Copper-free trace element premix as well as preparation method and application thereof

Abstract

The invention discloses a copper-free trace element premix and a preparation method and application thereof.The premix is composed of a carrier, mineral substances and vitamins, and through optimized supply structures of necessary trace elements such as zinc, iron, manganese and selenium, Hu sheep can maintain the normal growth speed, production performance and healthy state on the premise that exogenous copper is not added. According to the invention, a feasible formula without synergistic compensation of copper and other trace elements is formed, a nutrition scheme capable of avoiding the risk of copper accumulation, reducing the emission of copper elements in the environment and ensuring and even improving the production benefits of the Hu sheep is established, a feasible technical path is provided for precise trace element supply and green breeding of ruminants, and the economic benefit of the Hu sheep is improved. The method has obvious economic and ecological benefits.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a trace element premix, its preparation method and application, and more particularly to a copper-free trace element premix, its preparation method and application. Background Technology

[0002] Copper is an essential micronutrient routinely added to the diets of ruminants. Currently, micronutrient premixes for ruminants, especially Hu sheep, generally employ exogenous copper supplementation strategies to meet their basic physiological needs for growth, immunity, and metabolism. However, native sheep breeds, represented by Hu sheep, have higher physiological sensitivity to copper. Their intestines have a relatively high absorption rate of copper, while their excretion efficiency is limited. Routine copper supplementation may lead to liver accumulation, increased oxidative stress, and decreased growth performance, thus creating a persistent contradiction between "supplementing copper" and "preventing accumulation." Based on this characteristic, the current feed industry generally adopts a "copper reduction" or "copper restriction" nutritional strategy. However, current formulations still require the addition of a certain amount of copper, making it difficult to avoid the risks of copper accumulation and environmental emissions.

[0003] Although existing research has attempted to regulate copper metabolism by optimizing the proportions of minerals such as zinc, iron, manganese, and selenium, a scientifically sound and practical nutritional formulation system has yet to be established. Furthermore, systematic production data is currently lacking regarding the appropriate copper requirements for Hu sheep, the impact of long-term low copper levels on growth performance, and whether low copper levels can induce immunosuppression or metabolic disorders. The industry generally believes that completely eliminating exogenous copper supplementation may lead to decreased growth performance or potential health risks, but there is still no clear conclusion on how to achieve a balance between "ensuring needs" and "reducing accumulation."

[0004] Furthermore, increased copper excretion during the breeding process leads to higher copper content in manure, which in turn exacerbates the heavy metal load on farmland soil, hindering green farming and ecological environmental safety. Therefore, while ensuring the normal production performance and health of Hu sheep, exploring formulas or technologies to further reduce dietary copper input, decrease its accumulation in the body, and minimize environmental emissions has become a critical technical issue that urgently needs to be addressed in the field of livestock and poultry nutrition regulation and eco-friendly farming.

[0005] In summary, existing premixes still have significant shortcomings in avoiding copper accumulation, ensuring growth performance, and achieving environmental friendliness. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Purpose of the invention: The purpose of this invention is to provide a copper-free trace element premix that can avoid copper accumulation, ensure growth performance, and is environmentally friendly, as well as its preparation method and application.

[0007] Technical Solution: The copper-free trace element premix comprises a carrier, minerals, and vitamins; the minerals include iron 3750–3800 mg / kg, zinc 3750–3800 mg / kg, manganese 2150–2200 mg / kg, iodine 60–65 mg / kg, selenium 35–40 mg / kg, and cobalt 30–35 mg / kg; the vitamins include vitamin A 700,000–740,000 IU / kg, vitamin D3 250,000–270,000 IU / kg, vitamin E 4.5–5.0 KIU / kg, vitamin K3 0.55–0.65 g / kg, vitamin B1 1.1–1.3 g / kg, vitamin B2 3.4–3.8 g / kg, vitamin B6 1.1–1.3 g / kg, and vitamin B12 9.0–10.0 g / kg. mg / kg, folic acid 35–40 mg / kg, biotin 4.5–5.5 mg / kg, nicotinamide 0.85–0.90 g / kg, D-pantothenic acid 0.70–0.80 g / kg.

[0008] The design of the copper-free micronutrient premix is ​​primarily based on the "NY / T 816-2021 Nutritional Requirements for Meat Sheep" and Announcement No. 2625 "Safety Specifications for the Use of Feed Additives," and is systematically calculated by combining the physiological requirements of meat sheep for micronutrients during the growth and fattening stages with the natural supply levels of nutrients in conventional diets. First, based on the nutritional requirements of meat sheep in terms of maintenance, growth, and production performance, the target contents of micronutrients such as iron, copper, zinc, manganese, and iodine in the diet are determined. Second, the actual supply of basic raw materials such as corn, soybean meal, silage, and hay is assessed, and the differences in bioavailability due to breed, origin, and processing methods are considered, with appropriate deductions made for the natural supply portion. Finally, the premix precisely supplements any deficiencies. The formulation design strictly adheres to the recommended addition amounts, maximum usage limits, and purity requirements of permitted compounds in the "Safety Specifications for the Use of Feed Additives," and by selecting micronutrient sources with higher bioavailability and better stability, a balance is achieved between nutritional adequacy, safety, and operability. This design concept ensures that the premix meets both the actual production needs of meat sheep and regulatory requirements, providing a scientific basis for achieving healthy growth and improving feeding efficiency.

[0009] Preferably, the vitamins are: iron 3787.8 mg / kg, zinc 3768.9 mg / kg, manganese 2189.8 mg / kg, iodine 63.295 mg / kg, selenium 37.8 mg / kg, and cobalt 31.16 mg / kg; the vitamins include vitamin A 720,000 IU / kg, vitamin D3 259,200 IU / kg, vitamin E 4.8 KIU / kg, vitamin K3 0.6 g / kg, vitamin B1 1.2 g / kg, vitamin B2 3.6 g / kg, vitamin B6 1.2 g / kg, vitamin B12 9.6 mg / kg, folic acid 37.5 mg / kg, biotin 5 mg / kg, nicotinamide 0.875 g / kg, and D-pantothenic acid 0.75 g / kg.

[0010] The preferred carrier is corn flour. Corn flour is moderately priced, easy to mix, and has good palatability and flowability, ensuring feed uniformity and animal acceptability. Other carriers may include defatted rice bran, wheat processing by-product flour, or soybean hull powder.

[0011] Preferably, iron is FeSO4·7H2O, zinc is ZnSO4·7H2O, manganese is MnSO4·H2O, iodine is KI, selenium is Na2SeO3, and cobalt is CoSO4·7H2O.

[0012] The premix is ​​prepared by adding minerals and vitamins to a carrier in a certain proportion and mixing them evenly.

[0013] Preferably, the mixture is granulated after being thoroughly mixed.

[0014] The application is the use of the premix in sheep feeding.

[0015] The preferred sheep are Hu sheep.

[0016] The amount of the premix used is 0.6% - 1.0% of the dry matter mass of the feed, preferably 0.8%.

[0017] The formulation (addition ratio) of premixes depends on the concentration of nutrients and the intended use. For highly efficient nutrients such as vitamins and trace elements, direct addition in large quantities can easily lead to overdose or uneven mixing; therefore, they need to be diluted to a suitable ratio for uniform mixing. To balance precise supplementation, feed mill processing efficiency, and feed mixing uniformity, different formulations such as 0.2%, 0.5%, and 1.0% are often designed in industry to ensure that nutrients maintain sufficient concentration while guaranteeing effective dispersion in large-volume feed.

[0018] The feed dry matter is preferably free of added copper. "Free of added copper" means that no copper is artificially added, unlike the natural copper supply present in conventional feed nutrient sources.

[0019] The preferred method of using the premix is ​​to mix it into the feed.

[0020] Beneficial Effects: Compared with existing technologies, this invention has the following significant advantages: By optimizing the supply structure of essential trace elements such as zinc, iron, manganese, and selenium, this invention provides a copper-free trace element premix, enabling farmed animals to maintain normal growth rate, production performance, and health status even without added copper. This invention establishes a nutritional program that avoids the risk of copper accumulation, reduces copper emissions into the environment, and ensures or even improves the production efficiency of Hu sheep, providing a feasible technical path for precise trace element supply and green farming of ruminants, with significant economic and ecological benefits. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This diagram illustrates the copper content in the feces of the copper-free group and the conventional feed group. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0023] Example 1

[0024] This embodiment provides a copper-free trace element premix, comprising a carrier, minerals, and vitamins. The carrier is corn flour. The minerals include iron 3787.8 mg / kg, zinc 3768.9 mg / kg, manganese 2189.8 mg / kg, iodine 63.295 mg / kg, selenium 37.8 mg / kg, and cobalt 31.16 mg / kg. The vitamins include vitamin A 720,000 IU / kg, vitamin D3 259,200 IU / kg, vitamin E 4.8 KIU / kg, vitamin K3 0.6 g / kg, vitamin B1 1.2 g / kg, vitamin B2 3.6 g / kg, vitamin B6 1.2 g / kg, vitamin B12 9.6 mg / kg, folic acid 37.5 mg / kg, biotin 5 mg / kg, nicotinamide 0.875 g / kg, and D-pantothenic acid 0.75 g / kg.

[0025] Example 2

[0026] This embodiment provides a method for preparing the premix described in Example 1. The components are added to a corn flour carrier according to the designed proportions and thoroughly mixed using a mixer. The specific minerals selected are: iron (FeSO4·7H2O), zinc (ZnSO4·7H2O), manganese (MnSO4·H2O), iodine (KI), selenium (Na2SeO3), and cobalt (CoSO4·7H2O).

[0027] Example 3

[0028] This embodiment provides an application of the premix prepared in Example 2, specifically for the feeding of Hu sheep.

[0029] Diet preparation: The premix prepared in Example 2 was directly mixed into the basal diet at a rate of 0.8% of the basal diet mass. During the preparation process, the diet should be kept dry and moisture-proof, and high temperature and prolonged exposure to sunlight should be avoided to ensure the stability of vitamins and trace elements.

[0030] Feeding Experiment: A 70-day feeding experiment was conducted. Twenty healthy, 3-month-old male Huzhou sheep (provided by the Huzhou Sheep Research Institute of the Huzhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhejiang Province) with similar weights (19–22.8 kg) were randomly divided into two groups of 10 each. The copper-free group was fed a diet containing a copper-free premix, while the conventional feed group was fed a diet containing a copper premix (see Tables 1-3 for details). Feeding was conducted twice daily, at 08:00 and 18:00. The amount of feed was adjusted according to the daily feed intake, with uneaten feed accounting for 5%–10% of the total feed intake. Free access to water was provided throughout the experiment. Except for copper content, the other nutritional components of the diets were identical for both groups. During the experiment, each group of sheep was housed individually in wooden-floored pens to ensure that each sheep had free access to food and water. All procedures were conducted to minimize animal stress, ensure animal welfare, and guarantee the reproducibility of the experiment.

[0031]

[0032]

[0033]

[0034] Feeding effect assessment: During the experiment, the body weight of each Hu sheep was measured weekly to calculate daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR), and daily feed intake (DMI) was recorded. At the end of the formal experiment, venous blood samples were collected from each Hu sheep to detect blood biochemical indicators, including serum copper, ceruloplasmin (CER), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), total bilirubin (TBIL), and copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZn-SOD). Fecal samples were also collected to determine copper excretion. Rumen fluid samples were collected to determine rumen fermentation indicators, including ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N), microbial protein (MCP), and total volatile fatty acids (TVFA) content, and the composition ratio of major volatile fatty acids, such as acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, and their ratios, were analyzed. At the end of the experiment, the animals were slaughtered, and muscle samples were collected to test meat quality indicators, including water loss, cooking loss, pH value, and meat color indicators (L brightness, a redness, b yellowness). All sample collection was carried out while ensuring animal comfort and minimizing stress. Samples were processed immediately after collection or stored at low temperatures to ensure the reliability and reproducibility of the experimental data.

[0035] Test results: such as Figure 1 As shown in Tables 4-7, copper-free premixes can maintain or even improve animal production performance without the addition of copper. Table 4 shows that compared to the conventional feed group, the growth indicators of the copper-free group remained stable, indicating that the copper-free premix had no adverse effect on growth performance. Table 5 shows that the rumen fermentation indicators of the copper-free group were comparable to those of the conventional feed group, indicating that copper-free feed had no adverse effect on rumen microbial activity and fermentation function. Table 7 shows that all blood biochemical indicators in the copper-free group were within the normal range, and no liver function damage or copper deficiency was observed. Figure 1 It can be seen that the copper content in the feces of the copper-free group was significantly lower than that of the conventional feed group, effectively reducing the risk of environmental emissions and copper accumulation in the animals. As shown in Table 6, the meat quality indicators of the copper-free group were comparable to those of the conventional feed group, and the meat quality remained good.

[0036]

[0037]

[0038]

[0039]

[0040] In summary, the copper-free premix of the present invention not only ensures the growth performance and health of Hu sheep, but also significantly reduces the copper load on the environment, while maintaining excellent meat quality, thus having significant economic and ecological benefits.

Claims

1. A copper-free trace element premix, characterized in that, It includes a carrier, minerals, and vitamins; the minerals include iron 3750–3800 mg / kg, zinc 3750–3800 mg / kg, manganese 2150–2200 mg / kg, iodine 60–65 mg / kg, selenium 35–40 mg / kg, and cobalt 30–35 mg / kg; the vitamins include vitamin A 700,000–740,000 IU / kg, vitamin D3 250,000–270,000 IU / kg, vitamin E 4.5–5.0 KIU / kg, vitamin K3 0.55–0.65 g / kg, vitamin B1 1.1–1.3 g / kg, vitamin B2 3.4–3.8 g / kg, vitamin B6 1.1–1.3 g / kg, vitamin B12 9.0–10.0 mg / kg, and folic acid 35–40 mg / kg. mg / kg, Biotin 4.5–5.5 mg / kg, Nicotinamide 0.85–0.90 g / kg, D-Pantothenic Acid 0.70–0.80 g / kg.

2. The premix according to claim 1, characterized in that, The carrier is corn flour.

3. The premix according to claim 1, characterized in that, Iron is FeSO4·7H2O, zinc is ZnSO4·7H2O, manganese is MnSO4·H2O, iodine is KI, selenium is Na2SeO3, and cobalt is CoSO4·7H2O.

4. A method for preparing the premix according to claim 1, characterized in that, Add minerals and vitamins to the carrier in the correct proportions and mix well.

5. The preparation method according to claim 4, characterized in that, After mixing evenly, granulate.

6. The application of the premix as described in claim 1 in sheep feeding.

7. The application according to claim 6, characterized in that, The sheep in question are Hu sheep.

8. The application according to claim 6, characterized in that, The amount of the premix used is 0.6% - 1.0% of the dry matter mass of the feed.

9. The application according to claim 8, characterized in that, The feed dry matter does not contain added copper.

10. The application according to claim 6, characterized in that, The premix is ​​used by mixing it into the feed.

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