments include obtaining isobutyric acid, combining the isobutyric acid with solid animal feed at a feed mill to form a blended animal feed containing isobutyric acid, and delivering the blended animal feed to an animal for consumption. Any suitable solid animal feed can be combined with isobutyric acid. Preferred solid animal feeds include, but are not limited to, grains, oilseeds, oilseed meals, feed by-products, oilseed by-products, animal-derived products (including, but not limited to, chicken, beef, fish), vegetables, nuts, seeds, fruits, tubers, or mixtures thereof.

[0036] Still other embodiments include mixing isobutyric acid and / or liquid feed with a total mixed ration (TMR) on a farm and delivering the TMR to livestock.

[0037] Isobutyric acid can be added to a lick trough (i.e., a trough containing feed comprising isobutyric acid) such that a wheel or other licking device contacts the feed comprising isobutyric acid and then delivers the feed to an animal for consumption.

[0038] As used herein, "isobutyric acid" refers to the volatile fatty acids isobutyric acid, 2-methylbutyric acid, and isovaleric acid, and the straight-chain volatile fatty acids valeric acid and butyric acid.

[0039] In embodiments, the isobutyric acid includes isobutyric acid, 2-methylbutyric acid, isovaleric acid, valeric acid, butyric acid, and combinations thereof. In embodiments, the isobutyric acid is one or more of isobutyric acid, 2-methylbutyric acid, butyric acid, isovaleric acid, and valeric acid in liquid form. In embodiments, the isobutyric acid is in its original acid form (referred to as "pure"), without being processed into salts and / or without additional side-chain groups. In embodiments, the isobutyric acid reacts to form esters, amides, or salts. In embodiments, the isobutyric acid is not processed into another compound to reduce the odor of the isobutyric acid. In embodiments, prior to the methods described herein, the isobutyric acid is not processed in any way to reduce the odor of the isobutyric acid. In embodiments, the isobutyric acid is diluted with water or another liquid diluent. In embodiments, the isobutyric acid is not diluted. It should be understood that once the isobutyric acid is mixed with other feed components (liquid or solid), they interact and form salts and / or solids.

[0040] In embodiments, liquid isobutyric acid is combined with liquid animal feed. The combination can be referred to as a supplemented animal feed. As used herein, liquid animal feed includes any liquid animal feed known in the art. For example, liquid animal feed can contain various raw materials of agricultural, plant, animal, marine, or chemical origin, as well as liquid additives such as molasses, vegetable oil, animal fat, whey products, sugar, protein concentrates, nutrients, fiber, etc. In embodiments, the liquid contains water. In embodiments, the liquid is liquid animal feed. In embodiments, the liquid is water or another edible liquid.

[0041] In embodiments, the liquid is contained within a container. In embodiments, the isobutyric acid and the liquid are combined within the container.

[0042] In an embodiment, the isocid and the liquid are combined in a container. In an embodiment, the supplemental liquid is maintained until delivered to an animal. In an embodiment, the supplemental liquid is stored before being delivered to an animal. In an embodiment, the supplemental liquid is stored in a container. In an embodiment, the supplemental liquid is delivered to an animal in the container. In an embodiment, the supplemental liquid is delivered and / or transported via a pipe and / or a pump, or any sealed transportation and / or delivery system known in the art.

[0043] In an embodiment, the supplemental liquid comprises from about 0.01 wt% to about 75 wt% of isocid. In an embodiment, the supplemental liquid comprises from about 0.1 wt% to about 65 wt% of isocid. In an embodiment, the supplemental liquid comprises from about 0.5 wt% to about 50 wt% of isocid. In an embodiment, the supplemental liquid comprises from about 1 wt% to about 35 wt% of isocid.

[0044] In an embodiment, the blended animal feed comprises from about 0.01 wt% to about 55 wt% of isocid. In an embodiment, the blended animal feed comprises from about 0.1 wt% to about 45 wt% of isocid. In an embodiment, the blended animal feed comprises from about 0.5 wt% to about 35 wt% of isocid. In an embodiment, the supplemental liquid comprises from about 1 wt% to about 30 wt% of isocid.

[0045] In an embodiment, the animal is a ruminant, a pig or a poultry. In an embodiment, the animal is a ruminant. As used herein, a ruminant refers to a mammal that chews the cud regurgitated from its rumen. Ruminants include cows, sheep, antelopes, deer, giraffes and their relatives.

[0046] In an embodiment, the supplemental liquid comprises an amount of isocid sufficient to increase milk production when fed to a ruminant.

[0047] In an embodiment, the blended animal feed comprises an amount of isocid sufficient to increase milk production when fed to a ruminant.

[0048] In an embodiment, the supplemental liquid comprises an amount of isocid sufficient to increase the ADG of livestock.

[0049] In an embodiment, the blended animal feed comprises an amount of isocid sufficient to increase the ADG of livestock.

[0050] In an embodiment, the supplemental liquid comprises an amount of isocid that provides improved feed efficiency and feed conversion rate.

[0051] In an embodiment, the blended animal feed comprises an amount of isocid that provides improved feed efficiency and feed conversion rate.

[0052] In embodiments, the methods and systems described herein reduce the odor associated with isobutyric acid by about 10%, by about 20%, by about 30%, by about 40%, by about 50%, by about 60%, by about 70%, by about 80%, by about 90%, by about 95%, by about 99%, by about 100%. In embodiments, the methods and systems described herein reduce the odor associated with isobutyric acid by at least about 10%, by at least about 50%, by at least about 90%.

[0053] In embodiments, containers, pipes, tubes, and other equipment carrying isobutyric acid, liquid feed, or blended animal feed can be cleaned, rinsed, and / or flushed. This can help reduce the odor in the containers.

[0054] Odors can be evaluated by any method known in the art. One such method includes the following protocol:

[0055] Odor assessors: a) must not have a cold or a physical condition that could affect the sense of smell; b) must not chew gum or eat for at least 30 minutes before the test; c) must avoid eating spicy foods before the test; and d) must not use perfume, cologne, or aftershave on the day of the test.

[0056] During the odor test, when the container is opened approximately six inches directly below the assessor's nostrils, the odor assessor sniffs a sample of the product. The odor intensity is then qualitatively compared to control samples: isobutyric acid (IBA), 1:10 IBA / water, 1:100 IBA / water, and pure water. A score of zero odor units indicates no odor. A score of three odor units indicates an odor intensity equivalent to 1:100 IBA / water. A score of six odor units indicates an odor intensity equivalent to 1:10 IBA / water. A score of ten odor units indicates an odor as strong as undiluted isobutyric acid. The test is repeated as necessary, where the assessor frequently reinspects the control and test products as needed until qualitative confidence is achieved. Then, the assessor repeats the test on a series of no more than ten individual test products within a 24-hour period. The assessor estimates the intensity of three to five evaluations and takes the average to the nearest integer to determine the reportable odor intensity. There will be no odor until the final feed is produced. We have evaluated molasses-based feeds and the odor is indistinguishable from blank molasses. In whey-based feeds, the odor, while noticeable, is insignificant compared to pure isobutyric acid.

[0057] The present disclosure also relates to a method of feeding a supplemented liquid feed to an animal. The method of feeding the animal includes the methods and / or systems for reducing the odor of isobutyric acid as described herein.

[0058] The present disclosure also relates to a method of providing a nutritional supplement for oral consumption by an animal. The method of providing the nutritional supplement includes the method and / or system for reducing the odor of isobutyric acid as described herein.

[0059] The present disclosure is further defined by the following numbered examples:

[0060] 1. A method of providing a nutritional supplement for oral consumption by an animal, the method comprising:

[0061] a) combining a liquid isobutyric acid with an animal feed to form a supplemented feed; and

[0062] b) delivering the supplemented feed to the animal for oral consumption.

[0063] 2. The method according to Example 1, wherein the isobutyric acid comprises isobutyric acid, 2-methylbutyric acid, isovaleric acid, straight-chain valeric acid, butyric acid, or a combination thereof.

[0064] 3. The method according to any one of Examples 1 to 2, wherein the animal feed comprises a liquid animal feed.

[0065] 4. The method according to any one of Examples 1 to 3, wherein the animal feed comprises a solid animal feed, and wherein the supplemented feed is a blended animal feed.

[0066] 5. The method according to any one of Examples 1 to 2 or 4, wherein the animal feed comprises a TMR.

[0067] 6. The method according to any one of Examples 1 to 5, wherein the isobutyric acid is not in salt form and does not contain additional side chain groups when combined with the animal feed.

[0068] 7. The method according to any one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein the isobutyric acid is combined with the animal feed in a sealed container and / or delivered to the animal via a lick trough, a pipe, and / or a pump.

[0069] 8. The method according to any one of Examples 1 to 7, wherein the supplemented feed comprises from about 0.01 wt% to about 75 wt% of the isobutyric acid.

[0070] 9. The method according to any one of Examples 1 to 8, wherein the supplemented feed comprises an isobutyric acid sufficient to increase the milk production of a ruminant animal.

[0071] 10. The method according to any one of Examples 1 to 9, wherein the method reduces the odor associated with the isobutyric acid by at least about 50%, or by at least about 90%.

[0072] 11. A method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 10, wherein the supplementary feed is stored in a container before being delivered to the animal.

[0073] 12. A method according to embodiment 11, wherein the container is a closed or sealed container.

[0074] 13. A method of feeding a supplementary animal feed to an animal, comprising:

[0075] a) combining a liquid isofatty acid with a liquid animal feed in a container to form a supplementary feed; and

[0076] b) delivering the supplementary feed to the animal for oral consumption, wherein the supplementary feed remains sealed until delivered to the animal.

[0077] 14. A method according to embodiment 13, wherein the isofatty acid comprises isobutyric acid, 2-methylbutyric acid, isovaleric acid, straight-chain valeric acid, butyric acid, or a combination thereof.

[0078] 15. A method according to embodiment 13 or 14, wherein the animal is a ruminant, a pig, or a poultry.

[0079] 16. A method according to embodiment 15, wherein the animal is a ruminant.

[0080] 17. A method according to embodiment 16, wherein the supplementary feed comprises an amount of isofatty acid sufficient to increase milk production and / or ADG when fed to the ruminant.

[0081] 18. A method according to any one of embodiments 13 to 17, wherein the supplementary liquid comprises from about 0.01 wt% to about 50 wt% of the isofatty acid.

[0082] 19. A method according to any one of embodiments 13 to 18, wherein the isofatty acid is not in salt form and does not contain additional side-chain groups when combined with the liquid animal feed.

[0083] 20. A method for reducing the odor of an animal nutritional supplement, comprising:

[0084] a) combining a liquid isofatty acid with an animal feed in a container to form a supplementary feed, wherein the liquid isofatty acid comprises isobutyric acid, 2-methylbutyric acid, isovaleric acid, straight-chain valeric acid, butyric acid, or a combination thereof, and wherein the isofatty acid is not in salt form and does not contain additional side-chain groups when combined; and

[0085] b) delivering the supplementary feed to the animal.

[0086] 21. The method according to embodiment 20, wherein the method reduces the odor associated with the isoc acid by at least about 50%.

[0087] 22. The method according to embodiment 21, wherein the method reduces the odor associated with the isoc acid by at least about 90%.

[0088] 23. The method according to any one of embodiments 20 to 22, wherein the isoc acid is combined with the animal feed in a container and / or delivered to the animal via a lick trough, a pipe, and / or a pump.

[0089] 24. The method according to embodiment 23, wherein the container is a sealed container.

[0090] 25. The method of any one of embodiments 20 to 24, wherein the animal is a ruminant, a pig, or a poultry.

[0091] 26. The method according to embodiment 25, wherein the animal is a ruminant.

[0092] 27. The method according to embodiment 26, wherein the supplementary feed comprises an amount of isoc acid sufficient to increase milk production and / or ADG when fed to the ruminant.

[0093] The foregoing disclosure is illustrative and not exhaustive. This specification will provide many variations and alternatives to those of ordinary skill in the art. All such alternatives and variations are intended to be incorporated within the scope of the appended claims, where the term "comprising" means "including but not limited to". Those skilled in the art can identify other equivalents to the specific embodiments described herein, and these equivalents are also intended to be covered by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for providing a nutritional supplement for oral consumption by an animal, the method comprising: a) combining a liquid isocarboxylic acid with animal feed to form a supplemented feed; and b) delivering the supplemented feed to the animal for oral consumption.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the isocarboxylic acid comprises isobutyric acid, 2-methylbutyric acid, isovaleric acid, straight-chain valeric acid, butyric acid, or a combination thereof.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the animal feed comprises liquid animal feed.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the animal feed comprises solid animal feed, and wherein the supplemented feed is a blended animal feed.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the animal feed contains TMR.

6. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the isocarboxylic acid is not in salt form and does not contain additional side chain groups when combined with the animal feed.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the isocarboxylic acid is combined with the animal feed in a sealed container and / or delivered to the animal via a lick tank, pipeline, and / or pump.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the supplemented feed contains from about 0.01 wt% to about 75 wt% of the isocarboxylic acid.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the supplemented feed contains an amount of the isocarboxylic acid sufficient to increase the milk production of a ruminant.

10. The method according to any one of claims 9, wherein the method reduces the odor associated with the isocarboxylic acid by at least about 50%.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the supplemented feed is stored in a container before being delivered to the animal.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the container is a closed or sealed container.

13. A method for feeding a supplemented animal feed to an animal, comprising: a) combining a liquid isocarboxylic acid with liquid animal feed in a container to form a supplemented feed; and b) delivering the supplemented feed to the animal for oral consumption, wherein the supplemented feed remains sealed until delivered to the animal.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the isocarboxylic acid comprises isobutyric acid, 2-methylbutyric acid, isovaleric acid, straight-chain valeric acid, butyric acid, or a combination thereof.

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the animal is a ruminant, a pig, or a poultry.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the animal is a ruminant.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the supplemented feed contains an amount of the isocarboxylic acid sufficient to increase milk production and / or ADG when fed to the ruminant.

18. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein the supplemented liquid contains from about 0.01 wt% to about 50 wt% of the isocarboxylic acid.

19. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 18, wherein the isocarboxylic acid is not in salt form and does not contain additional side chain groups when combined with the liquid animal feed.

20. A method for reducing the odor of an animal nutritional supplement, comprising: a) combining a liquid isocarboxylic acid with an animal feed in a container to form a supplemented feed, wherein the liquid isocarboxylic acid comprises isobutyric acid, 2-methylbutyric acid, isovaleric acid, straight-chain valeric acid, butyric acid, or a combination thereof, and wherein the isocarboxylic acid is not in salt form and does not contain additional side chain groups when combined; and b) delivering the supplemented feed to an animal.

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